Low Taper Fade: 55+ Trendy Men’s Haircut Styles

A low taper fade gradually blends hair from longer on top to shorter at the sides, starting just above your ears. Unlike harsh cuts, this versatile haircut maintains a professional look while giving you that fresh, modern edge.

Whether you’ve got straight, curly, or textured locks, there’s a low fade variation that’ll make you look sharp.

Trending Low Taper Fade Hairstyles

Low Taper Fade with Straight Hair

The aggressive taper fade balances height on top, preventing the style from appearing disproportionate. Platinum or silver highlights add creative flair and enhance the overall textural contrast.

Low Taper Fade with Curly Hair

Curly hair benefits from strategic bulk removal that creates neat edges without sacrificing natural texture. Bouncy ringlets are carefully layered and stacked to create a rounded shape that complements curl patterns.

A thick fringe falling below the brow adds playful, flirty elements to this fun loving style. Defining curl cream worked through damp hair before air drying enhances natural curl formation.

Thick Fluffy Style with Low Taper

Fluffy hair with natural volume pays homage to relaxed, carefree styling that feels authentically you. The low taper provides structure while allowing the top to maintain its natural movement and body.

Loose waves flow back from the face, creating a youthful appearance that works across age groups. This style celebrates natural hair texture rather than fighting against it with excessive products.

Low Taper Mullet

The modern haircut revival of the mullet brings this retro style into contemporary fashion with sophisticated execution. Business in front, party in back but executed with the precision of today’s cutting techniques.

A thick fringe balances the longer back section, especially flattering for guys with oval face shapes. The low taper keeps sides clean and professional while maintaining the mullet’s signature silhouette.

Low Taper Fade with Thick Curls

Thick curls with a low fade create expressive contrast that highlights your hair’s natural volume. The shorter sides draw attention upward, making curls appear fuller and more defined than ever.

Apply curls enhancing cream to damp hair, then lift sections straight up from a deep side part. A stubbly beard adds mature sophistication while maintaining the youthful energy of curly hair.

Side Swept Short Hair with A Low Taper

This classy haircut combines timeless appeal with modern precision, perfect for guys who want sophistication without complexity. The side swept style flows naturally from a subtle part, creating movement that flatters most face shapes.

Your barber will leave enough length on top for styling while keeping the low taper clean and professional. Apply light hair wax for hold, and you’ll have a look that works from morning meetings to evening dinner dates.

Low Taper Faded Undercut

The undercut adds edgy contrast to traditional fade haircut techniques, creating a bold yet refined appearance. This style works exceptionally well with textured hair that has natural volume and movement.

Sharp lines define where longer hair meets the taper fade, emphasizing the dramatic height difference. Consider adding subtle highlights to enhance the texture and make the contrast even more striking.

Brush Up with Low Taper

Brushed back styles exude confidence and work brilliantly with the gradual transition of a low fade. The upward motion adds height and dimension, making this ideal for guys with fine or thinning hair.

Create bold spikes by brushing hair up from a deep side part using strong hold styling products. This modern haircut pairs perfectly with a well groomed beard style for a complete masculine look.

Low Drop Taper with Messy Hair

Messy fringe styles capture that effortless, just rolled out of bed appeal that many guys crave. The drop fade curves around the ear, creating a softer transition than traditional straight line fades.
Messy fringe styles capture that effortless, just rolled out of bed appeal that many guys crave. The drop fade curves around the ear, creating a softer transition than traditional straight line fades.

Tousled layers on top fall forward naturally, requiring minimal daily styling effort. Use matte paste to enhance texture without creating a greasy appearance that weighs hair down.

Textured French Crop with Low Taper Fade

The French crop features a distinctive blunt fringe that draws attention to your eyes and facial structure. Textured hair on top contrasts beautifully with the clean sides of a low taper fade.

Choppy layers add movement and prevent the style from looking too uniform or boring. This cut works especially well for guys with naturally straight hair who want added visual interest.

Brush Back with Taper Fade and Line Up

The line up haircut adds sharp definition to your hairline, creating crisp edges that frame your face. Brushed back hair flows smoothly from forehead to crown, showcasing thick, healthy locks.

This combination works best on guys with coarse or naturally thick hair that holds its shape well. Regular touch ups every 2-3 weeks will maintain the sharp lines that make this style pop.

Faux Hawk with Low Taper Fade and Design

The faux hawk offers punk inspired edge without the commitment of a full mohawk style. Creative taper designs add personality and showcase your barber’s artistic skills.

Wide strips of longer hair create height and drama that commands attention in any room. Shaved line designs keep the look fresh and prevent it from appearing too mainstream.

Low Taper Fade with Buzz Cut

The buzz cut represents ultimate low maintenance styling while still looking intentionally sharp and clean. A carefully placed low fade adds visual interest to what might otherwise be a basic cut.

This masculine style works particularly well with full facial hair that balances the short hair length. Perfect for active guys who want to look good without spending time on daily hair styling.

Broccoli Style with Low Taper Fade

The broccoli haircut emphasizes voluminous, defined curls that create a distinctive rounded silhouette on top. Thick curls gradually decrease in density as they move back across the crown area.

Cropped sides ease the transition of the fade haircut, making sharp lines appear smooth and natural. This trendy style works best on guys with naturally curly or highly textured hair types.

Top Knot with Low Taper Fade

The top knot provides ultimate styling flexibility wear it up for formal occasions, down for casual days. Graduated taper fade sides feature multiple visible lengths that add structure and visual appeal.

Loosely secure hair high on your head, allowing some tendrils to fall freely for natural movement. This adaptable style works for guys transitioning from long hair who aren’t ready to cut it all off.

High Top with Low Taper Fade

Thick, bleached twists create an edgy aesthetic that celebrates bold personal style choices. The low fade blends with precision, emphasizing the dramatic retro inspired silhouette on top.

A line up at forehead and temples adds sharp contrast and clean definition to facial features. This confident style works best for guys who aren’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.

Afro Low Taper Fade

The Afro taper fade offers versatility that transitions from casual weekend wear to professional office settings. Shaping hair into thick, defined twists removes bulk while maintaining the style’s characteristic fullness.

The fade haircut extends from temple to behind the ear, creating clean lines without harsh transitions. This youthful style adapts to your lifestyle pair with clean shaven face or full beard as preferred.

Classy Low Taper Fade with Longer Hair on Top

Longer hair on top showcases natural texture while the taper fade keeps the overall look balanced. Tousled waves create additional volume and body that photographs well from every angle.

A dense, wavy fringe frames facial features and adds youthful energy to the structured cut. This versatile haircut works for guys blessed with naturally thick hair who want to show it off.

Crew Cut with Low Taper

The crew cut remains a quintessential men’s hairstyle that works in virtually every social and professional setting. Short, angular fringe falling toward the center forehead adds visual interest and modern appeal.

Clipped short on top and combed forward, this cut creates thick texture that’s easy to maintain. The cropped sides and back provide additional lift that makes hair appear fuller and more voluminous.

Low Drop Taper Fade

The drop fade offers subtle transitions between lengths while pairing beautifully with voluminous top styles. This technique adds clean edges to classic gentleman’s cuts and Ivy League haircut variations.

A simple quiff at the front combined with a clean shaven look delivers fresh, youthful energy. The curved fade line follows natural head contours for a more organic, less harsh appearance.

Low Fade Taper with Slick Back

The slick back represents timeless sophistication that works equally well for formal events and daily wear. Perfectly blended taper fade creates subtle elegance while longer layers provide styling versatility.

Strong styling gel creates shine and hold while fingertip tousling adds playful, relaxed vibes. This classic style adapts to both conservative and creative personal styling preferences effortlessly.

Long Hair with Low Taper Fade

Long hair with undercut styling allows thick tresses to shine without adding unnecessary bulk around ears. The hair looks natural when worn down but showcases neat edges when pulled into top knot styles.

Curly ends hanging freely from buns display natural texture while maintaining masculine edge throughout. Full, thick beards create perfect balance and frame facial features for complete style coordination.

Comb Over with Low Taper Fade

The iconic comb over with low taper fade undercut delivers sleek sophistication for any occasion. Thick hair combed up and over from a deep center part creates impressive volume and movement.

The taper fade contrasts beautifully with longer hair on top, amplifying masculine facial features. This style particularly enhances brow lines and cheekbones when worn with complementary beard style.

Low Taper Fade with Beard

Clean cut low taper fade paired with masculine beard style creates debonair versatility that always looks sharp. Razor cut sides create smooth, defined transitions that appear more polished than scissor cut alternatives.

This technique works beautifully with classic gentleman’s cuts where hair sweeps over from side parts. Well groomed full beards pull the entire look together for refined, mature masculine appeal.

Modern Pompadour and Low Taper Fade

The modern haircut interpretation of the pompadour features impressive length and texture on top. Hair behind the hairline reaches maximum length while layers gradually shorten toward the crown.

Hair wax and wide tooth combs build impressive texture in front before strong hairspray locks everything in place. This dramatic style works best for guys with thick hair who want to make a bold statement.

Asymmetrical Low Taper

Uneven length distribution creates artistic imbalance that’s actually carefully planned and expertly executed. One side features longer hair while the other showcases more aggressive taper fade for dynamic contrast.

This bold modern haircut appeals to creative professionals who want to express personality through their appearance. The asymmetrical approach works particularly well with straight hair that holds its shape throughout the day.

Low Taper vs High Taper: Which One Is Right for You?

Both low taper and high taper fades offer fresh, stylish looks but they create very different effects.

Low Taper Fade:

• Starts just above the ears and fades subtly down the neck.
• Gives a clean, professional appearance.
• Great for men who want a neat look without too much skin showing.
• Works well for wavy, curly, or textured hair.
• Ideal for school, business, or conservative settings.

High Taper Fade:

• Starts higher on the head, around the temples or even above.
• Creates a sharper contrast between the top and sides.
• Perfect for bold, edgy styles and modern looks.
• Adds emphasis to the top great if you style it in a pompadour, quiff, or curls.
• Best for those who want a more dramatic, trend-forward cut.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Want something subtle and timeless? Go with a low taper.
• Looking for something more daring and bold? A high taper is for you.
• Still unsure? Ask your barber to show examples and suggest what suits your face shape best.

Taper Fade: How to Tell Your Barber What You Want

When you’re sitting in the barber’s chair, communication is key. A taper fade can vary in style, length, and sharpness so being specific helps avoid surprises.

Here’s how to clearly tell your barber what you want:

• Say the word “taper fade” and mention if you want it low, mid, or high.
• Describe the length on top (e.g., “keep the top 2 inches” or “leave it long enough to comb back”).
• Decide if you want a skin fade (completely shaved at the bottom) or a more natural blend.
• Use references: Show a photo or Instagram screenshot of the look you’re going for.
• Mention how you want your neckline and sideburns (sharp, faded, natural, etc.).
• Let them know if you want any line-ups or designs for a personalized touch.

Be honest about your styling habits. If you don’t style your hair daily, ask for something low-maintenance. A good barber will help tailor the taper fade to suit your lifestyle and face shape.

What Makes Low Taper Fades Different

Low taper cuts start the gradual length change just above your ears, unlike mid or high fades. This positioning keeps more hair on the sides, creating a conservative look that works in professional settings.

The subtle transition makes low fade styles perfect for guys who want modern edge without dramatic contrast. Most face shapes benefit from this balanced approach that doesn’t draw excessive attention to head proportions.

Taper Fade vs. Skin Fade

Taper fade gradually shortens hair while leaving some length at the bottom, creating softer transitions overall. Skin fade (also called bald fade) cuts down to bare scalp, creating dramatic contrast and sharp definition.

Both techniques use clippers for precision, but taper fade maintains hair coverage while skin fades expose scalp. Your choice depends on how bold you want the contrast and how often you’re willing to maintain the cut.

Styling Tips for Perfect Results

Getting your low taper fade to look salon-fresh every day comes down to using the right techniques and products for your specific hair type. The key is understanding your hair’s natural behavior and working with it rather than against it for effortless styling success.

• Match products to hair type: Use lightweight mousses for fine hair, strong-hold waxes for thick or coarse textures.
• Apply to damp hair: Most styling products work best on slightly wet hair for even distribution and better hold.
• Start with less product: You can always add more, but removing excess product is much harder once applied.
• Use proper tools: Wide-tooth combs for curly hair, fine-tooth combs for straight styles, boar bristle brushes for volume.
• Maintain every 2-4 weeks: Regular trims keep your fade haircut looking crisp and prevent awkward growth phases.
• Communicate with your barber: Show photos and discuss fade height, length preferences, and styling goals before cutting begins.

Wrapping Up

The low taper fade offers endless possibilities for creating your signature look without committing to dramatic changes. From professional comb over styles to trendy textured hair options, there’s a variation that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

Choose styles that complement your natural hair texture and face shape rather than fighting against them. Remember, the best men’s hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and requires maintenance you can actually commit to.

Frequently Asked Questions About Low Taper Fade

How often should I get my low taper fade touched up? 

Every 2-3 weeks for optimal freshness, though low fade cuts can stretch to 4 weeks if needed. Regular maintenance keeps the taper fade looking sharp and intentional.

What’s the difference between a taper fade and a regular fade?

Taper fade gradually shortens hair while leaving some length at the bottom. Regular fades can go down to skin level for more dramatic contrast.

Can I style a low taper fade with curly hair? 

Absolutely! Low taper fade curly hair combinations work beautifully by reducing bulk while showcasing natural texture. Use curl-defining products for best results.

Which face shapes work best with low taper fades? 

Low taper cuts flatter most face shapes, especially oval and square faces. The subtle transition creates balance without overwhelming your natural features.

How do I maintain my low taper fade between barbershop visits? 

Keep hair clean, use quality styling products, and trim any stray hairs around the ears. Avoid DIY touch-ups that could ruin the professional fade lines.