A taper haircut is a classic and adaptable men’s hairstyle that is defined by a gradual reduction in length from the crown to the nape. This haircut complements a variety of face shapes and hair types, blending flawlessly to provide a polished and clean appearance. There are several taper haircut designs available, so you can choose a strong or subtle modification for your hair. These 40 taper haircut ideas for guys, which range from classy and professional to edgy and trendy, will inspire you.
1. Classic Taper Fade
The hair in the traditional taper fade progressively gets shorter from the crown of the head to the nape of the neck. This style is adaptable and suits a variety of hair types, giving off a polished, modern yet classic appearance. For males who prefer a tidy and carefree haircut, it’s perfect.
2. Low Taper Fade
The low taper fade starts fading lower on the sides, just above the ears. This style offers a subtle fade effect that blends well into longer hair on top. It’s perfect for those looking for a conservative and professional appearance, while still maintaining a fresh, modern look.
3. High Taper Fade
The high taper fade begins higher up on the sides and back, creating a sharp contrast between the longer hair on top and the shorter sides. This bold and edgy look is great for those who want a more dramatic fade and is especially popular among men with thicker hair.
4. Mid Taper Fade
A balanced option between the low and high taper fade, the mid taper starts fading midway down the sides and back. This versatile style provides a clean and modern look without being too bold or too subtle. It’s suitable for various hair types and face shapes.
5. Bald Taper Fade
The bald taper fade, also known as a skin fade, gradually fades down to the skin, leaving no hair at the lowest point. This ultra-clean cut offers a sharp and edgy appearance, perfect for men who want a bold, statement-making haircut.
6. Temple Taper Fade
The temple taper fade focuses on tapering the hair around the temples and sideburns. It provides a clean and defined look around the edges while leaving the rest of the hair untouched or styled differently. It’s a great option for men who prefer a subtle taper.
7. Drop Taper Fade
The drop taper fade follows the natural curve of the head, dropping behind the ear and forming an arc shape. This fade adds a unique touch to the classic taper, giving a modern and trendy appearance that suits various hair textures.
8. Burst Taper Fade
Concentrated around the ears, the burst taper fade creates a semi-circular fade that resembles a burst of hair. This style is perfect for those who want a distinctive look that pairs well with mohawks or faux hawks, adding an extra edge to the hairstyle.
9. Skin Taper Fade
The skin taper fade is a type of bald fade where the hair tapers down to the skin level, offering a sleek and clean look. This style is ideal for men who prefer a fresh, low-maintenance haircut that highlights facial features.
10. Curly Taper Fade
The curly taper fade is designed for men with naturally curly hair, keeping the curls on top while gradually fading the sides. This style enhances the natural texture of curly hair and offers a neat, stylish appearance with minimal effort.
11. Textured Taper Fade
This style features a textured top with layers or choppy cuts, combined with a taper fade on the sides. The textured taper fade is great for adding volume and dimension to hair, providing a modern, tousled look that is both trendy and effortless.
12. Pompadour Taper Fade
The pompadour taper fade combines a voluminous, swept-back top with tapered sides. This style gives a retro yet contemporary look, perfect for men who want to make a bold fashion statement. It works well with both short and medium hair lengths.
13. Quiff with Taper Fade
The quiff with taper fade features a voluminous, lifted front section, while the sides are faded gradually. This style offers a classic yet stylish appearance, suitable for both formal and casual settings. It’s ideal for men looking to add height and volume to their hair.
14. Side Part Taper Fade
Parting the hair on one side and progressively fading the other is known as a side part taper fade. This design is elegant and refined, which makes it ideal for formal events or professional situations.
15. Taper Fade with Beard
This style pairs a taper fade haircut with a well-groomed beard, creating a cohesive and masculine appearance. The fade blends seamlessly into the beard, offering a modern and rugged look that is both stylish and versatile.
16. Disconnected Taper Fade
The disconnected taper fade features a longer top that is disconnected from the shorter sides, creating a striking contrast. This style is ideal for men who want a bold, edgy look with plenty of volume and texture on top.
17. Slick Back Taper Fade
The slick back taper fade involves styling the top hair back with gel or pomade, while the sides are tapered for a clean, polished look. This style offers a sleek and professional appearance, perfect for formal occasions or business settings.
18. Mohawk Taper Fade
The mohawk taper fade combines a traditional mohawk with a taper fade on the sides. This style is bold and edgy, perfect for men who want to stand out and make a statement with their hairstyle. It works well with both short and long mohawks.
19. Buzz Cut with Taper Fade
A buzz cut with a taper fade features a short, uniform length on top with a gradual fade on the sides. This low-maintenance style is perfect for men who want a clean and simple look without much styling effort.
20. Taper Fade with Hard Part
The taper fade with a hard part includes a shaved line on one side, creating a distinct separation. This style adds a modern twist to the classic taper fade, providing a sharp and stylish appearance.
21. Afro Taper Fade
The afro taper fade is a modern take on the traditional afro, featuring a tapered fade on the sides while maintaining volume on top. This style embraces natural hair texture and offers a fresh, contemporary look.
22. Undercut Taper Fade
The undercut taper fade combines an undercut with a gradual fade on the sides, leaving the top longer for versatile styling. This style is ideal for men who want a sharp, defined look with plenty of styling options.
23. French Crop with Taper Fade
The French crop with taper fade features a short, textured top that is cropped forward, with a taper fade on the sides. This style is chic and modern, perfect for men looking for a European-inspired haircut.
24. Caesar Cut with Taper Fade
The Caesar cut with taper fade includes a short, horizontal fringe on top with a gradual fade on the sides. This style is ideal for men who want a refined, classic look that is easy to maintain.
25. Comb Over Taper Fade
The comb-over taper fade involves combing the hair to one side with a gradual fade on the sides. This style offers a sleek and tidy appearance, suitable for both professional and casual settings.
26. Faux Hawk Taper Fade
The faux hawk taper fade features a styled top resembling a mohawk, with a taper fade on the sides. This style is perfect for men who want a bold and edgy look without fully committing to a traditional mohawk.
27. Wavy Taper Fade
The wavy taper fade is ideal for men with wavy hair, keeping the natural waves on top while tapering the sides. This style enhances the natural texture of wavy hair and offers a stylish, effortless look.
28. Spiky Taper Fade
The spiky taper fade involves styling the top hair into spikes, while the sides are tapered for a playful, youthful look. This style is great for men who want a fun and trendy haircut.
29. Ivy League Taper Fade
The Ivy League taper fade is a short, neat haircut with a taper fade on the sides. This style is perfect for men who want a classic, preppy look that is both elegant and timeless.
30. Crop Top Taper Fade
The crop top taper fade features a short, textured crop on top with faded sides. This modern style is popular for its low-maintenance and edgy appearance, perfect for men looking for a trendy haircut.
31. Taper Fade with Fringe
The taper fade with fringe includes a fringe or bangs on the forehead with a gradual fade on the sides. This style offers a fresh and youthful appearance, ideal for men who want a unique look.
32. Messy Top with Taper Fade
The messy top with taper fade keeps the top hair tousled and textured, while the sides are tapered for a laid-back style. This look is perfect for men who want a casual and effortless hairstyle.
33. Side Swept Taper Fade
The side-swept taper fade involves sweeping the top hair to one side, with a taper fade on the opposite side. This style is relaxed yet stylish, perfect for men looking for a versatile haircut.
34. Brush Up with Taper Fade
The brush-up taper fade features the top hair brushed up and back, with the sides tapered for a voluminous look. This style is ideal for men who want a modern, trendy haircut with plenty of height.
35. Blowout Taper Fade
The blowout taper fade involves blow-drying the top hair for added volume, with a taper fade on the sides. This dramatic style is perfect for men who want a bold and attention-grabbing look.
36. Military Taper Fade
The military taper fade is a short, disciplined haircut with a taper fade on the sides. This style is rugged and masculine, perfect for men who want a straightforward, no-nonsense haircut.
37. Reverse Taper Fade
The reverse taper fade starts with shorter hair on top that gradually gets longer as it moves down the sides. This unique style offers a twist on the traditional taper fade, perfect for men looking for something different.
38. Flat Top Taper Fade
The flat top taper fade features a flat, squared-off top with tapered sides. This retro style is bold and eye-catching, ideal for men who want to make a statement with their haircut.
39. Crew Cut with Taper Fade
The crew cut with taper fade is a short, simple haircut with a gradual fade on the sides. This timeless style is perfect for men who want a classic, low-maintenance look.
40. Short Taper Fade with Line Up
The short taper fade with line-up combines a taper fade with a precise line-up around the hairline. This style offers a sharp and clean finish, perfect for men who want a polished, modern haircut.