25 Best Taper Fade Haircuts for Men
The taper fade haircut is one of the most stylish and versatile looks men can wear today. Starting with a gradual trim around the temples and blending smoothly into the sides and neckline, it creates a sharp yet natural finish.
The best part? It works with every hair type curly, straight, thick, or wavy and suits almost any face shape. Whether you prefer a modern vibe or a classic touch, this guide will show you the best taper fade haircuts to match your style and personality.
What is a Taper Fade?
A taper fade is one of the cleanest and most balanced haircuts for men. It starts fading gradually from the temples or mid-sides, blending the longer hair on top into shorter hair around the sides and neckline. The result is a modern, sharp look that sits perfectly between a low and a high taper. The best part? It works with almost any hair type straight, wavy, or even paired with a beard. Plus, it complements all face shapes, making it a super versatile choice.
1. Taper Fade Black Male
The taper fade is a fresh and stylish choice for Black men, perfectly matching natural curls and textured hair. The fade starts at the temples and blends smoothly into the sides, while the curls on top stay defined and full of volume. To keep the look sharp, use a light styling cream and dry with low heat. This cut looks especially good on oval, square, and diamond-shaped faces.
2. Taper Fade Curly Hair
The taper cut with curly hair is perfect if you want sharp sides with natural volume on top. The fade at the temples and neckline keeps the cut clean, while the big curls give it a fun and youthful vibe. Use a curl-enhancing cream and let your hair air-dry to keep the bounce and shape. This style works especially well for round or square face shapes.
3. Taper Fade Straight Hair
The taper cut with straight hair is clean, simple, and low-maintenance. The sides and neckline are neatly tapered, while the top stays soft and layered for a natural flow. Blow-dry with a vent brush to add direction, then finish with a light styling cream for shine and definition. This style works best for oval, heart, or round face shapes.
4. Taper Fade Haircut
The classic fade haircut blends sharp sides with natural volume on top, giving a clean yet stylish look. The fade runs smoothly around the sides and back, while the top stays fuller with a wavy, structured finish. Use a volumizing mousse before blow-drying, then apply a medium-hold cream for flexible styling. Best suited for oval, diamond, or square face shapes.
5. Fringe with Tapered Fade
A low-drop fade combined with a choppy fringe gives this cut an easy, cool vibe. The top is styled forward to frame the face, creating natural movement and light volume. To keep the texture in place, use a matte styling cream. This haircut is trendy, youthful, and easy to wear, especially for oval, heart, and oblong face shapes.
6. Blowout with Clean Taper
If you want a hairstyle that looks full but still neat on the sides, the blowout with a clean taper is perfect. The sides are trimmed short above the ears, while the top stays thick and lifted for a breezy, stylish vibe. Just use some sea salt spray and a light cream before blow-drying with your fingers, and you’ll get that easy, natural volume. This cut works especially well if you have thicker hair and an oval, round, or square face.
7. Textured Fringe with a Taper
Want a style that’s sharp on the sides but relaxed on top? The textured fringe with a taper gives you both. The sides are neatly faded for a clean finish, while the fringe on top is cut in layers to add volume and movement. Just sprinkle a little texture powder or work in some matte clay, then use your fingers to shape it into a messy, carefree look. Works best if your hair is naturally straight or wavy.
8. Taper Cut Short Hair
If you like keeping things simple, short hair with a fade haircut is a solid choice. The fade blends smoothly around the sides, giving a sharp and clean outline, while the top stays short with a natural wave or curl. It’s super easy to maintain just work in a light cream and run your fingers through while blow-drying for a neat but relaxed finish. Best suited for oval, square, or diamond face shapes.
9. Buzz Cut with Taper
If you want a no-fuss style that still looks sharp, go for a buzz cut with a taper hair. The short, even buzz on top keeps things clean and low-maintenance, while the fade around the sides adds structure and highlights your natural features. Just smooth on a little lightweight cream to keep frizz down, and you’re set. This cut works especially well for round, square, and oval face shapes.
10. Taper Fade Asian
If you’ve got straight, thick hair, a mid taper cut is one of the best options for Asian men. The fade curves neatly around the ears and neckline, while the top stays short, clean, and sharp. This cut gives off a modern, polished vibe without needing much effort. Just blow-dry your hair with a light matte cream to keep it in shape. It’s a simple, stylish look that works especially well for oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.
11. Taper Wavy Hair
Wavy hair looks even sharper with a clean taper on the sides. The fade keeps the edges neat, while the natural waves on top add bounce and movement for a stylish contrast. A little lightweight cream and finger blow-drying are enough to define the texture without making it stiff. This cut works really well for oval, diamond, and oblong face shapes, giving a nice mix of polish and effortless style.
12. Taper Mullet Cut
The fade mullet cut strikes a balance between clean and edgy. The sides stay neat with a smooth fade, while the top and back are left longer for that bold, retro-inspired flow. It gives you volume and movement without looking unkempt. A bit of light styling product will help keep the shape in place. This haircut looks especially good on oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.
13. Taper Blonde Hair
Blonde hair with a fade haircuts always stands out. The clean sides make the top look fuller, while the light blonde tone adds a fresh, sun-kissed vibe. It’s easy to style too—just blow-dry with a little matte cream for natural movement. This cut is perfect for teens or young men who want a sporty, modern look without spending much time on styling. Oval and diamond face shapes pull it off the best.
14. Taper Haircut with Design
 A fade haircuts with a design adds creativity to a clean haircut. The sides are short and sharp, while the custom design brings out personality and style. The top is left with some natural texture and volume for balance. Use a bit of moulding paste and blow-dry with your fingers to keep the look in place. Perfect for guys with round or square faces who want a standout vibe.
15. Taper Cut Afro
A fresh fade Afro is a clean and stylish take on natural curls. The fade around the ears and neckline keeps the look sharp, while the Afro on top adds volume and texture. To keep it fresh, apply a light curl cream and use a diffuser while drying. This haircut works best on round or oval face shapes and gives a confident, modern vibe.
16. Taper Cut Long Hair
The style combine long hair on top with clean faded sides, creating a balanced and modern look. The natural flow on top adds movement, while the fade keeps the overall cut sharp. Men with oval or heart-shaped faces who want something trendy yet easy to carry should try this cut.
17. Taper Edgar Fade
The Edgar cut with a fade is a bold, street-style look that blends sharp lines with modern texture. Its straight, short fringe pairs well with the clean fade on the sides, giving a neat yet edgy vibe. For styling, blow-dry and use a light texture cream, shaping the top with your fingers. Best suited for round or square faces, this cut delivers effortless confidence.
18. Taper Slick Back
The slick back with a tapered fade is a polished and timeless look. The sides are neatly faded, while the longer top is brushed back for a smooth flow and natural lift. Use a round brush while blow-drying, then finish with a medium-hold cream to keep it sleek without making it stiff. Perfect for oval, square, or heart-shaped faces, this cut balances sharpness with style.
19. Taper Drop Fade
The taper drop fade is a fresh, stylish cut that blends clean sides with natural volume on top. The fade curves neatly behind the ear, giving the haircut a smooth and modern shape. Keep the top full and wavy by blow-drying with a fan and using a light texturizing cream for bounce and hold. This look works best for oval, round, and diamond face shapes.
20. Taper Cut with Dreads
The taper cut with dreads is a stylish mix of sharp fades and natural texture. The sides and back are kept clean with a smooth fade, while the dreads on top bring volume and character. Use a light cream to keep them neat and fresh. This look suits oval, heart, and diamond face shapes, making it a bold yet versatile choice.
21. Taper Fluffy Hair
If you like a relaxed yet stylish vibe, the fluffy taper cut is a great pick. The fade keeps the sides sharp, while the top stays soft, full, and bouncy for that effortless look. Blow-dry with a light cream and use your fingers to shape the volume. It works best on round, oval, or diamond faces and is easy to maintain while still looking trendy.
22. Taper Low Cut
The low-cut taper is clean, modern, and easy to wear. The top is kept short with a little texture for a natural, laid-back vibe, while the sides fade neatly around the ears and neckline. A quick blow-dry with matte cream is enough to add soft volume and shape. Best suited for oval and square face shapes.
23. Taper Cut Comb Over
The comb-over taper cut is a neat and stylish choice that never goes out of fashion. With a clean side part and a slick top, it blends smoothly into short, tapered sides for a fresh look. Just blow-dry the top, shape it with your fingers, and finish with a little product for hold and shine.
24. Taper Fade with Beard
This style blends clean, tapered sides with a well-groomed beard for a bold, masculine look. The fade flows smoothly into the beard, while the top stays neat and low-profile. Use a light styling cream to control flyaways and keep everything sharp. It works especially well for round or oval face shapes, giving the jawline more definition.
25. Taper Perm Fade
This hairstyle mixes soft, bouncy curls with clean faded sides for a fresh and stylish look. The taper around the ears and neckline makes the curls on top stand out even more. Use a curl-enhancing cream with a diffuser to keep the shape defined and lively. It’s a great option for guys with round or oval faces who want extra texture and a modern vibe.
Key Differences: Low vs Mid and High Taper Fade
Mid vs Low Taper Fade
The main difference between a Mid and a Low Taper Fade is the fade height and overall vibe.
- Mid Taper Fade starts around the temples, creating a stronger, more defined look. It’s perfect if you like structured styles such as slick backs, comb-overs, or neat side parts.
- Low Taper Fade begins closer to the ear and neckline. It delivers a softer, more natural finish that works best with relaxed tops, messy fringes, or fluffy hairstyles.
For both styles, a light blow-dry cream adds volume and shape. To keep the haircut looking sharp, make sure the faded edges stay clean and polished.
Mid vs High Taper Fade
The difference between a Mid and a High Taper Fade comes down to fade height, contrast, and overall vibe.
- Mid Taper Fade starts around the middle of the sides, giving a balanced and sharp appearance. It pairs well with neat styles like comb-overs, slick backs, or side parts, where you want structure without too much contrast.
- High Taper Fade begins closer to the crown, creating very clean sides with a bold contrast between the top and the fade. This makes it a great choice for curly, coarse, or textured hair where definition and edge stand out.
For both styles, use a smooth styling product and blow-dry to keep your fade looking polished and well-shaped.
How to Pick the Best Taper Haircut for You
A taper haircut can look different on every face shape and hair type. The key is choosing a style that highlights your natural features and matches your personal vibe.
By Hair Type
- Curly or Coily Hair: Keep the top longer with a soft fade to show off natural bounce and volume.
- Thick or Dense Hair: A mid-taper fade works best because it reduces bulk on the sides, giving a cleaner, more sculpted look.
- Straight Hair: Go for a mid-length cut with added texture for movement. Use a lightweight texture clay to maintain volume and keep your style fresh throughout the day.
By Face Shape
- Round Face: Add extra height on top and keep the sides tighter to make your face look longer and slimmer.
- Oval or Square Face: Both shapes can pull off almost any mid-taper variation, making them the most versatile.
- Heart-Shaped Face: More crown volume balances a wider forehead and creates a flattering proportion.
How to Ask Your Barber for the Perfect Taper Fade
Walking into the barbershop with a clear idea saves you from miscommunication and ensures you leave with the look you want. Here’s how to explain your taper haircut to your barber:
Be Specific About the Fade
Mention the exact style you want, like a Mid Taper Fade starting near the temples or a Low Taper Fade closer to the ears.
Discuss the Top Length
Decide whether you want to keep the top longer for curls, slicked back for a neat look, or shorter for an easy-to-manage style.
Talk Neckline Shape
Ask your barber about a neckline finish—square, rounded, or tapered—since it changes how sharp or soft the haircut looks from the back.
Show Reference Pictures
Photos remove all guesswork. Bring 1–2 examples of styles you like so your barber knows exactly what vibe you’re going for.
Trust Your Barber’s Advice
A skilled barber will suggest small tweaks based on your hair type and face shape to make the cut look natural and balanced.
How to Style
With the right products and a few simple steps, you can easily style a taper fade that adds thickness, volume, and long-lasting hold.
Prep Your Hair
People with this choppy golden blonde style really do look like fairies, maybe tinkerbell. Keep in mind that the fringe has more volume than the hair in the back of the head. This helps give the top a bit of natural volume.
Choose the Right Product
- For a textured, casual look, go with matte clay or paste.
- For a sleek and polished style, use pomade.
- Rub a small amount between your palms and work it evenly through the top.
Blow-Dry for Volume
While the hair is still damp, blow-dry using your fingers or a round brush. Lift the roots as you dry to add height and give your taper cut either a neat or slightly messy finish.
Lock in the Style
Finish with a light-hold hairspray or texture powder. This helps your hair stay sharp and fresh throughout the day without looking stiff.
How to Maintain
A taper haircut always looks its best when it’s sharp, clean, and easy to style. With the right routine and products, you can keep it fresh every single day.
Regular Trims
- Get a trim every 2–3 weeks to maintain clean lines.
- Either visit your barber for a touch-up or tidy the edges at home with scissors or a trimmer.
- Keeping the sides neat will stop the fade from losing its shape too quickly.
Use the Right Hair Products
Healthy hair = better fade. Always use a good shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. After that, style with lightweight products to control frizz and keep texture natural.
Recommended Products
- Texture Clay – Matte finish + strong hold. Great for volume, shape, and a natural, long-lasting look.
- Molding Paste – Flexible hold with a soft, natural finish. Perfect for re-styling throughout the day.
- Texture Powder – Adds instant lift and root volume. Best for fine or flat hair.
- Pomade – High hold and shine. Ideal for slick comb-overs, side parts, or smooth backs.
- Sea Salt Spray – Pre-styling product that gives grip, texture, and structure. Works well before clay or pomade.
- Styling Cream – Light hold + natural flow. Keeps frizz under control without stiffness.
- Hydrating Argan Oil – Keeps ends soft and shiny, fights dryness, and makes hair easier to manage.
Wash & Condition
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove buildup.
- Follow with a hydrating conditioner to lock in moisture and keep hair soft.
- This balance ensures your taper cut stays clean, fresh, and ready to style every day.
- Pro Tip: Always style in the direction of your cut (slick back, comb-over, or textured top) so your taper fade flows naturally.
Faqs
Final Verdict
Taper fades are one of the most versatile and stylish haircuts for men. From classic low fades to bold high fades, there’s a perfect style for every hair type and face shape. With the right cut, styling products, and regular trims, you can keep your fade looking sharp, modern, and easy to manage. Whether you want a clean, professional look or a trendy, casual vibe, a taper cut is a timeless choice that works for any occasion.
