Are you sick of your current hairstyle and ready for a change? The number 4 fade haircut is a well-liked and adaptable men’s hairdo that can give you a contemporary and youthful appearance without requiring a lot of upkeep.
If you want to learn more, keep reading because this article will discuss everything you need to know about the number 4 fade. We will start by explaining what the number 4 fade is, continue by showing you the coolest number 4 fade styles, and close by giving you some tips on accomplishing and keeping this hairstyle.
What is Number 4 Fade?
A number 4 fade haircut is a prominent men’s hairstyle that is achieved by using clippers with a number 4 guard on to create a fade effect to the hair on the back and sides of the head (leaving it at about half an inch or 12 mm long at the shortest part to the bottom of the head).
In order to create a tapered appearance that gradually fades from short to long hair, the hair is gradually blended into longer hair as you move toward the top of the head. This results in a seamless, blended look that looks effortless and natural.
The fade haircut has a long history dating back to the 1940s and 1950s when it was known as the “white wall” or “Ivy League” haircut. It was a common option for males seeking a slick, businesslike appearance at the time. Short hair covered the sides and back of the head, fading into longer hair on top.
In the 1990s and 2000s, the number 4 fade haircut gained popularity. Men were able to preserve some length on top while still wearing a clean-cut appearance as the sides and back of the head were faded with the number 4 guard size.
The number 4 fade haircut is still in style today and is a popular and adaptable cut that suits a variety of hair types and styles. It has evolved into a timeless and classic style that has withstood the test of time and is still a favorite among men of all ages.
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Different Types of Number 4 Fades
The high fade, low fade, and mid fade haircuts are just a few of the many variants that the fade haircut evolved into as it has grown in popularity. These changes allowed men across the globe to personalize their haircuts and design a distinctive appearance that complemented their particular sense of style. Let’s examine in more detail these fade types.
Low Fade
A low fade is a fade variant where the top hair is left longer, and the sides and back of the head are faded. The hair gradually gets longer towards the top of the head and shorter at its bottom. It is called a low fade because the fade transition happens relatively low, about half an inch above the ear.
Depending on how extreme you want it to be, the fade’s length can vary, but normally the hair is clipped with a number 2 guard (number 2 fade) or shorter on the bottom and gradually transitions into longer hair on top (when talking about the number 4 fade, the shortest part is trimmed with a number 4 guard). Compared to other fade styles, the change from shorter to longer hair is typically subtler.
Low fades are adaptable hairstyles that may be tailored to each person’s tastes. For instance, the top hair can be styled in several ways, such as slicked back, combed over, textured, or left longer.
Men of all ages and hair types rock low fades because they are simple to manage and can be tailored to fit various face shapes and individual preferences.
Related Article: Low Fade Vs Mid Fade: The Differences & The Best Styles [Photos]
Mid Fade
Just like other fade styles, in a mid-fade haircut, the hair is gradually tapered off from a longer length at the top to a shorter length closer to the neckline. To achieve this fade effect, your barber will use a clipper for fades, starting at the bottom of the head and progressively moving upwards. The term “mid” refers to the region where the fade transition happens -one inch above the ear.
Just like low fades, mid fades can be tailored to fit a range of tastes and aesthetics. For instance, the hair length at the top might be longer or shorter, and the fade can be more subtle or more pronounced. You can also further modify your mid-fade haircut by adding extra design components like a hard part or razor lines.
High Fade
The word “high” describes the height where the fade begins – just around the temples. This creates a more dramatic and visible contrast between the shorter and longer faded hair.
In order to produce alternative looks, such as a slicked-back appearance or a textured crop, the length of the hair on top can also be changed.
Related Article: Mid Fade Vs High Fade: All The Differences [Photos]
What Length Should You Go for On Top?
Your style choices, face shape, and the overall look you want to achieve will determine the length you should aim for your top hair.
But before choosing the top hair length, you should bear in mind a few fundamental rules.
A length of 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) on top is frequently a decent choice for a traditional or conservative appearance. While still comparatively simple to style and maintain, there is enough hair to provide some structure and movement.
On the other hand, if you desire a more contemporary or stylish appearance, consider going for a longer length on top. This can be as long as 8 inches (20 cm) or even longer. More styling options, such as the ability to create a pompadour or a wild, textured look, are possible with longer hair on top.
At the end of the day, the length you will select should be a reflection of your personal style and something you feel confident and at ease wearing.
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Fade Sharpness
The degree of contrast and distinction between the longer and shorter faded hair on the sides and back of the head is referred to as fade sharpness. A more gradual fade offers a softer and more blended effect, and a sharp fade has a very apparent and definite transition between the two lengths.
The length of the hair, the angle and pressure of the clippers, and the hairstylist’s ability and technique can all impact how sharp a fade will be. It’s vital to remember that too-sharp fades can be challenging to keep in shape and might need more regular visits to the hairstylist.
When combined with longer-length hair on top, a sharp fade can be a great option for someone who desires a striking and defined appearance. However, it will highlight any flaws or asymmetries he might have.
Ultimately, the degree of fade sharpness you will select should be determined by your individual fashion choices and the overall haircut looks you’re going for. Talk to your hairstylist about it, as he can offer informed advice and suggestions based on your hair type and facial features.
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Number 4 Fade Hair Styles
In this section, we will talk about some of the hottest number 4 fade hairstyles. Depending on your personal taste, the length of the top might vary, although it should always exceed that of the sides and rear. The following looks can be created using a number 4 fade.
1. Buzz Cut With a Number 4 Fade
A buzz cut is a very short haircut in which all of the hair is buzzed to the same length with clippers. Depending on personal desire, the length can vary, although it typically ranges from one-eighth inch (3 mm) to half an inch (12 mm).
Men who desire a practical and low-maintenance hairdo frequently choose buzz cuts. They are also a perfect solution for those who want to cover balding or thinning hair, as well as for athletes and members of the armed forces who must maintain their hair short for practical reasons.
If you want to give a more modern twist to a buzzcut, you can combine it with a fade. The number 4 buzz cut fade will provide you with a short but not shaved result that can be worn on many occasions.
2. French Crop With a Number 4 Fade
The French crop is a popular men’s haircut that has slightly longer hair on top styled forward and can be combined with a number 4 fade on the sides and back of the head. For more volume and definition, the length on top is typically cut in a jagged, textured way between 1-2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long. The French crop can be altered to work with other hair types but is best for people with straight or wavy hair.
The French Crop has a few advantages, including simple style and little upkeep. The top hair can be curled forward for a classic appearance or brushed to one side for a more relaxed and unstructured appearance with a little styling product.
3. Textured Crop With a Number 4 Fade
The Textured Crop is a haircut with slightly longer hair on top that is trimmed in a jagged, textured way to provide volume and definition, while the sides and back of the head have a number 4 fade. This haircut is perfect for those who desire a simple, natural-looking, casual hairdo.
The rough, choppy layers on top of the head are the primary characteristic of the Textured Crop. The hair on top is normally cut to a length of 1-2 inches (2.5–5 cm), and then texturizing techniques are used to give volume and definition.
The Textured Crop has the advantage of being simple to maintain and style. The top hair can be tousled and fashioned in a variety of ways, depending on personal choice, with a little styling product. Like the French Crop, this look is also great for people with straight or curly hair since the texture adds definition and volume.
4. Slicked-Back with number 4 fade
The slicked-back with a number 4 fade combines a modern fade haircut with the classical slicked-back look. As the hair on the sides and back gradually taper or “fades” from a longer length at the top to a shorter length at the bottom, the hair on the top is left longer and styled back using a hair product like pomade or gel.
The slicked-back fade 4 is a popular option for men of all ages and tastes since it is a versatile haircut that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Conclusion
The number 4 fade is a popular haircut that has been around for a while. It features a progressive blending of short and long hair lengths to produce a fading appearance.
Regular upkeep is necessary to keep the fade appearing neat and new. It’s crucial to go to a qualified barber or stylist who is knowledgeable about fades and capable of performing them correctly.
The style that best suits your facial shape and hair type will ultimately determine which variation of the number 4 fade you should try. Let us know in the comments section which style you will choose!
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.
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