The comb over fade is a classic hairstyle, worn by Hollywood royalty and icons. Made popular in the 1920s, this hairstyle isn’t going away any time soon. No longer seen on only the vintage lovers, the comb over has made a comeback as a modern and suave hair choice. Adding a modern twist such as a fade revamps the vintage cut, creating a stylish and edgy option for any modern man. A comb over and fade is the perfect style for people of any hair length and thickness, so why not give it a go? Here is a list of the best comb over fade hairstyles for the modern man.
RELATED: 15 Perfect Comb Over Hairstyles for Men
1. Comb Over + High Fade
Ideal for men with short hair, this high fade and short hair combo is a classic and handsome choice. Begin with a hard part, and comb over the length of your hair to one side. If you have a cowlick, you can tame it by smoothing the rogue hairs in the direction it naturally follows. Don’t be afraid to add some texture with a pomade, giving your hair extra oomph and volume. This hairstyle is a great choice for those in an office environment, but it’s edgy enough for you to rock at a bar or club.
2. Comb Over + Mid Fade
Finding the perfect balance between the high fade and low fade, the mid fade begins halfway up your neck. Like the taper, the mid fade offers a gradient of hair, leading to the long hair on top. For a low-maintenance style, keep the length short on top and use gel to style it in place. If you’re looking for something with a bit more work, you can grow it out, add texture with pomade and add a hard part for a vintage edge.
3. Comb Over + Low Fade
Unlike the high fade, the low fade begins lower to the ears. A rebellious contrast to the gentleman’s hairstyle, the low fade is a classic choice for the office but edgy enough for a night out on the town. If you have medium length hair or longer, switch things up by styling your hair into a pompadour, slick back, or leaving it as a classic comb over.
4. Comb Over + Taper Fade
Keep the fade smooth all the way down to your neck by tapering it. A taper fade is a bit longer than a traditional fade and is a great alternative if you’re trying to switch things up a bit. To achieve a tapered fade, step away from the clippers and focus on scissors. Finish the look by combing your hair over to one side with the help of gel or pomade, to keep it locked in place all day.
5. Comb Over + Skin Fade
Long on top and shaved at the sides, the skin fade is a hairstyle that is best suited for those in a professional environment. Also known as short, back and sides, this fade is a classic that can easily have a daring twist to it, such as a long comb over. You don’t have to go overboard with the styling product to achieve this look; some medium hold gel or pomade is all you need. Edgy, fresh, and casual, the skin fade comb over is a perfect combo for those who want to mix up their look.
6. Comb Over Fade + Long Hair
Versatile and classic, this long comb over hairstyle is a popular choice. For those with medium to long hair, don’t be afraid to spice things up with different variations of fade lengths. For an edgy look, try a skin fade or razor fade; it adds a sense of rebellion to an otherwise classic hairstyle approach. For a beachy, casual style, a taper fade is a sure-fire way to get attention and keep it stylish. Side swept hair can be tamed with a light hold gel or pomade, for a matte finish; don’t be afraid to add some texture with a clay.
7. Comb Over Fade + Line Up
Sexy and stylish, this hairstyle has made a name for itself in the suave department. Popular for a reason, the comb over fade with a line up is a statement in itself. Characterized by the sleek side-swept style and a mid fade, you can achieve this with a hard part and some serious gel. If you have curly or thick hair, be sure to use strong hold styling products. For those with thin or fine hair, it’s recommended that you stick to something that thickens the strands.
8. Short Comb Over + Razer Fade
Perfect for young men in school or uni, this classic hairstyle is a blend of vintage style with a modern, fresh twist. Keep the hair on the sides ultra short with a high razor fade, leaving a skin-close finish down the back of the head and neck. Leaving it short on top, you can comb over the hair to one side. Use gel to keep it in place, making it look neat and tidy.
9. Comb Over Fade + Hard Part
Perfect for the office, this haircut combines classic style with a modern edge. A fade is a timeless and traditional cut, with any length combed over to one side. The hard part creates a modern, edgy appeal to your hair; it’s the perfect blend of two eras in the one cut. Gel is a good option for those who wish to achieve a traditional hairstyle, whereas a pomade is better suited to those who prefer volume and texture.
10. Comb Over + Bald Fade and Line Up
Turn heads for all the right reasons with this edgy haircut. A combination of bald fade and textured combover is a contrast in style, but when blended with a hard part and line up, it’s perfection. Change things up by placing the line across the parameter of your head, rather than as a traditional part. To create a voluminous and textured comb over, use a strong hold mousse. This cut is great for school, uni, and work.
11. Comb Over Mid Fade + Side Part
Traditional and stylish, this haircut is a classic for a reason. A mid fade is a timeless fade length for those in a professional setting or at school. Combined with a textured comb over and side part, and you have yourself the perfect haircut. To achieve a textured comb over, apply some dry shampoo for volume and piece the ends of your hair with a matte pomade.
12. Comb Over + Low Bald Fade
A short, slick comb over is a great way to keep your hair looking neat and tidy. Paired with a low bald fade this haircut is ideal for men in construction or in the office. This haircut has proven to be so popular, as it’s low-maintenance and effortlessly stylish. Comb your hair to one side and set it with a gel to create a slick back look. Just add a suit and martini and people will start referring you by your last name.
FAQs
What is a comb over haircut?
A comb over haircut features a side part, with the hair combed across the head, from one side to the other. It can be an excellent style for hiding a receding hairline or just channeling some vintage vibes.
Are comb overs in style?
Comb overs are a classic style that never really goes out. They look good on most face shapes, are easy to maintain, and simple to style.
How do you ask for a comb over fade haircut?
Ask your barber for a hard part on your preferred side with at least a couple of inches on top. Then you can choose to pair it with a high, mid, low, or taper fade around the sides. Try to take along some reference pictures so you can show your stylist exactly what you have in mind. Pinterest is the perfect way to create a board of styles you like, and you can quickly scroll through before the clippers touch your head.
What fade is best for comb over?
Any fade will look great with a comb over; it’s just a matter of picking a style that suits your face shape. Oval and square-shaped faces look good with most fade styles. High and temp fades add extra definition to round faces, while a short fade is better suited for rectangles, so you don’t add length. Triangles and hearts can rock a low fade; however, they will want to avoid really short sides higher up. Lastly, diamond faces look great with a low fade but ideally want to keep a bit more length.
Alexandra Feiam is an experienced fashion writer who holds a degree in journalism. She has an impressive portfolio and expertise working as the Editor at Power Retail and Commercial Content Editor at Newscorp. Ally has been writing for The TrendSpotter since 2018, and her work has been featured in notable publications such as The Herald Sun, Arirang TV South Korea, Kidspot, The House of Wellness, and The Daily Telegraph.
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