Taper fades are one of the most versatile and stylish haircuts for men. Whether you prefer a classic look or something more modern and edgy, there’s a taper fade that suits your style. These haircuts work well with all hair types, making them a favorite among men who want a fresh, clean-cut appearance. But what exactly is a taper fade? Simply put, it’s a hairstyle where the hair gradually shortens down the sides and back, blending seamlessly into the skin or a shorter length.
This guide explores the best taper fade styles for men, helping you find the perfect one for your face shape, hair type, and personal preference.
1. Classic Taper Fade
The classic taper fade is timeless, offering a neat and polished look. It gradually fades on the sides and back, blending into a slightly longer length on top.
Best Face Shapes and Hair Types
- Works well for oval, square, and round face shapes
- Suitable for straight, wavy, and slightly curly hair
Styling Tips and Maintenance
- Use a light pomade or styling cream to keep it looking sharp
- Regular trims (every 2-3 weeks) help maintain the clean fade
- A simple comb-over or side part can elevate the style
2. Low Taper Fade
The low taper fade is subtle, with the fade starting lower on the head. This style is ideal for men who want a polished yet understated look.
Key Features
- The fade starts just above the ears
- Maintains more length on the sides compared to high fades
Best Hair Textures
- Works well for thicker hair as it keeps some volume on the sides
- Complements straight, wavy, and curly textures
How to Maintain It
- Use a soft styling cream for a natural finish
- Visit a barber every 3-4 weeks for upkeep
- Perfect for business professionals and men who prefer a clean but not overly short look
3. High Taper Fade
A high taper fade is bold, with the fade starting much higher on the head. It’s a stylish choice that adds a modern touch to any haircut.
What Makes It Unique?
- The fade starts around the temples
- Creates a striking contrast between the top and the sides
Best Face Shapes and Hair Lengths
- Best suited for round and oval face shapes
- Pairs well with short to medium-length hair
Styling and Maintenance
- A matte clay or wax helps enhance the texture
- Works well with a spiky, messy, or slicked-back look
- Requires frequent barber visits (every 2 weeks) to maintain the fade
4. Mid Taper Fade
A mid-taper fade strikes a balance between low and high fades, making it one of the most versatile taper fade styles.
Why Choose a Mid Taper Fade?
- The fade starts at the midpoint of the head
- Blends smoothly with various hairstyles
How to Style It
- Can be paired with a side part, messy top, or slick back
- Works great with both short and medium-length hair
- Use a volumizing mousse for added texture
Maintenance Tips
- Trim every 3 weeks to keep the fade looking clean
- Use a hydrating shampoo to prevent scalp dryness
5. Skin Taper Fade
The skin taper fade (also called a bald fade) is one of the cleanest and most dramatic fade styles. It fades completely down to the skin for a sharp, edgy look.
Pros and Cons
✅ Extremely clean and sharp
✅ Works with many hairstyles
❌ Requires frequent maintenance (every 1-2 weeks)
❌ May not suit all professional settings
Best Haircuts to Pair With It
- Buzz cut with a skin fade for a minimalist look
- Pompadour or quiff with a skin fade for a trendy contrast
- Curly or textured top with a skin fade for a modern style
6. Curly Hair Taper Fade
If you have curly hair, a taper fade can enhance your natural texture while keeping the sides neat and fresh. It’s a perfect blend of controlled structure and natural movement.
Why Curly Hair Looks Great with a Taper Fade
- Keeps curls manageable by removing bulk from the sides
- Highlights the natural texture without looking unkempt
- Creates a clean, stylish contrast between the curls and fade
Different Variations for Curly Hair
- Low taper fade with curls – A subtle fade that keeps most of the curls on top
- Mid taper fade with curls – A balanced look that defines curly hair
- High taper fade with curls – A bold and modern take, leaving just enough curls for volume
Tips to Maintain Curls with a Taper Fade
- Use a leave-in conditioner to keep curls moisturized
- Apply a curl-enhancing cream or mousse for definition
- Get regular trims to prevent the fade from growing out unevenly
7. Afro Taper Fade
For men with afro-textured hair, a taper fade adds a modern touch while keeping the natural volume on top. This style is perfect for those who want a sharp yet versatile look.
Best Taper Fade Variations for Afro Hair
- Classic afro taper fade – A clean fade with natural curls on top
- Burst fade afro – A dramatic fade around the ears, creating a unique shape
- High-top fade – A classic 90s-inspired style with a flat, structured top
How to Style an Afro Taper Fade
- Apply a moisturizing cream or oil to maintain hydration
- Use a sponge brush or pick to define the shape of your curls
- Visit a barber every 2-3 weeks to keep the fade sharp
Maintenance Tips and Recommended Hair Products
- Sulfate-free shampoo to prevent dryness
- Shea butter or coconut oil to enhance hair texture
- Soft bristle brush for shaping and styling
8. Taper Fade with a Beard
Pairing a taper fade with a beard creates a seamless transition between your haircut and facial hair, giving a polished and masculine look.
How a Taper Fade Complements a Beard
- Creates a smooth transition between the fade and the beard
- Gives the illusion of a sharper jawline
- Works with short stubble or full beards
Tips for Blending a Fade with Facial Hair
- Ask your barber for a gradual blend between the sideburns and beard
- Trim the beard regularly to maintain an even length
- Use a beard balm or oil to keep it soft and groomed
Best Beard Styles to Pair with a Taper Fade
- Full beard with a low taper fade – Great for a professional yet rugged look
- Stubble with a mid taper fade – A clean and effortless style
- Goatee with a high taper fade – Perfect for a modern, edgy appearance
9. Taper Fade with a Hard Part
A hard part adds a defined, sharp line to your taper fade, creating a bold and structured hairstyle.
What is a Hard Part?
- A shaved line on one side of the head, creating a strong contrast
- Adds definition and sharpness to the haircut
How It Enhances a Taper Fade
- Makes the fade look crisper and more detailed
- Adds an element of sophistication to the haircut
- Works well with side-parted hairstyles
Best Styling Techniques for a Sharp Look
- Use a fine-tooth comb and pomade for a sleek finish
- Ask your barber for a precise and clean hard part
- Maintain it by trimming the part every two weeks
10. Taper Fade with a Design
For those who love creative and bold haircuts, adding a design to a taper fade can make your style stand out.
Popular Taper Fade Designs
- Geometric patterns – Sharp lines and angles for a futuristic look
- Waves and swirls – Flowing patterns for a dynamic style
- Tribal or abstract designs – Unique artistic cuts for a statement look
How to Choose the Right Design for Your Style
- Opt for subtle designs if you prefer a professional look
- Go for bold and intricate patterns if you like a standout haircut
- Discuss with your barber to find a design that suits your head shape and hair texture
Best Ways to Maintain a Design in a Fade
- Visit your barber every 1-2 weeks to keep the design fresh
- Use a light pomade or wax to enhance the definition
- Avoid brushing over the design too often to preserve the cut
11. Mohawk Taper Fade
A mohawk taper fade combines the edgy, rebellious look of a mohawk with the clean and modern appearance of a taper fade. This style is perfect for those who want to stand out while maintaining a fresh and polished look.
What Makes a Mohawk Taper Fade Unique?
- The hair on top is kept significantly longer, resembling a mohawk
- The fade on the sides creates a smooth transition instead of a sharp contrast
- Works well with both straight and curly hair
Styling Options for a Bold Look
- Messy and textured mohawk – Use a strong-hold wax or pomade to create a spiked or tousled effect
- Curly mohawk taper fade – Define your curls with a curl-enhancing cream
- Slicked-back mohawk – For a neater look, use a comb and pomade for a structured style
How to Maintain This Edgy Hairstyle
- Trim the sides regularly to keep the taper fade fresh
- Use matte styling products to add texture without making hair greasy
- Wash hair with moisturizing shampoo to prevent dryness and maintain shine
12. Faux Hawk Taper Fade
A faux hawk taper fade is a more subtle and versatile version of the mohawk, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings.
How a Faux Hawk Differs from a Mohawk Fade
- The faux hawk blends more naturally into the fade
- It doesn’t require shaving the sides as dramatically as a mohawk
- Easier to style and maintain for everyday wear
Best Hair Textures for This Style
- Thick hair – Holds the shape of the faux hawk better
- Wavy or slightly curly hair – Adds natural texture to the look
Step-by-Step Styling Guide
- Apply a light mousse or styling gel to damp hair
- Use your fingers or a comb to push the hair toward the center
- Blow-dry upwards for extra volume
- Finish with a matte clay or wax for a natural look
13. Pompadour with a Taper Fade
A pompadour with a taper fade is a stylish and classy haircut that combines volume on top with a sleek fade on the sides.
Why Pompadours and Taper Fades Pair Well
- The taper fade keeps the sides neat, allowing the pompadour to be the focal point
- The fade provides a modern touch to this classic 1950s hairstyle
- Works well for formal and casual occasions
How to Achieve a Voluminous Pompadour
- Use a blow dryer and round brush to create lift at the roots
- Apply a strong-hold pomade or gel to maintain height and shape
- Comb the hair backward and slightly to the side for a classic finish
Best Hair Products for Styling
- Volumizing mousse – Adds body and thickness
- High-hold pomade – Keeps the style in place all-day
- Shine-enhancing spray – Gives a polished look
14. Comb Over Taper Fade
A comb-over taper fade is a sleek, professional haircut that works well for men of all ages.
What is a Comb Over Taper Fade?
- The top is styled by combing the hair to one side
- The fade on the sides keeps the look sharp and clean
Suitable Hair Types and Face Shapes
- Works best for straight or wavy hair
- Ideal for oval, square, and diamond face shapes
How to Achieve a Sleek Comb Over Fade
- Start with damp hair and apply a styling product
- Use a fine-tooth comb to neatly part the hair
- Blow-dry in the direction of the part to hold
- Finish with a light-hold gel or wax for a natural shine
15. Slick Back Taper Fad
A slick back taper fade is a timeless and sophisticated look that suits both formal and casual settings.
The Classic and Modern Versions of This Style
- Classic slick back – A smooth, polished look with a clean part
- Modern textured slick back – Adds volume and a slightly messy finish for a trendy touch
How to Style a Slick Back with a Taper Fade
- Apply a high-shine pomade or gel to damp hair
- Use a comb to slick the hair back evenly
- For a more modern look, finger-comb for texture
Best Hair Products for a Smooth Look
- Water-based pomade – Provides hold without making hair greasy
- Matte paste – Gives a natural finish with slight texture
- Hair serum – Keeps hair smooth and frizz-free
Conclusion
Taper fades offer endless possibilities for men looking to upgrade their hairstyle. Whether you prefer a classic look, a bold modern cut, or something with unique details, there’s a taper fade that fits your style and personality.
When choosing a taper fade, consider:
✅ Your face shape and hair type – Some styles suit certain features better than others
✅ Maintenance level – Some fades require frequent trims, while others are lower maintenance
✅ Personal style and lifestyle – Whether you want a professional, casual, or bold look
With the right taper fade, you’ll always look fresh, stylish, and confident!
FAQs
1. How often should I get a taper fade haircut?
For a sharp and clean fade, visit your barber every 2-3 weeks. If you prefer a more natural grow-out look, you can wait 4-5 weeks before your next trim.
2. Is a taper fade suitable for all hair types?
Yes! Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or afro-textured hair, a taper fade can be customized to enhance your natural hair type.
3. Can I style a taper fade for formal occasions?
Absolutely! Styles like the pompadour taper fade, slick back taper fade, and comb-over taper fade are perfect for professional and formal settings.
4. What’s the difference between a taper fade and a skin fade?
A taper fade gradually shortens the hair, blending into a shorter length but not completely to the skin. A skin fades, on the other hand, fades down to the skin, creating a more dramatic contrast.
5. Which taper fade is best for beginners?
If you’re new to taper fades, start with a low taper fade or a mid taper fade. These styles are subtle, easy to maintain, and work with most hair types.