15+ Best Fades for Curly Hair You’ll Actually Love

I still remember the first time I got a fade on my curly hair. My hair used to puff out like a lion’s mane every week. A fade trims the sides shorter and blends into longer curls on top. It keeps the shape of curls but makes everything look neat. My head felt lighter, and my curls looked thicker right away.

Why I Picked This Haircut for My Curls

I’ve always had a love-hate thing with my curls. Some days they look perfect. Other days, they do their own thing and look wild. That’s why I wanted to fade.

I liked that a fade keeps the focus on the curls up top but makes the sides neat. It also helps the curls look more defined because the extra hair doesn’t weigh them down.

Another reason I picked this haircut was because it suits every curl type. I have loose curls, but my cousin has really tight coils. He tried the same style, and it looked just as good on him. If you’re curious about styles like this, the Corte Mid Fade haircut is a great example.

One time, I went to a family dinner right after a fresh fade. My aunt thought I had finally started using fancy products. I just nodded and said, “Sure,” because I didn’t want to admit it was only a haircut making the difference.

Unique Fade Haircuts for Curly Hair That Stand Out

Shadow Fade for Curly Hair

A shadow fade blends the sides from short to longer hair without going down to the skin. It gives a soft, shaded look that keeps curls defined and neat.

Scissor Fade for Curly Hair

Using scissors instead of clippers, this fade maintains length on the sides for a natural, full look. It’s great for curls and grows out evenly.

Burst Taper Fade for Curly Hair

This fade curves around the ear and tapers into the curls on top. It’s clean without going too short, balancing fullness and freshness.

Disconnected Fade for Curly Hair

With no blending between the top and sides, this style creates a bold contrast. It’s edgy, sharp, and perfect if you want a standout shape.

High Taper Fade for Curly Hair

Blending starts near the top of the ears and moves into fuller curls. It offers a clean silhouette without taking away too much volume.

Faux Hawk Fade for Curly Hair

This playful cut fades the sides and leaves a strip of curls down the center. It’s trendy and gives your curls a fun, lifted look.

Curly Mullet Fade

Short on the sides and long in the back, this throwback style highlights your curls from every angle. It’s a bold blend of retro and modern.

See this helpful guide on low fade vs mid fade vs high fade and pick the perfect style.

How My Barber Did the Fade Step by Step

When I sat in the chair, my barber asked, “How high do you want the fade to start?” I pointed about halfway between my ear and the temple.

First, he sprayed my hair with water. That helps curls lay flat, so it’s easier to see how they’ll look when cut. Then he started trimming with clippers. He used different guard sizes, moving from longer to shorter as he worked his way down.

I could feel the clippers buzzing in sections. Every time he changed guards, the hair felt a little shorter. He was careful not to press too hard because curly hair can get frizzy if the clippers pull at it.

Once the sides were done, he trimmed the top with scissors. He left enough length to keep the curls bouncy. He told me it’s better to cut curls when they’re wet because they shrink when they dry.

After that, he used a smaller trimmer to clean up my neckline and sideburns. That part tickled so much that I had to stop myself from laughing.

Different Fade Styles I’ve Tried on My Curly Hair

Low Fade

The first fade I ever tried was a low fade. The barber started trimming just above my sideburns and blended it into the curls above.

It was a good starter style because it didn’t take off too much hair. The sides still had some volume, so my curls felt full.

But after a week or two, the extra hair on the sides started puffing out again. I needed more gel to keep everything flat, which sometimes made my curls feel stiff.

Mid Fade

Next, I went with a mid fade. This one started halfway up my head. It made the sides look cleaner without taking away too much length.

I liked this one better. My face looked slimmer because there wasn’t hair bulging out around my cheeks. It was easier to style, too.

My mom said it made me look like I knew what I was doing with my hair, which was funny because I really didn’t.

Skin Fade

One day, I felt brave and asked for a skin fade. My barber shaved the sides all the way down to the skin, then blended up into my curls.

It looked super clean, but I have to admit, my scalp felt cold for days. My curls popped out more on top, almost like a little mushroom cap.

It took some time to get used to. Even though I liked how sharp it looked, I decided it needed more upkeep than I wanted.

How I Keep My Curly Fade Looking Fresh

Keeping this haircut looking good isn’t hard, but it does take a little care.

Every morning, I use a small amount of curl cream. It helps my curls stay soft without feeling heavy. If I skip this step, my curls look dry and frizzy.

I also have a handheld mirror so I can check the back of my head. If the neckline starts to look messy, I clean it up with a trimmer.

Every two or three weeks, I go back to my barber for a touch-up. That keeps the fade smooth and the curls shaped nicely. For teenagers especially, this style is a winner—just check out some of these cool haircuts for teenage guys to see how versatile it can be.

Tips My Barber Gave Me About Fades and Curls

One thing my barber told me was to always explain what fade I want. If you just say “fade,” he might start it too high or too low.

He also said to bring a photo if I’m trying something new. Pictures are much easier than trying to describe it with words.

Another tip was to avoid heavy gels or waxes. They can weigh curls down and make them look flat. A light cream or mousse works better.

He reminded me to use shampoo and conditioner made for curly hair. It keeps the curls hydrated and easier to style.

Common Mistakes I’ve Made (So You Don’t Have To)

I tried cleaning my neckline once without looking in a second mirror. The line was so crooked that my friend asked if I’d done it in the dark.

Another time, I waited a full month before getting a trim. The fade completely grew out, and my hair turned into a big, puffy triangle.

Trust me—get it touched up every few weeks. It saves you from looking like you slept on your hair for a month straight.

FAQs 

What fade looks best with curly hair?
A mid fade works well because it balances the curls on top with clean sides.

Can I get a skin fade if I have curls?
Yes. It will look very sharp but needs more frequent trims.

How often do I need a trim?
Every 2–3 weeks keeps the fade looking fresh.

Does a fade help manage curly hair?
Yes. It keeps the sides neat and makes curls on top stand out.

Can kids get a curly fade?
Definitely. It looks clean and is easy to maintain.

Do I need special products?
A curl cream or light mousse works best to keep curls soft.

Will this haircut hide thinning hair?
A fade can make thinning hair look fuller by blending lengths.

How should I ask for this cut?
Tell your barber you want a fade for curly hair. Show a picture if possible.