The mid fade haircut has emerged as a timeless and versatile style, bridging the gap between classic elegance and contemporary trends. This popular haircut is not just a fleeting fad but a staple in the world of men’s grooming, appreciated for its clean lines, adaptability, and suitability for various face shapes and hair types. In this article, we will delve into the origins of the mid fade, explore its various styles, and offer insights into how to maintain this iconic haircut.
The Origins of the Mid Fade
The mid fade haircut, like many grooming trends, has its roots in military hairstyles. Soldiers required practical, low-maintenance haircuts that adhered to strict grooming standards. The fade, with its gradual transition from short to long hair, was perfect for this purpose. Over time, this military necessity transformed into a fashionable statement, embraced by civilians and stylists alike.
The fade haircut gained mainstream popularity in the 20th century, particularly during the 1940s and 1950s. Barbers began experimenting with different lengths and blending techniques, giving rise to various fade styles, including the mid fade. This haircut became a symbol of precision and skill in barbering, as it requires a keen eye for detail and a steady hand to execute perfectly.
Understanding the Mid Fade
The mid fade is characterized by a gradual tapering of hair from the temples down to the nape of the neck. Unlike a high fade, which starts the tapering process higher on the head, or a low fade, which begins closer to the ears, the mid fade strikes a balance between the two. This placement makes the mid fade an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and balanced look.
There are several variations of the mid fade, each offering a unique twist on the classic style:
- Classic Mid Fade: This version features a smooth, gradual transition from short to long hair, creating a clean and polished appearance. It’s suitable for both professional and casual settings.
- Skin Mid Fade: Also known as a bald fade, this style involves fading the hair down to the skin at the sides and back. The top can be left longer for contrast, resulting in a bold and striking look.
- Taper Mid Fade: This variation incorporates a taper at the sides, where the hair gradually shortens without completely fading to the skin. It’s a subtle and sophisticated option that works well with various hair textures.
- Burst Mid Fade: In this style, the fade radiates from the ears, creating a burst effect. It’s a modern and edgy take on the traditional mid fade, often paired with a faux hawk or mohawk.
- Drop Mid Fade: The fade line dips slightly lower at the back, following the natural curvature of the head. This provides a unique and tailored look that accentuates the shape of the skull.
Suitability and Versatility
One of the key reasons behind the mid fade’s enduring popularity is its adaptability. This haircut complements a wide range of face shapes and hair types, making it accessible to almost everyone. Here are some factors to consider when opting for a mid fade:
- Face Shape: The mid fade is particularly flattering for oval, square, and rectangular face shapes. The balanced tapering adds structure and definition, enhancing facial features.
- Hair Texture: Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coiled hair, the mid fade can be customized to suit your texture. Barbers can adjust the fade’s length and blending technique to create a seamless transition.
- Lifestyle: The mid fade’s versatility extends to different lifestyles. It’s a practical choice for those with active routines, as it requires minimal daily maintenance. Additionally, it can be styled in various ways, from a slicked-back look to a textured quiff.
Medium Length Korean Hairstyles
Textured Quiff
For those leaning towards a cool aesthetic, consider the Textured Quiff. An ideal medium-length hairstyle for men with round faces, this look adds dimension and definition, which balances the softness of a round face. Ask your barber for a choppy texture on top, while clipping the sides and back. Enhance your quiff with a dab of hair clay – this will boost texture and volume for a natural finish.
Undercut with Faded Sides
Pairing medium length hair with an Undercut with Faded Sides can give you a sharper, more defined look, especially if you’ve got a round face. Say goodbye to sideburns and hello to shaved sides with this look. The result: no extra width on your face. Plus, with the longer hair on top, you’ve got more options – wear it textured, tousled, permed or spiky. Hot tip: add a small goatee to create a more sculpted face.
Classic Pompadour
Up your hair game with the Classic Pompadour, literally! It’s the ultimate power move to add serious height to your locks, which is a total win for guys with a round face silhouette. Brush your hair upwards and back to create that epic pomp on top. All that extra volume will help to elongate your face. Keep a trusty pomade on hand to get that firm hold for your pompadour.
60:40 Combback
The 60:40 Combback is easy to pull off, especially if you’ve got hair that’s thick and full. The asymmetrical parting and slicked back height work wonders to visually lengthen your face, toning down any roundness. To get a sleek, tight finish, grab a hair gel for strong holding power. If you’re aiming for some extra shine and a polished finish, you can add a touch of hair gloss too.
Permed Top With Mid Skin Fade
Men with round faces should steer clear of flat, straight hair. To switch up your hair shape, you can go for a hairstyle like the Permed Top with Mid Skin Fade. Opt for a soft perm or go wild with a tight curly perm to get that lift and volume on top. When you match this with a Mid Fade, it’ll make your jawline look sharper.
Long Hairstyles for Round Faced Men
Wavy Mullet
If you’ve got long hair, consider the Wavy Mullet. With its texture, choppiness, asymmetry and layers, it ticks all the right boxes as a hairstyle for round faces. These elements tone down any roundness, giving the impression of a more angular face. Dripping with rockstar energy, this look is all about making a bold statement. To nail those natural, flowy waves, look for a hair balm like GATSBY Meta Rubber Balm Smart, which comes with a lightweight formula that can deliver natural shine and moisture to your hair.
Man Bun With Short Sides
To give your look some edge, why not try a Man Bun with Short Sides? It’s as easy as just grabbing a hair tie and pulling your hair back into a sleek or messy bun on the top of your head. With the sides trimmed short, all eyes will be naturally drawn upwards towards the cool man bun, giving your look some serious vertical height. This low-key style is ideal for round-faced, long haired men who prefer a fuss-free look.
Conclusion
With plenty of short, medium or longer hairstyles to choose from, there’s no shortage of options to find that ideal round face hairstyle. Play around with angles, amp up the volume on top or get creative with texture to create the illusion of length and to add definition. It’s all about celebrating your individuality and owning your style!
