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The Best Shadow Fade Taper Haircuts from Instagram

All the shadow taper inspiration you need.

Leona | February 12, 2021

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A shadow taper haircut has fast become one of the most popular men’s hairstyles — right up there with man buns and undercut styles. But if you aren’t quite sure what a shadow taper haircut is, you will be surprised to know that almost everyone is rocking the style, even if you didn’t realise they were.

We’ve rounded up all the best shadow taper styles from Instagram for a collection of stylish cuts to suit everyone. Regardless of hair type or length, there is a shadow taper style for you.

Taper Fade With Quiff

side view of quiff hairstyle with shadow taper finish — Give your quiff a unique spin with a shadow taper finish. Credit: Instagram.com/javi_thebarber_

The classic men’s hairstyle has been given an update with this tapered finish. If you’re thinking of trying the much-loved haircut (like John Mayer, Harry Styles and Orlando Bloom already have), give your quiff haircut a unique twist by adding a contrasting tapered finish. Credit: @javi_thebarber_

VO5 Gel Wax

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Editor’s tip: For a long-lasting hold in your quiff, we suggest using the VO5 Gel Wax. Remember: a little goes a long way!

Shadow Taper Wave

short brown hair with wavy finish and shadow taper cut — Team your shadow taper with a wavy finish. Credit: Instagram.com/q.thebarber.7

If you’re a lover of 360 wave styles, you will know how much hard work and patience it takes to perfect the style — so once you have it, you will hardly want to cut it all off for a new style. Which is why we love how this Instagrammer has opted to upgrade their waves, choosing a shadow tapered finish. Credit: @q.thebarber.7

Undercut + Taper Fade

shadow taper undercut on male with light brown hair — This Instagrammer mixed two of the hottest men’s hairstyles together. Credit: Instagram.com/chrischampagne

Get ultimate styling points from your pals with this undercut and shadow taper combo. Whether you wear your undercut in a top knot or leave it loose, there is no denying how cool you will look. Credit: @chrischampagne

Curly Taper

back view of curly brown hair with shadow taper from nape of neck — The best thing about a shadow taper is that it works for all hair types. Credit: Instagram.com/tyzcutz

We all know how popular curly hair for men has become recently. From fashion bloggers to your favourite sports stars, it seems like everyone who’s anyone is embracing their curly strands. Team yours with a shadow taper at the nape of the neck for a curly high-top finish. Credit: @tyzcutz

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Oil

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Editor’s tip: To help stop your curls from drying out and to bring out the best of your natural hair texture, apply a few pumps of the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Oil, before you step out of the house.

Swept Back Shadow Taper

side view of swept back brown hair with shadow taper finish — Even a smart swept back style can rock a shadow taper. Credit: Instagram.com/rpb_nq

If you need a hairstyle that’s smart enough for the office yet still has an added extra touch of personality, we couldn’t recommend this swept back look enough. Complete with a soft shadow taper finish, it’ll carry you from the office to post-work drinks in one. Credit: @rpb_nq