Barber Spotlight: Drop Fade Side-Part Transformation

This style is characterized by a gradual fade that dips lower behind the ear, creating a "drop" effect, complemented by a sharp side part that’s styled with precision. The drop fade side part isn't just a haircut; it's an art form that merges a meticulous fade with the classic elegance of a side part. It typically features a length on top that's perfect for pomade application, offering great styling versatility.

We called upon Nat, one of the finest barbers on our team, to demonstrate this look. She's ready to walk you through the Drop Fade Side Part with an expert's eye. So, here’s a sneak peek into the precision and skill Nat employs in crafting this fashionable and functional haircut.

Style Highlights:

• A clean, dramatic drop fade that adds depth and dimension.
• A sharp, defined side part that lays the foundation for polished sophistication.
• A structured yet flexible top length perfect for styling.
• Neatly edged with a straight razor to bring that pristine barber touch.

Nat shares "The Drop Fade Side Part is a fusion of finesse and function, offering a sculpted silhouette that's both striking and easy to maintain. Starting with a nickel-sized amount of pomade, I work from root to tip to keep the hair sleek and in place. It’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking a mix of style and simplicity."

12 Drop Fade Hairstyle Ideas You Can Try Out

1. Drop Fade + Faux Hawk

Get this:

Since textured hair tends to defy gravity, it is possible to mimic a traditional mohawk's spiky and rigid appearance effortlessly. The combination of a drop fade with the faux hawk hairstyle creates a faux hawk with a more subtle arc and a wider strip of hair in the middle.

Styling Tips:

• Textured hair constantly craves moisture, so give it what it wants.
• Get a satin pillowcase or sleep with a durag wrapped around your head.
• Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and make sure to deep condition it once a week.

2.  Drop Fade + Hi-top

So:

You might think of Will Smith's role in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air when you see a picture of a Hi-top fade hairstyle. The style was quite common between the 1980s and 1990s. In this merge with the drop fade, the high top still maintains its characteristics.

However, it does so with the added depth that the drop fade brings to the table. The hairstyle is limited to afro-textured hair.

Styling Tips:

• Gently detangle your hair while it’s slightly damp with a fro pick.
• Use a pomade to give your high-top some life.
• Wrap your hair in silk or satin material before you go to bed.

3. Drop Fade + Messy Top

Get this:

The drop fade with messy top hairstyle can only be achieved if you have wavy or curly hair. There’s not much mess straight hair can make except with the help of some styling products. Anyway, the combo of the drop fades with the messy top results in a laid-back albeit stylish haircut.

Styling Tips:

• Use a pomade to refresh your messy locks when styling.
• Trim your hair occasionally to keep it in shape.
• Pair with a beard for a better look altogether.

4. Drop Fade + Man Bun

So:

The man bun always pairs nicely with fades, and the drop fade is no exception. In this combo, the man bun follows the arc of the drop fade. Consequently, the bun is secured lower than it normally would with other fades. That does not take anything from its beauty, though.

Styling Tips:

• Try not to secure your bun too tight as it can damage your hair in the long run.
• Wash your hair with shampoo to remove product build-up at least once a week.
• Get touch regularly to maintain the neatness of the style.

5. Drop Fade + French Crop

Essentially:

The French crop is very similar to the Caesar cut. However, it’s different. Unlike the Caesar cut which has a very short fringe, the French Crop extends to rest on the forehead. The combination of that with the drop fade creates a somewhat cap-like structure on the head.

Styling Tips:

• If you have a beard, taper it to connect to your hairline. It allows your hair and beards to frame your face.
• To maintain it at the length you’re comfortable with, visit your barber often enough.
• Clean up your edges and cheek line for a crisp finish.

6. Drop Fade with Curly Hair

With this style:

You have a full head of curls and a drop fade to give it depth. It goes without saying that you must have curly hair to rock this style. When your curls are properly groomed, this hairstyle reaches a whole new level of awesome.

Styling Tips:

• Apply curl-defining products to get your curls looking vibrant.
• You can switch things up a little with some color.
• Detangle your curls when your hair is damp to reduce breakage from dryness.

7. Drop Fade + Cornrows

Get this:

Cornrows with a drop fade is one of the best hairstyle combinations ever. While the cornrows tame the unruly coils on top of the head, the drop fade cuts down volume around it. The result of the teamwork is a face-framing hairstyle.

Styling Tips:

• Refresh your braids with some spritz of water, a leave-in-conditioner, and hair cream or oil.
• While making your hair, ensure that the cornrows are not too tight to prevent the possibility of traction alopecia.
• There isn’t just one way to braid your hair. Try out complex patterns for an edgy look.

8. High Drop Fade

Although:

Most drop fade hairstyles start around the middle (temple area); that’s not the only way to execute the style. As seen in the picture above, it is possible to have your drop fade curve starting higher up. Consequently, more scalp is revealed as the drop fade arc frames the eyes even more.

Styling Tips:

• Apply sunscreen to the shave and exposed scalp area.
• A line-up is a necessity for a crisp look.
• The style is not ideal for long face shapes.

9. Drop Fade + Dreadlocks

Get this:

This combo is a tad similar to the cornrow and drop fade combo. It has the same slimming effect but mostly features some sort of ponytail or man bun, depending on the length of the dreadlocks. It looks better when the locks are long, but that doesn’t mean that short locks are no good.

Styling Tips:

• Try not to secure the dreadlocks too tightly.
• Frequent visits to the barber for touch-ups are necessary to ensure your hairstyle stays fresh and neat.
• Refresh your locks with some spritz of water from a spray bottle whenever your hair gets “thirsty.”

10. Drop Skin Fade + Short Mullet

So:

The mullet is characterized by short hair on top and long hair at the back. However, in this variation, you can opt for shorter hair at the back to tone down the drama surrounding the haircut. With the inclusion of a drop fade that fades into the skin, you have an edgy but not too showy hairstyle.

Styling Tips:

• You can style your hair with a gel or pomade.
• Since the beauty of the style is in its texture, use products that highlight that.
• You can pair the hairstyle with a beard.

11. Drop Fade with Design

Well:

There’s no harm in shaking things up a little with some new elements. Adding graphic curves and designs to your haircut makes it so much cooler and better. Just ensure your barber can get it done right, so you don’t have to walk around with an awkwardly drawn shape carved into your hair.

Styling Tips:

• Visit your barber often enough to prevent the design from getting blurred out by new hair growth.
• Make sure your hairline is always shaped up nicely to give the designs an edgy feel.
• Pair it with a beard to elevate your style.

12. Drop Fade with Bleached Hair

Lastly:

If you have dark hair naturally, there’s nothing wrong with bleaching your hair just for the heck of it. Once your undergrowth of dark hair begins to surface, you’d have a combination of two colors. Cool right?

Styling Tips:

• Since bleached hair is more fragile, be gentle while combing and styling your hair.
• Use moisturizing shampoos and never skip the conditioner.
• Trim your hair often to eliminate split ends.

Conclusion

All in all:

The drop fade haircut works well with a wide range of hairstyles. The aim is to find the one that suits you best while considering factors like your hair type and face shape.

Hopefully, this post helped you pick out your next drop fade hairstyle. If so, let us know in the comment section below.