Temple fade

What it is

This haircut features hair that is tapered very close to the scalp along the hairline and sides. The length gradually increases from the skin up to about one centimetre near the edge of the hairline, extending roughly two centimetres upwards. The remaining hair on top is kept at a uniform length, typically ranging from two to five centimetres. Clients can choose their preferred length for the top section. The style is a variation of the bald fade, creating a clean contrast between the shaved lower sections and the longer upper portions. It is worn by anyone seeking a sharp look with distinct geometric lines.

Where it comes from

The style first achieved widespread popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It emerged as a specific variation of the traditional bald fade. Decades later, the haircut experienced a massive cultural resurgence in 2024. This revival was driven by an internet meme originating from a YouTube livestream. Musician Ericdoa sang an impromptu song with the lyric imagining if streamer Ninja received a low taper fade. The absurd contrast between this lyric and a preceding emotional song about his grandfather made the clip go viral. Ninja subsequently got the haircut and referenced the joke in his own content, cementing the style in modern digital culture.

What it means

While originally a fashion choice within barbering culture, the haircut took on a new layer of meaning in 2024 through internet culture. It became a symbol of viral absurdity and digital humour. The meme transformed a standard grooming choice into a shared online joke, highlighting how internet communities can rapidly elevate everyday styles into widespread cultural phenomena. For those participating in the trend, wearing the style serves as a nod to the viral moment and the specific livestream that sparked it.

How it is made

A barber cuts this style by tapering the hair down to the skin. The fading begins at the scalp and moves up to one centimetre in length at the hairline edge, continuing for about two centimetres upwards. The top section is trimmed to a consistent length, usually between two and five centimetres, based on client preference. Different variations adjust where the taper begins. A low version shaves the sideburns, while a mid version starts at the temple for a gradual shift. A high version begins near the crown, and an ice pick version starts below the ear to create sharp sideburns.

Versions

Several variations adjust the starting point and intensity of the fade. The low version shaves the sideburns and fades around them. The mid version begins at the temple for a gradual shift from long top to short sides. The high version creates a larger faded area starting near the crown. The ice pick version starts below the ear, fading quickly into lower ice pick sideburns. A shadow version keeps a very subtle hint of hair on the sides. Finally, the blowout version adds bulk and weight to the back of the head.

In culture

The haircut entered mainstream digital culture in 2024 through music and streaming. Musician Ericdoa featured the style in a viral YouTube livestream, singing about the popular streamer Ninja getting the cut. The clip gained massive traction online due to its humorous and absurd lyrics. Ninja later confirmed he actually received the haircut, sharing the result on TikTok and referencing the meme in his broadcasts. This intersection of music, live streaming, and social media turned a traditional barbering technique into a widespread internet trend.

Questions people ask about Temple fade

Good reading and sources

• Temple fade on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data