15 Must-Try Taper Fade Haircuts for Men
Learn more about this trendy haircut and check out some styling tips.
Visiting your barber soon? Switch up your look and try the taper fade haircut. You get long hair on top of your head, and this gradually gets shorter as you go down at the sides and at the back. It’s a stylish and versatile haircut that you can wear at work or when meeting your friends for drinks during happy hour.
It can also be styled in different ways. Depending on how funky or conservative you are with haircuts, you can go for a low taper fade (hair starts to taper near the ears), a mid-fade (a few inches higher), or a high taper fade (hair starts to shorten high up on the head). You can also go for a casual, laid-back hairstyle or a sleek and dapper one.
Taper Fade vs. Regular Fade
So, what’s the difference between the fade haircut and the taper fade haircut? Basically the length. These two hairstyles are similar in that they are both gradient haircuts. They go from one length to another. But a regular men’s fade haircut typically goes from short to even shorter, while a taper fade starts with hair that’s about a few inches longer. This way, you see the fade tapering or gradually getting shorter.
How long does a taper fade last?
Depending on how fast your hair grows, a taper fade may grow out in three to four weeks. When the fade style is no longer noticeable, you may need to go back to your barber to have it refreshed. If you have your own hair clippers at home, you can do it yourself by following the existing fade pattern and adjusting the size of your clippers accordingly.
A fade haircut, on the other hand, has a tighter fade because it has shorter strands to start with. And because it has shorter strands, you may need to trim or clip your hair sooner in order to maintain the look.
Should I get a taper fade or a men’s fade haircut?
Deciding which one to get depends on your face shape and personality. The overall look of a taper fade is closer to classic men’s haircuts, thanks to the combination of long and short strands. So, if you want a classic look with a little bit of a fresh twist, a taper fade is for you.
On the other hand, if you’re into edgier haircuts, you can try the regular fade haircut. It’s light and presko so it’s great for hot and humid weather.
Cool Ways to Style a Taper Fade Haircut
1. Taper Fade Hairstyle With a Side Part
Upgrade your classic side-part style by combining it with a taper fade. To create this look, use a comb to part your hair on the side while it’s still damp. Apply a coin-sized amount of wax or putty to your hair to take it where you want it to go and keep it there. A blow dryer can help set your style.
2. Straight High Taper Fade
Straight, slicked-back hair goes well with any fade haircut. It’s a smooth and polished hairstyle you can wear together with a crisp dress shirt and suit.
Editor’s tip: A fade haircut exposes a portion of your scalp. Make sure your scalp is flake-free by washing your hair regularly with CLEAR Cool Sport Menthol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Men. It has Triple Anti-Dandruff Technology which removes, resists, and prevents dandruff. It also gets rid of dirt, grease, and grime and leaves your scalp with a fresh feeling.
3. Man Bun With High Taper Fade
Go for this style if you want a fun and funky hair fade. The man-bun-fade combination automatically gives you a fresh, youthful vibe.
Editor’s tip: Keep your hair strong to avoid hair breakage by using Dove Men + Care Strengthening Shampoo. It has caffeine and Trichazole Actives that help fortify your strands so your hair grows uninterrupted by hair fall due to breakage.
4. Low Man Bun With a Taper Fade
You can also position your man bun at the back of your head when you have medium-length or long hair. You can even add a hard part—a clean, straight line created by shaving that portion of your hair—to make your taper fade haircut edgy.
5. Man Bun With Braid
Combine the man braid and the man bun in this eye-catching hairstyle. Beat the heat on hot and humid days by styling your hair this way.
6. High Taper Fade With Mohawk
Want a bold look? Pair a taper fade haircut with a mohawk ‘do! Make it even more unique by dyeing your mohawk blonde or any hair color you like.
7. Faux Hawk With Taper Fade
If you want a more subtle version of the mohawk hairstyle, create a faux hawk by brushing your hair upward to create height. Keep it in place with putty or pomade. Meanwhile, a taper fade will help direct all attention to your faux hawk.
Editor’s tip: Make sure your hair is clean and free from product residue when the day ends. Wash it with Dove Men + Care Refreshing Clean Shampoo. It removes dirt and grease from your hair and scalp. It also leaves your hair and scalp cool and refreshed.
8. Brushed-Up Messy Hair
Look laid-back while playing up the volume of your hair by going for this look. Just scoop a little bit of hair putty or matte clay, rub your palms and fingers, and finger-comb your hair upward to create a messy, spiky ‘do.
9. Easy Comb Over
A comb over hairstyle can make a taper fade haircut look polished. It’s also a versatile ‘do. You can style your hair this way when going to work, when attending formal events, or when taking your special someone on a date at a fancy restaurant.
10. Quiff With Fade
This kind of fade haircut gives you a clean look, and when you style your hair into a quiff, you get to exude a friendly, boy-next-door vibe. Go for this look when going out on weekend walks or hanging out at your friend’s house for game night.
11. High Taper Fade Haircut With a Pompadour
The contrast between the faded sides and the voluminous top makes you look dapper and sophisticated. You can create this hairstyle by blow-drying your hair upward and backward while brushing it with a rounded brush. And finally, spritz hairspray all over your hair to keep your pompadour in shape for a long time.
12. Brushed-Back Hairstyle
If you have thick hair, a taper fade can help keep your hair from overwhelming your face. Then, go for a simple brushed-back hairstyle to create a simple but neat look.
13. Taper Fade With a Man Ponytail
Keep your long hair off your face by putting it in a man ponytail. Pair this hairstyle with a taper fade for a fresh and modern look.
14. Tapered Buzz Cut
A taper fade buzz cut (or a skin-faded buzz cut) is a great way to combine two hair trends in one look. Cop this look if you like extremely short haircuts but want to give taper a fade a try.
15. Curly Taper Fade
Keep your curly locks tamed and groomed with this cut. Don’t forget to use texturizing hair products while sporting this ‘do to enhance your hair structure.
Now, what are you waiting for? Try any of these haircuts and enjoy your fresh, new look!
