The high top fade was more than just another hairstyle, it was an 80s cultural statement that symbolized creativity, pride, and individuality.
The high-top fade was a recognizable 80s cultural statement due to its sharp vertical, elevated top, and closely cropped sides. The high top was a symbol of creativity, individuality, and pride. And, it was closely tied to the rise of the hip-hop culture. By the mid-80s, it became a visual representation of just how much hairstyles could push the boundary of traditional norms. The fade was embraced by athletes, musicians, and actors alike.
The Rise of the 80s Cultural Statement The high-top fade emerged during one of the most transformative periods of American history. The 80s saw many different cultural and social changes, that helped to reshape the identity and style of the entire nation. Thanks to MTV, the hip-hop culture was flourishing and was propelled to the top by artists like Grandmaster Flash, Public Enemy, and Run-D.M.C. Between the music videos and the live performances, the high-top fade quickly became a symbol of the hip-hop movement.
After all, the 80s were a time of economic prosperity in many parts of the world. And, it was within this backdrop that the influence of urban culture on mainstream fashion began to grow with leaps and bounds. The increasing crossover appeal of hip-hop introduced many new styles to a wider audience, including the high-top fade. Then there was the rise of movies and television shows that featured African-American actors and musicians. This helped to segment the status of the high-top fade as an emblem of pride and individuality.
How the High Top Fade Became in 80s Cultural Statement In order to understand how the high-top became such a big 80s cultural statement, we need to take a look at the evolution of the fade, her as an artistic canvas, and the role that media had to play in the process.
The 80s Cultural Statement in the Evolution of the High Top Fade The high-top fade as a cultural statement went through many evolutions before achieving its final look. At its core, the fade featured a very high, flat top that was meticulously sculpted. This was often paired with shaved or gradually faded sides. Throughout the decade, the style itself evolved offering a wide selection of different variations that catered to many different personalities and tastes. While some preferred the classic high-top fade with precise edges and a smooth, clean finish, others opted for more exaggerated heights. Some pushed the vertical limits of the style in order to create towering masterpieces. As a result, the height of the hairstyle became a measure of individuality as people began to compete with one another with both boldness and creativity.
The 80s Cultural Statement As an Artistic Canvas Of course, one of the most distinctive aspects of the high-top fade was its potential for customization. Barbers across the nation transform the hairstyle into more of an art form. It was during this period of time that we began to see intricate designs carved into the shape sides. These patterns range from simple geometric shapes to symbols of cultural pride or personal significance. In the 1996 film Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, the Wayans brothers took the high-top fade to a whole new level.
How the Media Amplified in 80s Cultural Statement Naturally, the media helped amplify the 80s cultural statement . One of the biggest influencers in the 80s was MTV. It was the perfect place for the continuously evolving cultures of the decade to merge with one another. Then there was the growing influence of feature films like House Party, and Do the Right Thing both of these films prominently featured high-top fades and helped to make them a style that was synonymous with the youth culture.
Then of course there was the rise of Will Smith. Kids across the nation regardless of their social or economic background, would rush home to watch The Fresh Prince of Bel Air on TV. Not only did he play a crucial part in changing television during the 80s and 90s, but he was also a well-known musician from Philadelphia. As a result of his appearance on MTV and NBC, kids across the nation sought to mimic his style with their own variations of the high-top fade.
The People Who Brought Us High Top Phase As noted, there were several prominent people who helped to popularize the high-top fade during the 80s. But, one of the names that we have not mentioned yet was the rat duo, Kid ’n Play . As part of their hallmark image, Christopher “Kid” Reid was always seen sporting a sky-high high-top fade. When coupled with their playful and energetic personas, the deal solidified the hairstyle as an enduring symbol of the rising hip-hop culture.
Of course, there were other musicians who helped to push the high-top fade into living rooms across the country. As previously discussed we have Will Smith, in his role as DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince , as well as Bobby Brown. Numerous music artists of the decade were often seen sporting my top fades both on and off the stage.
Then there were basketball players like Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley who helped to link the style with athleticism and strength. Throughout the 80s and even into the 90s, there were countless basketball and football players who sported high-top fades.
The Legacy of the High Top Fade Without question, the high-top fade left a huge mark on both society and culture. It was a statement of both identity and pride for many African-American youth across the country. The fade was a celebration of individuality that resonated deeply with the hip-hop culture. And, as a result, the hairstyle became an enduring symbol of creativity.
By the mid-90s, the high-top fade’s popularity began to wane, giving way to other styles like cornrows. Nevertheless, the style made a triumphant comeback in the 2010s, with a wide assortment of modern interpretations. As a result, the high-top fade is considered by many to be a timeless part of the hip-hop and urban subcultures. And, it demonstrates just how much influence the fade has on modern fashion, music, and culture.
Conclusion In the end, the high-top date was much more than just another hairstyle. It was considered by many to be a cultural phenomenon that redefined the 80s. The style itself was rooted in the creativity and individuality of the 80s and evolved substantially over the course of the decade. From music videos to basketball courts, the high-top fade’s influence bridged the gap between cultures, leaving a legacy that still persists today.
