The taper fade haircut has become one of the most popular and versatile hairstyles for men.
Whether you’re looking for something sleek and professional or modern and edgy, the taper fade has you covered.
It suits all hair types, face shapes, and personal styles, making it a go-to for anyone wanting a clean, sharp look.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about taper fades—from choosing the right style for you to maintaining it like a pro.
And of course, we’ll showcase 30 of the best taper fade haircuts that will have you looking fresh.
What is a Taper Fade?
A taper fade is a haircut where the hair gradually shortens in length as it moves down the sides and back of the head, blending smoothly into the skin.
While a taper focuses on reducing the length of hair near the neckline and sideburns, a fade gradually blends the hair from the longer top to the shorter sides. The combination of the two gives a sleek, clean finish.
Why Choose a Taper Fade?
One of the reasons why the taper fade is so popular is because of its versatility. It works with all hair types, from straight to curly, and fits seamlessly into any setting—whether you’re heading to the office or out for a night on the town. It’s also low maintenance, making it ideal for men who want a sharp look without the fuss.
How to Choose the Right Taper Fade
When choosing a taper fade, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Face shape: Different styles of taper fades work better for different face shapes. For example, a higher fade can elongate a round face, while a low fade can add balance to a long face.
- Hair type: Whether you have curly, wavy, or straight hair, there’s a taper fade for you.
- Lifestyle: Do you want something bold, or do you need a more professional style? Your lifestyle will help determine which taper fade suits you best.
Now, let’s dive into 30 of the best taper fade haircuts!
1. Classic Taper Fade
The classic taper fade is clean, timeless, and never goes out of style. It features gradual fading on the sides while keeping the top neatly trimmed. This is the ideal cut if you want something simple but sharp.
2. Low Taper Fade
A low taper fade starts lower on the head, just above the ears, making it a great option for men who want a subtle, professional look. It’s understated but still stylish enough to turn heads.
3. High Taper Fade
For a more modern and edgy look, the high taper fade is your go-to. It starts higher up on the sides, giving a more dramatic contrast between the longer top and shorter sides.
4. Mid Taper Fade
If you can’t decide between a high or low taper fade, the mid taper fade is a perfect middle ground. It starts halfway up the sides and offers a balanced look that works in any situation.
5. Skin Taper Fade
The skin taper fade is a bold option where the hair fades all the way down to the skin. It gives a sharp, sleek finish that’s perfect if you want a clean, modern look with a bit of edge.
6. Temple Taper Fade
If you’re looking for something subtle but defined, the temple taper fade focuses on the temple area, providing a clean transition from your hairline. It’s great for adding structure to your face without being too bold.
7. Taper Fade with a Hard Part
A hard part adds a sharp line to your style, creating a distinct separation between the longer top and the tapered sides. It’s modern and bold—ideal if you want something that stands out.
8. Curly Taper Fade
Embrace your natural curls with a curly taper fade. This style keeps your curls on top while the sides are faded, giving you a fresh look without sacrificing texture.
9. Wavy Taper Fade
If you have naturally wavy hair, the wavy taper fade is an excellent choice. It works with your hair’s natural wave pattern to create a textured, yet controlled, look.
10. Taper Fade with Beard
A taper fade that blends seamlessly into your beard creates a cohesive look. This style is great for men who want to maintain their facial hair while keeping things clean and sharp.
11. Taper Fade with Textured Top
Add some volume and texture to your top with this style. The textured top pairs well with the clean lines of a taper fade, giving you a fresh, modern look.
12. Taper Fade with Pompadour
The pompadour is a classic style that’s been modernized with the taper fade. Volume on top with clean, tapered sides creates a slick, polished look perfect for any occasion.
13. Afro Taper Fade
For men with afro-textured hair, the afro taper fade keeps the volume up top while fading the sides, giving a fresh, stylish contrast.
14. Buzz Cut with Taper Fade
Low-maintenance but high on style, the buzz cut with a taper fade is perfect for men who want something simple and easy to maintain without sacrificing sharpness.
15. Quiff with Taper Fade
The quiff adds height at the front, while the tapered sides keep everything sharp and clean. It’s a great way to add a bit of flair to your everyday style.
16. Taper Fade with Braids
Pairing a taper fade with braids allows you to showcase your longer hair while keeping the sides neat and tapered. This style offers a lot of versatility and edge.
17. Mohawk Taper Fade
For a bold, edgy look, the mohawk taper fade offers the best of both worlds. You get the volume and dramatic flair of a mohawk with the clean, sharp lines of a taper fade.
18. Taper Fade with Waves
If you’re working on getting 360 waves, a taper fade is the perfect complement. It accentuates the waves while keeping the sides neat and tidy.
19. Faux Hawk Taper Fade
The faux hawk is a more wearable, everyday version of the mohawk, and it pairs perfectly with a taper fade. It’s edgy but still refined enough for any setting.
20. Taper Fade with Dreadlocks
For men with dreadlocks, the taper fade keeps the sides neat while letting your locs shine on top. It’s a bold, stylish combination that works especially well with longer hair.
21. Spiky Hair with Taper Fade
Spiky hair and a taper fade go hand in hand. The sharp edges of the spikes contrast beautifully with the smooth taper, creating a dynamic, textured look.
22. Taper Fade with Slick Back
The slick back is a classic style that, when paired with a taper fade, takes on a modern, sleek appearance. It’s perfect for men who want a polished, professional look.
23. Comb Over with Taper Fade
A comb-over with a taper fade gives you a clean, polished look with just the right amount of contrast. It’s great for men who prefer a more sophisticated style.
24. Burst Taper Fade
The burst taper fade focuses on tapering around the ears, creating a rounded, bold look. It’s ideal if you want something a little more unique and eye-catching.
25. Taper Fade with Fringe
Adding a fringe to your taper fade gives you a contemporary, stylish look. It’s great for adding texture and movement while keeping the sides neat.
26. Disconnected Taper Fade
For a bold, modern look, the disconnected taper fade creates a sharp contrast between the longer top and the faded sides. It’s perfect if you want to make a statement.
27. Taper Fade with Side Part
A side part with a taper fade is a timeless combination that works well for both casual and formal settings. It’s clean, sharp, and sophisticated.
28. Taper Fade with Undercut
For a more dramatic look, the undercut taper fade features a stark contrast between the longer top and the short, tapered sides. It’s a bold style that demands attention.
29. Taper Fade with Caesar Cut
The Caesar cut features a short fringe and pairs well with a taper fade for a defined, classic look that’s easy to maintain.
30. Taper Fade with Crop Top
The crop top is a modern, textured style that works perfectly with a taper fade. It’s fresh, trendy, and ideal for men who want to keep things sharp and clean.
How to Maintain Your Taper Fade
To keep your taper fade looking sharp, regular touch-ups are essential—aim for a trim every 2-3 weeks. Use quality hair products like pomades or creams to style the top, and be sure to keep your scalp and hair moisturized for a healthy look.
Conclusion
Taper fades are a fantastic choice for men looking to switch up their style or maintain a clean, modern look.
Whether you prefer something classic or bold, there’s a taper fade that’s perfect for you.
So, experiment with these 30 styles and find the one that makes you feel your best!