Curly hair is a blessing, and when paired with a taper fade, it creates a look that’s both stylish and manageable. The taper fade curly haircut for men is a versatile style that works with various curl types and face shapes.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 different taper fade curly haircuts that will help you make the most of your natural texture while keeping your look fresh and modern.
1. Classic Curly Taper Fade
The classic curly taper fade is a timeless look that suits most men. This style features longer curls on top that gradually taper down the sides and back of the head. The fade begins around the temples and continues to the neckline, creating a clean and polished appearance.
To style this look, use a curl-defining cream to enhance your natural texture and reduce frizz. Allow your curls to air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer for added volume. This versatile cut works well for both casual and formal occasions, making it an excellent choice for men who want a low-maintenance yet stylish haircut.
2. High Top Curly Fade
The high top curly fade is a bold and eye-catching style that’s perfect for men who want to make a statement. This cut features a dramatic contrast between the long, voluminous curls on top and the closely faded sides and back.
To achieve this look, ask your barber to leave the curls on top at least 3-4 inches long, while gradually fading the sides and back to a very short length. Use a strong-hold gel or pomade to shape and define your curls, creating a structured and sculpted appearance. This style works particularly well for men with tight, coily curls and is an excellent way to showcase your natural texture.
3. Low Taper Fade with Curly Fringe
For a more subtle approach to the taper fade, consider a low taper fade with a curly fringe. This style keeps the sides and back longer than a traditional fade, with the tapering beginning lower on the head, typically just above the ears.
The top is left longer, with a curly fringe that can be styled forward or to the side. This cut is ideal for men who want to maintain some length while still enjoying the clean lines of a fade. Use a lightweight curl cream to define your fringe and keep it looking fresh throughout the day.
4. Curly Undercut Taper Fade
The curly undercut taper fade combines the edginess of an undercut with the softness of a taper fade. This style features a dramatic contrast between the long curls on top and the sharply faded sides and back.
The undercut creates a clear separation between the top and sides, while the taper fade adds a smooth transition from the shorter sides to the skin. This cut works well for men with medium to loose curls and can be styled in various ways, from a messy, textured look to a more polished appearance.
5. Curly Quiff with Taper Fade
The curly quiff with a taper fade is a modern take on the classic quiff hairstyle. This cut features longer curls on top, styled upward and backward to create volume and height at the front. The sides and back are tapered gradually, creating a clean and polished look.
To style a curly quiff, use a combination of curl-defining cream and a strong-hold mousse. Work the products through damp hair, then use a diffuser to dry your curls while lifting them at the roots for added volume. This style is perfect for men who want to add some height to their look while maintaining their natural curl pattern.
6. Textured Crop Taper Fade
The textured crop taper fade is an excellent option for men with tighter curl patterns. This style features a short, textured crop on top with a taper fade on the sides and back. The top is cut to enhance your natural curl pattern, creating a textured, almost spiky appearance.
Ask your barber to use texturizing shears on the top to create definition and movement. Style this look with a matte clay or paste, working the product through your curls to enhance their natural texture. This low-maintenance cut is perfect for men who want a stylish look without spending too much time on styling.
7. Curly Faux Hawk Taper Fade
For a bold and edgy look, try the curly faux hawk taper fade. This style features longer curls in the center of the head, styled upward to create a mohawk-like shape, while the sides are tapered gradually.
The key to this style is the contrast between the voluminous curls on top and the clean, faded sides. Use a strong-hold gel or pomade to shape your curls into the faux hawk shape, and consider using a small amount of hair spray to keep the style in place throughout the day.
8. Side-Swept Curly Taper Fade
The side-swept curly taper fade is a sophisticated and stylish option for men with medium to long curls. This cut features longer curls on top that are styled to one side, with a taper fade on the sides and back.
To achieve this look, ask your barber to leave the top longer, typically 3-5 inches, while gradually fading the sides and back. Use a curl-defining cream and a wide-toothed comb to style your curls to the side. This versatile cut can be worn both casually and formally, making it an excellent choice for men who need a style that transitions well from day to night.
9. Curly Frohawk Taper Fade
The curly frohawk taper fade is a modern twist on the classic afro. This style features a strip of longer, voluminous curls running from the forehead to the nape of the neck, with the sides tapered gradually.
This cut works best for men with tight, coily curls. To style, use a pick or wide-toothed comb to lift and shape your curls into the frohawk shape. A curl-enhancing mousse can help define your curls and add volume. This bold and eye-catching style is perfect for men who want to make a statement with their hair.
10. Curly Pompadour Taper Fade
The curly pompadour taper fade combines the classic pompadour style with natural curls and a modern fade. This cut features longer curls on top, styled upward and backward to create height and volume at the front, with a taper fade on the sides and back.
To style this look, use a combination of curl-defining cream and volumizing mousse. Work the products through damp hair, then use a diffuser to dry your curls while lifting them at the roots. Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to shape the pompadour. This sophisticated style is perfect for formal occasions or for men who want to add some classic elegance to their look.
11. Curly Drop Fade
The curly drop fade is a variation of the taper fade that follows a curved line behind the ear, creating a “dropped” effect. This style features longer curls on top with a fade that dips lower around the ears and nape of the neck.
This cut is particularly flattering for men with round or square face shapes, as it helps to elongate the face. Style the top curls with a lightweight curl cream to enhance definition and reduce frizz. The drop fade adds an interesting visual element to the classic taper fade, making it a great choice for men who want a unique twist on a popular style.
12. Curly Temp Fade
The curly temp fade, short for temple fade, focuses on creating a sharp, clean line around the temples. This style features longer curls on top with a fade that starts at the temples and continues down the sides and back.
The temp fade is an excellent choice for men who want to add some edge to their curly hairstyle. It works well with various curl types and can be customized to suit your personal style. Use a curl-defining product to enhance your natural texture on top, and consider using a small amount of edge control gel to keep the hairline crisp and clean.
13. Curly Skin Fade
For a more dramatic look, try the curly skin fade. This style features longer curls on top that contrast sharply with the sides and back, which are faded down to the skin. The skin fade creates a bold, high-contrast look that’s sure to turn heads.
This cut works well for men with all curl types and is particularly striking on those with tight, coily curls. Style the top with a curl-enhancing cream or gel to define your natural texture. The skin fade requires regular maintenance to keep it looking sharp, so be prepared for more frequent visits to the barber.
14. Curly Mid Fade
The curly mid fade strikes a balance between the low and high fade styles. This versatile cut features longer curls on top with a fade that begins around the middle of the head, typically just above the ears.
The mid fade works well with various curl types and face shapes, making it a popular choice for many men. Style the top curls with a curl-defining product of your choice, and consider using a diffuser to enhance volume and reduce frizz. This balanced style is perfect for men who want a clean, polished look without going too extreme.
15. Curly Taper Fade with Hard Part
Add some extra definition to your curly taper fade with a hard part. This style features a shaved line that creates a clear separation between the longer curls on top and the faded sides. The hard part can be placed on either side of the head, depending on your preference.
To maintain this look, you’ll need to visit your barber regularly to keep the hard part crisp and clean. Style the top curls as usual with your preferred curl-enhancing products. This cut is perfect for men who want to add some extra structure and definition to their curly hairstyle.
16. Curly Burst Fade
The curly burst fade is a unique variation of the taper fade that creates a circular or semi-circular fade around the ears. This style features longer curls on top with a fade that radiates outward from behind the ears, creating a “burst” effect.
This cut is particularly flattering for men with oval or oblong face shapes. Style the top curls with a curl-defining cream or gel to enhance your natural texture. The burst fade adds an interesting visual element to your hairstyle and is perfect for men who want a fade that stands out from the crowd.
17. Curly Taper Fade with Designs
For those who want to take their curly taper fade to the next level, consider adding hair designs. This style combines the classic curly taper fade with intricate patterns or designs shaved into the faded areas.
The designs can range from simple lines to more complex geometric patterns or even images. This highly personalized style allows you to express your creativity and individuality through your haircut. Keep in mind that maintaining the designs will require frequent touch-ups, so be prepared for regular visits to the barber.
18. Curly High and Tight Taper Fade
The curly high and tight taper fade is a military-inspired cut that works well with curly hair. This style features very short curls on top, typically less than an inch long, with a high taper fade on the sides and back.
This low-maintenance cut is perfect for men who want a neat, clean look that requires minimal styling. Use a small amount of curl-defining cream to enhance your natural texture and reduce frizz. The high and tight taper fade is an excellent choice for men with active lifestyles or those who prefer a more conservative hairstyle.
19. Curly Taper Fade with Beard
Combine your curly taper fade with a well-groomed beard for a masculine and stylish look. This style features any variation of the curly taper fade on top, paired with a beard that’s trimmed and shaped to complement the haircut.
The key to this look is maintaining a clean transition between your hair and beard. Ask your barber to blend the taper fade into your beard for a seamless appearance. Use beard oil and a beard balm to keep your facial hair looking healthy and well-groomed. This combination of curly hair and beard is perfect for men who want to showcase their facial hair while maintaining a stylish haircut.
20. Curly Asymmetrical Taper Fade
For a truly unique and edgy look, try the curly asymmetrical taper fade. This bold style features longer curls on one side of the head, with a dramatic taper fade on the other side. The asymmetry creates an interesting visual contrast and allows you to play with different styling options.
To maintain this look, you’ll need to visit your barber regularly to keep the asymmetry and fade looking sharp. Style the longer side with curl-defining products to enhance your natural texture. This avant-garde cut is perfect for men who want to make a bold statement with their hair and aren’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.
In conclusion, these 20 taper fade curly haircuts for men offer a wide range of options to suit different preferences, face shapes, and curl types. Whether you’re looking for a classic, low-maintenance style or a bold, edgy look, there’s a curly taper fade that’s perfect for you. Remember to work with a skilled barber who has experience with curly hair to achieve the best results, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styling products to enhance your natural texture. Embrace your curls and rock your chosen taper fade with confidence!