A temple fade is a clean and modern haircut that focuses on the hair around the temples and sideburns. Instead of fading the whole side of the head, the barber creates a gradual blend in this smaller area. This gives the haircut a sharp finish while allowing you to keep more length on the sides and top.
The style is popular because it works with many hair types and different hairstyles. You can keep it low and subtle or make the fade more noticeable. In this guide, you will learn how the haircut works, which styles suit different hair types, how to ask your barber for it, and how to maintain the finished look.
Our Practical Tip:
Get your temple fade cleaned up every 2–3 weeks to keep the fade and hairline sharp. Avoid using too much styling product, especially on the faded areas, and choose a lightweight product for the longer hair on top. This keeps the haircut clean, natural, and easy to manage.
What Is a Temple Fade?
A temple fade gradually shortens the hair around the temples, usually moving from longer hair into very short hair near the sideburn. The blend should look smooth rather than showing a hard line between different lengths.
Unlike a full fade, the main focus stays around the temple area. This makes it a good choice for someone who wants cleaner sides without taking too much hair away from the rest of the head.
Example: If you have medium-length hair and want a cleaner look without cutting the sides very short, a subtle temple fade can give you the change you want.
Why Choose a Temple Fade?
One of the biggest benefits of a temple fade is its flexibility. It can be combined with short, medium, or longer hair on top. It also works with straight, wavy, curly, and coily textures.
The haircut can make the temple and sideburn area look more defined while keeping the overall hairstyle natural. It is also easy to personalize based on your face shape and preferred level of maintenance.
Example: A man with thick hair can keep most of the volume on top while using a temple fade to make the sides look cleaner.
Types of Temple Fade:
The final appearance depends on how high the fade starts and how strong you want the contrast to be. These are some of the most useful variations to discuss with your barber.
Low Temple Fade
A low version keeps the fade close to the natural temple and sideburn area. It creates a soft and less dramatic finish.
This option is useful if you want a clean haircut that still looks natural. It can also be easier to grow out because the transition is not very high.
Example: A boy who needs a neat hairstyle for school can choose a low fade with a short textured top.
Mid Temple Fade
A mid version starts the transition a little higher than a low fade. It gives the sides more definition without creating the strongest possible contrast.
This can work well with textured, wavy, or medium-length hairstyles.
Example: If you have thick wavy hair, a mid fade can reduce some bulk around the sides while keeping the natural movement on top.
High Temple Fade
A high version creates a stronger contrast because the shorter area reaches farther up around the temple.
It is a good choice for people who want the haircut to look sharper and more noticeable. However, it may require more frequent maintenance if you want the blend to stay crisp.
Example: A short textured crop can look more defined when combined with a higher fade around the temples.
Temple Taper Fade
A taper-style finish creates a gradual reduction around the temple and sideburn area without making the sides look extremely short.
It is a good option for someone who prefers a classic and professional appearance.
Example: If you work in an office and want a modern haircut that is still conservative, ask for a soft taper around the temple.
Temple Fade for Different Hair Types:
The haircut can work with almost any hair texture, but the top should be styled according to the way your hair naturally behaves.
Straight Hair
Straight hair makes the fade transition easy to notice. A textured crop, side part, brushed-up top, or slicked-back style can work well.
Example: Straight medium-length hair can be lightly textured on top while the temple area stays short and clean.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair adds natural movement to the haircut. Keeping some length on top allows the waves to remain visible.
Example: A medium wavy top with a soft fade can create a relaxed style that does not need heavy styling.
Curly Hair
Curly hair creates a strong contrast with short faded areas. The barber should work with the natural curl pattern instead of cutting the top too short.
Example: A curly top with a clean temple fade can frame the face while keeping the natural curls as the main feature.
Coily Hair
Coily hair can look especially sharp when the temple area is carefully blended. The clean sides provide contrast against the natural texture on top.
Example: A short coily hairstyle with a defined fade can give a structured appearance without removing the texture.
Boys Temple Fade: Is It a Good Choice?
A boys temple fade can be a practical option when the goal is a clean but modern haircut. For younger boys, a low or soft version is often easier to manage than an extremely high or sharp fade.
The top can be kept short for easy styling or left slightly longer for texture and movement. Parents should also consider how much daily styling is realistic.
Example: A boy with straight, thick hair can keep a short textured top with a low fade around the temples for a simple everyday haircut.
Temple Fade With a Beard:
The fade can also work well with facial hair. The barber can blend the temple and sideburn area toward the beard to create a smoother connection.
The beard does not need to be long. Short stubble or a neatly trimmed beard can also work with this haircut.
Example: A short beard with a clean temple transition can create a balanced look without making the haircut too dramatic.
Best Hairstyles to Combine With a Temple Fade:
The haircut becomes more interesting when paired with the right top style. Popular choices include:
- Textured crop
- Side part
- Quiff
- Curly top
- Wavy top
- Short fringe
- Slicked-back hair
- Messy textured hair
- two block cut
The best option depends on your hair length, texture, and daily routine.
Example: If you prefer low-maintenance hair, a short textured crop is usually easier to manage than a long slicked-back style.
How to Ask Your Barber for a Temple Fade:
Clear communication can make a big difference. Do not simply say that you want a fade. Explain where you want the fade and how much length you want to keep.
Tell your barber whether you want a low, mid, or high transition. Also explain whether you want the finish soft and natural or sharp and defined.
Showing a reference photo is one of the easiest ways to communicate the exact result you want.
Example: You can tell your barber, “Keep the top medium length, leave some weight on the sides, and create a low fade around the temples and sideburns.”
How to Maintain a Temple Fade:
Like other short fade styles, a temple fade becomes less defined as the hair grows. How often you need a haircut depends on your hair growth and how sharp you want the style to look.
Keep your hair clean and use products that match your hair type. A lightweight product is often enough for short or fine hair, while thicker hair may need a stronger styling product.
Avoid using too much product because buildup can make the hair look greasy or heavy.
Example: If you have fine straight hair, a small amount of lightweight styling cream can add texture without weighing the hair down.
Temple Fade vs. Taper Fade:
A temple fade and a traditional taper can look similar, but their placement can be different. A temple-focused style mainly changes the hair around the temples and sideburns, while a taper can gradually reduce hair around areas such as the sideburns and neckline.
The exact terminology can also vary between barbers. That is why a reference picture can be more useful than relying only on the haircut name.
Example: If you want most of your side hair left full but want the temple area cleaned up, show your barber a picture and explain that preference.
How to Choose the Right Temple Fade:
Choosing the right version depends on four main things: your hair texture, top length, preferred appearance, and maintenance routine.
A low fade is usually better for a subtle appearance. A mid fade provides more contrast, while a high fade creates a stronger and sharper look. Your face shape can also influence how much height and volume you want on top.
Example: If you prefer a natural style and do not want frequent barber visits, a low fade with a manageable top may be a practical choice.
Temple Fade Style Comparison:
| Style | Overall Look | Best For | Maintenance |
| Low Temple Fade | Soft and natural | Classic styles | Low to medium |
| Mid Temple Fade | Defined and balanced | Textured hair | Medium |
| High Temple Fade | Sharp and bold | Short modern cuts | Medium to high |
| Temple Taper | Clean and subtle | Professional styles | Low to medium |
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
A good haircut is not only about the fade itself. Avoid choosing a style simply because it looks good in a photo. Your hair texture, growth pattern, and daily routine may be different.
Another common mistake is asking for a very high fade when you actually want most of the side length preserved. Be clear about the amount of hair you want removed.
Example: If you want only a small cleanup around the temple, tell your barber not to take the fade too high.
FAQS:
1. What is a temple fade?
It is a fade focused mainly around the temples and sideburns, while more hair is usually kept on the rest of the sides.
2. Is a temple fade good for boys?
Yes. A soft version can give boys a clean and modern haircut that is relatively easy to manage.
3. Can I get a temple fade with curly hair?
Yes. Curly hair can create a strong contrast with the shorter temple area while keeping the natural texture on top.
4. How often should I get a temple fade?
It depends on how quickly your hair grows and how sharp you want the fade to remain. Regular trims help maintain its shape.
5. Can I combine a temple fade with a beard?
Yes. The temple and sideburn area can be blended into a short or longer beard for a connected appearance.
6. What should I show my barber?
Show a clear reference photo and explain the fade height, desired top length, and whether you want a soft or sharp finish.
Final Thoughts:
A temple fade is a flexible haircut that can make the sides and temple area look cleaner without completely changing the hairstyle. It can work with straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair, and it can be adjusted from a soft low transition to a stronger high finish.
The most important step is choosing a version that fits your hair and lifestyle. Before your haircut, decide how much length you want to keep and show your barber a reference photo. With the right cut and simple maintenance, a temple fade can give you a neat, modern, and easy-to-style appearance.