The Men’s Attitude is reader-supported! We might get a small commission if you purchase something after clicking our links, at no extra charge for you.
If you are looking for a very short but at the same time fashionable haircut, you should definitely consider trying the zero fade haircut. Keep reading because, in this article, we will talk about what a zero fade cut is, its different variations and show you the top 25 zero fade haircut suggestions to choose from. So let’s go!
What is The Zero Fade
A zero-fade cut is a men’s hairstyle that involves progressively blending the longer hair close to the top of your head with the shorter hair as you move down. To get a zero fade cut, the hair should get gradually tapered down to the skin, giving a smooth, crisp, and clean appearance. The shortest part of the hair, near the hairline’s base, is called the “zero fade” point because it is buzzed with a trimmer with no guard on, aka “number zero”.
The zero fade cut is a versatile hairstyle that can be fashioned in various ways to fit different facial shapes and hair types. But to keep the fade looking kempt and fresh, constant upkeep is necessary.
Related Article: Number 2 Fade Haircuts: Everything You Need To Know
What Are the Different Types of Zero Fade Cuts?
The zero fade cut can be split into three types:
1. Zero Low Fade
A low zero fade is a haircut that entails gently tapering the hair down to the skin’s surface just above the ear and at the nape of the neck. As a result, there is a subtle transition from longer to shorter hair as you move close to the neck. It can be worn with a variety of top hair haircuts, including a quiff, a comb-over, or a slick back.
Related Article: Low Fade Vs Mid Fade: The Differences & The Best Styles [Photos]
2. Zero Mid Fade
The mid-zero fade cut is a haircut in which the fade transition happens halfway between the ear and the temple. As a result, the change from longer to shorter hair is more pronounced and obvious. It can get combined with a number of top hair styles, including a messy crop, a pompadour, or a fringe.
Related Article: Mid Fade Vs High Fade: All The Differences [Photos]
3. Zero High Fade
The high zero fade cut features hair that is tapered to the skin level above the temple in a bold and dramatic fashion, creating a stark contrast between the longer and shorter hair. The high fade is perfect for people who want to stand out from the crowd and make a statement.
Top 25 Zero Fade Hairstyles
1. Textured Crop Zero Fade
This look is simple to maintain and goes with most face shapes and hair types. The textured crop with low zero fade is a prominent cut for men that features short, textured hair on top and a gradual fade on the sides and back. The textured crop gives dimension and movement, while the low fade offers a soft contrast.
Related Article: Number 1 Fade: Top 10 Styles [With Photos], Length, and More
2. Buzz Cut Zero Fade
The buzz cut zero fade cut is an edgy and daring haircut that entails buzzing the top hair very short and gradually fading the sides and back down to the skin level above the temples. As a result, there is a stark difference between the top and the sides, giving an angular and fashionable appearance.
3. Slick Back Zero Fade
The slick back zero fade cut is a classic haircut that involves sweeping the top hair back and tapering the sides and back down to the skin level midway between the ear and the temple. This gives off a polished corporate appearance that is ideal for formal settings. The classic slick back is given a contemporary twist by the mid-zero fade, making it a versatile and fashionable option for any hair type or facial shape.
4. Quiff Zero Fade
The quiff zero fade cut is a trendy men’s hairstyle that features longer hair on top that is fashioned upward and back, with shorter hair on the sides and back. This results in a voluminous and textured appearance that can be tailored to fit various tastes and face shapes.
Related Article: Number 3 Fade: Top Styles [With Photos], Length, and More
5. Comb Over Zero Fade
The comb over zero fade cut requires splitting the hair to one side and combing it over to the other side to create the classic men’s hairstyle. This results in a polished and sleek appearance that can be customized to fit various face shapes and hair types.
6. Pompadour Zero Fade
The pompadour is a retro-inspired men’s hairstyle featuring short hair on the sides and longer hair on top that is styled upwards and back. This results in a voluminous and dramatic style ideal for people who wish to stand out, and when combined with a zero fade, it becomes explosive.
7. French Crop Zero Fade
The French crop zero fade cut is a trendy men’s hairstyle featuring a zero fade on the sides and back and a textured fringe on top. Usually, the fringe is fashioned forward or to one side to give off a carefree and easygoing vibe.
8. Curly Hair Zero Fade
Hairstyles like the textured crop, curly top, and curly fringe are great choices for guys with curly hair. These haircuts give curly hair shape and structure while showcasing its natural texture and volume, especially when combined with a short fade like the zero fade.
9. Spiky Hair Zero Fade
The spiky zero fade cut is a trendy hairdo involving creating distinct and pointy spikes on the top of the head combined with a zero fade on the sides and back. This hairstyle can be achieved using hair gel or wax to add texture. The high zero fade and the mid zero fade are two fades that work well with spiky hair.
10. Side Part Zero Fade
This cut entails splitting the hair to one side and combing it over to the other to create the classic men’s haircut while combining it with a zero fade that adds a spark. This results in a timeless and elegant aesthetic with a modern twist that is appropriate for both professional and informal settings.
11. Faux Hawk Zero Fade
The faux hawk zero fade cut is an alternative men’s haircut with longer hair on top that is groomed into a spiky or textured crest and a zero fade on the sides. As you can understand, we are talking about a unique and eye-catching haircut that will turn heads.
12. Wavy Hair Zero Fade
The wavy zero fade cut combines natural unruly wavy hair with a clean zero fade, and the result is a laid-back and, at the same time, sharp look. It is a look that offers structure and definition while showcasing wavy hair’s naturally occurring movement and texture.
13. Mohawk Zero Fade
A mohawk is a bold option for individuals who wish to stand out. In the bold and edgy mohawk zero fade cut, the sides of the head are not shaved but given a zero fade, leaving a strip of longer hair running down the middle. The longer hair can be curled into a crest for a dramatic and striking appearance.
14. Ivy League Zero Fade
The Ivy League zero fade cut is a classic hairstyle with tapered top hair and shorter side and back hair. This gives off a polished, formal appearance ideal for formal settings. The Ivy League is adaptable to any hair type or face shape and goes well with all types of fades.
15. Textured Fringe Zero Fade
The textured fringe zero fade cut is a stylish men’s haircut that combines zero faded sides with a longer, textured fringe on top that is fashioned forward or to the side. This results in a carefree, effortless appearance ideal for people looking for a low-maintenance hairstyle.
16. Caesar Zero Fade
The Caesars zero fade cut is a classic men’s hairstyle featuring a longer, textured top styled forward in bangs and zero faded hair on the sides and back. This results in a classic and adaptable style that can be worn professionally and in informal settings.
17. Messy Crop Zero Fade
The messy crop zero fade cut is an increasingly popular men’s haircut featuring longer, textured top hair trimmed into a messy, tousled look with faded hair on the sides.
18. Brush Up Zero Fade
The brush-up zero fade cut is a modern men’s hairstyle that combines zero faded sides with a longer, textured top combed or brushed upward and forward. This produces a strong, energetic style ideal for people who want to stand out.
19. Afro Zero Fade
The afro zero fade cut is a naturally occurring hairstyle characterized by long, tightly curled hair that has been molded into a broad, rounded form and, when combined with the zero fade to the sides, gives a clean, sharp look. This results in a striking and iconic appearance ideal for people who want to embrace their natural texture. Regular conditioning, moisturizing, and styling are required to maintain healthy, defined curls.
20. Long Top Zero Fade
In the long top zero fade men’s hairstyle, the top of the head has longer hair that can be styled in various ways, such as a man bun, messy, or textured. The length on top contrasts with the buzzed length of the sides, creating an “extreme” result.
21. Tapered Zero Fade
The tapered zero fade cut is a hairstyle that features gradually shorter hair from top to bottom, and gives a neat and professional appearance. While the top is left longer and has more styling options, the sides and back of the hair are chopped short. It is an effortless haircut that requires little upkeep.
22. Curl Zero Fade
Curls zero fade cut is a natural hairdo featuring coiled or spiral-shaped hair with loose waves or tight coils. For a unique look, curls may be worn in various ways, from free-flowing to pinned up, and they go well with various fades and textures. It needs frequent conditioning, moisturizing, and styling to keep the haircut’s shape and healthy.
23. Crew Cut Zero Fade
The crew zero fade cut is a classic men’s hairstyle that has somewhat longer hair on top and short hair on the sides and back. This produces a low-maintenance, effortlessly stylish look that is clean and polished. It is a common choice for people in the military or other fields that need a neat and polished look.
24. Short Spiky Hair Zero Fade
Short spiky hair zero fade cut is a men’s hairstyle featuring short top hair spiked with styling agents like pomade or gel combined with zero faded sides and back. This results in a striking, edgy look that is effortless to style and has little upkeep. It is a well-liked option for people seeking a contemporary and fresh aesthetic.
25. Side Swept Zero Fade
The side-swept zero fade haircuts give men a smooth and refined appearance by sweeping their hair to one side. Any hair type or face shape can wear this style, thanks to the variety of lengths and textures it can take.
Related Article: Number 4 Fade: Top Styles [With Photos], Length, and More
Conclusion
The zero fade cut has become a fashionable and adaptable hairstyle in recent years. A smooth transition from long hair on top to shaved sides offers a modern interpretation of the classic fade.
In general, the zero fade cut is a good option for people searching for a cutting-edge and elegant hairdo that is both fashionable and functional. It looks professional and sharp, making it appropriate for both corporate and informal settings.
So if you are still looking for your next haircut, you should definitely consider trying it out!
Russell is the founder of themensattitude.com. He is a barber a beard enthusiast and he is obsessed with trying men’s lifestyle products and blog about them. If you have any questions you can hit him up via the contact page.
