The Complete Guide to Taper Fade Haircuts & 17 Styles to Try
No matter your hair type, there's a tape fade style here for you.
If you’re in search of a fresh haircut but can’t seem to make a decision, may we recommend considering a taper fade? Versatile and adaptable, taper fades can be customized to complement any face shape, hair type, or length. No wonder they’re considered a timeless choice.
With variations like low taper fades, high taper fades, and skin fades, there’s a style to pair seamlessly with any haircut, whether you’re opting for an edgy mohawk, a polished pompadour, or a cool buzz cut.
Below, we’ve curated a selection of our favorite new taper fade haircut trends for men to offer inspiration for your next look.
What is a taper fade?
First, let’s get into what exactly qualifies as a taper fade haircut.
A taper fade is one of the most popular men’s haircuts right now. It’s main characteristic is a gradually decreasing hair length from the top of the head down to the neckline.
The taper fade typically starts with longer hair at the top, which gradually tapers shorter towards the sides and back, creating a seamless transition from longer to shorter hair. The taper fade can vary in length and style, with options such as a low, mid, or high fade (among other variations) depending on how high up the head the fade begins.
The resulting look is clean and polished, making it versatile for various hair textures and styles.
Taper Fade Haircut Styles Rising in Popularity
1. Low Taper Fade Cut
For taper fade novices, a low taper fade may be a good place to start. It’s the most accessible of all taper fades and looks great on everyone. The gradient starts fairly low on the head — just at the neck and close to the ears.
We love the look of a longer top haircut paired with a low taper fade. This look is extra high contrast making it look particularly dashing. Wear this cut with a classic quiff, or as a tousled crop. You can style both with the Axe Smooth Look: Shine Pomade.
2. Mid Taper Fade
Want to move on to the next level? Try the mid taper fade. Here, the gradient sits a little higher on the head, but still without being too dramatic. On the sides, it starts at around brow-level. At the back on the head, it drops a bit lower.
3. High Taper Fade
A high fade haircut is characterized by very short hair around the temples and the back of the head — a great pick in the summer, or even all-year-round, if you prefer to keep your hair ultra-cropped.
4. Curly Top Taper Fade Haircut
The undercut fade is a great way for any guy who’s looking for a short haircut for curly hair and wants to rock their natural texture without going all-out. To add definition to your curls, use the Dove Men+Care Control Gel to tame and mold your curls.
5. Buzz Cut with a Mid Taper Fade
We’re all about the military haircut for guys in 2024. Clean and low taper fade haircuts for guys mixed with a buzz make for a confident, strong haircut that will look good on anyone. Wear this cut and stand a little bit taller.
6. Skin Fade Taper Fade Cuts
In a bald or skin fade haircut for guys, the fade goes all the way down to your skin. This makes your fade (and hairline) end a little higher up. We like bald fades paired up with a buzz cut like our model above. But you could also pair it with something completely different, like an extra long pompadour.
7. Box Taper Fade
The box taper haircut is particularly suited for individuals with curly or Afro hair textures. It features longer hair on top, styled into a flat top, paired with a high, mid, or skin fade along the lower portion of the head.
8. Cool Back Taper Designs
Ask your barber to carve out a cool design along your taper fade to level it up. We love these three simple lines, but you can get as creative as you like.
9. Scissor Taper Fade Cuts
For a much longer faded look, go for the scissor fade. This one is done with, you guessed it, scissors. It makes sure that your long, straight hair sits at a comfortable angle. This cut is best suited to dudes who like to keep their hair on the medium to the long side.
10. Long Hair and Short Fade
One surefire way to make sure your taper fade haircut styles look dapper is to make sure there is some kind of contrast — like this cut. Having longer hair on top and a short fade on the sides makes for a nice contrast, no matter how you style your hair.
11. Slicked-Back Undercut and Fade
Want a slicked-back style to mix with a fade? Make it easy by going for an undercut. Then, just fade the edges of the undercut to make the whole style look more put-together. You can style the longer top section of your hair backward for that cool wet-look style. Use TRESemmé Extra Hold Hair Gel for shine and high hold. Then, run a fine-toothed comb through your hair to create that perfectly refined look.
TRESemmé
TRESemmé Extra Hold Hair Gel
12. Long Taper Fade Cuts
For an overall longer look, try a long-on-top look with a lengthier fade. This look mostly gives the hair on the sides of your head more structure. That makes this haircut ideal for men with coarse hair or hair that is difficult to manage.We like to style this with a matte texture to make it more modern.
13. Curly Crop and Long Taper Fade Cuts
Guys with curly hair could also keep their cut long enough to let their curls shine. This means the long-on-top crop is for you. A side fade is super helpful for curly hair, too. It takes out a lot of that volume that can make your hair look poofy on the sides and back.
14. Extra Long Taper Fade ‘Fro
Going for a taper fade doesn’t mean you need to forgo the ‘fro. We like this extra long-on-top Afro with sharp tapered sides. You could take this cut a little shorter and start the fade above the ears or just fade the back of the neck. Either way, you cut it, this ‘fro makes a strong yet low-key statement.
15. Mini Locs Taper Fade
You can always do this look with mini coils. Adding in the taper fade to your mini coils gives your look a lot of styles while keeping your hairline clean cut. This combination of mini coils and a taper fade not only offers versatility in styling but also brings a fresh and contemporary twist to your overall appearance, making it a trendy choice for those who want to stay on the cutting edge of fashion.
16. Curly Top With Clippings
Do you know what’s cooler than a side part? Clippings! A thin clipped-in line gives you the same effect as a fade haircut with a part but makes it just that little bit cooler. We love how this look was created with a natural curly top. It’s fun yet dapper at the same time.
17. Pomp and Undercut Taper Fade
The classic pomp is great, but why not wear it with an undercut fade? Fading the edges takes it a step further and makes sure this old-school-meets-new look has flow. You will need to use a blowdryer to create this look, but it’s worth the learning curve to wear this slick style.
Need more ways to wear a fade haircut with a part? Check out these cool high fade haircut styles.
