What Is a Temple Fade?
A Temple Fade is a modern haircut that tapers closely around the temples and sideburns, creating a sharp, clean finish. Unlike higher fades, it stays lower and more subtle, offering versatility across straight, curly, or textured hair. Originating in the 1980s, the Temple Fade adapts well with afros, waves, pompadours, or buzz cuts, making it a stylish, professional, and highly adaptable choice for men today.
Temple Fade hairstyles offer sharp edges, modern flow, and versatile options. From curls to buzz cuts, these styles highlight clean fades, symmetry, and confidence.
Popular Temple Fade Hairstyles for Men
Comb Over Temple Fade
The Temp Fade Black Men style combines sharp temple fades with textured curls or waves on top, delivering a clean yet bold look. Its crisp edges frame the face while the natural volume adds movement and individuality. Blow-dry with finger-shaping for lift, then apply molding paste to enhance definition and keep the fade balanced with a modern, trend-forward vibe.
Low Temp Fade
The Low Temp Fade blends neatly tapered sides with natural volume on top, creating a clean yet stylish look. This cut frames the hairline at the temples while leaving room for curls, waves, or texture to shine. Blow-dry with finger-shaping for movement, then apply texture powder to add lift and keep the fade sharp with effortless definition.
Mid Temp Fade
The Mid Temp Fade offers a balanced, stylish look by tapering hair around the temples and mid-sides for a clean yet trendy finish. This cut works well with curls, waves, or straight textures, making it versatile for teens and young men. Maintain sharpness by using molding paste for control and definition, keeping the fade fresh and confidence-ready.
High Temp Fade
The High Temp Fade delivers a eye-catching look by tapering closely around the temples and pushing the fade higher for bold contrast. Perfect for teens and young men, it enhances natural curls or texture with clean edges. Style with control spray to keep definition and maintain that fresh confident finish throughout the day.
Temple Fade Curly Hair
The Temple Fade Curly Hair blends natural curls with a sharp fade at the temples, creating a clean yet stylish contrast. Its textured top adds volume and bounce, while the taper keeps edges neat. Blow-dry while finger-shaping for flow, then finish with curl defining cream to enhance curl structure and maintain a soft polished look.
Temple Fade Dreads
The Temple Fade Dreads combine sharp temple fades with free-flowing or tied-back dreads, offering a bold yet clean contrast. This style enhances face shape while keeping edges fresh and modern. Blow-dry to maintain volume, then apply hydrating argan oil to lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and keep dreads smooth with natural shine.
Temple Fade Afro
The Temple Fade Afro blends sharp faded edges with a full textured afro, creating a clean yet stylish contrast. This cut highlights volume and natural curls while keeping the temples neat for a fresh balanced look. Blow-dry with a diffuser to enhance shape, then apply hydrating argan oil to add shine, reduce frizz, and maintain healthy, defined curls.
Temp Fade with Waves
The Temp Fade with Waves combines sharp faded sides with smooth, defined 360 waves for a polished and stylish finish. This haircut highlights precision while keeping the top textured and controlled. To enhance the waves, brush regularly, then apply hydrating argan oil for shine and moisture, ensuring the look stays sleek and fresh.
Bald Temp Fade
The Temp Fade with Waves combines sharp faded sides with smooth, defined 360 waves for a polished and stylish finish. This haircut highlights precision while keeping the top textured and controlled. To enhance the waves, brush regularly, then work in hydrating argan oil for moisture and natural shine.
Short Temple Fade
The Short Temple Fade offers a clean and stylish look with neatly faded temples that sharpen the edges while keeping natural texture on top. This cut balances precision and simplicity, making it perfect for young men who want a fresh, low-maintenance style. Maintain definition and softness by applying hydrating argan oil, ensuring healthy shine and a polished finish every day.
Temp Fade Straight Hair
The Temp Fade Straight Hair combines clean faded sides with smooth, sleek straight hair on top, creating a sharp yet versatile look. This style enhances natural flow while keeping the fade precise and modern. Blow-dry with finger-shaping for movement, then finish with styling cream to add control, softness, and a polished finish that works perfectly for everyday wear.
Temple Fade Mullet
The Temple Fade Mullet blends a sharp temple fade with longer, textured layers at the back for a bold, trendsetting edge. This cut balances clean precision with natural flow, making it perfect for style-conscious teens. Blow-dry while finger-shaping for movement, then finish with molding paste to add definition and control, keeping the mullet sharp yet effortlessly cool.
All Around Temp Fade
The All Around Temp Fade delivers a clean, balanced look with a smooth taper that flows evenly around the head. This style enhances sharp edges while keeping a modern, low-maintenance vibe, perfect for teens and young men. Blow-dry for natural volume, then apply styling cream for lightweight control and definition, making the fade polished yet effortless.
Temple Fade Long Hair
The Temple Fade Long Hair blends sharp faded sides with voluminous length on top, creating a stylish contrast that highlights flow and texture. Perfect for teens and young men, this cut offers movement and versatility. Blow-dry upward for lift, then finish with texture powder to enhance hold and shape, giving the hairstyle a modern trend-forward finish.
Temple Fade Buzz Cut
The Temple Fade Buzz Cut delivers a sharp, clean look with faded temples blending seamlessly into short, uniform length on top. This minimalist style highlights facial structure while keeping maintenance simple. For extra polish, apply molding paste to add slight texture and control.
Temp Fade with Braids
The Temp Fade with Braids blends sharp precision with cultural flair, featuring a clean fade around the temples that enhances tight, defined braids. This look balances edge and sophistication, making it perfect for young men who want individuality and style. Keep braids neat with styling cream for hold and finish with hydrating argan oil to maintain shine and scalp health.
Blowout Temp Fade
The Blowout Temp Fade is a bold, high-volume cut that fuses sharp faded sides with a textured, messy top for maximum impact. This style creates lift and movement, perfect for teens wanting a confident look. Blow-dry for volume, shape with texture powder and lock in the airy, carefree finish using molding paste for flexible hold.
Shadow Temp Fade
The Shadow Temp Fade blends a smooth taper around the temples with fuller texture on top, creating a sharp yet natural contrast. This style is perfect for young men who want a balanced, low-maintenance look with definition. Keep edges crisp with styling cream, while blow-drying and finger-shaping help maintain volume and a clean confident finish.
Temp Fade Haircut White Guy
The Temp Fade Haircut White Guy style delivers a fresh, sharp look with a clean fade around the temples and textured volume on top. This cut highlights natural flow while keeping sides neat and defined. Use texture powder for lift and molding paste for control.
Burst Temp Fade
The Burst Temp Fade blends sharp temple fading with rounded edges behind the ear, creating a stylish burst effect that frames the haircut perfectly. Its clean transition enhances the textured top, giving youthful energy and bold detail. Style with texture powder for lift and molding paste for control, finishing with finger-shaping and blow-drying to keep everything defined and trend-ready.
Taper Temple Fade
The Taper Temple Fade is a stylish cut that blends sharp temple detailing with a gradual fade for a polished yet modern look. This hairstyle keeps the top textured and full while the sides stay neat, making it versatile for any occasion. Use styling cream to add light hold and natural shine, ensuring the fade looks clean and the top stays effortlessly shaped.
Drop Temp Fade
The Drop Temp Fade is a stylish cut where the fade curves naturally behind the ears, creating a clean, contoured shape. Paired with voluminous curls on top, it adds sharp contrast and youthful energy. Blow-dry with finger-shaping for movement and finish with curl defining cream to enhance texture while keeping the fade crisp and the curls soft yet controlled.
Temp Fade Mohawk
The Temp Fade Mohawk blends edgy character with modern sharpness, featuring a clean fade around the temples that flows into a bold mohawk strip. Its textured top adds volume and movement, making it a fearless choice for teens seeking standout style. Style with molding paste for controlled definition.
Temp Fade Asian
The Temp Fade Asian is a stylish haircut that blends clean faded sides with a textured layered top for sharp definition and effortless movement. This look enhances natural hair flow while framing the face with balanced precision. Style by blow-drying with finger-shaping, then apply texture powder for lift and molding paste for control, creating a versatile finish perfect for modern teens.
Skin Temp Fade
The Skin Temp Fade is a bold haircut that blends sharp, clean fades at the temples with natural volume on top, creating strong contrast and definition. This look highlights facial structure while keeping hair fresh and modern. Style by blow-drying with finger-shaping, add texture powder for lift, and finish with styling cream for a smooth flexible hold that lasts all day.
Temple Fade vs Taper Fade: Key Differences
The Temple Fade and Taper Fade are two standout styles that bring sharpness and versatility to modern haircuts. A Temple Fade highlights the temples with clean edges, while a Taper Fade softens the look with gradual blending down the neckline. Both enhance natural texture and movement.
How to Choose the Right Temple Fade
Choosing the right Temple Fade depends on hair type and face shape. Matching these ensures balance, sharp detail, and a modern, flattering haircut that enhances features.
By Hair Type
A Temple Fade adapts well to straight, curly, wavy, fine, or Afro-textured hair. The fade highlights natural texture, creating sharp contrast and style.
By Face Shape
A Temple Fade suits oval, round, square, heart, and diamond-shaped faces. Adjusting fade height balances proportions, sharpens angles, or adds length to the look. This versatility ensures the haircut complements features, enhances symmetry, and creates a flattering, modern result for any face shape.
How to Ask Your Barber for a Temple Fade
Asking for a Temple Fade requires clear communication. Use simple words, bring photo examples, and specify fade height to ensure your barber delivers precise, stylish results.
Use Clear Words
Use clear words when asking for a Temple Fade. Specify the top length, temple fade placement, and hairline details so your barber understands exactly how you want the haircut shaped and finished.
Show a Reference Photo
Show a reference photo to make your Temple Fade request clear. Bring images from multiple angles, choose examples that match your hair type, and point out features you want, ensuring your barber delivers the exact style.
Talk About Fade Height
Discuss fade height with your barber to personalize your Temple Fade. Explain whether you want a low, mid, or skin fade, and point directly to the desired placement for accuracy and style consistency.
How to Style a Temple Fade
Styling a Temple Fade requires proper prep, pre-styler, blow-drying, and finishing products. These steps ensure sharp structure, clean edges, balanced volume, and long-lasting, modern results.
Wash and Prep Hair
Wash and prep hair to build the foundation for a clean Temple Fade. Cleanse with shampoo, moisturize with conditioner, and gently towel-dry to remove excess water. This keeps hair healthy, manageable, and ready for styling with lasting sharpness.
Apply Pre-Styler
Apply sea salt spray before styling a Temple Fade to add volume, control, and heat protection. Prepare hair for blow-drying, helping create definition while keeping strands safe and easy to style.
Blow-Dry for Shape
Blow-dry your Temple Fade haircut to shape and enhance style. Use a round brush to lift roots, a diffuser to define curls, or direct airflow for polished volume, ensuring the cut looks balanced, clean, and sharp.
Finish with Product
Finish a Temple Fade with the right styling product for hold and definition. Texture clay adds texture, pomade gives shine, curl cream enhances waves, and powders boost volume, keeping the haircut sharp, stylish, and long-lasting.
How to Maintain a Temple Fade
Maintaining a Temple Fade requires regular barber visits, daily care, and scalp health. These steps keep edges sharp, hair healthy, and the style fresh, balanced, and long-lasting.
Regular Barber Visits
Regular barber visits are essential for maintaining a Temple Fade. Schedule trims every 2-3 weeks to keep edges sharp and balanced. Quick touch-ups between cuts restore definition, while consistency with a skilled barber ensures your fade stays clean, professional, and always well-groomed.
Daily Hair Routine
A proper daily routine keeps a Temple Fade fresh and stylish. Wash and condition regularly, apply light styling products for control, and brush to distribute oils. Protect hair at night with a silk pillowcase or cap to reduce frizz, keeping the fade neat, defined, and long-lasting.
Hair & Scalp Care
Proper hair and scalp care protect the look of a Temple Fade. Use hydrating, sulfate-free products, apply argan oil for smoothness, and moisturize faded areas. Shield hair from sun or humidity, and maintain the hairline for a polished, healthy fade with lasting definition.
Best Hair Products for Temple Fade Styles
The right products keep Temple Fade hairstyles sharp, defined, and healthy. From clay to conditioner, these essentials boost hold, volume, texture, and long-lasting style.
Texture Clay
Texture clay gives Temple Fade haircuts strong hold and matte definition. It builds texture, keeps layers sharp and enhances volume without weighing hair down.
Molding Paste
Molding paste adds natural volume and flexible control, making temple fade styles easy to shape, restyle, and maintain throughout the day with lasting structure.
Pomade
Pomade delivers shine and smooth control for temple fade hairstyles. It creates sleek polished definition, perfect for formal or professional looks with lasting hold.
Sea Salt Spray
Sea salt spray enhances natural texture and volume, giving temple fade a relaxed, casual finish with effortless flow and light, reworkable hold.
Texture Powder
Texture powder instantly lifts roots, boosts thickness, and adds matte volume, helping temple fade hairstyles look fuller structured and easy to style daily.
Hydrating Argan Oil
Hydrating argan oil nourishes temple fade hair, adds shine, and reduces frizz. It protects strands while keeping the style smooth, soft, and healthy.
Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoo deeply cleanses temple fade haircuts, removing product buildup and refreshing the scalp, leaving hair light, clean, and ready for easy styling.
Hydrating Conditioner
Hydrating conditioner restores softness, moisture, and smooth texture in temple fade styles, preventing dryness while keeping hair manageable, strong, and healthy-looking.
FAQs about Temple Fade
What is a temple fade?
A temple fade is a men’s haircut where the fade starts at the temples, creating sharp, clean edges that blend into the sides and neckline.
Who does the temple fade suit?
The temple fade suits men with oval, square, or round face shapes, offering sharp definition and modern style that complements casual and professional looks.
What does a temp fade look like?
A temp fade features a clean fade around the temples, blending seamlessly into the sides, giving sharp edges, fresh lines, and balanced contrast with the top.
What’s the difference between a temp fade and a taper fade?
A temp fade focuses on fading around the temples, while a taper fade gradually shortens hair along the sides and neckline for a softer look.
What face shape suits a temple fade?
A temple fade suits oval, square, and heart-shaped faces best, as it sharpens edges, frames features, and adds definition while balancing proportions naturally.
Is a temple fade and taper the same?
No, a temple fade focuses on fading near the temples, while a taper gradually reduces length along the sides and back for a softer blend.
How do you ask your barber for a temple fade?
Ask your barber for a temple fade by specifying fade height at the temples, clean edges, and showing a reference photo for clarity.
Should I get a temple fade?
Get a temple fade if you want a stylish haircut that adds sharpness, works with many styles, and flatters most face shapes.
What is a low temple fade haircut?
A low temple fade starts fading slightly lower near the temples, creating a subtle, natural transition that’s less bold but still sharp and stylish.