High Temp Fade vs. Low Temp Fade: Understanding the Difference
The temp fade, short for “temple fade” and often called the Brooklyn fade, taper fade, or blowout, is a popular modern haircut offering versatile styling for men. This haircut, originating in the late 90s and early 2000s, was born out of barbershops across New York City, especially in Brooklyn, and quickly gained traction within African American, Italian American, and Hispanic American communities as a bold variation on the bald fade.
The haircut itself features a smooth taper that fades from the scalp to a short length along the temples, with the hairline subtly blending upwards. This unique fade can be worn in high or low versions, each offering a different level of contrast and suiting different personal styles, face shapes, and boldness.
A temp fade, or temple fade, refers to a type of haircut where the fade begins around the temples and gradually tapers down the sides and back of the head. It’s known for creating sharp, clean lines that provide a modern and edgy look, making it a favorite among men who want a well-defined haircut.
The temp fade works well with a variety of hairstyles, from buzz cuts to longer styles on top. The main distinction between temp fades is where the fade starts—whether it’s higher up on the temples (high temp fade) or closer to the ears (low temp fade). Let’s dive into the differences between these two styles.
High Temp Fade
This one begins higher up, around the upper temples, creating a more dramatic contrast between the longer hair on top and the shorter sides. This look gives off a sharper, bolder vibe, making it an ideal choice for men who want to make a statement with their hairstyle. This haircut draws attention to the face and creates a striking silhouette, which is perfect for those who like their haircuts to stand out.
- Best for: Men with round or square face shapes, as the high can add length and structure to the face.
- Styling tips: It pairs well with voluminous or textured styles on top, such as a curly crop, pompadour, or even twists. The contrast between the sharp fade and the fuller top adds dimension to the haircut.
- Why it works: It offers a clean, edgy appearance that is perfect for men who want a haircut that’s bold and eye-catching.
Low Temp Fade
The low temp fade starts closer to the ears and tapers down more gradually. This version of the temp fade is more subtle and less dramatic than the high temp fade, making it ideal for men who prefer a cleaner, understated look. It provides a softer transition from the hair on top to the sides, which can be more appropriate for business or professional environments where you want a neat yet stylish appearance.
- Best for: Men with oval or heart-shaped faces, as the low temp fade helps maintain balance without adding too much height or volume to the face.
- Styling tips: The low version works well with more controlled styles, such as a side part, comb-over, or classic textured top. The softer fade makes it versatile for both casual and formal settings.
- Why it works: It offers a more conservative approach to the temple fade, making it a great choice for men who want a clean look that’s stylish but not too bold.
Key Differences Between High Temp Fade and Low Temp Fade
- Fade Height: The most obvious difference is where the fade starts. The high temp fade starts higher up on the temples, creating a more noticeable contrast, while the low temp fade starts lower, closer to the ears, for a more subtle look.
- Boldness: High temp fades are typically more dramatic, drawing more attention to the fade and making the hairstyle appear edgier. Low temp fades, on the other hand, offer a softer transition and are better suited for more formal or professional environments.
- Face Shape Considerations: High temp fades tend to elongate the face, making them great for men with rounder face shapes. Low temp fades, with their softer transitions, suit men with longer or more angular faces, as they maintain the natural proportions of the face.
- Styling Versatility: While both fades work with a variety of styles, high temp fades are often paired with more textured or voluminous looks on top to create a striking contrast. Low temp fades tend to complement more classic, controlled hairstyles.
Initially inspired by the sharp Shape-Up or edge-up styles popular among hip hop artists and inner-city youth in the 1980s, it soon became a cultural staple in the northeastern U.S., extending to cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, and Detroit.
Today, this haircut remains a global favorite in subcultures and communities worldwide, from hip hop to pop and house music scenes, as well as in countries such as the UK, France, and Spain. Whichever you choose, both temp fades offer a modern, fresh take on men’s grooming and can be adapted to suit a wide range of hairstyles and preferences.