Ivy League with a Fade Hair Cut: How to Get the Sharp, Low-Maintenance Look

Polished but laid back, the Ivy League haircut with a fade works for just about every type of hair texture—and it’s one of the easiest cuts to maintain between trims. Faded on the sides, long enough on top to part or push over, it dresses up well but still keeps things casual when you want it.

For the fade, go from a zero up to a #2.5 or #3 on the sides with a gradual transition. Up top, aim for about a finger-and-a-half to two fingers in length, cut with scissors for a clean but natural look.

When it comes to styling, this cut plays nice with almost anything. But if you want that modern matte finish with light hold and healthy hair, Highland’s Glacial Cream is your move—it keeps the style sharp without the crunch or flakes.

For the fade version:

• Front: 1.5–2.5 inches for styling flexibility.

• Crown: 0.5–1 inch for a natural taper from front to back.

• Sides: Fade starting anywhere from #0.5 to #2, blended seamlessly into the top.

Stylist tip: Always ask for texture throughout the top —it makes the style easier to work with, whether you’re going for neat and parted or messy and lived-in.

And here’s the hard truth: go too short on top and you’ve just bought yourself a three-week wait for it to grow back.

Barber interpretations vary, so be specific:

1. Bring Photos – Show at least two angles of the style you want. Your barber will thank you—and you’ll thank yourself in three weeks when it still looks good.

2. Specify Fade Height – Low for subtle, mid for balanced, high for bold.

3. Give Top & Crown Lengths – Saves any “too short” regrets.

4. Request Texture – Adds movement and makes styling at home easier.

5. Ask for a Natural Neckline – Grows out cleaner between cuts.

The fade adds structure and contrast, giving the Ivy League a sharper, more modern feel:

• Low Fade → Professional, easy to maintain.

• Mid Fade → Balanced, versatile.

• High Fade → Bold, draws the eye upward.

High, low, or mid—if the blend isn’t buttery smooth, it’s not an Ivy League. It’s just a bad haircut. And you’ll notice it every time you look in the mirror.

Start with clean hair. Use The Wash to remove buildup, hydrate, and keep scalp health in check.
(Skip this and you’re styling yesterday’s grease—don’t do that to yourself.)

Pat your hair dry until it’s damp. Too much water will dilute your product; bone dry will make it harder to spread evenly.

Want more lift? Blow dry while lifting the front with a comb or your fingers.
(Don’t rush this part—your future self in the mirror will thank you.)

• Squeeze a small amount into your palms.

• Add a touch of water and emulsify until smooth.

• Work it into the roots first—control starts at the base—then pull through to the ends.

• Polished: Comb into a side part for a classic, campus-ready finish.

• Textured: Use fingers to break up the top for a relaxed, modern look.

Adjust volume, tame flyaways, and you’re done. The Cream’s matte finish keeps it sharp without unwanted shine.

• Matte Finish: Modern, understated, and fade-friendly.

• Light, Flexible Hold: Keeps style in place without stiffness—easy to restyle throughout the day.

• Frizz & Flyaway Control: Fade edges stay crisp, top stays defined.

• Hair & Scalp Health: Canadian Glacial Clay, Shea Butter, and Caffeine keep hair conditioned and strong between cuts.

• Effortless Maintenance: Works just as well for the sharp Monday part as it does for the casual Friday texture.

Bonus: it smells so good you’ll forget it’s actually nourishing your scalp.

• Wash & Reset: Use The Wash product every 2–4 days.

• Trim Regularly: Your fade grows out faster than your weekend plans.

• Product Discipline: Start small; you can always add more.

The Ivy League with a fade is timeless, versatile, and easy to own.

With Highland’s Glacial Cream, you get the perfect balance of control, texture, and hair health—without grease, crunch, or synthetic junk.

Get the cut. Grab the Cream. Look like you planned it all along.

Shop Highland Glacial Cream →