The Temple Fade Haircut: A Comprehensive Guide

With its clean lines and adaptability, the temple fade has become a pivotal feature in contemporary men’s hairstyles. This understated yet sophisticated detail can enhance a wide variety of haircuts, from crops and afros to quiffs and dreadlocks.

Known variously as the “temp fade” or “Brooklyn fade,” this haircut has firmly established its place in barbershop culture. Its structured nature augments softer hairstyles, adds definition to longer cuts, and provides a polished appearance to nearly every hair type and length. Adopting a temple fade signals a level of grooming expertise, whether or not you feel that way inside.

What is a Temple Fade?

A temple fade is defined as a taper hairstyle that gradually decreases in hair length around the temples and sideburns, often extending just behind the ears. Unlike high or skin fades that ascend up the sides of the head, a temple fade maintains precision and neatness, focusing on the lower section of the head.

Executed with skill, this fade achieves a seamless transition from hair to skin, resulting in a sharp finish that outlines the ears and sideburns crisply. A temple fade pairs well with virtually any style on top, whether it’s waves, curls, or a pompadour.

Key Features of the Temple Fade

• Tapering focuses on the temples and sideburn regions.
• Provides clean, well-defined edges.
• Compatible with both short and medium to long hairstyles on top.
• Adds an element of contrast and structural balance to different cuts.

Who is the Temple Fade Suitable For?

The beauty of the temple fade lies in its universal appeal. It suits varying hair textures and face shapes alike, making it an accessible choice for most men.

Face Shapes

• Oval: This shape is generally versatile, suiting nearly all hairstyles.
• Square: The fade accentuates strong jawlines effectively.
• Round: The tight fade provides angularity, enhancing the overall silhouette.
• Diamond/Triangle: Helps maintain balance, especially beneficial with added volume on top.

Hair Types

• Curly: Excellent for maintaining volume and texture.
• Wavy: Offers contrast and movement.
• Straight: Maintains sharp lines, particularly with styles like pompadours or slick-backs.
• Afro-textured: Enhances natural shape and precision, widely favored within black hairstyling.

Six Popular Temple Fade Styles

The Natural Crop Temple Fade

This style is characterized by a tousled top while maintaining sharpness on the sides. It’s a modern twist on the French crop, creating an understated yet confident look. Best suited for those with wavy or curly hair, this style combines texture with a clean fade.

Suggested Approach to Your Barber

Request a natural-looking top with enough length to create a windswept effect, alongside a tight temple fade that isn’t too high.

Styling Tips

Utilize a matte clay or sea salt spray for added texture and dry naturally with fingers.

The Comb Over Temple Fade

A timeless classic, this style features a crisp side part complemented by a sharp temple fade. The contrast between the styled top and the faded sides makes it adaptable, whether for a formal setting or a casual outing.

Best Suitable For

• Hair Type: Straight to wavy.
• Face Shapes: Square, oval, or round.

Discuss with Your Barber

Ask for a defined side part and a clean temple fade that blends smoothly without climbing too high.

Recommended Products

Opt for pomade to achieve hold and a glossy finish, or a root boost powder for additional volume while blow-drying.

The Pompadour Temple Fade

This style combines significant volume on top with the precision of a temple fade, creating a striking yet composed look. Ideal for those wanting to make a strong impression without appearing overly flashy.

Best Suitable For

• Hair Type: Straight or wavy with some thickness.
• Face Shapes: Square, round, or oval.

Request from Your Barber

Inquire about a classic pompadour with length maintained on top, finished with a tight fade around the temples.

Styling Recommendations

Use a high-hold pomade and round brush during blow-drying to achieve volume.

The Afro Temple Fade

This look embraces the natural texture and voluminous shape of afro hair while incorporating sharp lines at the temples. It’s a celebration of individuality through texture and structure.

Best Suitable For

• Hair Type: Afro-textured or coily hair.
• Face Shapes: Oval, square, or round.

Consult with Your Barber

Explain that you want to retain the natural shape with a clean temple fade for definition around the sides.

Styling Advice

Apply curl cream or leave-in conditioner to maintain moisture and curl definition.

The Curly Temple Fade

This combination allows natural curls to shine while keeping the sides neat and structured, resulting in a sharp yet soft appearance.

Best Suitable For

• Hair Type: Curly, coily, or wavy.
• Face Shapes: Oval, round, or triangle.

How to Communicate with Your Barber

Request longer curls on top and a tidy temple fade around the sides for a harmonious look.

Styling Tips

Utilize a curl-defining product and opt for air drying or gentle diffusing for best results.

The Buzz Cut Temple Fade

The buzz cut paired with a temple fade is the epitome of low-maintenance style, yet still exudes a modern flair. This haircut blends military precision with contemporary grooming.

Best Suitable For

• Hair Type: All hair types.
• Face Shapes: Oval, square, or oblong.

What to Ask Your Barber

Ask for a buzz cut with an accompanying temple fade around the ears, ensuring a polished look around the forehead.

Maintenance Suggestions

For waves, brush regularly and use a durag at night. If opting for a typical buzz cut, keep the scalp moisturized and healthy.