Low Fade Haircut for Curls: A Comprehensive Guide

If you have curly hair and are looking for a stylish and low-maintenance haircut, a low fade haircut may be the perfect option for you. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand everything you need to know about low fade haircuts for curls.

What is a Low Fade Haircut?

A low fade haircut is a type of taper fade haircut where the hair is gradually tapered from longer hair on top to shorter hair on the sides and back of the head. The key characteristic of a low fade cut is that the fade starts very low, just above the natural hairline around the ears and nape of the neck.

This creates a high-contrast look with full volume on top that gradually fades into very short hair near the hairline. It’s considered more subtle and natural-looking than a high fade haircut, where the fade starts higher up on the sides of the head.

How Does a Low Fade Work?

With a low fade haircut, the hair remains longer at the top of the head and gradually gets shorter as it moves down the sides and back. Typically, the hair on top is cut to one length or layered for volume. Then using clippers, the barber will taper the hair to get progressively shorter as it moves lower on the head.

The fade itself involves carefully blending the longer hair on top with the trimmed sides to create a smooth transition. This fade can start as high as the temples and sideburns and continue down to the nape of the neck. When done right, a low fade will look seamless and natural.

Key aspects of creating a low fade include:

• Starting the fade just above the natural hairline around the ears/neck. This retains maximum length/volume on top.
• Using clippers to taper the hair down the sides/back from longer to shorter.
• Precisely cutting and texturizing the edges of the fade using clippers and trimmers.
• Blending the longer top hair into the tapered sides smoothly and gradually.
• Cutting the nape area very short as the endpoint of the fade.

Benefits of a Low Fade Haircut

There are several benefits that make a low fade haircut a popular choice:

• It creates a clean, polished look while keeping hair longer on top for versatility in styling.
• The gradual fade is subtle and complements most face shapes.
• It works well with many hair types and textures including straight, wavy, and curly hair.
• Both casual and professional styles can be achieved with a low fade cut.
• The tapered sides help reduce bulk and emphasize volume on top.
• Fades in general are lower maintenance between haircuts.

Why Choose a Low Fade Haircut for Curls?

There are several key reasons why a low fade can be an excellent choice to style and tame curly hair:

Defines Curls and Reduces Volume

One major benefit of a low fade haircut for curls is it helps define the curl pattern and reduces excessive volume on the sides and back. This allows your glorious curls to take center stage on top.

By keeping length on top and tapering the sides down shorter, it prevents the curls from puffing outward too much all over the head. This creates a more balanced and structured look.

Versatility for Styling

A low fade cut offers versatility in styling curly hair. You can style voluminous curls on top or go for a more defined, streamlined look by using products to enhance the curls.

The tapered sides also allow for experimenting with parts, undercuts, and shaved designs with less risk of the curls looking unruly.

Neat, Polished Appearance

Well-executed low fades give curly haircuts a neat and finished appearance. The clean edges and seamless blend of the faded sides creates a sharp silhouette for the curly hair on top.

This can make naturally unruly curls look tailored and stylish for any occasion, whether dressed up or relaxed.

Low Maintenance Between Haircuts

Low fades by nature require less frequent trimming than curly styles with one length all over. The tapered sides and back grow out more subtly and gradually.

This makes the style last longer between barber visits. You can go longer without losing shape from excessive bulk on the sides.

Cool, Modern Style

Fades have been one of the most popular men’s hairstyles in recent years. A curly low fade haircut gives your locks a contemporary, urban vibe.

The high contrast between the full curls up top and close-cropped sides has a modern edge that flatters most guys.

How to Get a Low Fade Haircut for Curls?

Getting a low fade haircut for curls requires skill, precision, and an understanding of different curl types and styles. It’s important to find a barber who has experience working with curly hair to ensure you get the best results.

When getting a low fade haircut, be sure to consult with your barber to determine the best approach for your specific hair type and desired look.

Steps for Cutting a Low Fade for Curly Hair

Though every head of curls is unique, there is a basic process professional barbers follow to cut a low fade haircut:

1. Wash and condition the hair. This prepares the curls and allows the barber to see the true curl pattern.

2. Determine the length on top. This is usually 1 to 3 inches of growth, trimmed to enhance natural shape.

3. Create the fade starting at the temples. Using clippers on a low setting, hair at the temples is tapered down to blend into the natural hairline.

4. Cut the sides and back. The clipper gradually moves up the head, tapering hair from longer to shorter up toward the crown.

5. Set the endpoint near the crown. The nape area is trimmed very short, ending the fade about halfway up the back of the head.

6. Blend the edges. Clippers and trimmers blend the fade seamlessly into the longer top.

7. Refine curls on top. Shears are used to trim and shape curls for maximum volume and definition.

8. Edge up hairlines. A straight razor or edgers defines the hairline for crisp lines.

9. Finish the style. Products like pomade or gel are used to hold the finished style in place.

Choosing a Fade Height

Barbers may use different terms for where a low fade starts and stops:

• Low fade – Starts above the temples and ends about halfway up the head.
• Mid fade – Starts just above the temples and ends lower down, above the nape.
• High fade – Starts higher up the sides and blends into the crown.

Discuss with your barber the exact fade height you want based on your curl type, desired length on top, and face shape.

Pairing with Other Styling Techniques

Low fades can be combined creatively with other cool styling techniques:

• Hard part – Crisply shaved part adds flair to a side part on top.
• Textured crop – Closely cropped curls on top give a neat, defined look.
• Temple fade – Fade starts very low and curves around the temples.
• Shape-ups – Precise outlines shape up hairlines and sideburns.
• Undercut – Disconnected longer top and shorter back/sides.
• Shaved line – Creative shaved design/pattern.

Tips for Styling Curly Hair with a Low Fade Haircut

When styling curly hair with a low fade haircut, there are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do’s

• Do use styling products like gel or curl cream to define curls and reduce frizz on top.
• Do experiment with parts – middle, side, diagonal – to change up your look.
• Do use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment to enhance curly texture.
• Do style curls while hair is damp for maximum pliability.
• Do get regular touch-up cuts to maintain the crisp low fade.

Don’ts

• Don’t rub wet curls with a towel – gently squeeze out moisture instead.
• Don’t comb curls dry – use wide-tooth combs only on damp hair to avoid frizz.
• Don’t over-wash curls – stick to a couple times a week max to retain moisture.
• Don’t use hair products with alcohol, which can dry out curly hair.
• Don’t sleep on curls wet – tie up or use a satin pillowcase to reduce frizz.

Examples of Low Fade Haircuts for Curls

There are endless ways to style curly hair with a low fade haircut. Here are some of the most popular examples and ideas to give you inspiration:

Low Fade with Textured Crop

• Tightly cropped curls on top create a neat, defined look.
• Fade keeps sides short to prevent width.
• Works on very tight coils or loose curls.

Curly Caesar with Low Taper

• Shorter curls styled forward like a Caesar cut.
• Temple fade blends sides smoothly.
• Mustache and beard boost rugged style.

Low Fade with Waves and Design

• Longer waves on top with temp fade.
• Wavy hair textures enhanced with products.
• Shaved side design adds edgy accent.

Afro with Low Fade

• Big spiraled afro benefited by tapered sides.
• Allows the afro width on top without sides puffing out.
• Goatee and styled edges finish the look.

Slicked Back Curls + Low Fade

• Longer defined curls slicked back off the face.
• Faded sides prevent width for a streamlined look.
• Finish with pomade for shiny hold and control.

Curly Faux Hawk with Low Taper

• Textured faux hawk style with length spiked up top.
• Close tapered sides allow height without bulk.
• Fun edgy style ideal for looser curl types.

Loose Curls with Low Drop Fade

• Longer loose curls with volume on top.
• Sharp drop fade curves behind ears for contrast.
• Messy finish lets the texture shine.

Finding the Right Barber for Fades on Curly Hair

Because curly hair requires special techniques, it’s important to find a skilled barber to cut your low fade haircut. Here are tips for finding the right curl expert:

• Look for barbers who advertise experience with curly and afro-textured hair. This signals they know how to cut curls properly.
• Check for social media photos of their curly haircut work – this helps you evaluate their skills.
• Ask curly-haired friends for referrals to barbers they trust.
• Read online reviews mentioning barbers who do great fades and curly hair.
• On your first visit, have a consultation about your hair goals and challenges. A good barber will listen and advise you accordingly.
• Stick with one skilled barber so they can learn exactly how your hair responds. Consistency is key.

Finding a barber knowledgeable about curly hair can make the difference between a mediocre cut and amazing results you love. Invest time in your search – it will pay off with stylish low fade haircuts tailored to you.

Maintaining Your Low Fade Haircut for Curls

To keep your low fade looking fresh between barbershop visits, be diligent about maintenance:

Get It Trimmed Regularly

Visit your barber every 2-4 weeks for a fade trim and curl shape-up. The shorter faded sides grow out quickly. Staying on top of trims prevents the style from losing its clean definition.

Shampoo Less Frequently

Shampooing curly hair too often can dry it out. Limit washing to 1-2 times per week. Condition regularly to retain moisture.

Use the Right Styling Products

Gels, curl creams, or oils that provide control and hydration are musts for laying unruly curls and frizz. Apply to damp hair.

Know When It’s Time for a Full Cut

Schedule a fresh low fade haircut every 6-8 weeks before the longer curls on top get shaggy. This will revive your style.

Protect Your Hair at Night

Use a satin pillowcase or bonnet at night. This reduces friction that can frizz curls as you sleep.

Don’t Over-Brush or Rub It

Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb or fingers to avoid causing frizz and breakage.

By being patient with your curls and proactive with styling and cuts, your low fade haircut will look stellar day after day.

Low Fade Haircuts for Different Curl Types

The details of cutting low fades on curly hair depend on the curl type – tight coils require different techniques than loose waves.

Here’s how barbers approach low fades for different curl patterns:

Type 3A Curls (Loose Waves)

Cutting approach

• Long layers cut on top for flowy shape.
• Shorter sides and back tapered close with clippers.
• Scissor over comb used to blend fade smoothly.

Ideal styles

• Textured crop, curly pompadour, faux hawk

Type 3B Curls (Loose Corkscrews)

Cutting approach

• Medium length on top trimmed to enhance natural curl shape.
• Tapered low with clippers to prevent excessive bulk.
• Razor used to add texture and softness around edges.

Ideal styles

• Full curly top with temple fade, shaggy crop, curly Caesar

Type 3C Curls (Tight Corkscrews)

Cutting approach

• Leave ample length up top to allow curls to coil.
• Fade clippered very close on the sides to contour head shape.
• Precisely blend fade into curl pattern using corner of clippers.

Ideal styles

• Frohawk, curly top with designs, short tight curls

Type 4A Curls (Tight Coils)

Cutting approach

• Cut to maximize the natural volume and height of kinky hair.
• Use clippers to taper sides down to skin in flawless low bald fade.
• Carefully shear tips of dense curls on top for definition.

Ideal styles

• Short afro, hi-top fade, textured crop, sponge coils

Type 4B Curls (Very Tight Coils)

Cutting approach

• Leave substantial length on top to let tight coils naturally spiral upward.
• Bald taper the sides and back down close using zero clipper guard.
• Use razor to add texture and soften the hairline of fade.

Ideal styles

• Big afro, curly hi-top, short twists

Type 4C Curls (Extremely Tight Coils)

Cutting approach

• Cut coils on top short to achieve maximum curl definition.
• Fade sides and back down to the scalp for streamlined shape.
• Carefully clipper-over-comb longer top into fade around temples.

Ideal styles

• Defined short ‘fro, textured crop, high-top, designs

No matter your curl type, a skilled barber will assess your hair texture and growth patterns to advise the best low fade approach for you. Consult with them to create your ideal look.

Low Fade Variations for Curly Hair

Beyond the standard low fade, there are several creative variations that work well to style curly locks:

Low Drop Fade

This fade drops down behind the ears, leaving hair longer in front before tapering the nape. This works well with voluminous curly styles that don’t need extra height.

Low Burst Fade

Also called a curved fade, the burst fade curves around the temples and down the sides for a softer look. It’s ideal for tight coils that you want to soften around the hairline.

Low Taper Fade

This is a gradual taper with the sides getting just slightly shorter as they go down, creating a more subtle transition between the curly top and sides.

Low Temple

A temple fade tapers the hair very low around the temples, starting the fade right at the edges of the hairline. This works well to contour curly hair of any length.

Low Drop Fade with Hard Part

Combining a hard part with a low drop fade amps up the style. The sharp faded part acts as an accent to voluminous curly hair on top.

Low Fade with Designs

Shaved line designs give curly fades a unique look. Get creative with geometric patterns, words, or artwork shaved into one side of the fade.

Low Fade Pompadour

This iconic pompadour style gets a modern edge with a low fade. Swept up curls in front play off the short tapered sides.

Low Fade with Curly Top

Leaving the curls long and natural on top balances out the cropped sides of a fade cut. Let those luscious locks embrace their spirals.

Low Bald Fade

Buzzing the back and sides down to the scalp creates high contrast with longer curls on top. Go for a very low bald fade cut to show off coils and kinks.

Low Fade Buzz Cut

Extremely short cropped curls blended into faded sides gives curly hair a neat, minimalist look. Great for guys with tight coils who want low maintenance.

Low Fade with Side Part

This classic style lets natural curls shine. A deep side part adds direction, with a low fade keeping the sides under control.

Low Fade with Curly Sponge Coils

Use the sponge technique to accentuate tight curls on top of a fade. Define coils by twisting damp hair with a textured sponge brush.

Mix and match elements like parts, lengths on top, heights of the fade, shaved lines, and other details to make the low fade your own. An experienced barber can help build a custom look that flatters your curl type and personal style.

Maintaining Your Curls Between Haircuts

Between fresh fade haircuts, properly maintaining your curls is crucial to looking your best. Follow these tips:

• Stick to a regular shampooing schedule (1-2 times per week) to avoid drying hair out.
• Deep condition weekly under a hooded dryer to hydrate curls.
• Pat dry gently with an old t-shirt instead of rubbing with a towel.
• Apply leave-in conditioner and anti-frizz serum to wet curls after washing.
• Let hair air dry or use a diffuser to enhance curl formation.
• Refresh curls on off-wash days with a curl reviver spray.
• Use a wide-tooth comb and your fingers to detangle, never a brush.
• Protect curls overnight by tying up or using a satin pillowcase.
• Avoid heat styling too frequently, which can damage hair over time.

Following a strict curl care regimen keeps your hair healthy and your fade cut looking fresh between appointments. Be gentle, keep curls hydrated, and enhance texture.

How Often to Get Low Fades Touched Up

To maintain a crisp, sharp low fade, plan to visit your barber for touch-ups every 2-4 weeks. The tapered sides and back grow out quickly, losing their clean definition if left too long between cuts.

Guys with very tight curls or coily hair may be able to stretch fade touch-ups to 4 weeks. But those with looser curls need to come in more frequently – around every 2-3 weeks.

In addition to fading the sides again, your barber can use these appointments to:

• Clean up the neckline and edges
• Precisely shape and enhance your curls on top
• Sharpen your hairline or trim your beard
• Add a detailed design, part, or shaved line

Regular fade touch-ups ensure your hairstyle continues to look its best in between full haircut appointments.

How to Make Curly Hair Lay Down with a Low Fade Haircut

The high contrast of longer curly hair on top and closely cropped sides is part of what makes low fades such a cool modern style. But sometimes you’ll want to slick things back for a sleeker look.

Here are tips for making curly hair lay down when you have a low fade haircut:

• Apply styling products while hair is damp. Creams, gels, or pomades go on freshly washed and conditioned curls for maximum control.
• Use a quality boar bristle brush to brush curls back away from the face. Brush gently to avoid frizz.
• Aim your blow dryer downward while brushing hair back. The heat helps smooth and direct the curls.
• Finish with a medium hold pomade. This will slick down flyaways and give curls a polished shine.
• Use a durag or silk scarf to train your curls to lay back, especially when sleeping.
• Get a fresh fade trim to remove bulk and weight so curls lie better on top.

Slicking back curly hair can be challenging. But with the right products, tools and techniques you can smooth out those coils to change up your style when desired.

How to Enhance Curls on Top of a Low Fade

A low fade haircut puts the focus on your glorious curls up top. Here are pro tips for making those curls pop:

• Condition hair regularly – hydrated curls hold their spiral shape better.
• Use gels and mousses – these provide definition and hold for springy curls.
• Diffuse hair 80% dry – the air flow enhances natural curl formation.
• Air dry the rest of the way – allows curls to set without frizz.
• Scrunch out the crunch – break the cast from gel and bring curls to life.
• Use a curling cream – formulas with shea butter add moisture and minimize frizz.
• Sleep on a satin pillowcase – reduces friction so you wake up with spiraled curls.
• Shampoo less often – too-frequent washing strips natural oils from hair.

Focus on keeping your curls hydrated and frizz-free so their fabulous shape can take center stage on top of your fresh low fade.

Best Curly Hair Products for Low Fade Haircuts

Using the right haircare products is key to make curls look their best with a low fade haircut. Here are top recommendations:

Curl Defining Gel – For长 hold, definition, and frizz control. Try DevaCurl Arc Angel Gel.

Curl Enhancing Mousse – Provides fullness and bounce. A fave is Design Essentials Curl Enhancing Mousse.

Leave-In Conditioner – Locks in moisture. SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore Leave-In is ideal.

Daily Conditioner – Keeps hair hydrated. Try TreSemme Flawless Curls Conditioner.

Anti-Frizz Serum – Smooths the cuticle and blocks humidity. SheaMoisture Anti-Frizz Serum is excellent.

Curl Cream – Enhances spiral formation. Cantu Shea Butter Curl Activator Cream is a goto.

Sea Salt Spray – Adds texture and grip to curls. Try Ouidad Mongongo Oil Multi-Use Curl Treatment.

Oil – Seals in moisture. Argan, jojoba, and coconut oils work well.

Satin Durag or Bonnet – Reduces nighttime friction and frizz.

Experiment to find your favorites, but focus on hydrating formulas free of sulfates and alcohols which can dry hair out. Investing in quality products pays off.

How to Style Curly Hair: Tips & Tricks

Beyond getting the right low fade haircut, styling your curls properly is equally important. Follow these pro tips:

• Wash hair 1-2 times per week max to avoid stripping natural oils.
• Always condition after shampooing – even using a rinse-out and leave-in conditioner together.
• Detangle knots using a wide-tooth comb on freshly washed conditioned hair.
• Pat dry with an old cotton t-shirt instead of rubbing with a towel.
• Apply styling products like gels to soaking wet hair to seal in moisture.
• Let curls air dry or diffuse them – avoid rubbing or combing dry hair.
• Use a microfiber towel or paper towel to gently lift roots for volume as hair dries.
• Scrunch curls gently to break the gel cast and bring out their bounce.
• Sleep on a satin pillowcase to minimize dryness and frizz overnight.
• Get regular trims to nip split ends before they travel up the hair shaft.

Take the time to style your curls the right way, keeping them nourished and frizz-free to maintain your flawless low fade.

How to Pick a Part for Low Fade Curly Hair

Choosing where to part curly hair can dramatically change the look of your fade haircut. Here are tips for picking the best part:

The Classic Side Part

• Great for accentuating asymmetrical styles or longer hair
• Looks sharp with a hard part and defined side fade
• Adds direction and showcases curly texture

Middle Part

• Ideal for curly afros and voluminous hair wanting symmetry
• Lets curls beautifully frame the face
• Fresh modern look, especially on loose curly styles

Diagonal Part

• Adds edgy interest to curly styles
• Leads the eye in an angular direction
• Fun way to change up your usual part placement

Crooked Side Part

• Looks laidback and imperfectly cool
• Allows you to adapt parts to your cowlicks
• Good for naturally unruly curls that won’t lay perfectly

Zigzag Part

• Quirky and unexpected
• Creatively follows curl patterns
• Eye-catching when molded intentionally

Don’t be afraid to switch up parts – even from day to day – when styling your curly low fade. Have fun playing with the direction your hair falls.

Face Shapes and Low Fade Haircuts

A key benefit of low fades is they complement most face shapes. But some adaptations can optimize the style:

Oval Faces – A classic low taper fade works well to show off oval features. Feel free to add parts or quiffs.

Round Faces – Add height like a curly pompadour or faux hawk. Keep sides short with a fade.

Square Faces – A longer curly top balances the strong jaw. Avoid boxy shapes with rounded layers.

Triangular Faces – Add volume evenly throughout with longer curls left natural. Keep the sides tapered.

Heart Faces – A temp fade and styled side sweep flatters wider foreheads. Add waves for softness.

Oblong Faces – Try a burst fade to add width. Curl the fringe downward to contour face length.

Ask your barber to adapt the low fade specifics like parting and lengths to complement what flatters you most.

Kids’ Curly Hair with Low Fades

Low fades can look adorable on kids with curly locks too. Focus on these factors when cutting curls for little ones:

• Keep styles simple that enhance curl texture without a styled look.
• Opt for very low fades without too high of contrast.
• Add subtle parts like a side or zigzag part for fun.

-buzzing the sides helps tame unruly curls so they look neat.

• Shorter layered cuts allow definition of curl pattern.
• Use safe kids hair products without harsh ingredients.
• Stick to gentle wide-tooth combs and soft brushes.
• Make additional cuts fun – give treats, watch movies, chat.
• Educate kids on the importance of haircare as they grow.

Start low fades gradually and adapt them as kids get older. Keeping their natural texture looking great boosts confidence.

Transitioning Away From Low Fade Haircuts

If you’ve been rocking a low fade haircut for a while, at some point you may feel ready for a change. Here are tips for seamlessly transitioning to a new look:

• Gradually increase time between fade touch-ups to let sides grow.
• Have your barber trim the sides and back down with clippers less short.
• Slowly reduce contrast between top and sides over a few cuts.
• Style longer sides slicked back or tucked behind ears at first.
• Try a mid-fade as an intermediate step.
• Change parts and styling approaches as length increases.
• Remove lines or shaved designs if going for a completely new look.
• Once hair is same length all over, try new styles like a curly man bun.
• When growing out, get regular cuts to minimize awkward stages.

Discuss ideas with your barber well in advance so they can help you transition your look over time. Small gradual tweaks prevent a shocking change.

How to Fix a Bad Low Fade Haircut

A botched low fade haircut on curly hair can happen, but there are ways to fix or mask it:

For uneven fading:

• Ask your barber to even out the faded sides using clippers.
• Style hair swooped over the uneven side to disguise it.
• Wear a durag or hat to cover errors until your next cut.

For taking the fade too high:

• Have the barber recut the sides lower to where a low fade should start.
• Slick back top hair over the high fade using pomade.
• Stick to wearing low ponytails and hats for a week or two.

For choppy curls on top:

• Use curl cream and gel to define and hold frizzy sections.
• Finger coil pieces for a temporary uniform look.
• If needed, get the length recut into smoother layers.

For cutting hair too short overall:

• Grab pomade to spike and style hair strategically.
• Wear a wave cap or beanie during awkward grow-out phase.
• Get frequent shape-ups to keep cut looking intentional as it grows.

With time and styling creativity, even bad fade haircuts can be recovered from. Have patience and consult your barber.

How to Cut Your Own Low Fade Haircut at Home

Cutting your own low fade at home takes skill and practice. Here are some tips if you want to try:

• Invest in professional clippers and guards – quality tools are a must.
• Watch online tutorials to learn proper fade cutting techniques. Master them first.
• Start by buzzing the sides and back evenly to one length as a base.
• Use progressively lower guard lengths moving up the head.
• Use the lever on clippers to fine tune lengths between guard sizes.
• Remove any guard and freehand short nape endpoint of fade.
• Carefully detail and blend the hairline using corner of clippers.
• Check for evenness and symmetry as you cut.
• Ask a friend to check the back and fix any uneven spots.
• For the curls on top, use point cutting and texturizing.
• Clean up neckline and edges with a trimmer.

Cutting your own hair takes patience – expect mistakes at first. But with practice you can learn this satisfying skill.

Low Fade Haircut Styles for Different Hair Types

The specifics of cutting and styling low fades can vary based on exact curl pattern and hair type:

Coily Hair – A very short low bald fade creates defined separation from tight curls styled short on top like a curly caesar or coils.

Kinky Hair – A longer curly top with temp faded sides allows kinks to stand tall in an afro or high-top fade.

Wavy Hair – Long layers on top with a subtle low taper allows waves to flow. Style into a side part or messy crop.

Corkscrew Curls – Medium short length displayed in vertical spirals on top, trimmed close on sides to prevent width.

Straight Hair – Short sides and back faded up to a styled pompadour or slick back on top creates contrast.

The tightness of your curl pattern is the most important factor for the barber to consider when cutting and styling a low faded look.