When it comes to men’s hairstyles, the taper fade has become one of the most popular and versatile choices. The taper fade combines a gradual decrease in hair length with a seamless fade, creating a polished and sophisticated look. This haircut balances clean-cut precision and stylish individuality, making it a favorite among men of all ages and hair types. This article will list the 46 best taper fade haircut styles for men.
What Is Taper Fade Haircut?
A taper fade is a combination of a taper haircut and a fade haircut. The word “taper” refers to gradually getting shorter towards one end, while a fade involves a seamless transition from short to shorter hair. With a taper fade, the hair on the sides of the head gradually decreases in length, creating a fade effect. This style offers versatility, as you can choose the length of the hair on top according to your preference.
How to Style a Taper Fade Haircut
Styling a taper fade haircut is relatively easy and requires minimal effort. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect look:
- Start with clean and dry hair. Use a quality shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy and manageable.
- Apply a styling product that suits your hair type and desired look. Whether you prefer a matte finish or a glossy sheen, there are products available to help you achieve your desired style.
- Use a comb or brush to style your hair. If you prefer a sleek and polished look, use a comb to create a defined part or to brush your hair back. If you prefer a more textured and tousled look, use your fingers or a brush to create volume and movement.
- Experiment with different hairstyles and techniques. Whether you prefer a slicked-back look, a messy and textured style, or a pompadour, there are endless possibilities for styling a taper fade haircut. Don’t be afraid to try new looks and get creative with your hair.
- Maintain your haircut regularly. Taper fade haircuts require regular maintenance to keep them looking fresh and polished. Visit your barber every few weeks to trim the sides and back and to ensure that the taper fade remains clean and well-defined.
48 Best Taper Fade Haircut Styles for Men
1. Skin Fade Taper
The skin fade taper is a sleek and contemporary style that features a gradual blend from the hairline to the skin. This fade creates a clean and sharp appearance, making it a popular choice among men who prefer a low-maintenance yet stylish haircut. The contrast between the faded sides and the longer hair on top adds dimension and visual interest to the overall look.
To achieve the perfect skin fade taper, it’s essential to visit a skilled barber or hairstylist who can create a seamless transition between different lengths. The result is a haircut that exudes confidence and sophistication.
2. Classic Taper
The classic taper is a timeless haircut that never goes out of style. It’s a versatile choice for various hair textures and lengths. The classic taper features short hair on the sides that gradually gets longer as it reaches the top of the head.
This style offers a neat and polished appearance while providing enough length on top for different styling options. Whether you prefer a slicked-back look, a side part, or a textured hairstyle, the classic taper is a solid foundation.
3. Low Taper Fade
The low taper fade is an excellent choice if you want a more subtle and conservative look. This style features a gradual fade that starts low on the sides and back of the head. The transition is smooth and barely noticeable, resulting in a clean and professional appearance.
The low taper fade suits formal and casual settings, making it a versatile option for men wanting a stylish yet understated haircut. Pair it with a well-groomed beard for added sophistication.
4. Mid-Taper Fade
The mid-taper fade strikes the perfect balance between the low and high taper fades. This style offers a medium fade that starts somewhere in the middle of the sides and back of the head. The gradual transition creates a sleek and polished look that is stylish and versatile.
The mid-taper fade complements various hair lengths and textures, making it a popular choice among men of all ages. This style will enhance your overall appearance, whether you have short, medium, or long hair.
5. High Taper Fade
For those who prefer a more dramatic and bold haircut, the high taper fade is the way to go. This style features a significant contrast between the long hair on top and the closely shaved sides. The fade starts high on the sides and gradually blends into the longer hair.
The high taper fade creates a striking, edgy look that exudes confidence and individuality. It’s an excellent option for men who want to make a statement with their hairstyle and stand out from the crowd.
6. Undercut Taper Fade
This style features a disconnected undercut on the sides and back, with a gradual taper fade towards the top. The contrast between the long hair on top and the shorter sides creates a bold and stylish look.
The undercut taper fade allows for various styling options, from sleek and slicked-back to messy and textured. It’s a versatile choice that suits different face shapes and hair types.
7. Bald Taper Fade
The bald taper fade offers a modern and stylish alternative for men who prefer a clean-shaven or bald look. This style features a bald or closely shaved back and sides that gradually blend into longer hair on top.
The bald taper fade is a popular choice among men who want a low-maintenance haircut with a touch of sophistication. It’s an excellent option for those who wish to emphasize their facial features or showcase a well-groomed beard.
8. Long Hair with Taper Fade
Contrary to popular belief, taper fades are not limited to short haircuts. They can be seamlessly incorporated into longer hairstyles for a unique and trendy look. Long hair with a taper fade offers a stylish combination of length, texture, and sharpness.
This style involves keeping the hair on top long and gradually tapering the sides and back. The result is a visually appealing contrast that adds dimension and style to long locks. Whether you prefer loose waves, curls, or straight hair, long hair with a taper fade is a fantastic choice.
9. Short Hair Taper Fade
Short haircuts with a taper fade are classic and timeless. They offer a clean and polished appearance that requires minimal maintenance. Short hair with a taper fade is suitable for various hair textures and thicknesses, making it a versatile option for men of all ages.
The length on top can be styled in different ways, such as a textured crop, a side-swept look, or a spiked hairstyle. With a short hair taper fade, you can achieve a smart and sophisticated look effortlessly.
10. Curly Hair Taper Fade
Curly hair and taper fade are a match made in hairstyle heaven. Combining defined curls and a taper fade creates a striking and eye-catching look. The fade adds structure and contrast to the natural texture of curly hair, resulting in a visually appealing style.
Curly hair with a taper fade offers plenty of styling options. Embrace your curls and let them shine, or opt for a more controlled and groomed look. Either way, this style will turn heads and make a statement.
11. Straight Hair Taper Fade
Straight hair may lack natural texture, but a taper fade can add dimension and style to this hair type. The contrast between the sleek straight hair on top and the faded sides creates a modern and fashionable look.
With a straight hair taper fade, you can experiment with different hairstyles, from a sleek and polished look to a messy and tousled style. This versatile haircut is suitable for both formal and casual occasions.
12. Taper Fade with Part
Adding a part to a taper fade creates a more defined and structured look. The part can be styled in various ways, such as a classic side part, a hard part, or a creative diagonal part. Adding a part adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the haircut.
A taper fades with a part is a versatile choice that can be customized to suit your personal style and preferences. It’s an excellent option for men who want to add a unique twist to their taper fade haircut.
13. Wavy Hair Taper Fade
Wavy hair and taper fade go hand in hand, creating a stylish and modern look. The taper fade enhances the natural texture of wavy hair, resulting in a visually appealing hairstyle.
The wavy hair taper fade offers plenty of styling options. Embrace the natural waves and add texture with a sea salt spray or opt for a more polished and sleek look. This hairstyle is versatile and suits various face shapes.
14. Crop Top Taper Fade
The crop top taper fade is a popular and trendy hairstyle that combines a short, textured top with a taper fade on the sides and back. This style offers a fresh, modern, low-maintenance, and stylish look.
The top crop taper fade works well with different hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly. It’s a versatile choice that can be customized to suit your personal style and preferences.
15. Taper Fade Slick Back
The slicked-back hairstyle exudes elegance and sophistication, and when combined with a taper fade, it becomes even more stylish. The slicked-back taper fade features a sleek and polished look with the hair brushed away from the face.
To achieve the slicked-back look, apply some pomade or styling gel to your hair and comb it back. The taper fade on the sides, and back adds contrast and sharpness to the overall style. This classic hairstyle is perfect for formal occasions or when you want to make a statement.
16. High Top Taper Fade
The high-top taper fade is a bold and eye-catching hairstyle that combines a high-top haircut with a taper fade on the sides and back. This style creates a striking contrast between the long hair on top and the shorter faded sides.
To achieve the high top taper fade, the hair on top is styled into a tall and voluminous shape while the sides and back gradually fade. This hairstyle is a favorite among those who want to make a statement and stand out.
17. Messy Hair Taper Fade
The messy hair taper fade is a fantastic choice for a more relaxed and effortless look. This style features a textured and tousled top complemented by a taper fade on the sides and back.
To achieve a messy hair look, apply some texturizing product to your hair and tousle it with your fingers. The taper fade adds structure and definition to the overall style. This hairstyle is perfect for those who prefer a more casual and carefree look.
18. Afro Taper Fade
The afro taper fade combines the natural texture of afro hair with the sharpness and structure of a taper fade. This style offers a modern and stylish twist on the classic afro hairstyle.
The afro taper fade involves gradually tapering the hair on the sides and back while keeping the top hair longer and fuller. The result is a well-defined and balanced hairstyle that suits various face shapes and personal styles.
19. Blowout Taper Fade
The blowout taper fade is a trendy hairstyle that features a voluminous and textured top with a taper fade on the sides and back. This style creates a striking contrast between the full and textured top and the shorter faded sides.
To achieve the blowout look, use a blow dryer and a round brush to add volume and lift to your hair. The taper fade enhances the overall style by adding sharpness and definition. This hairstyle is perfect for those who want to make a bold fashion statement.
20. Taper Fade Line Up
The taper fade lineup is a quick and precise hairstyle with a clean hairline and a taper fade on the sides and back. This style creates a well-groomed and polished look that highlights the facial features.
The lineup involves creating a straight, defined hairline by trimming and shaping the edges. The taper fade enhances the overall style by adding depth and contrast. This hairstyle is popular among those who want a sharp and sophisticated look.
21. Taper Fade with a Line
The taper fade with a line is a stylish and bold variation of the traditional taper fade. It involves adding a shaved line or multiple lines to create a distinct and eye-catching design. This style allows for endless creativity, as the lines can be placed in various patterns and angles, depending on your desired look. The taper fade with a line is perfect for men who want to make a statement and showcase their individuality.
22. Taper Fade with Design
Similar to the taper fade with a line, the taper fade with a design takes it a step further by incorporating intricate and artistic designs. Barbers can create virtually any design you can imagine, from geometric patterns to symbols and even portraits. This style requires the skill and expertise of a talented barber, so be sure to find someone experienced in creating detailed designs.
23. Drop Taper Fade
The drop taper fade is a variation of the taper fade that creates a downward arc shape at the back of the head. This style adds a unique and stylish element to the traditional taper fade. The drop taper fade is particularly suited for men with a defined neckline, as it accentuates the natural shape of the neck. It offers a clean and sophisticated look that is both timeless and trendy.
24. Temple Taper Fade
The temple taper fade is characterized by a gradual tapering of the hair around the temples, creating a smooth and seamless transition. This style is ideal for men who want a more subtle and refined look. The temple taper fade adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any hairstyle, making it a versatile choice for formal and casual occasions.
25. Braided Taper
The braided taper combines the popular hairstyle trend with the classic taper fade. This style involves braiding the longer hair on top while keeping the sides and back faded. The braided taper is a fantastic choice for men who want to showcase their creativity and embrace their cultural heritage. It offers a unique and stylish look that is sure to turn heads.
26. French Crop Top Fade
The French crop top fade is a modern and stylish variation of the classic French crop haircut. This style features short hair on top with a subtle fade on the sides and back. The French crop top fade is a low-maintenance yet fashionable choice that works well with various hair types and face shapes. It’s a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
27. Pompadour Taper Fade
The pompadour taper fade combines the timeless elegance of the pompadour hairstyle with the sleek and polished look of the taper fade. This style features voluminous hair on top that is swept upward and backward, creating a dramatic and eye-catching effect. The pompadour taper fade is famous among men who want a classic yet modern hairstyle that exudes confidence and style.
28. Gentleman Fade
The gentleman fade is a sophisticated and refined variation of the taper fade. This style is characterized by a well-groomed appearance and precise detailing. The hair is neatly styled and tapered, with a clean and sharp finish. The gentleman fade is perfect for men who prefer a timeless and polished look that never goes out of style.
29. Neck Taper Fade
The neck taper fade focuses on creating a clean and tapered finish at the back of the neck. This style is ideal for men who want a well-defined neckline and a sharp and polished appearance. The neck taper fade adds a touch of refinement to any hairstyle and enhances the overall look. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate your haircut and achieve a more polished look.
30. Brushed Up Taper Fade
The brushed-up taper fade is a stylish and trendy hairstyle that involves brushing the longer hair on top upward for added volume and texture. This style is perfect for men who want a modern and fashionable look that can be easily styled with some hair products and a comb. The brushed-up taper fade offers a fresh and youthful appearance that suits various face shapes and hair types.
31. Taper Fade Mohawk
The taper fade Mohawk combines the edgy and rebellious look of a Mohawk with the clean and sharp finish of a taper fade. This style features a strip of longer hair running from the forehead to the back of the head, while the sides are faded close to the skin. The taper fade Mohawk is a bold and daring choice that will make a statement wherever you go.
32. Side Swept Taper Fade
The side-swept taper fade is a versatile and stylish hairstyle that involves sweeping the longer hair on top to one side while keeping the sides and back tapered. This style offers a classic and timeless look that can be worn for both formal and casual occasions. The side-swept taper fade is a popular choice among men who want a sophisticated yet effortless hairstyle.
33. Taper Fade Layered Style
The taper fade layered style combines the modern and trendy look of layered hair with a taper fade’s clean and polished finish. This style features longer hair on top that is layered for added texture and movement, while the sides and back are tapered. The taper fade layered style is versatile and fashionable and works well with different hair lengths and textures.
34. Comb Over Fade
The comb-over fade is a classic and timeless hairstyle that has been popular for decades. This style involves combing the longer hair on top to one side while keeping the sides and back faded. The comb-over fade offers a sophisticated, polished look suitable for formal and casual occasions. It’s a versatile choice that can be customized to suit your personal style.
35. High and Tight
The high and tight is a military-inspired haircut with very short hair on the sides and back, while the hair on top is kept slightly longer. This style offers a clean and sharp appearance that is low-maintenance and easy to maintain. The high and tight is a popular choice among men who want a no-fuss yet stylish haircut that requires minimal styling.
36. Spiky Taper Fade
The spiky taper fade is a trendy and youthful hairstyle that involves styling the hair on top into spikes while keeping the sides and back faded. This style offers a fun and edgy look that is perfect for men who want to express their individuality. The spiky taper fade is a versatile choice that can be worn with various hair lengths and textures.
37. Curled Caesar Taper Fade
The curled Caesar taper fade a modern twist on the classic Caesar haircut. This style features short, textured hair on top curled forward, creating a unique and stylish look. The sides and back are tapered to add contrast and definition. The curled Caesar taper fade a fashionable choice that adds a touch of personality to any hairstyle.
38. V Shape Taper Fade
The V shape taper fade is a bold and eye-catching variation of the taper fade. This style involves shaping the hair at the nape of the neck into a V shape, creating a distinct and unique look. The V shape taper fade a modern and edgy appearance that will make a statement. It requires precise cutting and shaping, so it’s essential to find a skilled barber for this style.
39. Retro Taper Fade
The retro taper fade draws inspiration from vintage hairstyles and combines them with the modern taper fade. This style features a longer top styled with retro elements such as pompadours, slick backs, or side parts, while the sides and back are tapered. The retro taper fade offers a timeless and sophisticated look that pays homage to classic hairstyles.
40. Long Top with Taper Fade
The long top with a taper fade is a stylish and contemporary hairstyle that combines longer hair on top with a gradual fade on the sides and back. This style offers versatility and allows for various styling options, such as slicking the hair back, creating a pompadour, or styling it into textured waves.
41. Classic Taper Fade
The classic taper fade is the timeless and original version of the taper fade. This style features a gradual tapering of the hair on the sides and back, with longer hair on top that can be styled in various ways. The classic taper fade offers a clean, polished look suitable for any occasion. It’s a versatile choice that never goes out of style.
42. Creative Taper Fade
The creative taper fade is all about individuality and expressing your unique style. This style allows for artistic freedom and experimentation, whether adding patterns, designs, or bold color choices to your haircut. The creative taper fade is perfect for men who want to push the boundaries and stand out.
43. Flat Top with Taper Fade
The flat top with a taper fade is a bold and iconic hairstyle that features a flat, box-shaped top with a gradually faded back and sides. This style offers a strong and distinctive look associated with confidence and masculinity. The flat top with taper fade requires regular maintenance to keep its shape, but it’s a style sure to make a statement.
44. Quiff with Taper Fade
The quiff with a taper fade is a modern and stylish hairstyle that combines the voluminous and textured quiff on top with tapered sides and back. This style balances a polished and textured look, creating a sophisticated yet trendy appearance. The quiff with taper fade works well with different hair lengths and textures, allowing you to customize the style to your liking.
45. Skin Taper Fade
The skin taper fade is a bold and edgy variation of the taper fade that involves cutting the hair very close to the scalp, creating a nearly shaved look. This style offers a clean and sharp appearance that requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. The skin taper fade is a popular choice among men who want a high-contrast and modern haircut.
46. Taper Fade with Dreads
The taper fade with dreads combines the trendy and textured look of dreadlocks with the clean and polished finish of a taper fade. This style features dreads on top that gradually blend into a faded side and back. The taper fade with dreads is a unique and fashionable choice that allows you to embrace your natural hair texture and create a distinctive look.
Low Taper Fade
The low taper fade is a popular choice for men who want a tidy and well-groomed appearance. This haircut starts low on the head, just above the ears, and gradually tapers down to the neckline. It works well with medium-length or long hair, as it accentuates the tapering effect. The low taper fade is a versatile option that can be styled in various ways, from a slicked-back look to a textured crop.
Mid Taper Fade
The mid taper fade is a great option for most men, as it offers the best of both worlds. It provides the stylish benefits of a fade haircut without the intense, drastic nature of showing a lot of skin. The fade starts midway up the sides of the head, around the temple area, and gradually becomes shorter as it moves down toward the cheekbones. This haircut works well with various hairstyles, including pompadours and quiffs, and is particularly suitable for men with thick or wavy hair.
High Taper Fade
If you’re looking for a more dramatic and bold haircut, the high taper fade is the way to go. The fade starts higher up on the sides of the head, encroaching onto the crown area. This creates a strong contrast between the hair on top and the sides, making it an ideal choice for showcasing longer hairstyles like pompadours and afros. The high taper fade works especially well for men with thick hair, as it adds even greater contrast and definition.
Caesar Taper Fade
For a modern twist on a classic hairstyle, consider the Caesar taper fade. The Caesar haircut, characterized by a short fringe brushed forward, is combined with a taper fade for a fresh and stylish look. To achieve an effective Caesar fade, ask your barber for a mid to high fade that accentuates the forward motion of the hair on top. This haircut is particularly suited for men with thick hair, especially those from multicultural backgrounds.
Afro Taper Fade
If you have an afro hairstyle, you can still rock a taper fade. The afro taper fade involves removing some of the weight from the sides of the head, giving your hair a tidier appearance overall. You can choose the level of taper fade you want, whether it’s a low fade for a subtle effect or a higher fade for a more pronounced look. This haircut not only enhances your facial structure but also showcases your natural curls.
Skin Taper Fade
The skin taper fade is a stylish option that involves gradually decreasing the length of the hair on the sides until the skin is visible. Unlike a traditional skin fade, which creates a distinct line between hair and skin, a skin taper fade provides a more seamless and gradual transition. This haircut works well with voluminous hairstyles like pompadours and quiffs, adding a touch of sophistication to your overall look.
Curly Taper Fade
Men with curly hair can also embrace the taper fade haircut. The taper fade helps to reduce some of the excess weight provided by curls while allowing you to maintain a solid portion of hair on top. For a neat and tidy look, try a curly taper fade with the hair styled forward, similar to a Caesar haircut or a French crop. You’ll be amazed at how this haircut enhances your natural curls and adds definition to your overall appearance.
Undercut Taper Fade
For a daring and edgy haircut, consider the undercut taper fade. The undercut is characterized by extreme contrast between long hair on top and short sides and back. By combining the undercut with a taper fade, you can achieve a more subtle and gradual transition. This style is a great option for those who want to experiment with an undercut but don’t want to commit to a full head of shaved hair.
Blowout Taper Fade
The blowout is a voluminous hairstyle that can be elevated with a taper fade. Traditionally associated with retro icons like Elvis Presley, the blowout involves styling the hair to create maximum volume and height. By adding a taper fade to the sides, you can modernize this hairstyle and give it a sleek and contemporary touch. The blowout taper fade works well with various hair types and is particularly suited for those who want to make a statement.
Faux Hawk Low Taper Fade
For a stylish and eye-catching look, try the faux hawk low taper fade. This haircut is sure to make you stand out from the crowd. The faux hawk involves styling the hair in a crest-like shape, while the low taper fade keeps the sides and back of the head neat and tidy. The combination of the taper fade and the faux hawk creates a trendy and modern hairstyle that will turn heads wherever you go.
Clean Temple Taper Fade
The clean temple taper fade is a popular choice among men who want a clean and well-defined look. This haircut involves keeping the hair short and clean around the temples, with a fade that gradually tapers down to the skin. It’s a versatile style that works well in various settings, whether you’re in the office or out for a night on the town. The clean temple taper fade is a classic and timeless option that never goes out of style.
Tapered Side Part
If you’re after a classic and timeless haircut, the tapered side part is a great choice. This style combines a side part with a taper fade, creating a polished and sophisticated look. The hair on top is kept longer and styled to one side, while the taper fade on the sides adds a touch of modernity. The tapered side part is a versatile haircut that works well for both formal and casual occasions.
Textured Short Top Taper Fade
The textured short top taper fade is a contemporary and trendy haircut that’s perfect for men who want a low-maintenance style. This haircut involves keeping the hair on top short and textured, while the taper fade on the sides adds a clean and polished touch. The textured short top taper fade works well with various hair types, from straight to curly, and can be easily styled with some hair wax or pomade for added definition.
Comb Over Taper Fade
The comb over taper fade is a classic and timeless hairstyle that never goes out of fashion. This style involves combing the hair to one side and adding a taper fade on the sides for a clean and polished look. The comb over taper fade works well with various hair lengths and textures, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Whether you’re attending a formal event or going for a casual outing, this haircut is sure to impress.
FAQs
1. How is a taper fade differently from a regular fade?
The main difference between a taper fade and a regular fade is the length of the hair at the end. In a taper fade, the hair gradually tapers down to a longer length, while in a regular fade, the hair is usually clipped to a shorter length.
2. Are taper fade haircuts suitable for all hair types?
Yes, taper fade haircuts can be customized to suit different hair types, including straight, curly, wavy, and coily hair. A skilled barber can adjust the taper and fade according to the individual’s hair texture.
3. How often do I need to get a touch-up for my taper fade?
The frequency of touch-ups depends on how fast your hair grows and how well you want to maintain the style. On average, getting a touch-up every 2-4 weeks is recommended to keep the taper fade looking sharp.
4. What face shapes work well with taper fade haircuts?
Taper fade haircuts can complement various face shapes. For example, men with round faces can opt for a high taper fade to create a more angular look, while those with square faces can use a low taper fade to soften the features.
