The taper fade is a classic haircut that’s both timeless and versatile, making it a popular choice among men of all ages. It is a versatile cut that blends the hair from the top to the sides and back, creating a smooth, natural transition. Whether you’re going for a bold look or something more subtle, the taper fade can be adapted to suit different hair types, face shapes, and personal styles.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about the taper fade haircut, from understanding its basics to the different styles, choosing the right one for your face shape, and how to maintain it.
What Is a Taper Fade?
A taper fade is a type of haircut where the hair gradually shortens from the top down towards the sides and back. The key characteristic of the taper fade is that the hair maintains some length on the sides, rather than fading all the way down to the scalp. The fade typically involves a smooth and subtle reduction in length, allowing for a clean, sharp look without going for the extreme contrast of a full fade.
The taper fade differs from a traditional fade, where the hair is cut very short and blended down to the skin. The taper fade is more gradual and typically leaves a bit of length around the ears and neckline, providing a clean, polished appearance.
Taper Fade vs. Full Fade: What’s the Difference?
While both taper and full fades involve reducing the length of the hair, there are key differences that set them apart:
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Taper Fade: The taper fade starts with longer hair at the top, which gradually shortens as it moves down to the sides and back. There’s still some length left, making the transition from the top to the sides more subtle.
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Full Fade: A full fade cuts the hair very short around the sides and back, often blending into the skin. There’s a more dramatic contrast between the hair at the top and the sides, creating a sharper fade.
Thus, the taper fade lies somewhere between these two styles, offering a balanced and flexible look.
Types of Taper Fade Haircuts
The beauty of the taper fade is its versatility. There are various types of taper fades to choose from, each offering a distinct look. Here are some of the most popular styles:
1. Low Taper Fade
The low taper fade starts just above the ears, curving gently down to the neck. This style is subtle and offers a professional, clean appearance. It works well for both formal and casual settings, making it a go-to choice for men who want a neat, understated look.
2. Mid Taper Fade
The mid taper fade begins around the temple area, providing a more balanced look. It’s not as subtle as the low taper but not as dramatic as the high taper. This mid-range fade is a versatile choice that works well with various hairstyles and hair textures.
3. High Taper Fade
The high taper fade starts high on the sides of the head, near the temples, and quickly reduces the hair length as it moves down. The high fade creates a more noticeable contrast between the top and sides, making it a bold and edgy choice. It’s often paired with short or shaved hair on top for a sharp, clean-cut appearance.
4. Burst Taper Fade
The burst taper fade creates a circular fade around the ear, which can look especially striking when paired with textured or curly hair. This style is more daring and can make a statement if you’re looking to show off a unique and trendy look.
5. Afro Taper Fade
For those with natural, curly hair, the afro taper fade is a fantastic option. This fade keeps the top hair voluminous while gradually shortening the sides. The contrast between the voluminous top and neatly tapered sides creates a clean and defined look that enhances natural curls.
Choosing the Right Taper Fade for Your Face Shape
Not all taper fades work for every face shape. When deciding on the type of taper fade that will suit you best, consider the shape of your face. Here’s a breakdown of which taper fade suits each face shape:
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Round Faces: A high taper fade can add height to the top of the head, making the face appear longer and slimmer. This helps balance the roundness of the face.
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Oval Faces: Oval faces are versatile and suit most taper fades. Whether you choose a low, mid, or high taper, the shape of the face will complement a variety of styles.
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Square Faces: A mid or low taper fade can soften the angular features of a square face, providing a more rounded appearance.
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Heart-Shaped Faces: A low taper fade can balance a broader forehead and narrow chin. The subtle fade will help soften the sharpness of the chin, creating a harmonious look.
Styling Your Taper Fade
After you’ve chosen the right taper fade for your face shape and personal style, the next step is styling it. There are several ways to style a taper fade depending on the length of the hair on top and the texture of your hair.
For Short Hair:
For those with short hair, you can achieve a sleek, clean look by using a small amount of pomade or styling cream. Apply a small amount to the top of your hair, work it through with your fingers, and comb it into place. For a more matte look, you can use a light-hold gel or wax for a natural finish.
For Medium-Length Hair:
If you have medium-length hair, you may want to use a styling cream or light mousse to give your hair volume and texture. A bit of pomade can also help define the hair on top and keep it in place. For a more relaxed look, let your hair fall naturally, but be sure to use a styling product to maintain the fade and prevent flyaways.
For Curly Hair:
Curly hair works wonderfully with taper fades, as the contrast between the voluminous top and the tapered sides creates a striking look. Use a curl cream or styling gel to define the curls and maintain a neat, controlled style. A diffuser attachment on a blow dryer can also help to enhance the natural curls and volume.
Maintaining Your Taper Fade
To keep your taper fade looking sharp, regular trims are essential. Here are a few maintenance tips:
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Visit the Barber Regularly: The taper fade requires upkeep to maintain its shape. Aim to visit your barber every 2-3 weeks to have the fade cleaned up and the length maintained.
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Trim the Neckline and Sideburns: In between barber visits, use clippers to trim any excess hair around the neckline and sideburns. This helps maintain the clean and sharp look of the taper fade.
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Hair Care: Using quality shampoos and conditioners will keep your hair healthy and manageable. If you’re using styling products, make sure to wash them out thoroughly to avoid buildup that can dull your hair.
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Avoid Over-Tapering: It’s important not to overdo the tapering, as too much length reduction can result in an unbalanced look. Be sure to communicate with your barber about how subtle or dramatic you want the fade to be.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Taper Fades
While the taper fade is a relatively easy style to maintain, there are a few common mistakes that men often make:
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Over-Tapering: Cutting the hair too short at the sides can cause the fade to look overly dramatic, especially if you don’t have a lot of length on top.
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Not Updating the Fade: The taper fade requires regular maintenance. If you let it grow out for too long, the fade can lose its definition and look messy.
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Not Considering Hair Texture: Not all taper fades work well with every hair texture. Make sure to choose a fade that complements your natural hair type, whether it’s straight, wavy, or curly.
Conclusion
The taper fade is a versatile and classic haircut that offers a clean, stylish look for men of all ages. Whether you prefer a subtle low taper fade or a bold high taper fade, there’s a style to suit every face shape and personal preference. By choosing the right type of taper fade for your features, maintaining it with regular trims, and styling it to suit your hair texture, you can enjoy a sharp, well-defined appearance that will never go out of style.
If you’re looking to elevate your hairstyle, the taper fade is a timeless choice that will continue to look fresh and modern year after year.
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