Low taper fade haircuts are the perfect choice for men who want a clean, stylish look without going too extreme.
These cuts offer a subtle transition from longer hair on top to shorter sides, creating a polished appearance that’s suitable for both casual and professional settings. In this article, we’ll explore 20 fantastic low taper fade haircuts that will elevate your style game.
1. Classic Low Taper Fade
The classic low taper fade is a timeless choice that suits almost any face shape and hair type. This cut features a gradual fade that starts just above the ears and neckline, slowly blending into longer hair on top. The fade is subtle, maintaining some length even at its shortest point. This versatile style works well with various hair lengths on top, from a short crop to medium-length styles.
To style, apply a small amount of pomade or styling cream to damp hair and comb it into place. For a more relaxed look, use your fingers to create texture. This cut is perfect for those who want a clean, professional appearance with minimal maintenance.
2. Textured Crop with Low Taper Fade
This trendy hairstyle combines a textured crop on top with a low taper fade on the sides and back. The crop is typically kept short to medium length, with plenty of texture added through point-cutting or razor-cutting techniques. The low taper fade provides a subtle contrast and helps to accentuate the textured top.
To style, apply a matte clay or texture powder to dry hair and use your fingers to create a tousled, messy look. This cut is ideal for men with straight or slightly wavy hair who want a modern, effortless appearance.
3. Slicked Back Low Taper Fade
For a sophisticated and polished look, try the slicked-back low taper fade. This style features longer hair on top that’s combed back smoothly, while the sides and back showcase a subtle low taper fade. The contrast between the sleek top and faded sides creates a striking yet refined appearance.
To achieve this look, apply a strong-hold pomade to damp hair and comb it back using a fine-toothed comb. For a more relaxed version, use your fingers to create a looser, more natural slicked-back effect. This style is perfect for formal occasions or professional settings.
4. Low Taper Fade with Side Part
The low taper fade with a side part combines classic styling with modern fading techniques. This cut features a well-defined side part, with longer hair on top swept to one side. The low taper fade on the sides and back provides a clean finish while maintaining a subtle transition.
To style, apply a medium-hold pomade to damp hair and create a deep side part using a comb. Sweep the hair to the side, following the natural direction of your hair growth. This versatile cut works well for both casual and formal settings.
5. Curly Top with Low Taper Fade
Embrace your natural curls with this stylish low taper fade variation. The curly top is left longer to showcase your hair’s natural texture, while the sides and back feature a subtle low taper fade. This cut is great for adding definition to curly hair while keeping it manageable.
To style, apply a curl-enhancing cream or mousse to damp hair and scrunch it to encourage curl formation. Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer for more defined curls. This cut is perfect for men with naturally curly or wavy hair who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look.
6. Pompadour with Low Taper Fade
The pompadour with a low taper fade combines vintage-inspired styling with a modern twist. This cut features voluminous hair on top styled into a classic pompadour shape, while the sides and back showcase a subtle low taper fade. The contrast between the bold top and faded sides creates a striking silhouette.
To achieve this look, apply a strong-hold pomade to damp hair and use a round brush and hairdryer to create volume and shape at the front. Comb the sides back to blend with the fade. This style is perfect for those who want to make a statement while maintaining a polished appearance.
7. Textured Quiff with Low Taper Fade
The textured quiff with a low taper fade is a contemporary take on a classic style. This cut features a longer top styled into a textured quiff, with the sides and back gradually fading into a low taper. The textured top adds movement and dimension to the overall look.
To style, apply a texturizing product to damp hair and use a hairdryer and your fingers to create volume and texture in the quiff. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the shape. This versatile style works well for both casual and dressier occasions.
8. Low Taper Fade with Fringe
For those who prefer some length in the front, the low taper fade with fringe is an excellent choice. This cut features a longer fringe that can be styled in various ways, while the sides and back showcase a subtle low taper fade. The combination of length on top and faded sides creates an interesting contrast.
To style, apply a lightweight styling cream to damp hair and blow-dry the fringe into place. You can wear it straight down for a more casual look or sweep it to the side for a dressier appearance. This cut is ideal for men with straight or slightly wavy hair who want a versatile, low-maintenance style.
9. Buzz Cut with Low Taper Fade
For a minimalist yet stylish look, try the buzz cut with a low taper fade. This low-maintenance cut features very short hair on top, typically cut with clippers, while the sides and back gradually fade into an even shorter length. The low taper fade adds a subtle touch of style to an otherwise simple cut.
This style requires minimal styling – simply run a small amount of matte styling cream through your hair to add a bit of texture and control. The buzz cut with low taper fade is perfect for men who want a no-fuss haircut that still looks sharp and intentional.
10. Faux Hawk with Low Taper Fade
The faux hawk with a low taper fade is a bold yet wearable take on the mohawk style. This cut features longer hair in the center of the head, styled upward to create a faux hawk effect, while the sides showcase a subtle low taper fade. The gradual fade helps to accentuate the central strip of hair.
To style, apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to damp hair and use your fingers or a comb to create the faux hawk shape. For a more relaxed look, tousle the top slightly with your fingers. This edgy style is great for those who want to make a statement without going too extreme.
11. Ivy League with Low Taper Fade
The Ivy League cut, also known as the Harvard Clip, gets a modern update with a low taper fade. This classic style features slightly longer hair on top, typically 1-2 inches in length, that’s neatly combed to the side. The sides and back showcase a subtle low taper fade, adding a contemporary touch to the timeless cut.
To style, apply a small amount of pomade to damp hair and comb it neatly to the side, creating a subtle part. This refined look is perfect for professional settings or for those who appreciate a clean, preppy aesthetic.
12. Messy Top with Low Taper Fade
For a more relaxed and carefree look, try the messy top with a low taper fade. This style features longer, textured hair on top that’s styled in a deliberately tousled manner, while the sides and back showcase a subtle low taper fade. The contrast between the messy top and clean fade creates an interesting visual balance.
To achieve this look, apply a texturizing paste or sea salt spray to damp hair and use your fingers to create a messy, undone texture. This low-maintenance style is perfect for those who prefer a more casual, effortless appearance.
13. Low Taper Fade with Line Up
Combine the subtlety of a low taper fade with the precision of a line up for a sharp, defined look. This style features a low taper fade on the sides and back, with crisp, straight lines created along the hairline, temples, and neckline. The line up adds an extra touch of neatness to the overall cut.
This style works well with various lengths on top, from short crops to longer styles. To maintain the crisp lines, regular touch-ups at the barber are recommended. This cut is ideal for those who appreciate clean lines and a well-groomed appearance.
14. Low Taper Fade with Longer Top
For those who prefer more length and styling versatility on top, the low taper fade with longer top is an excellent choice. This cut features hair that’s left several inches long on top, providing plenty of options for styling, while the sides and back showcase a subtle low taper fade.
To style, you can experiment with various looks – slick it back for a polished appearance, create a textured quiff for added volume, or let it fall naturally for a more relaxed vibe. Use appropriate styling products based on your desired look. This versatile cut is perfect for those who enjoy changing up their style regularly.
15. Asymmetrical Fringe with Low Taper Fade
For a unique and eye-catching style, try an asymmetrical fringe with a low taper fade. This cut features longer hair on top styled into an uneven fringe, typically with one side longer than the other. The sides and back showcase a subtle low taper fade, which helps to accentuate the asymmetrical top.
To style, apply a texturizing product to damp hair and use a hairdryer to create the desired shape in the fringe. This edgy yet wearable style is perfect for those who want to stand out and express their individuality.
16. Low Taper Fade with Dreads
Combine the neatness of a low taper fade with the unique texture of dreads for a striking look. This style features longer dreadlocks on top, while the sides and back showcase a subtle low taper fade. The fade helps to create a clean, defined silhouette that complements the natural texture of the dreads.
Maintenance for this style involves regular retwisting of the dreads and touch-ups for the fade. This bold yet sophisticated look is perfect for those who want to embrace their natural hair texture while maintaining a polished appearance.
17. Brushed Back with Low Taper Fade
The brushed back style with a low taper fade offers a sleek, refined look that’s suitable for various occasions. This cut features longer hair on top that’s brushed back smoothly, while the sides and back showcase a subtle low taper fade. The contrast between the longer top and faded sides creates a stylish silhouette.
To style, apply a medium-hold pomade to damp hair and use a brush to smooth the hair back as you blow-dry. For a more relaxed look, use your fingers instead of a brush. This versatile style works well in both casual and formal settings.
18. Textured French Crop with Low Taper Fade
The textured French crop with a low taper fade combines classic barbering techniques with modern styling. This cut features a short, textured crop on top with a straight fringe, while the sides and back showcase a subtle low taper fade. The textured top adds depth and interest to the overall look.
To style, apply a matte clay or texture paste to dry hair and use your fingers to create a tousled, textured effect in the crop. This low-maintenance style is perfect for those who want a fashion-forward look without spending too much time on styling.
19. Low Taper Fade with Natural Waves
Embrace your natural hair texture with this low taper fade variation designed for wavy hair. This style leaves the wavy top longer to showcase its natural pattern, while the sides and back feature a subtle low taper fade. The fade helps to create a clean, defined look that complements the natural texture on top.
To style, apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair and scrunch it to encourage wave formation. Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser for more defined waves. This cut is ideal for those with naturally wavy hair who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look.
20. Low Taper Fade with Hard Part
For a bold and defined look, try the low taper fade with a hard part. This style features a sharp, shaved line (the hard part) that separates the longer top from the faded sides. The low taper fade provides a subtle transition on the sides and back, while the hard part adds a striking visual element.
To style, apply a strong-hold pomade to damp hair and comb it neatly, emphasizing the hard part. This eye-catching style is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their haircut while maintaining a polished appearance.
In conclusion, low taper fade haircuts offer a wide range of styling options that can suit various preferences and hair types. Whether you’re looking for a classic, professional look or a more modern, edgy style, there’s a low taper fade variation that can work for you. Remember to consult with your barber to find the best cut for your face shape and hair texture, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styling techniques to make the look your own.