The Temple Fade: What Makes It Different and How to Ask For It

The temple fade (also called a temp fade or Brooklyn fade) is a variation of the fade that focuses the gradient specifically at the temple area — the section of the head at and slightly above the ear, between the front hairline and the side. Rather than a full-head fade from bottom to top, the temple fade creates a defined faded section at the temple while leaving more length on the top and sides of the head.

What Distinguishes It

A standard low or mid-fade applies the gradient to the entire side and back of the head, starting near the ears and blending upward. A temple fade is more localized — it creates the fade specifically around the temple and ear area, while the sides of the head above that zone may retain more length. The visual effect is a defined hairline with clean transitions at the temples without the full perimeter being faded. It creates a sharp profile that frames the face.

Who It Works Well For

The temple fade works particularly well on styles that have maintained length on the sides (not a full low or mid-fade) but benefit from clean definition at the hairline and ear area. It suits styles where the client wants a sharper appearance at the perimeter without committing to a full fade profile. Natural styles, looser tops, and more conservative cuts all work with a temple fade as an added detail.

CADMEN Training

Fade variations and localized blending techniques are part of CADMEN's barbering program. academy.cadmen.ca/in-person-training.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a temple fade haircut?

A temple fade is a variation of the fade technique applied specifically to the temple area — the section at the side of the head between the hairline at the forehead and the area above and around the ear. In a full fade haircut, the gradient blending runs along the entire side and back of the head, from very short or skin at the bottom, blending upward. In a temple fade, the fading is more localized: the temple area receives the gradient from short/skin upward, while the sides of the head above and behind the temple zone retain more length and may not be fully faded. What this looks like: the haircut profile shows a defined, graduated transition at the temple and around the ear, with the hair above that zone remaining at a more natural or styled length. The front hairline and the area around the ear are clean and defined; the bulk of the sides may be tapered or naturally faded rather than skin-faded. Why clients choose it: the temple fade creates a sharper, more polished look at the hairline without committing to a high or full-perimeter skin fade. It maintains more length on the sides of the head while still having the clean definition of a fade at the most visible frame of the face. It is particularly common with: natural hairstyles (afro cuts, coily styles) where the sides retain their natural texture but the temple area is sharply defined. Conservative professional cuts where a full fade may be too dramatic but a clean temple definition is desired. Styles with medium to longer top sections where the sides are not fully faded but the perimeter needs sharper definition. The term: "temp fade" is the shortened version used in barbershop conversation. "Brooklyn fade" is a regional term for the same style that has become broadly recognized.

What is the difference between a temple fade and a low fade?

A temple fade and a low fade are related but distinct in where the fading occurs and how much of the head it covers. A low fade: the fade starts below the natural hairline at a low point on the side and back of the head — just above the ear, near the hairline at the sides and back. From that low starting point, the fade blends upward to the longer section. A low fade is a full-perimeter effect: the sides and back of the head all receive the fade gradient starting at the same low position. The result is a clean graduation that runs around the entire lower perimeter of the head. A temple fade: the fade is concentrated at the temple area — the sides of the head near the forehead and ear — rather than running continuously around the full perimeter. The back of the head may not be treated the same way; the sides above the temple zone may retain more length. The key distinction: a low fade is about where on the head the fade starts (low, near the baseline). A temple fade is about which zone receives the fade (the temple specifically). A low fade covers the full perimeter at a consistent low height. A temple fade creates a defined transition at the temple without necessarily fading the rest of the head at the same level. They can coexist: some haircuts include both a low fade around the back and a specifically defined temple area, which is sometimes called a "low skin fade with a temp." The combination uses the low fade for the back perimeter and more deliberate detail work at the temples. If you want to communicate clearly to your barber: "low fade" tells them the height and perimeter. "Temple fade" tells them to focus the definition on the temple area. Using both terms together describes the combination explicitly.

How do I ask my barber for a temple fade?

Asking for a temple fade effectively means communicating both the fade zone and how it connects to the rest of the cut. The key information to convey: where you want the fade. For a temple fade, you are directing attention to the area at and around the ear, from the front hairline backward to approximately the area above and behind the ear. "I want a fade at the temples" or "I want a temp fade" both communicate this. How short the fade should go at its shortest point. A skin temple fade goes to the skin at the lowest point. A closer-but-not-skin option might go to a 0.5 guard. Specifying "skin" or "close to skin but not skin" removes ambiguity. What happens above the fade zone. Since a temple fade is more localized, you need to tell the barber what to do with the sides and back above the fade area. "Keep the sides natural" or "taper the sides" or "mid-fade on the sides and skin at the temples" all describe different treatments above the temple area. The top section. Same as any haircut — specify the length, style, and any texture work on top. A reference photo helps significantly. Since "temple fade" can be interpreted with some variation in where exactly the fade zone starts and ends, a reference photo that shows the specific profile you want is the most efficient way to align with the barber before the cut starts. For a first visit with a new barber: bring a photo, describe the three zones (temple fade detail, sides above, top), and let the barber confirm they understand before proceeding.