The Low Taper Fade Haircuts Every Guy Should Know About

The low taper fade is a popular men’s haircut that combines style and precision. It involves gradually shortening the hair on the sides and back of the head, starting from the lower part near the ears and nape. This technique creates a smooth transition from long to short hair, offering a clean and modern look that suits various styles. This haircut is becoming a favorite due to its versatility and how it complements nearly any face shape and hair texture.

For those who appreciate a sleek appearance without too much upkeep, the low taper fade delivers. It provides a fresh edge without venturing into extremes, making it perfect for school, work, or weekends. As fashion trends evolve, this haircut remains a staple, proving that sometimes subtle changes can make a significant impact. When done right, the low taper fade not only enhances one’s hairstyle but also boosts confidence in a uniquely understated way.

The low taper fade is a classic men’s hairstyle that blends minimalism with modern elegance. This style features shorter sides that gradually blend into slightly longer hair on top, providing a subtle yet sharp look. Ideal for men who prefer a clean, polished appearance, it suits a range of hair textures, including straight, wavy, and curly. The low taper fade complements various face shapes, notably oval and square, enhancing masculine features. Its contemporary relevance lies in its adaptability, serving those in professional settings as well as those who prefer a relaxed, casual look. Compared to higher fades, the low taper keeps more natural hair at the side, maintaining a smoother transition.

What to Tell Your Barber

Request a low fade that starts around the ear, blending into longer hair on top. Specify the desired length on top, ensuring a smooth transition between differing lengths.

How to Maintain It

Regular trims every 3-4 weeks help maintain the fade’s sharpness. A light pomade or gel can enhance the top’s texture and keep the style in place.

Best For

Works exceptionally well for oval and square face shapes with straight or slightly wavy hair types. Suits those who want an easy-yet-polished daily look.

Low Taper Fade with Textured Top

A low taper fade with a textured top combines the clean lines of a fade with a more rugged, dynamic top. This hairstyle is achieved by leaving the hair longer on top and using texturizing techniques to add depth and movement. It’s perfect for men who want a little edge, whether for work or social settings. The textured top adds volume, making it suitable for men with thinner hair, while the taper fade keeps the look neat. Its rise in popularity is due to the fusion of classic and contemporary styles, making it highly versatile.

Products That Work Well

Use a sea salt spray to enhance natural waves, followed by a matte pomade to define the texture and add volume.

How to Make It Your Own

Experiment with the length and volume of the top. A slight side part can further tailor the style to individual preferences.

Best For

Ideal for heart and square face shapes, this cut benefits those with straight or wavy hair, seeking volume and easy styling.

Low Taper Fade with Quiff

The low taper fade paired with a quiff offers a sophisticated style that elevates any look. This cut involves a fade beginning at the temples, with hair on top styled into a voluminous quiff. The quiff, a timeless element, adds flair and height, making it perfect for formal events or business settings. With roots tracing back to mid-20th-century trends, this modern iteration blends classic charm with contemporary finesse. Suitable for a variety of hair textures, it provides controlled volume and height without appearing overly styled.

How to Maintain It

Daily styling with a blow dryer ensures the quiff retains its shape. A strong-hold mousse or styling cream helps maintain volume and longevity.

Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure the top is not overly short, as this will limit the quiff’s height and style. Avoid over-applying products to keep the look natural.

Best For

Best for men with round or oval faces and medium to thick hair types, desiring a classic yet modern hairstyle.

Low Taper Fade with Side Part

A low taper fade with a side part adds a distinguished and sophisticated touch to any gentleman’s style. The side part is a timeless classic, paired with a clean fade starting above the ears. This look emphasizes grooming with its structured, neat lines and is particularly celebrated for its versatility—suitable for professional environments or smart-casual outings. By incorporating a side part, it adds a dimension that can easily be adjusted for personal taste and facial structure, maintaining a polished, timeless appeal.

What to Tell Your Barber

Specify a clear side part complemented by a low taper fade. Indicate your preferred side for parting and desired top length.

Products That Work Well

Use a lightweight pomade or styling cream to keep the part in place and enhance the hair’s natural shine.

Best For

Suited for square and rectangle face shapes, especially effective for those with straight to wavy hair types seeking a refined appearance.

Low Taper Fade with Curly Top

The low taper fade with a curly top is a perfect style for those who wish to embrace their natural curls while keeping a neat appearance. This hairstyle allows the curls to flourish on top, creating a lively contrast with the closely cropped sides of the fade. It’s particularly appealing in its ability to highlight the dynamic movement and volume inherent in curly hair types. The low taper fade offers a crisp edge, making it modern and relatable in various social settings, from casual to semi-formal.

How to Make It Your Own

Personalize the cut by varying the length and density of the curls on top. Consider subtle highlights to add dimension and richness.

Products That Work Well

A hydrating curl-enhancing cream maintains the shape and fights frizz, keeping curls defined without stiffness.

Best For

Great for round and oval face shapes, this cut works best for those with naturally curly or coily hair wanting a stylish yet manageable look.

Low Taper Fade with Fringe

Combining a low taper fade with a fringe introduces a youthful and fashion-forward approach to men’s hairstyling. The fringe adds an element of drama and individuality to the otherwise sleek taper fade. It can be worn straight, wavy, or tousled, adding texture and drawing attention to facial features. This style requires the front section of the hair to be kept longer, offering a playful contrast to the clean fade around the temples and nape. Its adaptability makes it suitable for both casual and more stylish settings.

Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t neglect to discuss the fringe’s length and style with your barber to ensure it complements your face shape and personal style.

How to Maintain It

Frequent trims are necessary to keep the fade sharp and the fringe at a manageable length. Styling paste or cream ensures the fringe remains stylish throughout the day.

Best For

Especially flattering for men with longer or rectangular face shapes and wavy hair, aiming for a fun yet low-maintenance cut.

Low Taper Fade with Pompadour

The low taper fade with a pompadour exudes classic elegance mixed with contemporary flair. This hairstyle involves a fade that neatly transitions into a voluminous, slicked-back pompadour. It’s a sophisticated look that commands attention, particularly in formal or upscale environments, yet adaptable for everyday settings. The pompadour stands out with its volume and glossy finish, making it a sought-after choice for those desiring both height and style. While reminiscent of old Hollywood, the low taper fade anchors it firmly in modern sensibilities.

Ask Your Stylist

Consult on the most suitable pompadour height for your face shape and hair thickness, ensuring a balanced and cohesive look.

Products That Work Well

Use a high-hold gel or pomade to sculpt the pompadour, finishing with a light hairspray to lock the style in place.

Best For

Best suited for men with diamond-shaped faces and thick, straight hair, who desire an impressive, height-increasing hairstyle.

Low Taper Fade with Slick Back

A low taper fade with slick back offers a timeless style that combines precision with style sophistication. The fade starts low, enhancing the sleekness of the slick back, which is achieved by combing longer top hair backward. This look is ideal for any formal or business setting, offering a polished, authoritative presence. Its enduring popularity lies in the effortless blend of urbanity and professionalism. Keeping the sides tight accentuates the length on top, framing the face perfectly while maintaining clarity and neatness.

How to Maintain It

Regular shaping, approximately every 4 weeks, maintains the crispness of the fade. A daily application of a light wax or gel keeps it tidy and in place.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid a heavy application of product that weighs hair down. Balance product use for flexibility without sacrificing hold or texture.

Best For

Perfect for oval or square faces, especially effective for those with medium to thick hair, seeking a timeless, upscale finish.

The low taper fade has established itself as an enduring cornerstone of men’s grooming. Its versatility appeals not only due to the clean lines and structured silhouette it offers but also because it can seamlessly integrate with a variety of modern hairstyles. The subtle gradient of the fade allows for a bold statement or a subtle enhancement, reflecting personal style through its adaptive nature. This haircut has evolved, embracing new textures and lengths, making it as relevant today as ever.

Whether worn with slicked-back sophistication or casual curls, the low taper fade embodies a stylish adaptability that aligns with contemporary fashion sensibilities. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to keep pace with evolving tastes, while retaining a timeless appeal that transcends fleeting trends. For those seeking a haircut that merges current style with classic appeal, this option continues to reign supreme.

Every model and hairstyle you see here is an original AI creation—art-directed by our editorial team to capture the exact texture, shape, and finish of each style. While these aren’t real people, each is a made-to-measure visual crafted to feel authentic to the cut and true to the inspiration behind it.