The low taper fade is an iconic modern men’s haircut featuring shorter sides and back blended into longer hair on top. This versatile style offers customization options for guys wanting short, manageable hair with an edge.
Taper fades gradually transition from short around the hairline to longer lengths higher up on the sides and back. The “low” cut means tapering starting just above the ears. This focuses on fading at the neckline. Read on for how to style the low taper fade in unique ways.
- The Low Drop Fade
The low drop fade makes a dramatic statement, starting with the sides and back shaved down to the skin. Hair is then tapered up from this bald line, creating a strong contrast with longer hair on top.
Dropping the fade down to the skin at the neckline produces a concise, sculpted look. This works well with curly and straight hair alike. It’s essential your barber masters the smooth blend into longer sections.
- The Low Temp Fade
Ask your barber for a temp fade to add dimension to your tapered cut. The temp fade incorporates a second faded hairline across the temples, above the tapered neckline.
Your barber will first create the low bald fade near the nape. Then they’ll bald out a second line across the temples and taper hair up from that point. Blending the two faded zones requires skill but delivers a contoured finish.
- The Low Burst Fade
A burst fade variation starts very low on the neck and rounds as it rises to the back of the head. This creates a semi-circular fade effect rather than a straight tapered line.
To achieve this rounded fade, your barber needs advanced experience. The fading expands like a growing circle originating from the closely cropped nape. When cut properly, the burst fade effect is eye-catching.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVFSMiPDU6w/
- Shadow Fade
The shadow fade produces a layered look, incorporating multiple levels of tapering. It involves cutting the hair progressively shorter in stages down to the skin.
Ask your barber for a low shadow fade with two to three levels. The layers should taper smoothly from longer hair on top down to the skin. Well-blended shadow fading takes artistry but looks fantastic.
- The Low Razor Fade
Barbers create razor fades using a straight-edge razor instead of clippers to cut the hairline borders. This produces an exact, clean definition at the fade edges.
The crisp execution of a razor fade demands skill. The lower bald line near the nape offers ample space for barbers to detail a flawless razor fade starting above the ears and neckline. This looks sharp.
- The Low Skin Fade
Opt for the popular low skin fade to play up the contrast between the neckline and sides versus hair on top. Your barber will shave the nape and lower sides down to the skin.
- The Low Fade + Hard Part
Incorporate a hard part to accentuate your low taper fade styling. Your barber etches a sharp part line into the hair rather than combing it over.
Pairing a hard side part with low faded sides and longer top hair creates a definition. Maintain the etched part line between cuts.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDsNo0zFYAe/
- Taper Fade + Designs
Get creative with your taper fade by adding shaved designs. Geometric shapes, zig-zags, lines, or artwork shaved into the sides pair well with faded hair.
Contrast longer hair on top with intricate designs cut into the faded sides. This takes a skilled barber but adds an artistic edge. Geometric and line designs work best with this tapered cut.
- The Classic Low Taper
The classic short taper fade suits guys who want a clean style without too much embellishment. It focuses on blending the sides smoothly up into longer hair on top.
This traditional approach keeps the look versatile for both formal and casual occasions.
- The Fade Pompadour
A dramatic pompadour style on top combines well with low faded sides. Sweeping longer hair up and away from the forehead plays up height.
Tapering the back and sides draws eyes upwards to the voluminous pomp front. This stylized pairing works better on straight hair textures that hold the dramatic shape. This, however does not mean it is not suitable for people with other hair textures.