When it comes to contemporary men’s hairstyles, the drop fade haircut deserves a special and separate mention. It’s a modern, sharper variation on the original fade which emerged during the 1940s, and ever since its inception, it has been gaining significant momentum, becoming one of the most popular short hairstyles for men.
If you are big on faded hairstyles and wish to up the ante on your hair game, the drop fade haircut is the new way to go. As the name implies, this haircut tends to drop behind the ear as it follows the ear’s curvature, creating a nice arc as it passes behind it.
There are many reasons behind the popularity of the drop mid-fade hairstyle, the most important of which is how versatile it is, offering a unique style for different face cuts. Fade hairstyles were also quite popular in steampunk fashion, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s.
Trending Drop Fade Haircut for Men
With such a large variety of drop fade hairstyles to choose from, you can easily pick one that best suits your facial features, hair texture and length, and also your personal style.
Think of the drop fades as that added layer of definition that helps elevate your hairstyle and gives it greater definition.
We’ve rounded up some of the most trending and popular men’s drop fade haircuts and hairstyles for you to explore and try!
Drop Fade Hairstyles: Drop Fade Faux Hawk
The faux hawk has to be one of the most attractive of all men’s hairstyles, but when paired with a drop fade, it can take the hairstyle to a whole other level. A faux hawk typically features a tuft of hair in the center of the head that runs from the front to the back.
While a low drop fade looks great with a faux hawk, a high or medium drop fade would look even better and perfectly complement this hairstyle.
The resulting look is a stunning hairstyle with faded sides and a voluminous top that gives it a dramatic touch.
Drop Fade Hairstyles: Drop Fade Curly Hair
If you have curly hair, this is the most perfect men’s drop fade hairstyle for you.
This mid-drop fade curly hairstyle is a great way to enhance and show off your curls, with a mid drop fade haircut which offers a nice contrast. Moreover, for those with super curly hair who struggle in terms of managing their curls, the addition of a drop fade can remove some of the bulk from your hair, thereby creating a cool hairstyle that you can style and manage with ease and finesse.
Not to mention, short curls look super cute, especially when paired with a faded temple!
Drop Fade Hairstyles: Drop Fade with Pompadour
Pompadour with drop fade is like a match made in heaven given how the two go together so well!
The pompadour is a classic rock ‘n roll-inspired hairstyle that features a voluminous front that is styled towards the back of the head, away from the face. The rest of the hair is generally trimmed short, but if you prefer longer sides, they can be styled down.
Pair the classic pompadour with a low drop fade, and you have an ultra-fashionable, all-rounder kind of hairstyle which is ideal for both a business casual men’s attire, as well as a fully casual look.
Drop Fade Hairstyles: Drop Fade with Afro
This is another classic match that offers a stylish, contemporary look and is ideal for those with naturally kinky or curly hair, making it a great drop fade haircut for black men. It features a high drop fade that adds a great degree of precision and neat, polished sides that complements the glory of the mighty afro on your crown.
If you wish to create a natural look, let the curls be as tight and unrefined as they are, but for a more defined look, you can opt for a drop fade afro with twists that help create a spiraled look.
While this is quite a popular black drop fade hairstyle, it’s still a little high maintenance. You need to regularly style the tuft of hair on the top and also pay a trip or two to your barber in order to help maintain its modern look and appeal.
Drop Fade Hairstyles: Low Drop With A Side Part
If you have straight hair and are looking to amp up your signature hairstyle, go for a low drop fade paired with a side part. This low drop fade for straight hair looks stunning on its own, but with the addition of something as simple as a side part, it creates a great degree of refinement and finesse to it.
You can absolutely count on this hairstyle on days when you wish to make a unique style statement with your hair, especially for formal events that require an element of sophistication and refinement.
Drop Fade Hairstyles: Mullet Fade
The mullet has to be one of the most controversial haircuts of all time considering it was met with such mixed reactions when it was first introduced during the early 70s.
While the classic mullet hairstyle may not be as popular in today’s time, the mullet fade is definitely trending and has quite a modern, stylish touch to it. It’s a take on the original 70s mullet with the addition of faded sides, short hair in the front, and longer hair at the back.
This hairstyle is edgy and bold, and there are numerous ways to pull it off, which means you can put your styling tips and tricks to good use!
Drop Fade Hairstyles: Mid Drop Fade Crop
If you are someone who hates spending time styling their hair in the morning and would rather have a hassle-free, low-maintenance hairstyle, the mid-drop fade crop is for you. This is a short-cropped haircut featuring a medium-height fade that extends slightly toward the back of your head.
The beauty of this hairstyle is that while being low maintenance, it’s still classy and looks great on most hair types and face cuts.
Drop Fade Hairstyles: High Drop Fade
This hairstyle lies somewhere between the high fade and the classic or original drop fade. It features long hair at the top, followed by a high fade that is super faded on the temples and begins to shorten gradually as it extends above the temples.
If you are looking to make a bold statement with your hair and wish to experiment with different hair lengths, the high-drop fade is ideal for you.
Drop Fade Hairstyles: Mid-Taper Drop Fade
If you aren’t a fan of drop fades that are trimmed too short, you can opt for the mid-taper drop fade, which is like a cross between a fade and a taper, offering a balanced look for all hair types.
It’s a mix of casual and stylish and is less intense or daring than a high fade, but also more attractive than a drop low fade.
The mid-drop taper fades hairstyle features long hair at the top that extends towards the back, and gradually shortens into a tapered fade.
Drop Fade Hairstyles: Slicked Back Drop Fade
The slicked-back hairstyle has always been a classic and looks absolutely stylish no matter how you style it. But, when you pair it with a faded cut, such as a short drop fade, for instance, you will find yourself making a super chic style statement.
Whether you are heading to work or a fancy party in your Halloween costume, you can trust the slicked back drop fade hairstyle do you good! This hairstyle will instantly elevate the style element of your look and if you are a beard enthusiast, there’s so much more you can do with this uber-cool hairstyle!
FAQs – Drop Fade Haircut
What is a drop fade?
A drop fade is a type of fade haircut that drops behind the ear and creates a neat arc at the point where it starts on the temples.
How do you ask for a drop fade?
Communication is key when asking your barber to give you a drop fade. You should ideally show them a picture of the haircut, followed by letting them know your specific requirements such as how faded you want it to look, the type of drop fade you want, and where you want the fade to blend in with the remaining hair.
What is a drop fade?
A drop fade is a type of fade haircut that drops behind the ear and creates a neat arc at the point where it starts on the temples.
How do you ask for a drop fade?
Communication is key when asking your barber to give you a drop fade. You should ideally show them a picture of the haircut, followed by letting them know your specific requirements such as how faded you want it to look, the type of drop fade vs low fade you want and where you want the fade to blend in with the remaining hair.
What is a 2 fade haircut?
A 2 fade haircut is one of the types of fade haircuts in which the shortest part of your hair at the back and sides is trimmed with a number 2 clipper guard and is kept at ¼ inch. As it moves towards the top, the length gradually increases.
Are faded haircuts attractive?
Yes, fade haircuts are extremely attractive given how stylish, chic, versatile, and edgy they are.
Conclusion of Drop Fade Haircut
If you’ve lately been considering giving your hair a much-needed transformation with a bold and unique haircut, consider the drop fade and the many variations that come with it! Fade haircuts have also been popular and in style for the longest time, and for all the right reasons too.
Each variation of this hairstyle has something different to offer so make sure to consider which style is most likely to suit your face and complement your personal style as well.