How to Do the Taper Fade: A Cool Haircut for Every Man

When it comes to men’s haircuts, the taper fade is one of the most popular and useful choices right now. If you want to try something new or just update your current style, the taper fade is a clean, sharp, and stylish cut that looks good on a lot of different face shapes and hair types. But what does a taper fade really mean? And what is the best way to do a slow fade? Here is everything you need to know about this well-known haircut.

How do you explain a taper fade?

When you get a taper fade, your hair gets shorter from the top of your head to the sides and back. The fade is the slow change in length that makes the hair look smooth and blended. On top of your head, your hair stays longer, but as you move down, the hair on the sides and back gets shorter.

In a buzz cut, the hair is kept short all over. In a taper fade, the hair is cut at different lengths, which gives the style more texture and depth. You can choose between different types of fades, from a low fade to a high fade, based on how short you want the hair on the sides and back to be.

Number of Types of Taper Fades

You can change a lot about how you look with the taper fade. The type of fade you choose is very important. These are the type of taper fades that you’ll see most often:

1. Low Fade Tail

Just above the ears, a low taper fade starts and slowly fades down to the collar. This fade is classic and soft, and it looks great on people who want a more classic, less bold look. Men who want a clean-cut, businesslike look with a bit of edge will love this. You can wear your hair longer on top with a pompadour or a quiff and the low fade will still look great.

2. Mid-Taper Fade

A mid-length taper fade starts just above the ears, around the temples, and goes down to the neckline. It strikes a good mix between the high fade and the low fade. The mid cut makes the longer hair on top stand out more against the shorter hair on the sides. It’s a bold choice that’s still classy. It’s great for guys who want to look stylish and on-trend without going too far.

3. Fade with a high taper

The high taper fade starts high above the ears, around the temples or even higher. It makes the hair on top stand out more than the hair on the sides and back, which is very short. People who want a more dramatic and edgy look will love the high haircut. A lot of young men and men who like bold, unique haircuts like this style.

4. Bald Fade with Taper

A bald taper fade is a type of high fade in which the hair slowly goes away until it’s only skin-thin. The hair on the sides and back gets very short, letting the skin show. This gives the person a sharp, clean look. This fade is great for people who want to look bold and up-to-date. It’s great for people who want a clean, edgy look and don’t mind showing off their head.

5. Skin Fade and Taper Off

In a skin taper fade, the hair is shaved all the way down to the skin, just like in a bald taper fade. This makes the finish smooth. The skin fades over time, and at the top, the hair gets longer. This is a dramatic fade that looks great on guys who like their hair to be very clean and sharp, with a lot of difference between the top and sides.

Tips for Getting the Best Taper Fade

To get the perfect taper fade, you need to find a skilled barber who knows how to do it right. To make sure you get the best result, do these things:

1. Be clear with your barber about what you want.

Being clear is important for a good taper fade. You should be very clear about what you want before you sit down with the barber. Would you like a low, mid, or high fade? How short do you want the sides to be? Would you like the fade to be soft or strong? To be sure you both agree, you can show your barber a picture of a taper fade you like.

2. Think about the shape of your face

Some fade styles don’t look good on all face shapes. If you have a round face, a higher fade with more volume on top can make your face look longer. If you have a square face, a low fade might make it look less sharp. If you want your barber to make the fade look good on your face, you should always tell them what shape your face is.

3. Take care of the top

For the taper fade, the sides and back are the most important parts. But the hair on top still needs care. The length of the top can be left longer to add texture, or it can be cut shorter for a more regular look. Also, make sure to say how you’d like the top to be dressed. A taper cut looks good with a lot of different top styles, from slicked-back to messy, textured.

4. Do touch-ups on a regular basis

A taper fade is easy to take care of, which is great, but you’ll still need to touch it up every so often to keep it looking great. To keep the gradient look, you should get it cut every couple of weeks since the fade is all about a smooth change in length.

How do you make a Low Taper Fade?

A current haircut called a “low taper fade” changes the length of hair slowly from the top of the head to the sides and back. The fade starts just above the ears and gets shorter over time, making a clear, smooth line. The hair on the back and sides gets shorter over time, fitting in with the longer hair on top. The low taper cut makes the hair look clean and polished while still giving it a new, modern look. It’s great for men who want a stylish, sophisticated haircut that doesn’t take much care.

Skin Fade vs. Taper Fade

A taper fade makes the change between hair lengths look more natural. A skin fade, on the other hand, fades the hair all the way down to the head, making the short hair on the sides stand out against the longer hair on top. Because the low taper fade isn’t as striking, it can be used in more situations.

Trendy Low Taper Fade Haircuts

1. Short hair that is side-swept and has a low taper fade
The side-swept Ivy League is a great choice for guys who want a classic, sophisticated look that doesn’t need much upkeep. The hair is swept to one side, and it blends in perfectly with the fade. This style is classic and seems old-fashioned at the same time. A thicker beard makes it more manly.

2. A low fade with a brushed-back undercut
A high-backed style that is worn and tapered looks good with this cut. Adding a drop cut gives your hair volume and a fake-hawk look. With its clean, bold lines and extra roughness, this style is great for people who want to stand out.

3. Clean up with Low Taper Fade
A low taper cut with a long brush-up is great for people who want to add depth and flow to their style while keeping it flexible. When you brush your hair back, it makes big, chunky spikes that make you look more confident and stylish.

4. A Low Drop Taper for Hair That Is Messy
If you want to look young and wild, wear your hair messy with a low drop taper. This style looks best on hair that is messy and falls forward, giving off a loose vibe. To look stylish without trying too hard, add volume and body with matte wax or pomade.

5. A French crop with texture and a low fade
A French crop with a low taper fade and lots of texture is great for people who want a short, edgy look. The blunt fringe that goes to the middle of the forehead draws attention to the eyes, and the sides that taper make the haircut balanced and interesting.

6. Short hair with texture and a low fade
This short, textured style has a trendy, modern look and is great for people who want to add volume and shape to their hair. Along the head, the long fringe gets straighter, drawing attention to the fade in front of the ear and at the nape of the neck.

7. To fix the back, use a brush to fade and line up.
A classic brush back with a low taper fade and line-up is a classy cut for people with thick, coarse hair. The clean line across the face makes the shape stand out, and the smooth change to shorter sides makes the whole thing look better.

8. Low fade with curly hair that is a mess
Your natural texture will look its best with a low taper fade and messy curls. The curly hair on top gives the hair volume, and the taper on the sides softens the look and makes it look classy. Putting it on with a well-kept beard makes it look even more grown and manly.

9. A thick, fluffy style with a low fade
This style is great if you like the grunge look from the 1990s. It’s thick and fluffy, and the fade drops low. The thick, curly hair looks great against the clean, short sides, making for an edgy but friendly look.

10. Mullet with a low taper
In the past few years, the low taper mullet has become popular again. This style has short hair in the front and longer hair in the back. The side curve makes the look more balanced, and the rough texture on top makes it look bold and different.

11. A fake hawk with a low fade and design
Change up the basic fake hawk by giving it a low taper fade and a shaved look. The long hair on top stands up straight, and the cut goes right into the sides. The shaved line at the head makes it look more interesting and edgy.

12. A buzz cut with a low fade
Men who want to look clean and sharp should get a buzz cut with a low taper fade. It’s a simple but bold choice. The worn sides draw attention to the short, even cut on top, giving it a rough, no-nonsense look.

13. A broccoli-shaped cut with a low fade
The broccoli style is all about big curls that fall over the face. The taper fade on the sides makes a smooth change from the thick curls on top to the shorter hair below. This style is fun and expressive.

14. Thick curls and a low fade
If your hair is naturally wavy, a low taper fade can make the top more defined and full. The cut has shape from the difference between the curls and the faded sides. The final look is stylish and easy.

15. Top Knot with a Low Fade
Long hair can be worn in many ways and still look good with a top knot and a low taper fade. The tapered sides give the look structure, and the open, tied-back hair on top gives it a cool, laid-back vibe.

16. A high top with a low fade
When you pair a high top with a low taper fade, you get a bold and trendy retro look. The clean, faded sides look great with the high-volume top, and a well-kept beard finishes off the look.

17. Fade to an Afro Low
Afro taper fade is a trendy, young look that can be worn to work or to a party. The wavy twists on top give it a full look, and the taper on the sides gives it a clean, sharp edge.

18. Hard Part with a Low Fade
A classic comb-over style with a modern twist is made possible by a hard part with a low taper fade. The sharp line gives it a clean, defined look, and the tapered sides smooth out the top’s height and volume.

19. A stylish low fade with longer hair on top
If you have thicker hair, a classy low taper fade with longer hair on top can make you look both stylish and casual. The rough waves on top stand out against the shorter sides, giving the cut structure and volume.

20. Short hair with a low fade
There’s no wrong time to wear a short haircut with a low taper fade. It looks clean and manly. The faded sides and short hair on top blend together easily, giving the hair a well-groomed, classic look.

21. A low fade with straight hair
To make a low taper fade look cool and edgy, wear your hair straight. A fringe that defies gravity looks even better. The curved sides stand out against the tall, straight layers, making the look more bold and lively.

22. Designs with a low taper fade
You can make your hairdo more unique with low taper fade styles. They can be anything from zigzag designs to custom shapes and symbols. They can give your fade a unique look that makes it stand out.

23. Fluffy hair with a low fade
To get a young, full look, hair that has a low taper fade and natural waves is styled with clean, cut sides. The long, messy fringe gives the hair more depth, and the trimmed sides keep the style sharp.

24. Crew cut with a low fade
A basic style that is easy to keep up is a crew cut with a low taper fade. The short, sharp fringe gives the front more depth, and the cut sides make it look even cleaner and sharper.

25. Fade with a low drop
A low drop taper fade makes the change from longer hair on top to shorter hair on the sides smooth and gradual. This makes it great for men with thick hairstyles. It adds a polished and understated bit of class.

26. Curly hair and a low taper fade
Curly hair looks great with a low taper fade because it takes away the bulk and brings out the natural curls. The sides are trimmed, which lets the curls on top shine while keeping the style fresh and in check.

27. Spiky hair that looks good with a low fade
A low taper fade on spiked hair gives it an edgy look while also giving it a smooth finish. The spikes on top give the haircut character, and the fade on the sides gives it shape and contrast.

28. Slick Back and Low Fade Taper
A sleek back and a low taper fade are both classy styles that can be worn to both formal and casual events. The style looks beautiful because the clean lines on the sides make the volume on top stand out even more.

29. False fringe with a low fade
Men who want a stylish but easy-to-care-for cut should get a fringe with a low taper fade. The textured fringe gives off a young vibe, and the fade gives the whole look structure and balance.

30. Long hair that fades slowly
If you are a man with long hair, a low taper fade haircut lets you rock your long hair without adding extra bulk. The fade on the sides gives it a clean, finished look that goes well with the length on top.

31. Use a low-taper fade to comb over the hair.
A classic comb-over with a low taper fade is a stylish haircut that can be worn anywhere. The fullness on top stands out against the worn sides, and a well-groomed beard adds to the manliness.

32. Short blonde waves with sides that fade inward
A taper fade and short blonde waves make for an expressive and charming style. The short curls and smooth fade work well together to make a stylish and eye-catching mix of texture and smoothness.

33. Fade for Low Temples
People who want a subtle fade with longer hair on top should get a low temple taper fade. The shift is smooth, which gives the look of more volume while keeping the sides neat and tidy.

34. Low fade with a beard
A classic, manly look is made by putting together a low taper cut and a full beard. The fade flows easily into the sides, and the full beard balances the shape and gives it a rough edge.

35. The Low Taper Fade and Modern Pompadour
The top of a modern pompadour with a low taper fade has a lot of texture and volume, while the sides are nicely tapered. With its mix of classic and modern elements, this style is a bold and stylish choice for any event.

Why People Love the Taper Fade

In the past few years, the taper fade has become one of the most popular haircuts for guys, and for good reason. This style is versatile, sharp, and works well with different hair types. Whether you prefer a clean, polished look or a more textured style, the taper fade can be adjusted to fit your personal taste. Additionally, it pairs well with other trendy cuts, such as the modern mullet, making it a go-to choice for many looking to combine a classic and edgy vibe.

1. Being flexible

There are a lot of different ways to style the taper fade. There is a taper fade for every style, from classic and clean to current and edgy. It works for all hair lengths and styles. You can wear the top in any way you like—slicked back, spiked, or messy—and the fade will still look good with it.

2. Easy to take care of

When compared to other fades that need to be trimmed and touched up more often, the taper fade is pretty easy to take care of. It tends to grow out more naturally because the fade starts out slowly and doesn’t need big differences in length. This makes it easy to take care of and less noticeable as it grows.

3. It works for all kinds of hair

A taper cut can work for anyone, no matter what kind of hair you have. The fade can be changed to fit your natural hair structure, whether it’s straight, curly, or wavy. A taper fade is great for curly hair because it gives it shape and structure. On the other hand, straight hair can benefit from the clean, sharp lines that the fade makes.

4. Business-like and stylish

There is a great mix between being professional and stylish in the taper fade. A lot of men choose this style because it makes them look clean and put-together while still being current and on-trend. The taper fade makes you look good whether you’re at work or out on the weekend.

5. Able to fit different styles

It goes well with a lot of different styles. For a classic, clean look, wear it with a pompadour. For a simple, no-fuss look, wear it with a crew cut. The fade also looks good with buzz cuts, quiffs, and even a hip, messy style. There are a lot of options.

How to Make Your Taper Fade Look Good

After getting the right taper fade, it’s time to style it. Here are some ways to style your hair that depend on its length and the look you want to achieve:

Number 1: Slicked-back taper fade

Put some pomade or styling gel in your hair and slick it back for a clean, classic look. This looks good on guys who want to look slick and professional while still having some edge. The sides will stay neat and sharp thanks to the taper fade, while the top will stay smooth and sleek.

2. A top with texture and a fade

You can give the top of your hair some texture for a more laid-back, trendy look. To make your hair look wavy and messy, use a light styling cream or matte pomade. The taper fade will make the sides of the hair stand out from the top, which will be layered, giving the whole look a cool, laid-back vibe.

3. Pompadour with a Taper Fade

The pompadour is a standard cut that looks great with a taper fade. Height at the top gives it more body, and fade at the sides keeps it all clear and sharp. To add thickness and shape, use a strong-hold pomade or gel. To keep everything in place, finish with a little hairspray.

4. A buzz cut with a taper fade

Put together a buzz cut and a taper fade for an easy-care style. The top of the hair is kept short, and the sides are let down to the skin, giving the hair a clean, sharp look. This style is great for busy guys who want a simple look because it doesn’t need much styling or upkeep.

Final Thoughts

It is stylish, flexible, and easy to take care of. This haircut gives you a lot of choices, so you can get a low, mid, or high fade, depending on your style. You can get a look that is both new and old if you choose the right fade and top style for your face shape and hair type.

If you want a taper fade, you should talk to your barber about what kind of fade you want and how you’d like the top of your hair shaped. A good haircut and regular touch-ups will give you a sharp, clean, and stylish look that works for any event.