If you want a fresh cut but can’t decide on a style, why not try a taper fade? Taper fades are versatile and can be cut to suit any face shape, hair type, or length, making them a classic and reliable choice. They are popular among men for their clean appearance, fashion, and low maintenance.
With low-taper fades, high-taper fades, and skin fades, a fade can go with any haircut, whether you’re going for an edgy mohawk, a sleek pompadour, or a sharp buzz cut.
Here are the latest taper fade haircut trends for men.
What is a Taper Fade Haircut?
A taper fade haircut is a cool and versatile haircut that’s becoming increasingly popular among men. This haircut involves cutting the hair close to the head with a gradual decrease in length as you go up the scalp. The result is a smooth transition from shorter hair at the bottom to longer hair on top.
Fade haircuts are popular because they are versatile. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, a taper fade can be cut to suit your hair type and style. The hair on top allows for many styling options, from sleek and smart to messy and undone. With its classic look and modern twist, the taper fade haircut is a go-to for men wanting to level up.
Taper Fade Haircut Benefits
There are many benefits to a taper-fade haircut. One of the main advantages is that it looks clean and sleek, so it’s perfect for formal and business casual occasions. The gradual fade from longer to shorter hair adds a touch of class and elegance to any haircut.
Taper fades are also low-maintenance and require minimal effort to keep sharp. Unlike other styles that need frequent trims or styling products, a taper fade holds its shape and structure easily. They are perfect for busy men who want to look good with minimal effort.
Another benefit is the customization. The taper fade can be cut to suit individual preferences, whether you like a high, mid, or low fade. This means men with different face shapes, hair types, and styles can find a taper fade that suits them. Whether you have coarse hair or fine strands, a taper fade can enhance your natural texture and complement your look.
Choosing the Right Taper Fade Style
Choosing the right taper fade style involves considering a few things, one of which is the height of the fade. A high taper fade starts higher up on the head and creates more contrast between the longer hair on top and the shorter sides. This style is good for men with round or oval faces, as it adds height and elongates the face.
On the other hand, a low-taper fade starts lower down on the head near the neckline and ears. This subtle gradient is good for men with square or heart-shaped faces, as it softens the angles and gives a balanced look. A low-taper fade is also a good option for those new-to-fade haircuts, as it looks sleek and stylish without being too bold.
If you want something between the high and low taper fade, the mid-taper fade is the way to go. This style starts around brow level on the sides and dips lower at the back of the head. By knowing the different heights of fades and how they suit different face shapes, you can choose a taper fade that suits your features and style.
Taper Fade Haircut Styles Trending Now
1. Skin Fade Taper Cuts
The skin fade taper is one of the most popular modern takes on the classic taper fade. Perfect for men who are bald or have discolored skin, a skin fade can help blend the hair into the scalp so it looks like the hairline is higher. This gives a sleek, streamlined look that smooths the hair and skin.
The skin fade goes well with classic styles like a buzz cut and also works well with bold styles like an extra-long pompadour. The volume on top and the shaved sides are striking and give the style an edgy yet refined look.
Thanks to its sleek and versatile nature and suitability for all hair types, the skin fade taper fade is the perfect option for men looking for a trendy, low-maintenance haircut with style and versatility.
2. Low Taper Fade Cut
For taper fade newbies, a low taper fade is a good starting point. It’s the most beginner-friendly of all the taper fade styles and works on almost everyone. The fade starts low on the head, near the neckline, and near the ears and creates a subtle gradient that’s sleek and stylish.
We love how a low taper fade looks with a longer top to add contrast and sophistication. Whether worn in a classic quiff or styled as a messy crop, this high-contrast look is attention-grabbing without being too bold.
One of the best things about the low taper fade is its subtlety. Unlike more extreme fades, this style doesn’t ask for too much attention but still works with many men’s haircuts. Its subtlety makes it perfect for both casual and formal occasions and can be easily transitioned between the two. The low taper fade is versatile and works with many hairstyles, giving you countless styling options. It is a great option for men looking for a sleek yet adaptable look.
3. Curly Top Taper Fade Cut
The undercut fade is a great option for men who want a short haircut that enhances their curly hair but doesn’t require too much maintenance. It lets you show off your natural curls without committing to a full shave or close cut. For added definition, use Dove Men+Care Control Gel to tame and mold your curls and give them structure while keeping their natural texture.
Similarly, the taper fade is a timeless classic that works well with curly hair. This style gives a sleek, modern look while letting the curls on top be the focal point. With the right balance of length and fade, the taper fade is a polished look that highlights your curls and is a great option for those looking for a stylish, low-maintenance haircut.
4. Cool Back Taper Designs
Ask your barber to carve a cool design into the back of your taper fade. There are no limits to how creative you can be.
Cool back taper designs are a new spin on the classic taper fade. Men can now personalize their haircuts. 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 it to a whole new level. The shaved designs on the back of the head give you endless options to make a statement or subtly add a twist to your look.
5. Mid-Taper Fade
Want to level up your look? Try the mid-taper fade. In this style, the gradient sits higher on the head but not too dramatically. On the sides, the fade starts at brow level, and at the back, it dips lower for a balanced look.
The mid-taper fade with clippers gives a polished, versatile look that works with many hair types and personal styles. Whether you like subtle taper or a more defined fade, understanding clipper numbers will give you precise and tailored results. With that attention to detail, you can express yourself with a well-done mid-taper fade and give your haircut structure and personality.
6. Scissor Taper Fade Cuts
Go for the scissor fade for a longer, more natural fade. As the name suggests, this fade uses scissors, not clippers. A scissor taper fade is the scissor-over comb technique in which the hair is gradually trimmed to create a smooth, clean transition between lengths right up to the scalp.
This will make your longer, straight hair sit at a comfortable and flattering angle. The scissor fade is perfect for those who want to keep their hair medium to long. It’s a refined, low-maintenance style that enhances the natural flow of your hair while still giving you structure and definition.
7. Mini Locs Taper Fade
You can get this look with mini coils, too. Adding a taper fade to your mini coils gives you plenty of style with a neat, sharp hairline. This combination of mini coils and taper fade gives you options on how to wear your hair and adds a modern, fresh twist to your overall look.
Similarly, the mini locs taper fade is a dynamic, stylish haircut that combines the textured, bold look of mini locs with the clean and structured look of the taper fade. This style has become popular because it gives you the best of both worlds – natural locs that express yourself, and the sleek modern lines of the taper fade. It’s perfect for men who want a low-maintenance yet unique haircut that allows you to express yourself while being on trend.
8. Long Hair and Short Fade
One way to make your taper fade haircut look sharp is to create a contrast – like this. Keeping the hair longer on top and pairing it with a short fade on the sides gives you a clean, stylish contrast no matter how you style the top.
The fade can be low, mid, or high depending on where the transition from long hair to short sides starts. The gradual reduction of hair length gives you a smooth, seamless look and makes your haircut look polished and sharp.
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 gives you versatility. The fade gives you a neat, structured base, and the extended top gives you room to be creative and express yourself.
9. Box Taper Fade
The box taper haircut is perfect for those with curly or afro-textured hair. It has longer hair on top styled into a flat top, and the sides and back are high, mid, or skin fade on the lower part of the head. This combination showcases the natural texture and volume of the hair on top and keeps the sides clean and defined.
The box taper fade works with all hair types and lengths and gives you options. Whether you want a sleek and sharp look or something more casual and textured, this haircut is a versatile option for any occasion.
With its shape and lines, the box taper fade gives you a bold, edgy look. The fade adds a polished finish to the look. This haircut is popular among men who want a defined style that expresses themselves.
10. Curly Top With Clippings
What’s cooler than a side part? Clippings! A thin clipped-in line adds an extra layer of coolness, the same effect as a faded haircut with a part but with a bit more edge. This look goes well with a natural curly top, a fun, playful vibe, and a dapper, polished finish.
A curly top with a faded style can be achieved by perming and using 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 perfectly balances texture and structure, making it a trendy and versatile hairstyle.
Taper Fade Maintenance
The taper fade haircut is low maintenance but requires some attention to keep it looking its best. Trims every 2-3 weeks are recommended to maintain the length and keep the fade sharp. This prevents the hair from growing out unevenly and losing its clean look.
Using a good-quality shampoo and conditioner is important to keeping hair healthy and moisturized. Especially for those with coarse hair, it helps maintain the hair’s natural texture and prevent dryness. Using a trimmer or clippers to tidy up the edges and neckline can help keep the haircut looking neat between trims.
Follow these tips, and you’ll look stylish and groomed.
