Mid Fade Slick Back Haircut – Why It’s My New Favorite
I remember staring into the mirror one morning and realizing my usual haircut had gotten seriously boring. I needed something fresh and cool, something I hadn’t tried before. That’s when my barber suggested the mid fade slick back style. Honestly, the name sounded complicated, but I decided to trust his suggestion anyway.The top stays longer, and you comb it backward, usually with some hair product to keep it neat. Once I got it, I felt instantly cooler, kind of like someone upgraded my confidence overnight!
My First Visit to the Barber for a Mid Fade Slick Back
The first time I asked for this style, I was a little nervous because I had no clue what exactly to say. Luckily, my barber knew exactly what I wanted after just mentioning the name “mid fade slick back.” He asked me how short I wanted the sides to go, suggesting that I start with a subtle fade rather than jumping straight to a skin fade.
He explained he’d use a clipper with a number 2 guard at the middle part of my head and fade smoothly downwards. After trimming the sides, he sprayed some water, combed my top hair backward, and finished off with a bit of pomade to keep everything in place. When he spun me around to face the mirror, I could hardly believe it was my hair it looked stylish, clean, and professional, all at the same time. If you’re curious about similar styles, check out how the mid taper fade haircut offers another great alternative.
Mid Fade Slick Back Haircut: 5 Trendy Styles for Men
Classic Mid Fade Slick Back

A clean haircut blending hair smoothly from mid-level downward with neatly slicked-back hair on top. Timeless, versatile, and easy to maintain. Ideal for any professional or casual setting.
Wavy Mid Fade Slick Back

Adds relaxed waves and texture to your slick-back style, creating a modern, effortless look. Perfect if you prefer natural movement over polished perfection. Just style lightly with matte paste.
Skin Mid Fade Slick Back

Sides fade sharply down to skin, dramatically emphasizing the longer, slicked-back top. Ideal if you’re looking for a daring style that instantly grabs attention. Regular upkeep needed for sharpness.
Curly Mid Fade Slick Back

Specifically designed for curly or wavy hair, this fade keeps the sides short while curls flourish on top. It embraces your natural hair texture with style. Apply curl-enhancing cream for definition.
Best Variations of Mid Fade Slick Back That I’ve Tried Personally
After loving my first experience, I experimented with a few variations of the mid fade slick back haircut to see what worked best. Here’s what stood out to me:
Classic Slick Back with Mid Fade
The classic slick back with a mid fade quickly became my everyday favorite. I keep my hair slightly longer on top, use some shiny pomade, and neatly comb it backward. This style looks fantastic for both casual and professional settings. It’s simple, neat, and easy to manage daily, saving me time in the morning.
Textured Mid Fade Slick Back
For a relaxed, less polished look, I tried the textured mid fade slick back. My barber used a razor to create different lengths on the top, giving it a more natural and messy appearance. Styling it became easier because even if my hair got messed up during the day, it still looked intentional. It’s perfect for weekends or casual meetups.
Skin Fade Slick Back
The skin fade version was definitely the boldest look I tried. This style involved fading my sides down to the skin level, making the slick back stand out even more. It felt stylish and trendy, perfect for when I wanted to grab attention. However, it required more frequent trips to the barbershop because the fade grew out quickly.
Explore these cool haircuts for teenage guys and freshen up your look today!
Simple Styling and Maintenance Tips I Learned
Styling a mid fade slick back turned out easier than I thought. After washing my hair, I usually towel dry it until slightly damp, add a bit of pomade or gel, and comb my hair back neatly. I quickly learned that using too much product wasn’t necessary. A little goes a long way and keeps the style looking natural.
Maintaining the fade was important too. I quickly realized regular visits to the barber—every two or three weeks—kept the fade looking sharp. Between visits, using a trimmer at home around the neckline and ears helped maintain that fresh look. Trust me, skipping barber visits makes this haircut lose its sharpness fast!
Mid Fade Slick Back vs Low Fade Slick Back: My Thoughts
Having tried both, I noticed subtle yet clear differences between mid fade slick back and low fade slick back hairstyles. The low fade slick back starts the fade lower near the ears, leaving more hair on the sides. While it looked fine, I preferred the cleaner, more noticeable transition of the mid fade slick back.
The mid fade felt more deliberate and stylish, bringing out the slick back’s elegance much better. It looked sharper and suited my face better, giving my features a defined look. If you’re deciding between the two, I’d suggest going with the mid fade slick back first—especially if you value that polished, confident appearance often associated with men’s professional hairstyles.
How Much Does a Mid Fade Slick Back Cost?
When it comes to pricing, mid fade slick back haircuts can vary depending on your city and the barber’s experience. In my case, prices ranged from $25 to about $50 per haircut, with premium barbershops charging slightly more. I quickly learned price isn’t always the best indicator of quality.
The most crucial factor is finding a barber who genuinely understands your hair and how to achieve the perfect fade. Once you find someone good, it’s worth sticking with them—even if they’re not the cheapest. Trust me, your hair (and confidence) will thank you!
FAQs
How long does a mid fade slick back last?
From my experience, the haircut stays fresh for about two to three weeks before needing a touch-up at the barber.
Is the mid fade slick back suitable for formal settings?
Definitely! The slick back gives a neat, professional appearance, making it great for office or formal events.
Can I style a mid fade slick back without product?
You can, but the hairstyle might not hold as neatly. Using a small amount of product, like pomade or gel, makes a significant difference.
What hair type is best for a mid fade slick back?
It works well with straight or wavy hair, but even curly hair can rock this style with the right product.
Is this haircut good for thin hair?
Absolutely! The fade adds contrast, making thin hair appear thicker and fuller.
How do I explain a mid fade slick back to a barber?
Simply tell them you want your sides faded from the midpoint downward, with the top hair kept longer and combed back neatly.
What’s the main difference between mid fade and high fade slick backs?
The high fade starts higher up near your temples, creating a bolder look. The mid fade is more subtle, starting around the midpoint of your head.
Does a mid fade slick back require high maintenance?
Not at all regular barber visits help, but daily styling is straightforward and quick.