The taper fade remains the most versatile men's haircut, with 15 distinct variations offering different levels of contrast and style. This definitive guide from TaperFadeHub, with insights from Pall Mall Barbers and Men's Hairstyles Today, explores every type of taper fade - from subtle low tapers to dramatic temple fades. You'll learn which works best for your face shape, hair type, and lifestyle, complete with maintenance requirements and styling tips for each.
Watch this visual guide to all 15 taper fade variations with styling demonstrations from professional barbers.
7 Main Types of Taper Fades
1. Low Taper Fade
Begins just above the ear lobes for subtle sophistication:
- Most conservative option
- Corporate-friendly
- 3-4 week maintenance
- Best for oval/long faces
2. Mid Taper Fade
Balanced fade starting midway up sides:
- Most versatile
- 2-3 week maintenance
- Works with most face shapes
- Pairs well with crop tops
3. High Taper Fade
Dramatic fade starting near temples:
- Maximum contrast
- Best for thick hair
- 2 week maintenance
- Ideal for round faces
đ§ Explore All Types of Taper Fades
Listen to our complete audio guide breaking down every taper fade type, styling technique, and barbering insight in one episode.
Finding Your Barber
What to Look For
- Temple fade specialists: Check Instagram for crisp temple line examples
- Taper fade experts: Look for smooth 3-4 guard transitions in portfolios
- Certifications: Andis or Wahl certified barbers typically have advanced fading skills
- Tools: Quality barbers use cordless clippers with sharp blades
Questions to Ask
- "How many temple/taper fades do you perform weekly?" (Ideal: 20+)
- "Can I see before/after photos of grow-out patterns?"
- "What's your recommended maintenance schedule?"
- "Do you use foil shavers for sharpest lines?" (Best for temple fades)
Geographic Trends
- Urban areas: More temple fade specialists (NYC, LA, Chicago)
- Suburban areas: Better for traditional taper fades
- Barber schools: Atlanta, Houston, and Phoenix have top fade programs
1. French Crop with Taper Fade
Combines a short fringe (crop top) with a taper fade. Popularized through European street style.
- Great for sharp contrast
- Low-maintenance texture
- Works with all hair types
- 3-4 week maintenance
2. Comb Over Taper Fade
A defined part with the hair combed to one side. The fade supports the clean structure underneath.
- Stylish and office-friendly
- Medium maintenance
- Best for straight/wavy hair
- 2-3 week touch-ups
3. Messy Taper Fade
Tapered sides with a voluminous top styled back. Retro yet modern aesthetic.
- Needs styling product for volume
- Works best with thick hair
- High contrast option
- Weekly styling required
4. Side Part Taper Fade
Visible part line with lower fade. Polished look for formal environments.
- Corporate-approved style
- Medium maintenance
- Versatile for most face shapes
- 2-3 week maintenance
5. Slick Back Taper Fade
Slicked hair on top with a taper fade . Works well with medium to long hair.
- Vintage businessman aesthetic
- Requires strong hold products
- Good for special occasions
- Daily styling needed
6. Curly Top Taper Fade
Designed for curly/coily hair types. Emphasizes texture on top with clean faded sides.
- Often paired with temple fade
- Enhances natural curl pattern
- Low manipulation style
- 3-4 week maintenance
7. Taper Fade with Dreads or Twists
Keeps dreads/twists intact on top with faded temple and neckline.
- Common in Afro-Caribbean styles
- Clean finish for locs
- Versatile fade options
- 4-6 week maintenance
8. Faux Hawk Taper Fade
Subtle mohawk-like shape with taper faded sides. More wearable than full mohawk.
- Edgy but professional
- Works with medium-length hair
- 2-3 week touch-ups
- Moderate styling needed
9. Waves with Taper Fade
360 waves on top with neat taper at back and temples. Requires maintenance.
- Needs brushing and durag
- Sharp contrast when done well
- Popular in urban styles
- Weekly maintenance
10. Flat Top Taper Fade
Classic 80s/90s look - flat top stands tall with faded sides.
- Retro basketball style
- Requires regular trimming
- Best for thick straight hair
- 2 week maintenance
11. Messy Taper Fade
Loose or tousled hair on top with structured fade underneath.
- Effortless cool aesthetic
- Low product needed
- Works with wavy hair
- 3-4 week maintenance
12. Textured Fringe Taper Fade
Heavy texture on the fringe with clean taper. Trendy among Gen Z.
- TikTok barbershop trend
- Medium maintenance
- Works with most hair types
- 2-3 week touch-ups
13. Military Taper Fade (Regulation Cut)
Very short, high-contrast fade with tight top. Clean-cut minimalist style.
- Suitable for military
- Ultra-low maintenance
- Weekly trimming needed
- High skin fade option
14. Caesar Taper Fade
Short horizontal fringe (like Julius Caesar) with sharp taper.
- 90s revival style
- Works with straight hair
- Low product needed
- 2 week maintenance
15. Mullet Taper Fade
Tapered sides with length in back. Modern twist on classic mullet.
- Business in front, party in back
- Edgy contemporary look
- Medium maintenance
- 3-4 week touch-ups
Taper Fade Types Comparison
| Type | Starting Point | Contrast | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Taper | Above ears | Subtle | 3-4 weeks | Corporate, oval faces |
| Mid Taper | Mid-head | Moderate | 2-3 weeks | Versatility, most faces |
| High Taper | Temples | Dramatic | 2 weeks | Thick hair, round faces |
| Skin Taper | Variable | Maximum | 2 weeks | Athletes, low maintenance |
| Temple Fade | Temples only | Focused | 3 weeks | Round/square faces |
8 Specialty Taper Fades
4. Skin Taper Fade
Blends to bare skin for maximum contrast:
- Uses Andis taper blades for precision
- 2 week maintenance
- Popular with athletes
- Best with straight hair
5. Temple Fade
Focused fade around temples only:
- Slims round/square faces
- 3 week maintenance
- Works with all hair types
- Modern alternative to high fade
6. Drop Taper Fade
Dips behind ear for curved effect:
- Creates illusion of length
- 2-3 week maintenance
- Ideal for square faces
- Works well with fades near me
7. Burst Taper Fade
Circular fade around ears/temples:
- Dramatic sunburst effect
- 2 week maintenance
- Best for thick hair
- Creative fields favorite
How to Choose the Right Taper Fade
- Determine Face Shape: Oval faces suit all fades; round faces need high/temple fades; square faces look best with drop/mid fades.
- Assess Hair Type: Thin hair works with low tapers; thick hair handles high/skin fades; curly hair suits low/mid tapers.
- Consider Lifestyle: Corporate jobs favor low tapers; creative fields allow high/burst fades; athletes prefer skin fades.
- Evaluate Maintenance: Low tapers last 3-4 weeks; high/skin fades need 2-week touch-ups; mid tapers balance at 2-3 weeks.
- Consult Barber: Bring reference photos of taper fade haircuts you like to discuss options with a professional.
Matching taper fade types to face shapes
Essential Taper Fade Tools
Andis Taper Blade
Professional-grade blade for precise fading:
- Creates seamless blends
- Works with all taper types
- Durable stainless steel
- Barber favorite for clipper fades
Andis Revite Blade
Specialty blade for skin fades:
- Ultra-close cutting
- Ideal for temple fades
- Self-sharpening design
- Minimal irritation
Taper Fades by Face Shape
| Face Shape | Best Taper Fades | Avoid | Celeb Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | High, Temple, Burst | Low taper | Bruno Mars |
| Square | Mid, Drop, Temple | Burst fade | David Beckham |
| Oval | All types | None | Ryan Reynolds |
| Heart | Low, Mid | High taper | Brad Pitt |
Finding "Taper Fade Near Me"
Top Barber Shops by City
- New York: Blind Barber, Fellow Barber, Persons of Interest
- Los Angeles: Barber Surgeons Guild, Floyd's 99, The Shave
- Chicago: Belmont Barbershop, The Art of Shaving, State Street Barbers
- Houston: Cutthroat Barber Club, The Gents Place, Big Kat's Barber Lounge
When searching for "taper haircut near me," look for barbers specializing in fades and bring reference photos of your preferred taper fade type.
Taper Fade FAQs
What's the difference between a taper fade and a clipper fade?
Taper fades gradually blend hair lengths using clippers with different guards, while clipper fades (often done with Andis taper blades) create more distinct lines between lengths for dramatic contrast. According to Men's Health, clipper fades work best for very short styles.
Can I get a taper fade with thinning hair?
Yes! The American Academy of Dermatology recommends low taper fades for thinning hair as they minimize contrast that can emphasize sparse areas. Avoid high or skin fades if experiencing significant hair loss.
How do I maintain my taper fade between cuts?
For low tapers: Use a #3 guard every 3 weeks
Mid tapers: Trim with #2 guard every 2 weeks
High/skin fades: Visit barber every 2 weeks
All types benefit from daily moisturizer and weekly exfoliation.
Which taper fade is easiest to style?
Mid taper fades offer the easiest styling according to GQ, providing enough length on top for products while keeping sides neat. Low tapers require minimal styling, while high/skin fades need daily product application.
Are temple fades suitable for professional environments?
Temple fades can work in business casual settings when paired with conservative tops. For corporate jobs, Esquire recommends subtle low temple fades rather than dramatic high temple fades.
Includes 50+ taper fade examples and maintenance schedules
Taper Fade Reviews
Los Angeles, CA
"The temple fade guide helped me choose the perfect cut for my round face. My LA barber nailed it!" â Miguel R.
Chicago, IL
"Finally understand the difference between taper fades and clipper fades. Got the perfect mid taper." â James K.
â Google Review Summary
4.8/5 average rating from 12,500+ users across barbershops using our taper fade guides.
- "Best taper fade resource online - my barber was impressed!"
- "The face shape matching guide helped me choose perfectly"
- "Finally understand all types of taper fades"
Honoring Marcus T. Johnson for Grooming Education Excellence
Our Lead Barber and Content Director, Marcus T. Johnson, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Barbering Excellence Award for his impactful contributions to modern grooming education.
Through his dedication to elevating the taper fade craftâfrom step-by-step tutorials to tool breakdownsâMarcus has helped thousands master at-home barbering with confidence. His leadership at TaperFadeHub.com continues to shape the future of digital barbering.
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The Ultimate Barber Glossary
Master professional haircutting terminology with our comprehensive guide to barbering terms and techniques.
Haircut Styles
Learn the differences between popular styles like high top fades, pompadours, and undercut hairstyles.
- Bald fade vs. skin fade differences
- Crew cut vs. Ivy League comparison
Cutting Techniques
Professional methods like scissor-over-comb, razor cutting, and dry cutting explained.
- How to ask for a taper haircut
- Texturizing vs. layering differences
Tools & Products
Essential barber tools and styling products compared for optimal results.
- Best clippers for professional fades
- Pomade vs. wax vs. gel comparison
Final Thoughts
With 15 distinct types of taper fades available, there's a perfect option for every face shape, hair type, and lifestyle. Low tapers offer subtle sophistication for corporate environments, while high and temple fades make bold statements. Mid tapers provide the best balance for most men, and specialty fades like drop and burst create unique looks. Remember to consider your maintenance commitment and consult with a professional barber when trying a new taper fade style.
Armed with this comprehensive guide, you're now equipped to choose and maintain the ideal taper fade for your individual needs. Whether you prefer searching for "taper fade near me" or DIY maintenance with Andis taper blades, the perfect fade awaits!