11 Curly High Top Fade Styles for Every Curl Type
A curly high top fade takes one of the boldest shapes in barbershop history and makes it softer and more wearable. The classic high top of the late 1980s was brushed up and sculpted into a flat, tall block. Today’s version keeps the height but lets the curls show, with clean faded sides that make the top stand out even more. It has become one of the most requested men’s curly hairstyles, and one of the most popular black curly hairstyles for men who want height without a stiff, sculpted finish.
The right version for you depends on three things: your curl pattern, how high you want the fade, and how much time you are willing to spend shaping it. Below are 11 curly high top fade styles, from easy low fades to sharp skin fades and sponge curls. Each one comes with who it suits, the curl types it works with, styling time, upkeep and the exact words to use at the barber.
Before you start: a high top needs length to work. Most styles here need at least 3 inches on top, so if your hair is shorter, ask your barber to shape the sides now and let the top grow for a few weeks.
Quick Answer: Which Curly High Top Fade Should You Get?
The best curly high top fade depends on your curl type and your lifestyle. For an easy everyday look, a low fade or taper fade keeps the sides soft and grows out slowly. For more contrast, a high skin fade or drop fade makes the top look taller. Tight coils suit sponge curls or an afro high top, while looser curls look best in a longer, loose curls high top with a low fade.
| Your curls | Best curly high top fade |
|---|---|
| Loose curls or waves | Loose curls high top with a low or taper fade |
| Springy curls | Mid fade or drop fade curly high top |
| Tight coils | Afro high top fade or high skin fade |
| Short tight coils (under 3 inches) | Sponge curls high top fade |
Curly High Top Fade Trends Right Now
The high top has been around since the late 1980s, but the way barbers cut it keeps changing. These are the directions you will see most often in barbershops at the moment:
- Natural curls: Soft, defined curls instead of stiff, brushed-up shapes.
- Softer tapers: Taper and low fades that look more grown-in and less severe.
- Textured tops: Slightly uneven, piece-y curls rather than a perfectly flat top.
- Clean, natural line-ups: Crisp edges that follow the natural hairline instead of pushing it back.
- Low-maintenance fades: Cuts that still look good three weeks after the barber.
Curly High Top Fade Types at a Glance
The fade is what gives a high top its shape. This table compares the fades on this list, from the softest to the sharpest.
| Fade | Where it starts | The look | Upkeep | Touch-up every |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taper fade | Sideburns and neckline only | Natural, soft edges | Easy | 4 to 5 weeks |
| Low fade | Just above the ears | Clean but relaxed | Medium | 3 weeks |
| Mid fade | Around the temples | Balanced, most popular | Medium | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Drop fade | Curves down behind the ear | Follows the head shape | Medium | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Burst fade | Half circle around the ear | Playful, length at the nape | Medium to high | 2 to 3 weeks |
| High skin fade | High on the sides, down to the skin | Sharpest contrast, tallest top | High | 1 to 2 weeks |
Everyday Curly High Top Fades
These three are the easiest to live with. They keep more hair on the sides, grow out gently and work for school, the office and weekends alike.
Low Fade Curly High Top
The fade starts just above the ears, so the sides stay a little fuller and the transition to the curly top feels natural. It is the best first step if you have never worn a high top, because it looks neat without drawing too much attention to the height.
- Best for: First-timers, office jobs and anyone who wants a clean but relaxed look.
- Curl type: All curl types, from loose curls to tight coils.
- Styling time: About 3 to 5 minutes. Apply a leave-in and curl cream to damp hair, then lift the top with a pick.
- Maintenance level: Medium.
- Barber visits: Every 3 weeks.
- What to ask your barber: “A low fade starting just above the ears, blended into about 3 to 4 inches of curls on top, shaped taller than it is wide.”
Mid Fade Curly High Top
Here the fade starts around the temples, which is the sweet spot for most people. There is enough contrast to make the top look tall, and enough hair on the sides that the cut still looks good in week three.
- Best for: Most face shapes and anyone who wants the classic high top look.
- Curl type: Springy and tight curls show the shape best.
- Styling time: About 5 minutes.
- Maintenance level: Medium.
- Barber visits: Every 2 to 3 weeks.
- What to ask your barber: “A mid fade starting at the temples, with 3 to 4 inches of curls on top shaped into a high top, and a natural hairline.”
Taper Fade Curly High Top
Only the sideburns and neckline are tapered short, and the rest of the sides are left longer. Often called a curly taper fade, it is the most natural version on this list and grows out the most gracefully, which makes it ideal for a longer curly top.
- Best for: Low-maintenance guys and workplaces with a conservative dress code.
- Curl type: Loose to springy curls, especially with 4 or more inches on top.
- Styling time: About 3 minutes.
- Maintenance level: Easy.
- Barber visits: Every 4 to 5 weeks.
- What to ask your barber: “A taper at the sideburns and neckline only, keep length on the sides, and shape the curls on top into a high top.”
Sharp Curly High Top Fades
These fades have more contrast between the short sides and the tall top. They look crisp and modern, and they need more frequent visits to stay that way.
High Skin Fade Curly High Top
The sides are taken down to the skin, and the fade climbs high on the head. With nothing on the sides, even a medium-height top looks tall, which is why this is the boldest curly high top fade here.
- Best for: Round faces and anyone who wants maximum height and contrast.
- Curl type: Tight curls and coils hold the tall shape best.
- Styling time: About 5 minutes.
- Maintenance level: High.
- Barber visits: Every 1 to 2 weeks.
- What to ask your barber: “A high skin fade blended smoothly, with 3 to 4 inches of curls on top shaped into a high top, and a sharp line-up.”
Good to know: Shaving curly hair close to the skin can cause razor bumps. If you get them, ask your barber to finish with a zero guard instead of a foil shaver or razor.
Drop Fade Curly High Top
Instead of running level around the head, the fade curves down behind the ear toward the nape. It follows the natural shape of the head, so the high top looks balanced from the side and grows out more evenly.
- Best for: Anyone who wants a sharp look that still feels natural from the side.
- Curl type: Springy curls and coils.
- Styling time: About 5 minutes.
- Maintenance level: Medium.
- Barber visits: Every 2 to 3 weeks.
- What to ask your barber: “A mid drop fade that curves down behind the ears, with a curly high top on top.”
Burst Fade Curly High Top
A burst fade curves around the ear in a half circle and leaves length at the back of the neck. Paired with a curly high top, it creates a bold, slightly mohawk-like outline that stands out from every angle.
- Best for: Younger guys and anyone who wants a style that stands out.
- Curl type: Tight curls and coils.
- Styling time: About 5 minutes.
- Maintenance level: Medium to high.
- Barber visits: Every 2 to 3 weeks. Keep the neckline tidy between cuts.
- What to ask your barber: “A burst fade around the ears, length left at the back, and the curls on top shaped into a high top.”
Curly High Tops Built Around Your Curl Type
These three start from the curl pattern instead of the fade. Choose the one that matches your natural texture, then pick any fade height from above.
Sponge Curls High Top Fade
A curl sponge is a pad covered in small holes. Rubbed in circles over damp, moisturized hair, it twists short coils into small, even curls. It is the fastest way to turn a short curly fade haircut into defined curls.
- Best for: Guys with short, tight hair who want instant definition.
- Curl type: Tight coils, about 1.5 to 3 inches long.
- Styling time: About 5 minutes with a sponge and curl cream.
- Maintenance level: Medium.
- Barber visits: Every 2 to 3 weeks.
- What to ask your barber: “A mid or high fade with 2 to 3 inches on top, cut evenly so I can sponge it into curls.”
Tip: Sponge in small circles in one direction, then gently pat the top flat-sided so the high top keeps its shape.
Afro High Top Fade
The fullest shape on this list, and a close cousin of the classic afro fade haircut. The coils are picked out for volume and shaped into a tall, rounded top, while a clean fade keeps the outline sharp. It is the closest thing to the original high top, with a softer, more natural finish.
- Best for: Anyone with dense, tight hair who wants volume.
- Curl type: Tight coils.
- Styling time: 5 to 10 minutes. Moisturize, pick out from the roots, then pat the shape into place.
- Maintenance level: Medium to high.
- Barber visits: Every 3 weeks for the fade; the top every 4 to 6 weeks.
- What to ask your barber: “A mid fade with 4 to 5 inches on top, picked out and shaped into a rounded high top.”
Loose Curls High Top Fade
Looser curls do not stand up as easily as tight coils, so this version keeps more length on top and lets the curls fall slightly forward. The result is a relaxed, textured high top that works well with a low or taper fade.
- Best for: Guys with looser curls or waves.
- Curl type: Loose to springy curls.
- Styling time: About 5 minutes. Scrunch in curl cream on damp hair and let it air-dry or use a diffuser.
- Maintenance level: Medium.
- Barber visits: Every 3 to 4 weeks.
- What to ask your barber: “A low fade with 4 to 5 inches of curls on top, cut dry or curl by curl so it keeps its height.”
Statement Curly High Top Fades
These two add one extra detail to the cut. They take a bit more care, but they are the easiest way to make a curly high top your own.
Curly High Top Fade With Hard Part
A thin line is shaved along the side where the fade meets the curls. It adds a sharp, graphic edge to a soft, curly shape, and it can be as simple as one straight line or as detailed as a small design.
- Best for: Anyone who likes a crisp, detailed finish.
- Curl type: All curl types.
- Styling time: About 5 minutes.
- Maintenance level: Medium to high.
- Barber visits: Every 2 weeks. The shaved line softens within a week or two.
- What to ask your barber: “A mid fade with a hard part on the left, and the curls on top shaped into a high top.”
Bleached Tips Curly High Top Fade
Only the ends of the curls are lightened, usually to honey or blonde, so the color shows off the texture on top while the faded sides stay dark. It is a strong look that works best on a fuller, tight-curl high top.
- Best for: Anyone who wants color without a full dye job.
- Curl type: Tight curls and coils.
- Styling time: About 5 minutes.
- Maintenance level: High. Bleach dries out curls, so deep condition every week and use a color-safe shampoo.
- Barber visits: Every 2 to 3 weeks for the fade; color touch-ups every 6 to 8 weeks.
- What to ask your barber: “A mid fade with a curly high top, and only the tips lightened to blonde.” Ask for a colorist or a barber who regularly bleaches curly hair.
How to Choose the Right Curly High Top Fade
Work through these in order. As with any curly fade haircut for men, curl type matters most, then fade height, then face shape.
Start with your curl type
| Your curls | Start with | Be careful with |
|---|---|---|
| Loose curls or waves | Loose curls high top, low fade, taper fade | A very tall shape, which can collapse without a lot of product |
| Springy curls | Mid fade, drop fade, burst fade, hard part | Brushing or picking when dry, which causes frizz |
| Tight coils | Afro high top, sponge curls, high skin fade | Skipping moisture, because tight coils dry out and break easily |
Then pick your fade height
A low or taper fade looks relaxed and grows out slowly. A mid fade is the balanced middle ground. A high or skin fade gives the most height and contrast but needs the most barber visits.
Finally, think about your face shape
A curly high top adds height, so it tends to balance a rounder face well, especially with a high fade. If your face is already long, keep the top closer to 3 inches and choose a low or taper fade so the shape does not look too tall.
How to Explain the Haircut to Your Barber
“High top fade haircut” can mean anything from a short sponge-curl cut to a tall, sculpted shape. Give your barber these details instead:
- Fade height: Taper, low, mid or high, and whether it should go down to the skin.
- Top length: In inches, for example “about 4 inches on top.”
- Shape: Rounded and natural, or flatter on top and more sculpted.
- Edges: A natural hairline or a sharp line-up.
- Extras: A hard part, a design or colored tips.
Bring a photo of the exact curly high top fade from this list, and mention it if you get razor bumps so your barber can adjust the finish.
How to Style and Keep a Curly High Top Fade in Shape
- Wash less, condition more. Curly and coily hair dries out quickly, so most people only need to wash with shampoo once a week or so and use conditioner every time. The American Academy of Dermatology shares more in its everyday care tips for Black hair.
- Style on damp hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner, then a curl cream or light gel while the hair is still wet. Curls form and hold better this way.
- Lift from the roots. Use a wide-tooth pick at the roots to add height, and pat the sides of the top gently to keep the shape.
- Protect it at night. Sleep with a durag, a satin bonnet or a satin pillowcase. Cotton pulls moisture from curls and flattens the top.
- Refresh, do not restyle. On day two or three, mist the curls with water, add a small amount of curl cream and lift the top again.
- Book ahead. High tops lose their outline fast. Book the next visit before you leave the shop.
Tools and products that help
- Leave-in conditioner: Adds moisture so curls stay soft and do not snap.
- Curl cream: Defines curls without a crunchy finish.
- Light styling gel: Extra hold for taller shapes.
- Wide-tooth pick: Lifts the roots for height without breaking curls.
- Curl sponge: Twists short coils into sponge curls.
- Durag or satin bonnet: Protects the shape and moisture overnight.
Choose lightweight, water-based products. Heavy oils and waxes weigh a high top down.
Is a Curly High Top Fade Good for Teens and Boys?
Yes. A low or mid curly high top fade is one of the most popular haircuts for teens with curly hair, and it works for younger boys too if they have enough length on top. For kids, keep the fade low, skip bleach and check school rules before adding a hard part or design. For more ideas for younger boys, see our guide to the boys side part fade.
Things to Know Before Getting a Curly High Top Fade
- Growing time: You need about 3 inches on top for most styles and 4 to 5 inches for an afro or loose curls high top. Growing it out can take a few months.
- Your routine: A sponge curl high top takes minutes. An afro high top with a sculpted shape can take longer every morning.
- Barber visits: Skin fades and line-ups need a visit every 1 to 2 weeks to stay sharp.
- Work or school rules: Most workplaces are fine with a clean curly high top, but designs and bright color can be an issue in some jobs and schools.
- Barber experience: Curly hair shrinks as it dries, so choose a barber who regularly cuts curly and coily hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a curly high top fade?
It is a haircut with faded sides and a tall, curly top. It is a modern version of the classic high top from the late 1980s, with defined curls on top instead of a flat, sculpted block.
How long does my hair need to be for a curly high top fade?
About 3 inches on top for most styles. Sponge curls can work with as little as 1.5 inches, while an afro or loose curls high top looks best with 4 to 5 inches.
Which fade looks best with a curly high top?
A mid fade is the most popular because it balances height and upkeep. A high skin fade gives the most contrast, and a low or taper fade looks the most natural.
How do I stop my curly high top from going flat?
Style it on damp hair with a leave-in and curl cream, lift the roots with a pick, and sleep with a durag or satin bonnet. Avoid heavy oils on the top, which weigh curls down.
How often should I get a curly high top fade touched up?
Every 2 to 3 weeks for most fades. Skin fades and sharp line-ups need a touch-up every 1 to 2 weeks, while a taper fade can go 4 to 5 weeks.
Can I get a curly high top fade with wavy hair?
Yes, but choose the loose curls version with more length on top and a low fade. Wavy hair will not stand as tall as tight coils, so expect a softer, more relaxed shape.
How do I get curls with a sponge?
Moisturize damp hair with a leave-in and curl cream, then rub a curl sponge in small circles over the top in one direction. Your hair needs to be about 1.5 to 3 inches long for the sponge to twist it into curls.
Is a curly high top fade professional enough for work?
A clean curly high top with a low, mid or taper fade looks polished in most workplaces. If your job is conservative, skip designs and bright color and keep the height moderate.
Can white men get a curly high top fade?
Yes, if his hair is naturally curly. The cut depends on curl texture, not ethnicity. Men with loose or springy curls usually suit the loose curls high top with a low or taper fade. Straight hair will not hold a curly high top without a perm.
Is a curly high top fade hard to maintain?
It takes more care than a buzz cut but less than most people expect. Plan on 3 to 5 minutes of styling a day, a durag or satin bonnet at night, and a barber visit every 2 to 3 weeks to keep the fade and outline sharp.
What face shape suits a high top fade?
Round and square faces suit it best, because the height on top makes the face look longer. Oval faces can wear almost any version. If your face is long, keep the top around 3 inches and choose a low or taper fade.
How much does a curly high top fade cost?
Prices vary by city and barber. In many US barbershops a fade costs roughly $25 to $50, and hard parts, designs or color add to the price. Ask for the price when you book.
Final Thoughts
The best curly high top fade is the one that matches your curl type, your routine and how often you can visit the barber. Start with a low or mid fade if you are new to the style, try sponge curls if your hair is short and tight, and save the skin fade, burst fade and bleached tips for when you want to stand out. Save the photo you like, take the “what to ask your barber” line with you, and you will walk out with the high top you pictured.
