Would you like to wear a haircut that resonates with your personality and style? If yes, you’ll love the high taper fade. It gives you a mix of subtle bad-boyish vibe with a sophisticated persona. So if you love the fades but are put off by extreme, aggressive-looking bald fades, a high taper fade could be the ideal solution for you.
This haircut is popular for the clean and polished appearance it gives. What’s more? It’s also versatile enough to suit different face shapes, outfits, and occasions.
It is one stylish haircut that is attractive and not going anywhere any time soon. So if you’re looking for inspiration to show your stylist, you’re in the right place. Read this article to get style ideas for a new high-taper haircut look
What is the High Taper Fade?
Unlike the regular fade that produces a sharp contrast between your top and sides, a high taper fade is more thorough and complex. It lets you create sharp lines through a haircut before blending down and out. This is because it allows the space between the top, sides, and back of your head to sit with a little more length and weight.
Steven Chapman, founder of The Hoi Polloi barbershop, explained it better while speaking with Men’s Flair:
“This style is all about creating contrast from the front to the back. The back section of the fade should ideally still have a bit of weight to it before being tapered out or cut right down to the skin. This can influence the start of that mohawk-like shape. It needs to be cut really sharp. It should almost appear like a regular fade if you’re looking at someone square-on, but then when you look at them from the side, you should see a bulkier build-up of texture coming up through the back of their head.”
Steven Chapman
Key Features of a High Taper Fade
Short Sides and Back
The sides and back are typically buzzed or clipped very short, giving the haircut its distinct high fade appearance.
Gradual Transition
The length of the hair gradually increases as you move from the sides and back to the top. This gradual taper is what sets the style apart.
Clean Lines
High taper fades are popular for their clean and sharp lines which creates a polished and sophisticated look.
Versatility
This style can be customized to suit various preferences, including different lengths on top and varied tapering degrees.
What You Need to Know Before Getting a High Taper Fade
Before committing to this look, you should know what you want to achieve. So, go for a high taper fade if you’re looking for a masculine, square-shaped profile with a possibly dramatic finish on top. This type of fade technique often creates more of a burst-out effect that is ideal for men with round or heart-shaped faces.
Stylish High Taper Haircut Ideas to Try
Here are some high taper haircut ideas worth considering during your next visit to the salon:
High Taper Straight Hair
It can be challenging to maintain an appropriate haircut if your hair is straight. Therefore, getting your sides tapered is a fantastic idea.
Your straight hair will gain more definition and contrast well with a high taper fade. This makes it easier to get a sharp and catchy look with little styling.
High Taper Mullet
One of the most popular resurfacing hair trends is the mullet. However, this does not imply that you must copy the old-fashioned version.
Instead, add a contemporary twist to your mullet haircut, like a high taper. Otherwise, you’ll appear to be making a comeback from another century.
Side Taper Fade
Even though a taper fade haircut calls for trimming the hair on the sides and back, you’re free to alter the cut however you deem fit to suit your preferences.
For instance, you can trim the hair on the sides while leaving the back untouched.
High Taper Buzz Cut
The good thing about the high taper is there are no restrictions.
So if you want a short haircut like the buzz cut, don’t hesitate to go for it.
Messy Pompadour with High Taper Fade
The high taper is the perfect base to work plenty of volume on your hair. With the top swept from the back, you can blend it easily into a fade.
The pompadour style creates a messy but not-so-messy look.
Grey Curly High Taper
The grey curly high taper is an easy-to-maintain and great style for older men.
It is a low-maintenance haircut that you can achieve with just a fade and some styling cream for the curls.
Korean-Inspired High Taper
Just as African hair grows differently from that of Americans, it’s the same for Asian hair.
Their hair grows straight and out, so the approach to fading is slightly different. You can opt for this look if it suits your style.
High Top with a High Taper Fade
Want a dramatic and statement look? Go for this hairstyle.
You’re sure to draw the attention of many admirers.
Taper With Design
A high taper fade not only keeps your sides neat but also gives you lots of room for designs, which is a fantastic benefit.
So, if you have any interesting ideas, feel free to implement them on your side. Just remember to do touchups so the lines remain sharp.
High Taper Waves
When you combine your high taper with waves, just know that your hair will be the center of attention.
To give your waves that extra emphasis, use a volumizing styling product and a blow dryer. The result is a neat and sophisticated look.
The high taper fade is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after men’s haircuts of recent times. Its blend of modern style and clean lines makes it a fantastic choice if you’re looking to stay on-trend while maintaining a polished appearance. To get the perfect high taper fade, consult a skilled barber who can customize the style to match your preferences. And if you need more inspiration, check out the photos below:
