Curly hair is a statement in itself, full of personality and texture. Pairing it with a Mid Taper Fade is an increasingly popular choice for men who want to embrace their natural curls while maintaining a sharp, clean, and modern look. This combination allows the curls on top to be the star of the show, while the tapered sides provide structure and manageability. As seen on style platforms like Men's Hairstyle Trends and discussed by curly hair experts at NaturallyCurly.com, this style is both practical and incredibly stylish.
Why a Mid Taper Fade Works Wonders for Curly Hair
Curly hair can often become bulky or appear overly wide if not cut strategically. A Mid Taper Fade addresses this perfectly:
- Manages Bulk: The fade on the sides and back significantly reduces weight and width, preventing the "triangle" shape some curly styles can develop.
- Enhances Curl Definition on Top: By keeping the sides neat, the focus shifts entirely to the texture and volume of the curls on top.
- Provides a Clean Silhouette: The gradual taper creates a sharp, clean outline that contrasts beautifully with the softer curls.
- Versatility: The "mid" starting point of the fade is highly adaptable and doesn't look too severe, making it suitable for various settings.
Professional communities like BehindTheChair's curly hair section often feature tips and inspiration for cuts like these.
Getting the Cut: Key Considerations for a Curly Mid Taper Fade
Achieving the perfect Mid Taper Fade on curly hair requires a barber experienced with textured hair. Here's what to discuss and expect during the cutting process:
- Consultation is Key:
- Discuss the desired length for your curls on top. Consider shrinkage – curly hair appears shorter when dry.
- Specify a mid taper for the sides and back.
- Talk about how you usually style your curls and your daily routine.
- Cutting the Curly Top (Dry Cut Often Preferred):
- Many barbers specializing in curly hair prefer to cut curls dry, or with minimal dampness. This allows them to see the natural curl pattern, how each curl falls, and to shape the hair accordingly, preventing surprises from shrinkage. Techniques like the DevaCut (popularized by DevaCurl) focus on cutting curl by curl.
- Layers can be incorporated to enhance volume, create shape, and prevent the top from looking too heavy or flat.
- Executing the Mid Taper Fade:
- The barber will section off the curly top. The mid taper on the sides and back will then be created using clippers and guards, starting the fade around temple level or slightly above the ear.
- The blending needs to be smooth and gradual to complement the texture above.
- Blending the Transition:
- A crucial step is blending the point where the faded sides meet the longer curly top. This requires skill to ensure a seamless transition without creating a "disconnected" look or disrupting the curl pattern at the edges. Shear-over-comb or point cutting might be used here.
- Detailing:
- Clean lines around the ears and neckline using trimmers will finish the look, providing that sharp contrast to the softer curls.
Styling Your Curly Mid Taper Fade: Tips for Luscious Curls
Once you have the cut, proper styling is essential to make your curls pop and keep the fade looking fresh. Advice from curly hair specialists like Ouidad can be very helpful.
- Hydration is Key: Curly hair tends to be drier. Use moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Consider regular deep conditioning treatments.
- Apply Products to Damp Hair: After washing, while hair is still quite damp (but not dripping wet), apply your styling products. This helps lock in moisture and define curls.
- Choose Curl-Specific Products:
Product Recommendations:
- Leave-in Conditioner: Provides ongoing moisture and helps with detangling.
- Curl Cream/Enhancer: Defines curls, reduces frizz, and adds soft hold.
- Light-Hold Gel or Mousse: Offers more definition and hold without crunchiness if applied correctly.
- Scrunch, Don't Rub: When applying products or drying, gently scrunch your curls upwards towards the scalp. Avoid vigorous rubbing with a towel, which causes frizz. Use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt for less friction.
- Air Dry or Diffuse: Air drying is often best for curls. If you need to speed things up, use a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment on a low heat and low speed setting. Hover the diffuser around your head or gently cup sections of curls into it.
- Hands Off While Drying: Resist the urge to touch your hair too much while it's drying, as this can disrupt the curl pattern and create frizz.
- Refresh Curls: On non-wash days, you can refresh your curls by lightly misting them with water or a curl refresher spray and gently scrunching.
Many men's style guides, like those from Men's Health, often feature tips for managing curly hair.
Maintenance: Keeping Your Curly Fade Sharp
To keep your Mid Taper Fade for curly hair looking its best:
- Regular Fade Touch-ups: The tapered sides will need to be re-faded every 2-4 weeks to maintain their sharpness.
- Trims for the Top: Even if you're growing out the top, occasional trims (every 6-10 weeks) will help remove split ends and maintain the shape of your curls.
- Protect Curls at Night: Consider sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.
For ongoing trends and maintenance advice, Modern Salon is a good resource for industry insights.
Curly Mid Taper Fade: Your Questions Answered
Have more questions about this stylish combo? We've got you covered.
Is a Mid Taper Fade genuinely a good haircut choice for men with curly hair?
Absolutely! A Mid Taper Fade is an excellent option for curly hair. It effectively manages the natural bulk and width that can occur with curls on the sides and back, creating a cleaner profile. This allows the texture and definition of your curls on top to really stand out and become the main feature of your hairstyle.
What's the best way to cut the curly hair on top when getting a Mid Taper Fade?
For the top section, many barbers experienced with curly hair prefer a 'dry cut' or techniques similar to the DevaCut. This involves cutting the hair when it's dry, curl by curl, to accurately see how each curl naturally falls and behaves, thus avoiding any surprises from shrinkage that can occur when cutting wet curly hair. Incorporating layers can also help to enhance volume, create a better shape, and ensure the curls have enough length to form properly.
What types of styling products are recommended for a curly Mid Taper Fade?
You should look for products specifically designed to enhance curls. Good choices include curl-enhancing creams, leave-in conditioners for moisture, light-hold gels for definition without stiffness, or mousses for volume and hold. It's important to choose products that provide moisture and definition without weighing down your curls or causing excessive build-up. Brands that specialize in curly hair, such as DevaCurl or Ouidad, offer a range of suitable options.
How can I minimize frizz when styling my curly Mid Taper Fade?
To prevent frizz, one of the most effective strategies is to minimize touching your hair while it's in the process of drying. After washing, use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to gently scrunch out excess water instead of vigorously rubbing. Apply an anti-frizz serum or curl cream to your damp hair. If you use a hairdryer, opt for a diffuser attachment on a low heat and low speed setting to gently dry your curls.
How often should I wash my curly hair if I have a Mid Taper Fade?
Curly hair generally thrives when it's not washed too frequently, as this helps to retain its natural oils which are essential for moisture and curl health. Washing your hair 2-3 times per week with a sulfate-free shampoo is often a good approach. Alternatively, you might consider co-washing (washing with conditioner only) on some days. The faded sides of your haircut can be rinsed more often if necessary without affecting the curls on top.
Will getting a Mid Taper Fade help my curly hair look less bulky or "poofy"?
Yes, definitely. This is one of the primary advantages of pairing a Mid Taper Fade with curly hair. The taper significantly reduces the bulk and width on the sides and back of your head. This creates a much cleaner, more defined silhouette and allows the curls on top to appear more structured and less "poofy" or triangular in shape.
A Mid Taper Fade is a fantastic way to celebrate your curly hair, offering a look that is both manageable and incredibly stylish. By working with a skilled barber and using the right styling techniques, you can ensure your curls always look their absolute best, perfectly complemented by a sharp, clean fade.