The taper fade is an iconic men’s hairstyle that has stood the test of time. It remains stylish and sought-after due to its sharp and polished look. The adaptability of this timeless style is what maintains its significance among men of all ages and lifestyles.
A taper is a variety of men’s cut that gradually alters the length of hair from the top of the head down to the nape (neck). The hair begins longer at the top and progressively gets shorter as it approaches the nape. A fade cut is generally much shorter than a taper, with the short hair on top reducing down to the skin at the nape.
What are the different taper fades?
This style of fade combines the trendy taper and fade variations as a mid-length option for men. What you need to discuss with your barber is whether you prefer a high fade, a low taper fade, or something in between with a mid fade. A high fade can commence almost at the crown and maintain thickness down to the temple, while a low fade doesn’t begin to taper in length until it reaches the temple. A mid fade taper is positioned somewhere between the two.
Another variant of this fade worth mentioning is a bald fade. With a skin fade, the sides of the haircut aren’t faded higher than the temple area, and the back isn’t faded any higher than the occipital bone. There’s also a drop fade, which produces a faded and curved effect that descends behind the ears.
Finally, the shadow fade is also a favored choice due to the shadow effect it can create when executed correctly. It begins with the hair lighter on the sides and seamlessly fades up into the desired length.
Before your upcoming haircut, be sure to check out these images of the finest taper fade haircuts for men:
#1: Comb Over with Taper Fade
The comb over with taper fade involves using hair clippers to transition the hair from short to long. The top section is shaped and styled into a neat and polished look. When utilizing hair clippers close to the scalp, it is essential to take special care in blending the sideburns with the beard.
#2: Caesar Taper Fade Hairstyle
A caesar taper fade combines a traditional close fade with a crew cut top. With the 90’s style returning, it is no wonder that this timeless cut is enjoying renewed popularity. The caesar requires minimal styling and maintenance, making it suitable for all hair types. It can be styled forward with a fringe or given texture and pushed back for a contemporary appearance.
#3: Defined Tapered Fade with Distinct Part
What’s fantastic about this distinct part with a taper fade is its adaptability. It truly suits men with any hair types and texture.
#4: Textured Clean Skin Taper Fade
This textured and clean taper fade cut with a side part is a “Barber/Stylist” look, according to barber Cat Ferrara of Las Vegas, NV. The sides are tightly faded to the skin, and have a clean, crisp hard part separating the fade from the multi-directional texture on top.
Ferrara’s best tip is, “only go as low as skin if your scalp is moisturized and clear of bumps or other imperfections. If you have issues with your scalp, keep a shadow fade (a half to a #1 guard) to camouflage any flaws.”
This textured hair with taper fade is a very fun haircut with an edgy style and clean, sharp edges. It’s a great style when you want to feel casual but low-key trendy.
#5: Taper Fade with Spiky Long Top Hairstyle
When it comes to bold styles, this taper fade with a spiky long top serves as an excellent illustration. A fade paired with a textured top creates a complementary appearance, with the closely cropped sides enhancing the look on top. You can experiment with various fade styles for this look, including burst fades and taper fades. If you have specific designs in mind, you can seamlessly integrate them into this style for added versatility. For optimal results, blow-dry your hair daily for enhanced volume. Style your textured top using matte clay from roots to ends.
#6: Tapered Fade Mullet
This tapered fade mullet has been inspired by the traditional tapered mullet cut with a contemporary touch. Classic mullets are shorter on top, longer at the back, and feature short, disconnected sides. The front portion of the hair has been cropped, with a line razor-ed in to align with the blunt fringe. It’s preferable for the design to be shaved in using a cut throat, as this approach enhances the visibility of the design. For a dry, natural look, a styling powder is the ideal choice.
#7: Tapered Style with Curly Crown
A tapered haircut is an excellent choice for those sporting a curly crown. This hairstyle introduces texture and shape by allowing the longer curls to thrive on top. Incorporating a taper fade on the sides can minimize bulk, creating a more squared-off appearance for the overall look. A bald taper fade around the nape and sideburns further accentuates this effect. For at-home styling, apply R Co’s Chiffon lightweight mousse to your curly crown, from roots to tips. Use the high wind setting on a blow dryer to achieve maximum volume and relaxed curls.
#8: Fade with Dreads
A fade combined with dreads features a skin-tight taper that seamlessly transitions into dreads in the temple area. An essential option for tidying up around any man’s dreads. A precisely defined hairline enhances the fade that black men appreciate.
#9: Long Hairstyles Featuring Unique Designs
A simple line can enhance a cut significantly as illustrated in this long top hairstyle. It features a tight fade around the ears, with intricate designs etched in using mini clippers for added distinction. The top is styled longer and has been given volume to complete the look. The pattern will grow out quickly, allowing for a fresh design with every haircut.
#10: Curly Tapered Fade
The curly tapered fade is a preferred choice for men with curly hair. Skintight taper removing sideburns and defining the hairline in the nape area. Men with curly hair often face the challenge of hair falling over their ears and in the nape area, which can be bothersome. Request a curly tapered fade when looking to tidy up those curls.
#11: Stylish Undercut Taper Fade
A stylish undercut taper fade is an excellent way to highlight the length on top while maintaining a clean appearance on the sides. The men’s taper fade can be slicked back into a pompadour and showcases its versatility with various styles to explore, such as incorporating a topknot or a tighter slick back, for instance.
Undercuts for men can alleviate weight from thick hair to minimize density and bulkiness. An undercut taper hairstyle necessitates more regular visits to the barber to keep the taper fade looking sharp.
#12: Extended Edgar Cut with Facial Hair
Edgar hair is the latest twist on crops and has gained immense popularity. The hallmark of the Edgar cut features a blunt fringe with faded sides. This extended Edgar cut with facial hair offers another variation. The sides have closely faded to the skin and blended significantly into the top to create a smooth transition. For a natural appearance, I recommend Crazy Bull Space Dust Powder.
#13: Sleek Back Taper Fade
A sleek back taper fade provides a stylish twist on a timeless cut that suits all face shapes and hair types. For coarse hair textures, be sure to apply a strong or firm hold product on damp hair to keep it styled securely.
#14: Trendy Side Parted Short Cut
If you’re into something relaxed and stylish, this trendy side parted short cut might meet your needs. Assuming you’ve never had this style before, ask for a one fade on the sides. But be aware that the length up top depends on your hair type. Finer hair can typically lay down nicely to the side when shorter. Yet coarse hair may need more length to settle down. Style with a cream like Malin and Goetz Sage Styling Cream for a natural sheen.
#15: Chic Layered Blonde Hairstyle with Tapered Fade
Fresh and playful, consider this chic layered blonde hairstyle with a tapered fade. If your hair lacks volume, this is ideal for those with fine hair. This style features neat sides while providing ample length on top for volume and flair. I recommend taking home your barber’s favorite matte clay for optimal results. Blow-dry the hair backward away from the face, use a dime-sized amount of matte clay, and finish with a hairspray for long-lasting hold.
#16: Elevated Taper Fade
Men with straighter hair will find that this elevated taper fade suits them perfectly! To achieve this hairstyle, simply request a faux hawk combined with a taper fade from your barber.
#17: Subtle Taper Fade
This is a subtle low taper fade that features short sides to enhance prominence and fullness to the hair on top.
#18: Mohawk with Tapered Fade
Achieve the ideal blend with a mohawk featuring a tapered fade. This hairstyle is suited for anyone mindful of their head shape. The look maintains a textured length across the top and back, allowing the cut to form a silhouette or even conceal indentations at the back of the head. It also offers the added advantage of short tapered sides for a polished, elegant finish.
#19: Textured Top with Subtle Taper Fade
This men’s taper fade hairstyle showcases a textured top paired with a sleek skin fade. It’s a standout creation by hairstylist Csobán Sándor of Hungary.
This hairstyle is ideal for trendy and athletic individuals, and complements a faded beard exceptionally well!
“I recommend styling this hair with By Vilain Dynamite Clay Wax or By Vilain Blow Powder for a perfect finish,” Sándor adds.
#20: Faux Hawk with Taper Fade
A faux hawk with taper fade is a must-try for stylish men. Style it sky high to give punk rock vibes, or slick it straight back for a day at the office. When well-executed, this cut can take you from day to night to late-night.
#21: Blonde Long Curly Hairstyle
Deciding on a style for your curly hair can be challenging, but this blonde long curly hairstyle is a great option. It has been cut short, about a grade 1, on the back and sides which flows into the beard. The top has been disconnected to make the most of the length. You can wear your curls naturally but it helps if you use product; this will form the curls nicely. Be sure to not brush the curls, as this will cause frizz and make styling difficult.
#22: Textured Cut with Blended Taper Fade
This taper hairstyle is contemporary, clean, easy to maintain, and textured. This particular one was crafted by stylist Danny Willis of Mill Creek, WA.
“I love the versatility. He can style it multiple ways or just wake up and go because of the undone nature of the textured cut that gives it its movement,” says Willis.
Willis describes it as “tight on the sides but not so tight that they have to come in every 2 weeks.” This cut works better with fine hair because of the texture. With fine hair, there’s no need to use as much product. Just mess it up and go!
#23: Stylish Taper Faded Cut with a Faded Beard
If you desire a fashionable, tidy hairstyle with a rugged touch, think about the taper faded cut paired with a faded beard. This adaptable style seamlessly transitions from a fuller beard to shorter hair. The tapered cut on the sides blends nicely with the faded beard for a polished, well-groomed appearance. For an enhanced look, apply beard oil or balm to maintain softness in your facial hair. Use matte clay for added texture in your hairstyle.
#24: Stylish Short Taper Fade
This tidy and polished short haircut demonstrates that the classic taper fade with a refined style can enhance every man’s attractiveness!
#25: Buzz Cut with a Bald Taper Fade
Choose a buzz cut with a bald taper fade for a polished and sophisticated look. If you’re considering a buzz cut to keep your hair neat and close-cropped, consult with your hairstylist about its maintenance to ensure the style stays sharp. Keep in mind that this taper fade is very close from the sides, so if you like sideburns, this might not be the right taper for you.
#26: Trendsetting Taper Fade with Artistic Elements
The trendsetting taper fade with artistic elements is a modern twist on a classic haircut that offers men a unique and fashionable look. With a taper fade, the hair is gradually cut shorter on the sides and back. This creates a clean appearance. Adding hair designs or patterns adds a creative touch and showcases personal style. This versatile haircut works well with various hair types and face shapes.
#27: Stylish Flat Top with Taper Fade
The updated version of a flat top combined with a taper fade delivers a contemporary look, making it an ideal men’s hairstyle for those with super straight hair. Fading the sides results in a sleek blended finish to the hair. Incorporating longer lengths on top introduces height and strength to the overall haircut.
#28: Textured Taper Fade with Lush Top
This textured taper fade with a lush top looks sharp! Not only do variations of this haircut look great on most hair types, but styling this cut is straightforward. If you’ve never had a fade before, you will need to prebook every 2-4 weeks to maintain the sides of this haircut. Depending on how fast your hair grows, you may only want to trim the top every other visit.
#29: Taper Fade Afro with Facial Hair
This is a taper fade afro featuring a twist sponge style for black men, crafted by barber Derrick Noel of Joliet, IL. To enhance its flair, Noel included the moon-shaped part, and tapered both the head and beard to highlight the fade work.
“The crisp lineup on the head and the beard accentuates the bald taper and provides a smooth transition effect. The twist sponge on top offers the retro afro a contemporary curly appearance for guys,” Noel explains.
This afro taper fade boasts a deliberately messy look that requires consistent upkeep. Regular shape-ups and brushing the sides are essential.
#30: Textured Mid Taper Fade
This textured mid taper fade presents a relaxed yet eye-catching style! It’s a mini quiff paired with a taper fade. Men can easily adopt this cut as their signature look.
#31: Stylish Blowout Taper Fade for Longer Locks
A men’s hairstyle like this stylish blowout taper fade is a fantastic blend of contemporary and traditional elements. According to barber Jesus Ruiz of Colorado, what stands out most is the detail that gives this haircut its distinctiveness.
“I always encourage men to explore new haircuts. Life is too short, why not enjoy it?” Ruiz says. Having longer hair is essential. It complements the gentle fade that flows down the neck.
#32: Stylish Tapered Edge
This specific taper fade style provides a striking contrast that few other hairstyles can match. When executed correctly, it’s an excellent way to blend a polished and edgy appearance into a single look.
According to barber John Carmona of Denver, “another remarkable aspect is that it can be combined with nearly any hairstyle on top. It can be blowdried with a round brush to enhance volume. If cut short and close to the head, it can create a tidy, low-maintenance style.”
Since this haircut highlights the head shape at its shortest part, it’s ideal for men with an oval to wide face shape. By having reduced length on the sides, it directs your gaze vertically rather than horizontally. This gives the illusion of a longer face.
#33: Stylish Taper Skin Fade with Volume
This specific style features a skin taper fade with added length and texture on top. Florida-based stylist Dallas Gent introduced a little pick in the fade to create a visual break. This results in a striking contrast with the skin.
“My favorite aspect of this style and cut is how it maintains its appeal as it grows out. Even when this haircut is in the process of growing, it continues to look sharp and cohesive with the length on top,” says Gent.
Gent’s tip for a man considering this cut is to fully embrace it! A skillfully done skin fade is flattering on all men. It presents a strong and commanding appearance.
#34: Stylish Texture with a Tapered Fade
This taper fade haircut is referred to as the surfer pomp by barber Frazier Dyson of Tennessee.
“The top is wild and he can run his fingers through it, but the neckline and sideburns have a more traditional taper, so it grows out well,” states Dyson.
“This haircut works great for guys wanting the ability to dress up or down their hair. He could easily use a hi-gloss pomade and achieve a more classic look. I used a clay for a more mattè, beach look,” Dyson explains.
#35: Mullet Featuring Highlights and a Taper Fade
Explore this mullet that showcases highlights and a taper fade! It’s making waves right now! You’ve likely spotted various versions of this haircut on both men and women. I suggest sharing this haircut or a similar style with your barber or stylist to determine what would suit you best. Consider your hair texture and personal style. For textured hair, try using a curl cream to air dry or clay for styling straighter hair types.
#36: Textured Medium Pompadour with Subtle Taper Fade
This hairstyle features a stylish pompadour combined with a subtle taper fade crafted by barber Maurice of Amsterdam.
“I cut the top so he can wear it all to the back like in the picture, or comb it to the left or right,” Maurice shares.
Maurice suggests using specific hair products based on the hair type. For medium-length straight hair, he recommends a Matt Clay by Osmo UK.
A taper complements any face shape. It’s polished and tidy, making it ideal for someone who prefers a sharp look while maintaining a sporty vibe.
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