The tape up is a flattering and versatile haircut for guys who want a high-contrast look that can suit any style, texture or length. If you’re looking for a fresh vibe, a timeless tape fade hairstyle can be an attractive, masculine and effortlessly stylish choice that will make a statement and exude charisma.
Whether you want a low, medium or high taper fade, this modern cut will seamlessly blend the sides and back shorter to focus attention on the longer hair on top, elevating your complete aesthetic.
Check out some of the coolest tape up haircut ideas to inspire your next visit to the barbershop.
What Is A Tape Up?
Also known as a taper fade, a tape up is a modern men’s haircut that blends the sides and back shorter to create a simple and stylish look. The tape up can be paired with any short, medium or long hairstyle to provide contrast while highlighting the volume and texture on top. For a fashion-forward look, you can combine the skin tape fade with a shape up to clean and straighten the hairline with sharp lines.
Cool Tape Up Haircut Styles
Waves with High Tape Up
For guys with naturally wavy or curly hair, this style is a showstopper. The high tape up starts near the crown of the head, fading down to the skin and creating a striking frame for those perfectly defined waves on top. It’s a look that takes some dedication – you’ll need to brush your hair regularly to train those waves – but the result is worth it. The contrast between the tight fade and the wavy texture on top is seriously eye-catching. Add a crisp line-up at the forehead for extra definition.
Crew Cut with High Skin Tape Fade
This classic look takes the timeless crew cut to the next level. The hair on top is kept relatively short but with enough length to add some texture and style. The high skin fade starts just above the temples, creating a bold contrast that really makes the top stand out. It’s a great choice if you want a low-maintenance cut that still looks sharp and modern. To style, just work a small amount of matte pomade through damp hair and mess it up a bit with your fingers for that effortless, textured finish.
Short Sponged Top with Mid Tape Up
This style is perfect for guys with tightly coiled or kinky hair who want a look that’s both stylish and easy to maintain. The hair on top is kept short – about finger-length – and then “sponged” to create a cool, textured effect. The mid tape up keeps things neat on the sides without going too extreme. It’s a versatile cut that works for both casual and more formal settings. To style, just dampen your hair slightly and use a sponge or twist sponge in a circular motion to create that signature texture.
Messy Fringe with Mid Skin Tape Fade
Here’s a style that combines the best of both worlds – a bit of length and texture on top with a clean, faded sides. The messy fringe gives you that cool, laid-back vibe, while the mid skin tape fade keeps everything looking sharp and intentional. It’s a great choice if you want a hairstyle with some personality that’s still easy to manage. To style, work a small amount of texturizing paste through damp hair, then use your fingers to piece out the fringe for that perfectly imperfect look.
Buzz Cut with Low Skin Tape Up
Sometimes, simple is best. This ultra-low maintenance style combines the classic military buzz cut with a modern twist. The hair on top is buzzed short – usually with a #1 or #2 guard – while the sides and back get a low skin tape up. This subtle fade adds just enough detail to elevate the look from basic to stylish. It’s perfect for guys who want a no-fuss haircut that still looks intentional and fresh. Plus, it’s a great way to beat the heat in warmer months!
Long Afro Tape Fade
This style is all about embracing your natural texture while keeping things neat and defined. The afro on top is left to grow out, showing off those beautiful curls or coils. Meanwhile, a tape fade on the sides and back creates a clean silhouette that really makes the volume on top pop. It’s a look that requires some maintenance – you’ll want to keep those curls moisturized and defined – but the result is undeniably striking. Pair it with a well-groomed beard for extra style points.
Textured Crew Cut with High Skin Tape Fade
This modern take on the classic crew cut is perfect for guys who want a stylish, low-maintenance look. The hair on top is cut to about 1-2 inches long and styled with a matte product to create a messy, textured effect. The high skin tape fade starts just above the temples, creating a bold contrast that really draws attention to the top. It’s a versatile cut that works well for both casual and more formal occasions. To style, just work a small amount of clay or paste through dry hair, using your fingers to create piece-y texture.
Hard Ivy League Part with Low Tape Fade
For a more polished, classic look, try this updated take on the Ivy League cut. The hair on top is left longer – about 2-3 inches – and styled with a hard side part for a crisp, clean look. The low tape fade keeps things neat on the sides without being too dramatic. It’s a great choice for guys who need a professional look but still want some modern edge. Use a strong-hold pomade to slick the hair to one side, creating that signature part.
Blowout with Low Tape Fade
If you’re all about volume, this style is for you. The blowout involves growing the hair on top to medium length, then styling it up and back for maximum height and impact. The low tape fade on the sides keeps the focus on that impressive volume up top. It’s a look that takes some effort – you’ll need to master the art of the round brush and blow dryer – but the result is undeniably eye-catching. Use a volumizing mousse on damp hair before blow-drying for best results.
Short Tight Curls with Low Bald Tape Up
This style is perfect for guys with naturally curly hair who want a look that’s both stylish and easy to maintain. The curls on top are kept short – about an inch or so – while the sides get a low bald tape up for contrast. It’s a great way to show off your natural texture while still keeping things neat and tidy. To style, just work a small amount of curl-defining cream through damp hair and let it air dry for those perfect, bouncy curls.
Modern Mullet with Tape Fade
Yes, you read that right – the mullet is back, but with a modern twist. This updated version keeps things shorter on top and in the front, with length left in the back. The tape fade on the sides helps to blend the two lengths and keeps the overall look from veering into retro territory. It’s a bold choice that’s not for everyone, but if you’re looking to make a statement, this could be the cut for you. Style with a texturizing spray for that perfect “I woke up like this” vibe.
Drop Tape Fade with Spiky Hair
This edgy style combines a few different elements for a look that’s sure to turn heads. The drop fade starts high on the sides but curves down behind the ear, creating an interesting silhouette. On top, the hair is cut to medium length and styled into spikes for a punk-inspired vibe. It’s a great choice for guys who want to express their personality through their hair. Use a strong-hold gel or pomade to create those defined spikes.
Skin Tape Fade with 360 Waves
This style is all about precision and dedication. The 360 waves require consistent brushing to train the hair into that signature ripple pattern. The skin tape fade on the sides keeps everything looking clean and emphasizes the wave pattern on top. It’s a popular choice among Black men and can take some time to achieve, but the result is seriously impressive. Regular use of a wave pomade and durag will help maintain those perfect waves.
High Top Tape Fade
This retro-inspired look is making a big comeback. The high top involves growing the hair on top to a significant length – usually 3-4 inches or more – and shaping it into a flat top. The tape fade on the sides creates a striking contrast and keeps the focus on that impressive height on top. It’s a bold look that works especially well for guys with thick, coarse hair. You’ll need a strong-hold product and a fine-toothed comb to maintain that perfect shape.
Messy Spiky Top with Mid Bald Tape Up
For a more casual, easygoing vibe, try this textured style. The hair on top is cut to medium length and styled into messy spikes for a carefree look. The mid bald tape up keeps things clean on the sides without being too severe. It’s a versatile cut that can be dressed up or down depending on how you style it. Work a small amount of texturizing paste through dry hair, using your fingers to create piece-y spikes.
Thick Buzz Cut with Mid Tape Fade, Line Up and Beard
This style combines several elements for a look that’s both masculine and polished. The buzz cut on top is kept slightly longer than a traditional buzz, giving it a fuller, more substantial appearance. The mid tape fade creates a clean transition, while a crisp line up at the hairline adds extra definition. Paired with a well-groomed beard, it’s a look that exudes confidence and style. Regular trims will be necessary to maintain the crisp lines of this cut.
Undercut Tape Fade with Short Textured Top
This style offers a cool twist on the popular undercut. Instead of a stark contrast between the top and sides, the tape fade creates a smoother transition. The hair on top is kept short but with enough length to add some texture and movement. It’s a versatile look that can be styled sleek for a more formal setting or messed up for a casual vibe. Use a small amount of texturizing cream to enhance the natural texture of your hair.
Low Taper Fade with Brush Up
For a style that’s both classic and modern, try this brush up with a low taper fade. The hair on top is left longer – about 3-4 inches – and styled up and back for a sleek look. The low taper fade keeps things neat on the sides without being too dramatic. It’s a great choice for guys who want a polished look that still has some personality. Use a strong-hold pomade and a brush to create that perfect swept-back style.
Tape Up with Line Up and Thick Sponged Top
This style is all about texture and definition. The thick sponged top creates a cool, textured effect that’s full of personality. The tape up on the sides keeps everything neat, while a crisp line up adds extra sharpness to the overall look. It’s a great choice for guys with naturally coily or kinky hair who want to show off their texture. Use a sponge or twist sponge to create that signature texture on top.
Long Hair with Tape Up and Beard
Who says you can’t combine long hair with a tape up? This style proves otherwise. The hair on top is left long – usually past the ears – while a tape up on the sides creates a cool contrast. Paired with a well-groomed beard, it’s a look that’s both rugged and refined. It’s perfect for guys who want to keep their length but add some extra style. Regular trims will help keep the tape up looking fresh.
High Burst Tape Fade with Mohawk
This edgy style features a strip of longer hair running from the forehead to the nape, reminiscent of a traditional mohawk. The sides are tapered dramatically, creating a “burst” effect that accentuates the mohawk’s height. This cut works well with various hair textures and can be customized to your preferred length on top. For an even more daring look, consider bleaching the mohawk portion.
Clean Mid Taper Fade with Short Tight Curls
This style is perfect for men with naturally curly hair who want a polished, low-maintenance look. The short tight curls on top provide texture and personality, while the clean mid taper fade keeps everything neat and tidy on the sides. The fade starts around the middle of the head, gradually blending into the skin. This cut is versatile enough for both professional and casual settings.
Tape Fade with Thick Sponged Hair and Line Up
This style combines several elements for a look that’s both stylish and distinctly textured. The thick sponged hair on top creates a cool, patterned effect that’s full of personality. The tape fade on the sides provides a clean contrast, while a crisp line up along the hairline and temples adds extra sharpness. It’s an excellent choice for men with coily or kinky hair textures.
Short Hair with Tape Up
For those who prefer a more conservative look, a short hairstyle with a tape up is a timeless choice. The hair on top is kept relatively short – usually between half an inch to two inches – while the sides and back feature a clean tape up fade. This style works well with all hair types and is particularly suitable for professional environments. It’s also very low-maintenance, requiring minimal styling.
Tape Up with Blowout and Design
This eye-catching style combines volume on top with intricate detail on the sides. The blowout involves growing the hair on top to medium length and styling it up and back for maximum height. The tape up keeps the sides neat and provides a canvas for a creative hair design – this could be anything from simple lines to more complex patterns. It’s a great way to express your personality through your hairstyle.
Short Messy Top with Fringe and Low Tape Up
This youthful, casual style is perfect for guys who want a relaxed look with a bit of edge. The hair on top is kept relatively short but with enough length to create a messy, textured effect. A fringe (or bangs) adds some face-framing detail. The low tape up keeps things clean on the sides without being too dramatic. It’s a versatile cut that works well for both teenagers and young adults.
Skin Tape Up with Long Side Swept Hair
This style offers a cool contrast between length and shortness. The hair on top is left long enough to sweep to one side, typically reaching past the ears. Meanwhile, the skin tape up on the sides creates a stark, clean look that really makes the longer hair stand out. It’s a great choice for guys with straight or wavy hair who want to maintain some length while still looking neat and stylish.
High Tape Up with Long Curly Hair
This style is all about embracing natural texture while keeping things neat. The high tape up starts near the top of the head, creating a striking contrast with the longer curly hair on top. It’s a great way to manage thick, curly hair while still showing off its natural beauty. The high fade helps to control volume on the sides, focusing attention on the curls on top.
Mid Tape Up with Short Hair and Beard
This classic combination pairs a mid tape up with short hair on top and a well-groomed beard. The mid tape up starts around the middle of the head, providing a clean, tapered look on the sides and back. The hair on top is kept short but with enough length to style if desired. The beard adds an extra element of masculinity to the look. It’s a versatile style that can work in both casual and professional settings.
Tape Up Fade with Short Round Afro
This style combines the neat, tapered look of a tape up fade with the natural texture and volume of a short round afro. The fade helps to accentuate the roundness of the afro, creating a balanced and stylish look. It’s a great option for those who want to embrace their natural hair texture while maintaining a polished appearance.
Low Tape Up
For those who prefer a more subtle look, the low tape up is an excellent choice. This style keeps most of the hair’s natural fullness, with the fade starting very low on the head – typically just above the ears. It’s a great option for guys who want to clean up their look without dramatically changing their hairstyle. The low tape up works well with any hair length or style on top, from short and neat to long and textured. It’s also a good choice if you’re new to faded styles and want to start with something less dramatic.
Low Skin Tape Up with Curly Hair
This style is perfect for men with naturally curly hair who want a look that’s both stylish and easy to maintain. The curls on top are left intact, allowing you to showcase your natural texture. The low skin tape up provides a clean, sharp contrast on the sides and back, gradually fading down to the skin. This cut works well for all curl types, from loose waves to tight coils. To style, simply apply a curl-defining cream to damp hair and let it air dry, or use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer for more defined curls.
Mid Tape Up and Shape Up
The mid tape up and shape up combination offers a clean, precise look that’s perfect for guys who like their style sharp and defined. The mid tape up starts around the middle of the head, providing a gradual fade down to the skin. The shape up (also known as a line up or edge up) creates crisp, straight lines along the hairline, sideburns, and nape of the neck. This style works well with various hair types and lengths on top, from short buzz cuts to longer textured styles. It’s a great choice for those who want a polished, put-together look.
Textured Tousled Top with Mid Tape Fade Shaved Line Design
This style combines several trendy elements for a look that’s both edgy and stylish. The hair on top is left longer and styled into a textured, tousled look for a carefree vibe. The mid tape fade provides a clean contrast on the sides, while a shaved line design adds a unique, personalized touch. This could be a simple straight line, zig-zag pattern, or something more intricate. It’s a great choice for guys who want to express their creativity through their hairstyle. To style, work a small amount of texturizing paste through dry hair, using your fingers to create that perfectly imperfect tousled effect.
Tape Up with Waves
This sleek style is a favorite among men with naturally wavy or curly hair. The waves on top are carefully cultivated through regular brushing and moisture management, creating a smooth, rippled effect. The tape up on the sides provides a clean contrast and helps to accentuate the wave pattern. It’s a look that requires dedication and patience to achieve, but the result is undeniably stylish. You’ll need to invest in a good wave brush and pomade, and be prepared to wear a durag regularly to train your hair into those perfect waves.
