High Top Fade Hairstyles:
48 Best Styles 2026

About This Style

The classic version keeps the top around two to three inches and cut flat across the crown for a squared, boxy silhouette, with a tight skin fade blending into the sides. It flatters oval and oblong faces because the height and flat edge balance a longer jawline without adding extra width. Upkeep stays simple since only the fade needs a refresh every couple of weeks.

How to Style at Home

1. Towel-dry the hair until it is damp rather than dripping wet.
2. Work a coin-sized amount of Matte Clay through the top section only.
3. Mist Sea Salt Spray at the roots, then comb the top flat and square.

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About This Style

This 2026 update softens the boxy edges of the original into a slightly rounded, tapered top with more movement through the crown, paired with a mid skin fade. It suits square jaws and athletic builds well, since the softer top takes some of the hard angle off a strong jawline. Regular gym sessions mean the fade needs a touch-up every two to three weeks to stay sharp.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Pomade to towel-dried hair before any heat styling.
2. Blow-dry the crown upward with a Round Brush to build height.
3. Set the shape with cool air once the desired lift is reached.
4. Comb the sides flat against the fade for a clean finish.

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About This Style

Choppy, razored ends replace the smooth top of the original, giving the hair a matte, piecey finish that catches light differently at every angle. The broken texture reads as taller and slimmer, which is why it works so well for round faces looking for extra elongation. Because the ends are already disconnected, regrowth blends in gradually instead of looking overgrown right away.

How to Style at Home

1. Rub Matte Clay between the palms before touching the hair.
2. Pinch small sections upward to create separated, textured points.
3. Finish with Texture Powder at the roots for added grip and volume.

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About This Style

Instead of a hard shaved line, the sides taper gradually into the top with no visible fade break, giving a softer, low-contrast finish. Diamond faces with prominent cheekbones benefit from the gentle transition because it does not add extra width at the temples. The style is very low maintenance and can go a full month between trims without losing its shape.

How to Style at Home

1. Smooth a small amount of Argan Oil through dry hair.
2. Comb the top back gently to keep the taper looking neat.
3. Avoid heavy product buildup so the natural taper stays soft.

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About This Style

This version leans on a deep, dramatic fade that drops low near the ear while the top stays full and rounded above it. The contrast pulls the eye upward and inward, which softens a heart-shaped face by balancing a wider forehead against a narrower chin. Because curl pattern is common with this look, a diffuser keeps definition without frizz between trims every four to six weeks.

How to Style at Home

1. Scrunch Curl Cream through damp hair from the ends upward.
2. Dry with a Diffuser on low heat to protect the curl pattern.
3. Avoid touching the hair again until it is fully dry.

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About This Style

The 2026 take on this cut favors natural fall over rigid styling, letting the top settle with soft, lived-in movement instead of a stiff, sprayed shape. That relaxed width across the crown helps long faces gain horizontal balance without looking forced. It is a low-fuss option since a quick refresh every two weeks keeps the fade sharp while the top needs almost no daily effort.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Thickening Spray to damp roots before any drying.
2. Blow-dry with a Round Brush lifting straight up, not to one side.
3. Let the top fall naturally once it is mostly dry.

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About This Style

A true skin fade takes the sides down to bare skin at the base, creating the sharpest possible contrast against the height on top. That crisp line works well with thicker hair, since the density on top reads even bolder against the bare sides. It needs attention every two to three weeks because thicker hair grows out visibly faster along the fade line than finer types.

How to Style at Home

1. Work Pomade through the top section for hold and shine.
2. Comb the top upward and slightly forward for structure.
3. Mist Sea Salt Spray lightly to add texture without weighing hair down.

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About This Style

Keeping the fade low, starting just above the ear, leaves more length on the sides for a fuller overall silhouette than a high or mid fade would give. That extra visual bulk is useful for fine hair, since the low fade line reads as denser than a higher one would on thinner strands. The gentler transition also means less frequent trims, roughly every three to four weeks.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Texture Clay sparingly since fine hair weighs down easily.
2. Layer a small amount of Matte Clay only at the roots.
3. Comb the top forward and slightly up for extra fullness.

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About This Style

Sitting between a low and high fade, this version starts around the temple and gives balanced contrast that is not too subtle and not too dramatic. It works naturally with 3A to 3C curl patterns because the fade line does not compete with the curl definition on top. Curly hair also grows slower along the sides, so this shape holds its line for close to a month.

How to Style at Home

1. Rub Pomade between damp palms before touching the curls.
2. Scrunch curls upward gently without pulling them straight.
3. Let curls air dry to keep their natural pattern intact.

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About This Style

The fade starts high, close to the crown, leaving a smaller island of length on top and the most exposed skin of any fade height on this list. Coily 4A to 4C hair holds this shape especially well since the density on top stays visible even with less surface area. Coily textures also resist the fade line growing out too fast, so trims can space out to five or six weeks.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Sea Salt Spray to damp coils for defined texture.
2. Pat the top gently with a towel rather than rubbing.
3. Finish with a small amount of Thickening Powder at the roots.

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About This Style

A drop fade curves downward behind the ear instead of staying level, which adds a rounder, more dynamic line to the back of the head. Straight Asian and East Asian hair, which tends to sit close and flat, shows this curved line especially clearly against the top. Because straight hair holds a fade cleanly, the shape stays crisp for about two weeks before it needs a refresh.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Matte Clay to dry hair for a natural, non-shiny finish.
2. Comb the top flat first, then lift the front slightly.
3. Set with a light mist of Sea Salt Spray for texture.

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About This Style

Instead of running in a straight line, a burst fade curves around the ear in a half-circle, which softens the transition on wavy hair types common in Latino and Mediterranean hair. The curved contrast plays well with natural wave movement on top rather than fighting it. Waves also hold shape longer than straight hair, so this style needs attention roughly every two to three weeks.

How to Style at Home

1. Scrunch Pomade through damp waves to encourage natural pattern.
2. Diffuse or air dry rather than brushing waves flat.
3. Use a Round Brush only on the front section for lift.

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About This Style

A visible gap separates the length on top from the faded sides, with no gradual blend between them, giving a bold, deliberate contrast. Salt-and-pepper hair shows this disconnect especially well, since the color change between gray and darker strands mirrors the sharp line of the cut itself. The style is fairly low upkeep, needing a trim only every three to four weeks to keep the gap crisp.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Matte Clay evenly across the disconnected top section.
2. Comb the top back away from the disconnection line.
3. Add Texture Powder at the crown for extra separation.

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About This Style

Natural curls are left untouched on top, simply shaped into a rounded silhouette, while the sides are cut close to keep the focus on the curl pattern itself. This works particularly well for thinning crowns because curls add visual volume and camouflage where density has started to fade. Since curls need minimal daily work, this is one of the lowest maintenance cuts, needing a trim only about once a month.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Argan Oil to damp curls to reduce frizz.
2. Scrunch gently upward without disturbing the curl clumps.
3. Leave hair to air dry undisturbed for full definition.

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About This Style

The top is cut with enough length for natural waves to show their movement, while the sides stay tapered rather than shaved bare. This softer approach suits receding hairlines because the wave pattern breaks up the hairline instead of drawing a hard line around it. Waves also take a diffuser well, keeping the pattern defined without frizz between trims every four to six weeks.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Curl Cream to damp hair, focusing on the front.
2. Dry with a Diffuser on low heat near the hairline.
3. Avoid combing once dry so the wave pattern stays intact.

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About This Style

Straight, blow-dried hair is pushed upward and held flat across the top for a sleek, structured finish that contrasts cleanly with a tight fade. This crisp shape holds up well for active gym-goers, since straight hair sheds sweat and moisture more predictably than curl or wave patterns during workouts. A trim every two weeks keeps the fade line sharp against that daily activity.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Thickening Spray to damp roots before drying.
2. Blow-dry upward with a Round Brush to build straight height.
3. Cool the hair with the dryer's cold setting to lock shape.
4. Touch up flyaways with a comb rather than more product.

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About This Style

Dense 4C coils are shaped into a rounded top that holds its height without any need for straightening, paired with a fade that keeps the sides professional. That combination of structure and low upkeep suits office professionals who need a polished look that survives a full workday. A refresh every two to three weeks keeps the fade neat against workplace grooming standards.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Pomade to damp coils for definition and hold.
2. Pat the top into a rounded shape, do not comb through.
3. Mist Sea Salt Spray lightly if the coils feel dry midweek.

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About This Style

Heavier layering through the top removes bulk from thick hair so it sits in a defined shape instead of ballooning outward, balanced by a fade that keeps the sides light. This tailored approach suits creatives and freelancers who want a distinct, considered look rather than a standard office cut. Because thick hair grows fast, trims every three to four weeks keep the shape from getting heavy again.

How to Style at Home

1. Work Texture Clay through mid-lengths to separate thick sections.
2. Comb the top loosely to avoid a solid, heavy block.
3. Finish edges with a touch of Matte Clay for definition.

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About This Style

Shorter length on top compensates for fine strands that cannot hold height on their own, giving the illusion of more density through a clean, close silhouette. This low-effort shape suits students and Gen Z schedules that do not always allow for daily styling routines. Fine hair also grows slowly enough that a month between trims is usually plenty to keep the fade sharp.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply a light layer of Pomade, less is more on fine hair.
2. Comb the top straight up rather than to one side.
3. Skip heavy sprays that can weigh fine strands flat.

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About This Style

A defined part line is cut or combed into one side of the top, giving a slightly more grown-up, deliberate structure than a straight-up silhouette. This polished detail suits millennials in their thirties who want something sharper than a purely casual cut. The part needs light upkeep, and the fade underneath should be refreshed every four to six weeks to keep the line crisp.

How to Style at Home

1. Comb the part in with a fine-tooth comb while damp.
2. Apply Sea Salt Spray along the part for texture and hold.
3. Set with Thickening Powder at the root for lasting separation.

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About This Style

A razor line is shaved directly into the side part, turning a soft styling choice into a permanent, graphic detail that stays crisp between cuts. Men over forty often prefer this defined edge because it adds structure that a fine-tooth comb alone cannot replicate as hair texture changes with age. The hard line needs refreshing every two weeks alongside the fade to stay sharp.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Matte Clay to the top before combing the part.
2. Comb hair away from the shaved line to keep it visible.
3. Mist Sea Salt Spray for texture without hiding the hard line.

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About This Style

The top is parted straight down the center and combed outward on both sides, a symmetrical look that has become popular again with teenagers and young adults. It pairs naturally with a taper or fade since the focus stays on the top's even split rather than the sides. Because younger hair often grows fast, this style benefits from a fade touch-up every two to three weeks.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Pomade to damp hair before parting down the center.
2. Comb each side outward evenly using a Round Brush.
3. Blow-dry briefly on low heat to set the part in place.

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About This Style

All the length on top is combed straight back with a strong hold product, creating a sleek, polished line that contrasts against a tapered or faded side. Oval and oblong faces suit this pulled-back shape well because it keeps focus on the forehead without adding extra height. The slicked finish needs daily restyling but only needs a fade trim every three to four weeks.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Matte Clay generously through damp hair before combing.
2. Comb straight back firmly using a fine-tooth comb.
3. Smooth flyaways with a Texture Powder for a controlled matte finish.

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About This Style

Soft, airy fringe is left long enough to fall forward over the forehead, a lighter and more tousled take on the high top popularized by Korean idol styling. The relaxed fringe suits square jaws and athletic builds by softening a strong lower face with movement up top. It is very low maintenance, since the tousled finish is meant to look a little undone between trims.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply a light coat of Argan Oil to damp hair.
2. Scrunch the fringe forward rather than combing it back.
3. Leave hair to air dry for a naturally tousled finish.

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About This Style

Layered, feathered ends replace a blunt top edge, giving a lighter, rounder silhouette that has become closely associated with contemporary Korean menswear styling. The soft layering flatters round faces looking for elongation, since the feathered pieces draw the eye vertically rather than adding width. A diffuser keeps the layers defined without frizz, and trims every four to six weeks maintain the shape.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Curl Cream to damp layers for definition.
2. Dry with a Diffuser held below the hair, not directly at it.
3. Avoid brushing once dry to keep the feathered pieces separated.

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About This Style

This version pairs a sharply lined-up hairline and clean edges with a high, textured top, a combination closely tied to Latino barbering traditions. Diamond faces with prominent cheekbones benefit from the sharp framing since crisp lines draw attention away from angular cheekbones. Because the lineup is the star of the look, it needs refreshing every two weeks to stay razor sharp.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Thickening Spray to the roots before drying.
2. Blow-dry upward with a Round Brush to add lift at the crown.
3. Have the hairline lined up separately for the sharpest edge.
4. Finish with a light touch of product to avoid flattening the line.

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About This Style

This variation keeps the top rounded and full with a tight fade beneath it, a shape long associated with Black barbershop culture and still one of its most requested silhouettes. Heart-shaped faces balancing a wider forehead against a narrower chin suit the rounded top especially well. A trim every two to three weeks keeps the fade line as sharp as the shape on top.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Pomade through the top for shine and hold.
2. Pat and shape the top into a full, rounded dome.
3. Mist Sea Salt Spray lightly to keep texture without flattening height.

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About This Style

Straight, dense hair is layered on top to reduce bulk while a fade handles the sides, a combination well suited to the thicker, straighter hair common in many Asian hair types. The layering helps long faces gain horizontal width since the hair sits outward rather than lying flat and narrow. Straight hair holds a fade shape cleanly, so trims every three to four weeks are usually enough.

How to Style at Home

1. Work Texture Clay through damp hair to reduce bulk.
2. Comb the top outward slightly rather than straight up.
3. Finish with Matte Clay at the ends for definition.

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About This Style

A shorter, low-maintenance version of the high top trades dramatic height for an easy, tidy shape that suits thicker hair with visible density. It works well for older men who want a modern edge without daily styling demands. Because it is kept simple, this cut can stretch to a full month between trims while still looking neat.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply a small amount of Pomade to dry hair.
2. Comb the top gently into place without excess pulling.
3. Skip additional styling once the shape looks even.

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About This Style

A conservative, closely trimmed top pairs with a subtle fade for a shape that reads professional in any boardroom while still nodding to current trends. Fine hair benefits from the shorter length since it avoids the flat, thin look longer fine hair can develop by midday. A trim every four to six weeks keeps this understated style office-appropriate throughout.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply a light amount of Sea Salt Spray for texture.
2. Comb the top neatly to one side or straight back.
3. Finish with Thickening Powder at the roots for subtle lift.

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About This Style

This relaxed take skips precise lines in favor of a loose, natural top that pairs with a soft fade for easy everyday wear. It works especially well with 3A to 3C curl patterns, letting natural curl definition do most of the styling work. Because curls grow slowly along the sides, this easygoing shape holds its line for close to a month.

How to Style at Home

1. Rub Matte Clay between damp palms before scrunching curls.
2. Scrunch upward gently to encourage natural curl clumping.
3. Let curls air dry rather than styling with heat.

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About This Style

Sharp, angular lines are cut into the top and paired with a high-contrast fade for a bold, statement-making silhouette. Coily 4A to 4C hair holds these graphic shapes particularly well since the dense curl pattern keeps the lines crisp even as it grows. A touch-up every two to three weeks is needed to keep the sharp angles from softening.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Pomade to defined coils for hold and shine.
2. Shape the top into sharp angles rather than a soft dome.
3. Mist Sea Salt Spray to keep coils textured without collapsing lines.

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About This Style

Maximum height and a stark, high-contrast fade make this the most dramatic version of the high top on offer, built for hair that holds curl pattern strongly. Straight Asian and East Asian hair actually needs extra product here since straight strands do not hold height as naturally as curl or coil textures. A trim every three to four weeks keeps the tall shape from growing lopsided.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Matte Clay generously through damp hair before drying.
2. Blow-dry the top straight upward for maximum height.
3. Set with Texture Powder to lock the height in place.

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About This Style

This pairing keeps the fade and top simple so the cut does not compete visually with a full beard, letting the two elements balance rather than clash. It suits wavy Latino and Mediterranean hair types well, since the natural wave pattern already provides enough texture without extra styling. The low-maintenance shape needs a trim only about once a month.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Argan Oil to both the hair and beard for consistency.
2. Comb the top gently to keep it in line with the beard.
3. Avoid heavy styling products that can look mismatched against facial hair.

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About This Style

Without a beard to balance, the top and fade take on more visual weight, so this version leans on a rounder, fuller silhouette suited to salt-and-pepper mature hair. The extra structure on top compensates for the bare jawline, keeping the overall look proportioned. A trim every four to six weeks maintains the fuller shape without it thinning out unevenly.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Curl Cream to damp hair for a rounded finish.
2. Dry with a Diffuser to preserve natural volume and pattern.
3. Avoid over-combing so the fuller shape stays intact.

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About This Style

Designed to work alongside a well-groomed beard, this cut keeps the top slightly rounded and the fade moderate so the two shapes flow into one another at the jawline. It is a useful option for thinning crowns since the added roundness on top helps disguise lower density. A trim every two weeks keeps both the fade and beard line looking freshly maintained together.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Thickening Spray to the crown before drying.
2. Blow-dry with a Round Brush focused on the thinning area.
3. Have the fade and beard line blended together, not cut separately.
4. Finish with a light Pomade to add subtle shine.

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About This Style

Height is prioritized over width in this version, with the top built straight up rather than out, specifically to elongate a round face. It suits office professionals who want the corrective benefit of added height without an overly dramatic silhouette. A trim every two to three weeks keeps the vertical lines crisp against a naturally soft face shape.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Pomade to damp roots before blow-drying upward.
2. Blow-dry straight up with a Round Brush, not to the side.
3. Set with a cool air blast to hold the vertical shape.

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About This Style

Because oval faces are naturally balanced, this version keeps proportions even rather than exaggerating height or width, favoring a moderate top with a clean fade. It suits active gym-goers who need a shape that holds up through sweat without needing constant readjustment. A trim every three to four weeks is enough since the cut is not chasing a dramatic corrective effect.

How to Style at Home

1. Work Texture Clay through damp hair for a light hold.
2. Comb the top into a natural, moderate shape.
3. Avoid heavy products that can feel sticky after workouts.

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About This Style

Softer, rounded edges on top take some of the hard angle off a square jaw, avoiding the extra sharpness a flat-top or heavily lined shape would add. This makes it a comfortable choice for office professionals who want polish without looking overly severe. A low-maintenance trim every four weeks keeps the softened silhouette in place.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply a small amount of Pomade to dry hair.
2. Comb the top into a rounded rather than flat shape.
3. Avoid sharp lines around the hairline for a softer overall look.

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About This Style

Extra fullness is built into the lower sides of the fade to add visual width near the jaw, balancing a heart-shaped face where the forehead is wider than the chin. It suits creatives and freelancers who appreciate a shape with a bit more personality than a standard corporate cut. A trim every four to six weeks keeps the added width looking intentional rather than uneven.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Sea Salt Spray to add texture along the sides.
2. Comb the lower sides outward slightly for extra width.
3. Finish with Thickening Powder to keep volume near the jaw.

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About This Style

Reducing height and adding width across the top helps break up a long face, so this version favors a broader, flatter silhouette over a tall one. It appeals to students and Gen Z looking for a current shape without an aggressive corrective look. Because it is kept shorter overall, trims every two weeks are needed to maintain the flatter profile.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Matte Clay through damp hair before combing flat.
2. Comb the top sideways rather than straight up for width.
3. Mist Sea Salt Spray lightly to add texture without lifting height.

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About This Style

A side part adds width at the forehead while the fade keeps the cheekbone area clean, a combination built to balance the narrower forehead and chin of a diamond-shaped face. It suits millennials in their thirties looking for a slightly more refined take on the classic high top. A trim every two to three weeks keeps the part crisp alongside the fade.

How to Style at Home

1. Comb a clean part into damp hair before drying.
2. Apply Pomade along the part line for definition.
3. Blow-dry with a Round Brush to set width at the crown.

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About This Style

The fade is brought in close to a receding hairline to blur the transition, while the top is kept textured and slightly disconnected to draw attention upward rather than at the front. This is a common request from men over forty managing changing hair patterns. A trim every three to four weeks keeps the disconnect looking deliberate rather than patchy.

How to Style at Home

1. Rub Matte Clay between the palms before touching the top.
2. Pinch small sections upward to create textured, disconnected points.
3. Finish with Texture Powder to keep focus off the hairline.

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About This Style

A razor is used instead of clippers to soften the top's edges into feathered, slightly irregular lines rather than a crisp, uniform finish. Teenagers and young adults often prefer this less rigid texture since it looks intentional even without daily restyling. Very low maintenance overall, this shape can go a full month before it needs attention again.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply a light coat of Argan Oil to dry hair.
2. Tousle the top gently with fingers rather than combing straight.
3. Leave the razored edges loose for a natural, undone look.

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About This Style

Scissors replace clippers on top entirely, producing softer, more graduated length than a machine cut can achieve, paired with a fade for contrast at the sides. Oval and oblong faces suit this gentler texture since it avoids adding sharp geometric lines to an already balanced shape. A trim every four to six weeks maintains the softer edges before they grow shaggy.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Curl Cream to damp hair for natural softness.
2. Dry with a Diffuser to preserve the scissor-cut texture.
3. Avoid combing too firmly, which can flatten the soft layers.

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About This Style

Extra root lift through the front and crown gives this version noticeably more height than a standard high top, built for hair with the density to hold the shape upright. It suits square jaws and athletic builds looking for a more commanding, structured silhouette. A trim every two weeks keeps the fade line matching the added height on top.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Thickening Spray to the roots on damp hair.
2. Blow-dry straight up with a Round Brush for maximum lift.
3. Cool-set the style once full height is reached.
4. Touch up flat spots midday with fingers, not more product.

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About This Style

Rather than combing upward, the top is directed forward toward the forehead, giving a rounder, softer profile than the typical vertical high top. This forward direction works well for round faces, since it keeps the silhouette from adding unwanted height on an already full face shape. A trim every two to three weeks keeps the forward shape from flopping out of place.

How to Style at Home

1. Apply Pomade to damp hair before combing forward.
2. Comb the top toward the forehead rather than straight up.
3. Mist Sea Salt Spray for hold without adding extra height.

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About This Style

The top is combed backward off the forehead rather than lifted vertically, creating a sleek, forward-moving silhouette that flatters diamond faces with prominent cheekbones by drawing attention away from the cheek area. It is a low-key alternative to the classic upright high top. A trim every three to four weeks keeps the pushed-back shape from losing its clean line.

How to Style at Home

1. Work Texture Clay through damp hair before combing back.
2. Comb the top backward off the forehead in one motion.
3. Finish with Matte Clay to hold the pushed-back shape in place.

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