The Ultimate Guide to Taper Fade Haircuts & 10 Styles to Explore

If you’re looking for a fresh haircut but can’t decide on a style, why not consider a taper fade? Versatile and adaptable, taper fades can be tailored to suit any face shape, hair type, or length, making them a timeless and reliable choice.

With variations like low taper fades, high taper fades, and skin fades, a fade complements any haircut, whether you’re going for an edgy mohawk, a sleek pompadour, or a sharp buzz cut.

Below, we’ve gathered some of the latest taper fade haircut trends for men to inspire your next look.

What is a taper fade?

A taper fade is one of the most famous men’s hairstyles today, known for its clean and polished look. Its defining feature is the gradual decrease in hair length from the top of the head down to the neckline, creating a smooth and seamless transition between longer and shorter hair.

The style typically begins with longer hair on top, which gradually tapers shorter on the sides and back. The fade can vary in height and intensity, with options such as low, mid, or high fades depending on how high up the head the fade starts.

This versatile haircut works well with various hair textures and styles, offering a clean and polished appearance. The taper fade is an excellent option for those looking to add dimension and texture to their look without committing to a complete fade or buzz cut.

Trending Taper Fade Haircut Styles Gaining Popularity

1. Skin Fade Taper Fade Cuts

The skin fade taper fade is one of the most sought-after modern adaptations of the traditional taper fade, celebrated for its sharp, clean, and fashionable appearance. For men who are bald or have discolored skin, a skin fade can help blend the hair seamlessly into the scalp, creating the illusion of a slightly higher hairline. This results in a sleek, streamlined look that smooths the transition between hair and skin.

While the skin fades pairs effortlessly with classic styles like a buzz cut, it also works beautifully with bolder hairstyles like an extra long pompadour, strikingly contrasting the voluminous top and the shaved sides. This combination gives the style an edgy yet refined appearance, making it stand out.

Thanks to its polished, adaptable nature and suitability for various hair types, the skin fade taper fade is an ideal option for men looking for a trendy, low-maintenance haircut that offers both style and versatility.

2. Low Taper Fade Cut

For taper fade beginners, a low taper fade is a great starting point. It’s the most approachable of all the taper fade variations and works well on just about anyone. The fade begins low on the head, near the neck, and close to the ears, creating a subtle gradient that is both sleek and stylish.

We particularly love how low taper fade pairs with a longer top to add contrast and sophistication. Whether worn in a classic quiff or styled as a tousled crop, this high-contrast look is eye-catching without being too bold.

One of the key benefits of the low taper fade is its understated charm. Unlike more dramatic fades, this style doesn’t demand too much attention but still enhances and elevates a variety of men’s haircuts. Its subtlety makes it perfect for both casual and formal settings, allowing for easy transitions between different environments. The low taper fade’s versatility means it complements a wide range of hairstyles, offering countless styling possibilities and making it a fantastic option for men seeking a polished yet adaptable look.

3. Curly Top Taper Fade Haircut

The undercut fade is an excellent option for men looking for a short haircut that enhances their curly hair while keeping things easy to manage. It lets you showcase your natural curls without committing to a fully shaved or closely cropped look. For added definition, consider using Dove Men+Care Control Gel to tame and mold your curls, giving them structure while maintaining their natural texture.

Similarly, the taper fade is a timeless and classic haircut that works beautifully with curly hair. This style creates a sleek, modern appearance while allowing the curls on top to take center stage. With the right balance of length and fade, the taper fade offers a polished look, highlighting your curls and making it an excellent choice for those wanting a stylish yet low-maintenance haircut.

4. Cool Back Taper Designs

Ask your barber to elevate your taper fade by carving a cool design into the back—there’s no limit to how creative you can get.

Cool back taper designs are a fresh take on the classic taper fade, allowing men to personalize their haircut. While the taper fade is already known for its clean, gradual transition from longer hair on top to shorter sides and back, adding back taper designs takes the style to a whole new level. These shaved designs on the back of the head provide endless options for those wanting to make a bold statement or subtly enhance their look with a unique twist.

5. Mid-Taper Fade

Ready to take your look to the next level? Try the mid-taper fade. In this style, the gradient sits slightly higher on the head but without being overly dramatic. On the sides, the fade begins around brow level, while at the back, it dips lower for a balanced appearance.

The mid-taper fade created with clippers offers a polished, versatile look that works well with various hair types and personal styles. Whether you prefer a subtle taper or a more defined fade, understanding clipper numbers ensures a precise and tailored result. This attention to detail allows you to express your individuality with a well-executed mid-taper fade, giving your haircut structure and personality.

6. Scissor Taper Fade Cuts

Opt for the scissor fade for a more extended, natural faded look. As the name suggests, this fade uses scissors rather than clippers. A scissor taper fade involves the scissor-over-comb technique, where the hair is gradually trimmed to create a smooth, clean transition between lengths incredibly close to the scalp.

This method ensures that your longer, straight hair sits at a comfortable and flattering angle. The scissor fade is perfect for those who prefer to keep their hair on the medium to the long side, offering a refined, low-maintenance style that enhances the natural flow of your hair while still providing structure and definition.

7. Mini Locs Taper Fade

You can consistently achieve this look with mini coils as well. Adding a taper fade to your mini coils brings plenty of style to your haircut while keeping the hairline neat and sharp. This combination of mini coils and a taper fade provides versatility in how you can wear your hair and adds a modern, fresh twist to your overall appearance.

Similarly, the mini locs taper fade is a dynamic and stylish hairstyle that blends the textured, bold appearance of mini locs with the clean and structured effect of a taper fade. This versatile look has gained popularity because it offers the best of both worlds—natural locs that express individuality combined with the sleek, modern lines of the taper fade. It’s perfect for men seeking a low-maintenance yet unique haircut that allows for creative expression while staying on-trend.

8. Long Hair and Short Fade

One surefire way to ensure your taper-faded haircut looks sharp is to create some contrast—like in this cut. Keeping the hair longer on top and pairing it with a short fade on the sides offers a clean, stylish contrast, regardless of how you choose to style the top.

The fade can be low, mid, or high, depending on where the transition from long hair to short sides begins. This gradual reduction in hair length provides a smooth, seamless look, giving your haircut a polished and striking appearance.

With longer hair on top and a short fade, the styling options are endless. From slicked-back looks, man buns, and ponytails to more tousled, textured styles, this haircut keeps your look versatile. The fade ensures a neat, structured base, while the extended top offers room for creativity and flair.

9. Box Taper Fade

The box taper haircut is particularly well-suited for individuals with curly or Afro-textured hair. It features longer hair on top, styled into a flat top, while the sides and back feature a high, mid, or skin fade along the lower portion of the head. This combination highlights the natural texture and volume of the hair on top while keeping the sides clean and defined.

The box taper fade works well with various hair types and lengths, offering various customization options. Whether you’re going for a sleek and sharp look or something more casual and textured, this haircut provides a versatile, trendy option for any occasion.

With its distinct shape and sharp lines, the box taper fade creates a bold, edgy appearance. The fade complements the look by adding a polished, refined finish. This haircut is trendy among men who want a well-defined style that exudes confidence and individuality.

10. Curly Top With Clippings

What’s cooler than a side part? Clippings! A thin, clipped-in line adds an extra layer of coolness, offering the same effect as a faded haircut with a part but with a bit more edge. This look pairs beautifully with a natural curly top, combining a fun, playful vibe with a dapper, polished finish.

A curly top with a faded style can be achieved using a perm and rods to create curls in straight hair or redefine and shape existing curls. The sides are then cut or faded to blend seamlessly into a modern, stylish look. This combination of curls on top with faded sides strikes the perfect balance between texture and structure, making it a trendy and versatile hairstyle.