How to Do a Mid Fade

The mid fade is the most balanced haircut in the barbershop — starts at the temples, works up from skin, suits almost every face shape. It is also the most forgiving fade to learn because the blend zone is large and clearly visible. Here is the full technique.

TechniqueFadesMid Fade

By BarberSupplyHub · Updated March 2026

Where Does a Mid Fade Start?

A mid fade starts at the midpoint of the sides — roughly level with the top of the ear and the temples. This puts the fade zone between a low fade (just above the ear) and a high fade (at or above the temples). The extra width of the blend zone makes it forgiving to blend compared to high fades.

Cutting the Mid Fade

1
Mark the fade height at the temples
Use your comb to mark the mid-point of the sides. This is where the skin line begins. A horizontal line through the center of the temporal area.
2
Establish the skin line with a balding clipper
From the neckline up to just below the marked fade height, cut to skin. This anchors the bottom of your fade.
3
Blend #0.5 / #1 into the skin line
Work the #1 or open-lever with short scooping strokes just above the skin line, creating the first blend transition.
4
Step up through guard sizes
Progress #1.5, #2, #2.5, #3 — each guard overlaps the previous by half in the blend zone. The mid-fade gives you more room to work with than a low fade.
5
Connect to the top length
Blend your last guard size into the desired top length. For disconnected styles, leave a sharp line. For blended looks, use a comb-over technique to soften the top-to-side transition.
6
Clean the temple corners
The temples require extra attention on mid fades — the corner of the fade line must be crisp. Use your T-outliner to sharpen any fuzzy edges at the temple.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the difference between a mid fade and a high fade?

A mid fade starts at the temples (mid-point of the sides). A high fade starts above the temples, closer to the parietal ridge. High fades create more dramatic contrast; mid fades are more balanced and versatile.

Is a mid fade good for beginners?

Yes. The mid fade has a large blend zone which is more forgiving than a tight low fade or a dramatic high fade. It is a good starting fade for barbers still building their blending technique.

What guard do you use for a mid fade?

Standard progression: skin at the bottom, then blend through #1, #1.5, #2, #3 up to the desired side length. The exact progression depends on the desired contrast — tighter contrast means fewer guard steps, softer contrast means more.