With a low taper fade, you can upgrade almost any men haircut. Yet, because it is quite moderate and less intense than other types of fades, it looks appropriate in any ambiance, from casual to formal. The number of styles you can wear it with is almost endless, which is why you may feel a bit overwhelmed when choosing your next hair look. So that it will not happen, we have selected the best low fade taper ideas and put them together in the following guide. All you have to do now is to pick out the option that resonates with you most.

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What Is A Low Taper Fade?

What Is A Low Taper Fade? #lowtaper #taper #lowtaperfade
by @alan_beak

The low taper fade is a stylish blend of a classic taper and a modern fade, paired with ample volume on top. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about this

TikTok-famous hairstyle—from how to describe it to your barber, to inspiration for different variations.

Seasoned barber Anton Nizhnik emphasizes that when selecting a haircut, the first thing to consider is the shape of your face and head:

"Taper fade is ideal for those cases when we need to visually make the bone structure at the top of the head wider, but we need to leave volume above and behind the ears. This technique is best used with a classic triangular head shape. This is when there is a wide jaw and a narrow top zone. This way we will perform an ideal correction of the head shape."

How To Ask Your Barber About Low Taper Fade

How To Maintain A Haircut

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Short Low Taper Fade

Short Low Taper Fade #lowtaper #taper #lowtaperfade
by @sean_the_barber_

One of the best things about a low fade haircut taper by well-known barber Zach Ramsey is that it can work with any hair length on top, even pretty short. Moreso, with a low taper fade short hair not only gets more contrasty and edgy but also requires less maintenance. So, you are killing two birds with one stone.

Long Hair Low Taper Fade

Long Hair Low Taper Fade #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @r.braid

Like we said above, there are no limits for a taper fade in terms of the length of the top. If you prefer long hair low taper fade is your best way to go. On the one hand, it makes your hair easier to maintain and on the other hand, it takes your top to the center stage.

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Low Taper Fade Curly Hair

Low Taper Fade Curly Hair #lowtaper #taper #lowtaperfade
by @sean_the_barber_

Guys with curly hair may find their locks quite difficult to manage and take care of. That is why it is important to choose the right haircut. A low taper curly hair fade helps you to remove bulk from your locks and gives them more definition. If you get it, you will not be disappointed.

Low Taper Fade Straight Hair

Low Taper Fade Straight Hairstyles #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @joshconnollybarber

When you have straight hair, you may face such issues as a lack of volume and structure. And that is when a low taper straight hair cut comes into play. As it removes hair from the sides, the top gains more exposure. Ask your barber for one of the layered mens haircuts on top and no one will ever remember that your locks were once limp or flat. This great example by mens hair stylist and educator Josh Connolly.

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Low Taper Mullet

Low Taper Mullet #lowtaper #taper #lowtaperfade
by @mattyconrad

A mullet haircut is all the rage now, so opting for it, you can never go wrong. Of course, it is not as awkward and unflattering as it used to be. Nowadays, it features a noticeably shorter back and top than its original version, while the sides are complemented with a taper low fade haircut or any other fade type of your choice.

Taper Low Fade Haircut for Medium Hair

Taper Low Fade Haircut for Medium Hair #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @keller_konturen

The majority of medium hairstyles for men pair nicely with a low taper fade. As always, this is up to you to decide what to rock it with. Plus, such haircuts are a golden medium for those who struggle to choose between a short and long hair low taper fade.

Brushed Back Thick Low Taper Waves

Low Fade Haircut for Wavy Haircut #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @xbigwesx

This excellent example comes from New York barber Wes Staucet. The brushed back thick low taper waves hairstyle combines the richness of thick hair with a sleek and modern low taper. The waves gently brushed back, add a touch of sophistication to this textured look.

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Low Taper Fade Black Man With Curly Hair

Low Taper Fade Haircut Black Man #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @z_ramsey

There are plenty of low taper fade Black male hairstyles and not for nothing. Your kinky hair may be extremely difficult to tame, so in most cases, you either wear dreads or shave it off. Sounds familiar? Then low taper fade Black man haircuts are made for you.

Undercut Low Fade Taper Hair

Undercut Low Fade Taper Haircut #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @horatiuthebarber

Combine a low temp fade with an undercut to take your daring look to another level. In this way, you will achieve a very impactful appearance. The top can be styled in any way you like. If you prefer a long hair low taper fade, consider curtain bangs or a comb over for a more stylish look.

Messy Low Taper Fade Haircut

Messy Low Taper Fade Haircut #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @spukthebarber

Because a low fade taper haircut allows you to create such a clean silhouette, you may want to balance it out a bit with a messy top. No matter how tousled your strands are going to be, you can rest assured that your hair will never seem unkempt. Finish off the look with a crisp line up around the edges.

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Crew Cut Low Taper Haircut

Crew Cut Low Taper Haircut #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @keller_konturen

A crew cut is one of the most popular short low taper black male haircuts for good reason. It gives you a neat and clean silhouette along with the ease of maintenance and styling. The top can feature any of your favorite haircuts, be it a cropped low taper curly hair cut or an Afro low taper with long hair.

Low Taper Edgar

Low Taper Edgar #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @spukthebarber

The popularity of the Edgar haircut has extended beyond the Latino community. It is one of the most highly requested short haircuts for men across the globe now. A taper Edgar haircut is a variation of the look that suits absolutely everyone regardless of your hair texture and type.

Low Taper Buzz Cut

Low Taper Buzz Cut #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @andyfadepro

Even such a short haircut as a buzz cut can be enhanced with a low skin taper. As the hair is blended into the skin, it allows you to achieve the desired contrast. The rest of the hair on the sides is quite short, so maintenance of the cut will not take much time or effort.

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Low Taper Designs

Low Taper Designs Hair #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @r.braid

Adorn a low taper with design and make it your signature hair look. If you do not know how to express your creativity, this may be your best way to go. What design to choose depends on your imagination and the skill level of your barber. Keep in mind though that you will need to update the haircut pretty often.

Bald Taper Fade

Bald Taper Fade Hair #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @keller_konturen

A low skin taper fade, also known as a bald taper fade, is anything but boring. As it shows off pretty much of your scalp, you will need to have a certain amount of fashion bravery to pull it off. Yet, you will not regret it, as you are guaranteed to collect tons of compliments with it.

Low Taper Man Bun

Low Taper Man Bun #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @andyfadepro

With a low taper long hair becomes low effort in terms of styling and maintaining. The thing is, you take off quite a big chunk of hair from the sides, so you need to deal with the top only. And whenever you get tired of your long locks, you may put them into a man bun.

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Taper Fade with Side Part

Taper Fade with Side Part #lowtaper #taper #lowtaperfade
by @phoneypony_barber

Need a low taper haircut that you would be able to sport to work? Partner it with a side part. This subtle element adds much contrast and definition to your hair look. Plus, it appears more elegant and polished. A great option for almost any formal or professional event.

Pompadour Taper Fade Haircut

Pompadour Taper Fade Hairstyles #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @andyfadepro

A pompadour is a classic haircut popularized by the one and only King of Rock ‘n’ Roll Elvis Presley. While you are free to wear it in its original form, we suggest you add a modern feel to it with the help of a low taper haircut. Plus. The pomp may be a bit shorter if you like.

Low Fade Haircut for Medium Wavy Hair

Low Fade Haircut for Wavy Hair #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @r.braid

Just like you team a low taper with curly hair, you can make it work for wavy hair too. Do not forget to enhance your curls with a texturizing hair product, like a sea salt spray for an extra dimension of the look. Though, if you prefer shorter hair on top, you are welcome to get it as well.

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Short Brushed Back Tapered Haircut

Short Low Taper Fade #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @diego_djdgaf

This is a modern and stylish men's hairstyle characterized by short sides that gradually blend into a slightly longer length on top. The brushed-back texture adds a refined touch, creating a clean and contemporary look.

Mid-Length Slick Back

Mid-Length Slick Back #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @keller_konturen

The mid-length low taper cut exudes timeless elegance with a sleek and polished appearance. Combining a stylish mid-length top with a subtle taper on the sides, this haircut achieves a refined and contemporary look suitable for various occasions.

Gelled Low Taper Pompadour

Taper Low Fade Haircut for Medium Hair Men #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @ahmetaslanhairsalon

This is a suave and sophisticated hairstyle featuring a sleek, high-volume top styled with gel for a polished finish. The gradual taper on the sides adds a modern touch, making this pompadour variation both stylish and refined.

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360 Waves Haircut

360 Waves Haircut #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @xbigwesx

This style showcases a meticulously groomed pattern of waves that encircle the head, paired with a subtle taper on the sides for a clean finish. This classic and textured look combines the precision of a low taper with the distinctive appeal of 360 waves, creating a stylish and well-defined appearance.

Short Waves For Thick Hair

Waves For Thick Hair #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @diego_djdgaf

Low waves for thick hair offer a stylish and textured look, with the natural thickness enhancing the wave pattern's depth and definition. This hairstyle combines the ease of low-maintenance waves with the voluminous appeal of thick hair, creating an effortlessly cool and laid-back appearance.

Curly Drop Fade Mullet

Curly Drop Fade Mullet Hair #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @anthonythebarber916

The curly drop fade mullet is a distinctive and bold hairstyle that seamlessly blends the classic mullet with a contemporary drop fade on the sides. Characterized by curly locks cascading at the back, this haircut offers a unique and trendy fusion of retro charm and modern flair.

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High Taper vs Low Taper

High Taper vs Low Taper #lowtaperfade #lowtaper #lowfade #taperfade #fade #taper
by @keller_konturen

So, what is the main difference between high and low tapers? Both haircuts are created using the same technique. However, a high taper fade haircut begins an inch below your hair on top, while the start of a low taper fading line lies at the top of the ears. A high fade taper is longer and more voluminous compared. What is more, because a high taper fade leaves longer hair, it generally looks darker. Plus, it does not require often upkeeps. Yet, when you get a taper fade low, your hairstyle is much easier to maintain.

As you can see from our guide, a low taper fade can be paired with so many men haircuts that it is pretty easy to find a suitable option almost for anyone. Just take into account such factors as how much time you want to spend on styling and maintaining your hair as well as what impression you expect to give with it. And always come back for a fresh dose of inspiration before your next visit to the barber.

FAQs: Low Taper Fade

What is a low taper fade?

A low taper fade is a haircut where the hair on the sides progressively decreases in length, starting from the top of your ears and blending into the skin.

How do you ask for a low taper fade?

When telling your barber that you want a low taper fade, you should specify, what kind you want – whether it is going to drop behind the ear, curve it or follow a straight pattern. You should also let them know what you are planning to wear it with on top.

What is the difference between a low taper fade and a high taper fade?

Both low and high taper fades suggest trimming your hair so that it changes from longer to shorter. Yet, with a high taper fade, you start to trim indenting an inch from the top of the head, whereas a low taper begins above your ears.

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