Taper Fade: The Game-Changer for a Subtle Hair Upgrade
- Tom Goedhart
- Nov 30, 2020
- 2 min read
First off, let’s agree: no matter the hairstyle, having the sides and nape looking sharp and neat makes a world of difference. Letting hair grow wild over the ears feels messy and, frankly, undoes any effort you put into blow-drying and styling.
There are plenty of ways to keep the sides and back in check. If you’re tired of the close-shaved Undercut or find the upkeep of Long Trim styles (with longer sideburns combed back) too much work, allow me to introduce you to the Taper Fade. 😉
What Exactly Is a Taper Fade?
The name itself clues you into the two techniques at play: Taper and Fade.
A “Fade” uses clippers to create a clean gradient effect between two sections of shorter hair on the sides and back. The Skin Fade is an even bolder version, where the hair at the sideburns is shaved down to the skin, blending into the rest for a dark-to-light effect. “Taper,” on the other hand, is similar but tends to work with longer hair, combining both scissors and clippers to shape it.
The Taper Fade blends these techniques, offering a sharp but not overly drastic look – perfect for medium-length hair.
Who Suits the Taper Fade?
Taper Fade is surprisingly versatile as it’s mainly about tidying up the sides and nape. The hairstyle’s real look depends on how you style the top, which defines its vibe. Classic cuts like the Quiff or Pompadour look great with the Taper Fade on oval, round, and square face shapes, as the lift up top can add length and balance.
The Taper Fade works especially well for round faces by adding definition to the sides. However, if you have a heart-shaped face (wider at the temples and hairline, narrower at the jawline), the Taper Fade might exaggerate your cheekbones more than you’d like.
Popular Hairstyles That Pair with a Taper Fade
Taper Fade Pompadour
Here, your barber can focus on maintaining the sides and nape, with minimal trimming needed for the top each month. The Taper Fade Pompadour is a low-maintenance yet stylish look.
Taper Fade Slick Back
Love the classic Undercut Slick Back but want something a bit more refined? Try combining it with a Taper Fade – it’s a game changer.
This style does take a bit of work. A comb and shine-enhancing products are essential to keep the look slick. Water-based or oil-based pomades add that signature gloss, while matte products work better for shorter or medium-length hair.
Taper Fade Textured
Also known as the French Crop, this style is distinguished by its choppy, layered fringe. Recently popularized by Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders, the textured look with an Undercut offers an edgier vibe. But paired with a Taper Fade, it becomes instantly neater and more approachable – almost “good boy” material.
Comments