If you are into trending haircuts and hairstyles, you might have heard the terms “taper” and “fade.” These words are commonly used by barbers, hair stylists, and people who have knowledge of hair.
People often confuse these hairstyle descriptors, and others think they’re identical or similar to other haircuts. This is because “all fades are tapers, but not all tapers are fades.”
Did it also make you confused? No worries, keep reading!
Today in this blog, we’ve explained fade with taper cut and the difference between taper and fade haircuts. We’ve also made a list of top taper fade haircuts for you, along with some frequently asked questions so that you will get answers to your questions.
Let’s dive in.
What Is A Taper Fade Haircut?
As its name suggests, the taper fade cut is the combination of two similar barbering techniques: the taper and the fade.
The taper fade cut always features a haircut that slowly changes from long to short around the head, along with a fade down the skin. So, on the top of the head, the hair length is long, and on the sides and back of the head, the length becomes short and shorter. There are many types of fades, including low fade, mid fade, high fade, skin fade, bald fade, and drop fade.
Taper Haircuts Vs. Fade: What’s the Difference?
The best way to understand the difference between these two cuts is by looking at the major elements of each hairstyle. Because from a distance, both of these haircuts might look similar, and this can really make a mess in your head.
Let’s see what’s the real difference.
A fade cut is faded on both backs and on sides. The fade starts from the temple downwards, to a length anywhere below a grade two. Here in this cut, the fade usually starts with no hair, and on the way up, it has a short length.
On the other hand, the tapered hairstyle consists of long hair, and it always starts from short hair, not like fade, which starts from bald or extremely short hair length. Look at the top and bottom sides to identify that it’s a taper haircut. If the bottom is shorter than the top, it’s a taper cut!
Does a Taper Haircut Fit All Face Shapes?
After knowing the difference between the taper and fade cut, you might wonder whether the taper fade cut will suit you, right?
The answer is this haircut looks good on almost every face shape but triangular face shape. The taper cut can make your face look wider at the temples and exaggerate its features instead of softening it. So, it might look a bit weird, but other than this, this cut looks great!
However, most of the time, this also depends on the way you’re styling your fade with a taper hairstyle!
40+ Latest Taper Fade Hairstyle Ideas
After reading here, you now know some basics about fade with taper cut. So, let’s move on to how to style this haircut stylishly and coolly.
1. Low Taper Fade
This haircut starts from the ears and goes along with the hairline till the back of the neck. This one doesn’t have high contrast, so it is perfect for people who want to experiment but don’t want something too bold.
2. Mid Taper Fade Cut
Here’s a balanced option for you: A fade with mid-taper! This one looks a bit more striking than the low fade taper and less than the high fade. This mid-taper cut is perfect to call a stylish yet casual haircut!
3. High Taper Fade
If low and mid fade with taper cut isn’t working for you, try this high taper fade hair idea! This cut starts from your head’s crown and goes down toward the neck. This style will beautifully frame your face and also make it appear slim.
4. Undercut Taper Fade
This haircut refers to a cut consisting of hair at the top section and shorter hair at the back and sides. Get a taper fade with an undercut if you want something casual yet attractive.
5. Classy Comb Back Taper Fade
Searching for a classy hairstyle idea? Here’s one for you!
To achieve this look, just comb back your hair from the hairline. This will create volume and texture in your hair.
6. Fringe Taper Fade
Do you like fringes? If yes, you’ll love this cut!
This unexpected combination will make you stand out in the crowd. You can style this hairstyle with a few tools and gel. There are many ways to style fringes, such as you can get a French crop or asymmetric long bangs.
7. Textured Short Top Crop Cut
Don’t like long hair? No worries, get a short style fade with a taper cut. Short hair doesn’t mean you can’t look cool and stylish! This crop top haircut has everything that can make you look cool and stylish!
8. Cornrow Taper Fade
One of the best things about the taper fade is that it can be added to most hairstyles. So, you can use your creativity and see what looks best on your face shape. Here’s the best example: men who like braids can pair the fade with taper cut with cornrow. Look at the above image for reference!
9. Taper Fade Long Curly Hair
Guys with curly hair look so cute! Do you agree?
Those men can take their hairstyle to the next level by pairing their curly hair with a taper fade cut. This will be a bold and dramatic style that everyone can’t take their eyes off.
10. Mohawk Taper Fade
On your next date, surprise your girl with a new haircut! Get this wonderful Mohawk Taper Fade to make a statement. This hairstyle is easy to style and maintain, and it will still look amazing.
11. Taper Fade with Quiff
Don’t think about any good hair ideas? Get a Quiff Cut!
This hairstyle never goes out of style! This cut will look good on everybody regardless of age and face shape! This will add volume and create a balance of proportions. You can get this clean-cut and classy haircut to look stylish!
12. Skin Fade with Taper
The skin taper fade is another timeless and great hairstyle for boys and men. There are so many different options for a skin fade, including high and low versions. If this is your first time getting a new haircut, we recommend the skin taper fade!
13. Curly Top With High Volume
Do you have naturally curly hair? If yes, this next hairstyle will look good on you! You can get a curly hairstyle with a taper fade to complement your hair length. This will create a dramatic volume at the top.
14. Slick Back Taper Fade
Do you like rockabilly or retro style hair? If yes, this haircut is for you! This is known as the slick back taper fade, which gives a short but smart hair look. A modern but timeless haircut will add a subtle edge.
15. Regulation Cut Taper Fade
If you think that you have to go dramatic and bold haircuts to look cool, that’s not true! Look at this haircut. This is known as the Regulation Cut Taper Fade, which is practical but looks so stylish. This proves that even the simplest-looking hairstyles can be the most appealing.
16. Clean Neckline Taper Fade
Want a hairstyle that gives a sharp and masculine look? Here’s one for you! This one has a subtle taper fade, adding a stylish and dapper touch to your appearance.
17. Curly Taper Fade
The sides and back are cut short in this cut, but you can add some curls for some volume. This low-maintenance cut is easy to style and looks clean and professional.
18. Caesar Taper Fade
Everybody knows that Caesar is one of the traditional or oldest haircuts for men. This one can be easily achieved by brushing the hair forward into a short and some blunt fringes at the hairline. This looks cool, but when paired with a fade with a taper cut, it looks cooler!
19. Hand-Brushed Tousled Blonde Hairstyle
One of the benefits of having a taper fade is that you can make this style trendy without doing much. You can easily style your hair in such a way that all the attention will be on the top or the sides. Bleach the top hairs to get an even bold look.
20. Flat Top Taper Fade
This particular cut was more popular back in the 1950s and ’80s, but still, it is loved by many men. The reason is its versatility and the look it provides. This one is the flat top cut with a short back and sides, giving a modern and retro mix of vibes.
21. Faux Hawk Taper Fade
You may have seen the various versions of the mohawk haircut. The Faux Hawk Taper Fade is another subtle version of it. In this one, the hairstylist or barber will create a graduated effect instead of shaving the sides down completely.
22. Flowy Swept Back Fade With Taper
This Flowy Swept Back Fade With Taper will be a great option for men who like the breezy and relaxed appearance! You can easily achieve a high-contrast look by sweeping back your hair up to the top with faded sides.
23. Taper Fade Comb Over Style
You can get this hairstyle if you work in a corporate office with professional settings but still want to look stylish. This is the taper fade comb look which looks sophisticated, clean, and mature. This one is perfect for formal events and settings. You have to style your hair in a traditional way but with a modern twist. Take a reference from the above picture!
24. Afro Taper Fade Haircut
Men with afro hair look no more; we’ve got you! Here is the low-maintenance hairstyle which frames the face and makes you look masculine. This one has a clean cut which gives more casual and relaxed vibes.
25. Short Blowout Fade With Taper Cut
Who says that only high-maintenance hairstyles can give a dapper look? That’s not true at all! Look at the above haircut. This one combines two cuts: a blowout haircut on top, and on the sides and back, there is a tapered low fade haircut. Try it, and you’ll be amazed by the results!
26. Spiky Hair Taper Fade Hairstyle
From NBA players to top Hollywood celebrities, spiky hair is one of the popular haircuts. This masculine spiky hairstyle can be shaped to balance your face. It also highlights your facial features well.
27. Taper Fade Cut with Beard
Many fade with taper hairstyles look good with a clean shaved face but have you seen it with a beard? Taper fade with a beard also looks pretty awesome! The cut will give a clean-cut and polished element, while the beard will add a masculine touch.
28. Comb Over Fade with Taper
The comb-over fade has various options. For example, this one has the same name as the Taper Fade Comb Over Style (number 23), but both look different. This one will help to cover up the hairless patches.
29. Spiky & Bleached Taper Fade Haircut
This haircut works best for men with thick hair. Look how the above model has styled silver hair fade. You can also style it in the way you like the most!
30. Taper Fade with Dreads
Another great hair idea for men with afro-textured hair is dreadlocks. Get your dreads with a taper fade cut to give style and more structure to your hairstyle. Show the above picture to your barber for reference!
31. Wet Hairstyle Taper Fade Style
Style your hair in a classic taper fade but with a twist! This is a cool, wet hairstyle that is created by using water and gel. You can try a side part, comb over, or quiff partings.
32. Curtain Bangs Taper Fade
Curtain bangs are a popular hairstyle for girls but look great on guys. Don’t believe us? Take a good look at the above picture! This one has short hair at the front and top, and long towards the back and sides.
33. Medium Blowout Fade with Taper Cut
Want to look best? Try a medium blowout with tapered sides!
This elegant and neat hairstyle is appropriate for semi-formal to professional occasions.
34. Ivy League Taper Fade Cut
This is another good version of the taper fade cut known as the ivy league taper fade. This one has slightly longer hair on the top than on the sides and back. This will give a blended and modern finish that looks great on most men.
35. Straight Hair Taper Fade Haircut For Men
Many people think that having straight hair is everything, but that’s not completely true! Straight hair may look healthy and be easy to maintain, but when it comes to styling, it has its own challenges. You can tackle this problem with this unique hairstyle. However, it’s important to know what you want; for example, high taper vs low taper fades.
36. Ponytail Hairstyle Taper Fade
Another great taper fade style is with ponytails! You can now go with simple or detailed ones according to your liking. This will be a practical and effortlessly cool hairstyle that will catch all the right attention.
37. Taper Fade Cut For Long Hairs
Here’s another taper fade cut for men with long hair. This is a fantastic way to give a modern edge to a traditional cut. So, if you have long hair and want to try something different, try this one!
38. Crew Taper Fade Haircut
Practical and easy to wear! Crew taper fade cut is a simple hairstyle that compliments natural hair. Masculine cut with a touch of elegance, this hairstyle is great for young boys.
39. Bald Taper Fade Hairstyle
A bald taper cut, also known as the skin fade, is an evergreen haircut for men. From the 1980s to till now, this style never goes out of fashion. So, ask your barber to get this cut in your next hair appointment. You can also style it in a wavy or curly look.
40. Tapered Mohawk Fade Cut
This one consists of spikes and a scruffy beard. So if you like this combination, try the Tapered Mohawk Fade Cut.
41. Parted Brush-Up Low Fade Haircut Taper
This haircut will work if you have fine and limp tresses! Keep the sides shorter, and select a fade that compliments your face. To style your hair, use a brush to comb your hair with a gel.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]
How to Get the Taper Fade Haircut?
The fade with taper cut is usually long at the top and gradually fades down at the sides and the back. You can determine the length and fade (low, high, or medium) depending on your preference.
How to Style the Taper Fade Haircut?
The styling of the taper fade cut depends on the variation you opted for. For bold and intense cuts like a mohawk, use strong hold gel. On the other side, you can simply style them with a comb for lighter hairstyles, such as classic taper fade. Styling basically depends on you and your choice!
What Hair Length Do I Need?
The fade with taper cut isn’t particularly for long hairs. So if you have hairs between 2 to 4 or even longer than this, it will work perfectly!
How Long Does a Fade With Taper Cut Last?
A taper fade haircut usually lasts around 2 to 3 weeks on average. However, if you opted for a bald taper or a classic taper cut, it will last up to 4 to 6 weeks.
How to Ask a Barber for a Taper Fade Cut?
You just need to tell the barber; you need a taper fade haircut. If you’re planning to get a unique or personal version of the taper fade cut, tell the barber specifically what kind of fade you want (high, medium, or low). You can also show your hairstylist the reference picture of your desired look.
Fade With Taper Haircuts!
So, this is all about the fade with taper haircuts for men.
So, what are you waiting for?
Book an appointment and get the stylish fade with taper hairstyles!
