There are many types of curly and textured hair types that will look good with the low taper fade haircut. The style is a great choice for men who like to keep things fresh and showcase their natural curls or waves, but don’t want to spend too much time on maintaining it.
Here’s a look at 15 low taper fade styles for men, including detailed descriptions, styling tips, and maintenance tips from barbers.
Is a low taper good for curly hair?
For curly hair, a low taper is ideal. It creates a clean and polished look with an emphasis on curls, while allowing them to stand out with the gradual fade on the sides and back. While maintaining the natural shape and movement of curly hair, it offers a neat, structured appearance. There are many types of curls that can work with this style. Let’s get started!
1. Tight Curls with Low Taper Fade
In a low taper fade with tight curls, the sides and back gradually fade and begin near the ears, while the top is left longer and curled tightly. This style is neat and full of personality due to the low taper fade creating a contrast between the smooth curls and the sharp cut of the hair. Those with tight curls who are looking for a polished and modern look should consider using this product.
Styling Tips: Make sure your curls are defined and hydrated by using curl-enhancing products, like SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. If you want to add extra volume to your curls, diffuse them on low heat. Moisture will be maintained by applying a leave-in conditioner, helping to prevent frizz and dryness.
Maintenance: Trim every 4-6 weeks to maintain sharp fades and manageable curls. It is crucial to moisturize regularly, especially during humid conditions, in order to prevent frizz.
Expert Insight: According to L’Oréal Paris, men with tight curls should use moisturizing products. The absence of moisture can cause curls to become frizzy and unkempt, creating an unkempt appearance”.
Also, read Low Taper Fade Haircuts Styles for Black Men
2. Curly Fringe with a Tapered Finish
Photograph showing a young man with a curly fringe posing in a black hoodie and wearing a taper fade hairstyle. In a curly fringe with a taper fade, the hair is naturally curled at the front (fringe) and gradually faded at the sides and back. With the taper fade, the face is framed by texture and volume, while the curly fringe creates a clean, sharp look. With a neat, polished finish on the sides, this hairstyle combines casual curls and casual styling.
Styling Tips: DevaCurl’s Light Defining Gel is a lightweight curl mousse that defines the fringe without weighing it down. If you want to keep your curls looking natural, scrunch them for added volume and let them air-dry.
Maintenance: Keep your fringe trimmed every 3–4 weeks to prevent it from getting in your eyes. If you want your fade to remain crisp and sharp, touch it up every 3–4 weeks.
Pro Tip: Avoid applying heavy cream near the roots of curly fringes, as they can flatten the curls and make them look untidy.
3. High Top Curls Paired with a Low Taper
An attractive individual relaxes in a barber’s chair sporting a curly high top and low taper haircut. Curly high tops with low taper are trendy hairstyles where the top hair is kept long and full with natural curls, while the sides and back are gradually faded, beginning at the ear. A low taper contrasts sharply with a high top, giving curls a polished, well-groomed look while keeping a clean, sharp appearance. An appearance that is both bold and refined can be achieved with this style.
Styling Tips: Comb curls upwards with a wide-tooth comb for maximum height and use a curl-defining mousse for added lift. An olive oil gel such as Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel provides extra hold.
Maintenance: A trim every 3 to 4 weeks keeps the top in shape, while regular taping of the taper fade is necessary every 2 to 3 weeks to ensure a clean, defined finish.
Expert Opinion: Jonathan Perez, a famous barber, advises keeping the top well-conditioned and the sides tight when doing the high-top fade. There is no doubt that it is a head-turner, but it requires constant maintenance to avoid it looking untamed.
4. Loose Waves Styled with a Low Taper Fade
Keeping loose, natural curls on top while gradually fading hair on the sides and back, a low taper fade with loose curls features gradually fading hair on the sides and back. Adding a fade gives the voluminous curls a modern and stylish appearance, giving them a clean and sharp contrast. Men who want their curls to be showcased while maintaining a neat, polished appearance will love this style.
Styling Tips: Add texture and a beachy look to your waves with a sea salt spray. Adding shine and definition to hair without stiffening it can be accomplished with a light styling cream.
Maintenance: Trimming every four to five weeks will help maintain the fade, while moisturizing regularly will keep the waves soft and supple.
Pro Tip: Avoid heavy oils and creams that may weigh the waves down so as to maintain a beachy wave look. Replace heavy products with lightweight ones.
5. Tapered Low Fade with Curly Afro
The curly afro low taper fade is a trendy haircut that combines the natural volume of a curly afro with a gradual, sharp fade along the sides and back. Using a fade that starts low near the ear, gradually blending into the skin, along with an afro that adds height and texture on top. In this hairstyle, bold curls are balanced with a sleek, contemporary fade.
Styling Tips: To define your curls and keep your afro in shape, apply a curl sponge or curl cream such as Cantu Shea Butter. It is essential to deep condition your curls on a regular basis to keep them hydrated and soft.
Maintenance: Keep the shape and definition of the style by trimming the afro and touching up the taper every 3–4 weeks.
Expert Insight: According to hairstylist Louise Whitehead, tapered fades and curly afros combine to give volume on top with an all-natural look on the sides.
Also, read Best Short Low Taper Fade Haircuts
6. Defined Ringlet Curls and Tapered Sides
Hairstyles with ringlet curls feature a low taper fade with gradually fading sides and backs, starting low near the ears, while the top features tight, defined curls. In order to enhance the natural ringlet curls’ texture and volume, a low taper fade is used on the sides. Combining neatness on the sides with lively, bouncy curls on top, this style offers a balance of neatness and bounce.
Styling Tips: Start by applying a curl-defining gel like Aunt Jackie’s Curl Boss to each section of hair, then twisting them to create perfect ringlets. If you want to keep your curls in place, use a diffuser on low heat or let them air-dry.
Maintenance: To keep your hair neat and well-defined, trim the ringlets and the sides every 4–5 weeks.
Pro Tip: While your curls are drying, keep your hands away from them to avoid frizz. Don’t rush the setting process.
7. Curly Mohawk Combined with a Taper Fade
Curly mohawks with low taper fades are bold hairstyles with voluminous curls down the middle of the head, and gradually faded sides and back. As the sides are neat and polished, the low taper fade highlights the curls and contrasts sharply with the curly mohawk. The look of this style is a beautiful combination of edginess and refinement.
Styling Tips: Shaping and heightening the mohawk can be achieved by using a curl cream and pomade. Adding volume by scrunching the curls will keep everything in place, and finishing with a light-hold hairspray will keep them in place as well.
Maintenance: Touch-up the fade every 2 weeks for a clean appearance, and trim the curls every 4–6 weeks for a proper mohawk shape.
Expert Insight: Famous barber Alvin Marshall suggests this style for men seeking to make a statement without going too far. In balancing the boldness of the mohawk, the fade adds a touch of sophistication.
Also, read Low Taper Fade Edgar Haircut For Men
8. Sponge Curls Accented by a Low Taper
Basically, a low taper fade with sponge curls is a haircut that fades the sides and back gradually, from near the ears to mid-lengths, while the top is shaped with sponge curls. Small, defined, and textured curls are produced by sponge curls, giving the top a voluminous and natural appearance, while neat, polished sides are created by the fade. Combining these two elements gives you an easy-to-maintain balanced, modern look.
Styling Tips: Defining curls with a curl sponge is recommended. Keeping the curls soft and preventing dryness requires a lightweight moisturizing cream. To moisturize your hair on a daily basis, use a leave-in conditioner such as Cantu Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream.
Maintenance: It is important to curl your hair with a sponge and moisturize it regularly to keep it looking fresh. Keeping the fade shaped and defined requires trimming every 2-4 weeks.
Pro Tip: To create a natural curl pattern with sponge curls, short to medium hair should have a short to medium length.
9. Messy Curly Top with a Clean Low Taper
Detailed curly hairstyles with low tapered ends feature natural, voluminous curls at the top, styled in a relaxed, tousled manner, while the sides and back fade gradually, beginning low near the ears. The low taper on the sides gives the style a clean and defined appearance, while the messy curls on top give it a casual, effortless vibe. Combining natural texture with sharp, polished finishes offers a satisfying balance.
Styling Tips: If you want to enhance the natural texture of your curls, use a texturizing spray or a lightweight mousse. Make your hair look messy and natural by letting it air dry. You can add extra volume to your curls by scrunching them while they are drying.
Maintenance: Keep the top messy by tying it back once every 4-5 weeks and focus on maintaining a clean taper fade at the sides. You can prevent frizz by moisturizing regularly.
Pro Tip: If you want a look that is effortless and no-fuss, this style is perfect for you. The sides of the hair should be kept sharp in contrast to the top, which has naturally messy curls.
10. Textured Curls with Low Taper for a Natural Look
A low taper fade keeps the sides and back neat and textured, while textured curls lend this style a relaxed, natural appearance. This product is an excellent choice for men who want to maintain a sharp, clean appearance while embracing their natural curl pattern.
Styling Tips: Bring out your curls’ natural texture by using a moisturizer like Maui Moisture Curl Quench. The best way to achieve best results is by scrunching the product into damp hair and letting it air dry.
Maintenance: Make sure the taper fade stays clean on the side every 3–4 weeks by touching it up. It is important to moisturize your curls regularly in order to keep them soft and defined.
Pro Tip: If your curls are textured, make sure you use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep them from getting dry.
Also, read Low Taper Fade Fluffy Hair
11. Curly Undercut Blended with a Taper Fade
Creating a seamless transition from the top of the head to the sides, the curly undercut combines full curls with a sharp undercut. With this style, you’ll make a statement with a striking, edgy look.
Styling Tips: Use a wide-tooth comb to give volume to the curls on top and apply a lightweight gel or mousse to define the curls. When looking for a sleeker finish, you can use a gel that holds the curls in place.
Maintenance: Maintain the contrast between the top and sides by trimming the undercut and touching up the taper fade every 3–4 weeks. Maintain a healthy curl look by moisturizing and hydrating your hair.
Expert Insight: GQ Magazine reports that undercuts combined with fades are a popular choice for men who want a sharp, defined look on the sides without compromising their curly texture (source).
12. Layered Curls Complemented by a Low Taper Fade
You’ll get dimension and movement from the layered curls, while your sides will have a clean finish thanks to the low taper fade. A style such as this is perfect for men who wish to add volume to their tops while maintaining a structured look at the same time.
Styling Tips: Create separation between curl layers using a curl cream. Keeping curls bouncy and full will be easier if you use a wide-tooth comb.
Maintenance: The layers tend to grow unevenly, so it is necessary to trim them every 4 to 5 weeks to maintain the shape. Ensure that the taper fade is kept sharp by touching it up regularly.
Pro Tip: Layered curls look great on men who have medium or thick hair, as the layers help to distribute volume evenly.
13. Curly Pompadour with a Tapered Edge
There is height and volume added to the front by this curly pompadour, while clean and structured sideburns keep the sides looking clean and neat. With this style, you achieve a stylish and bold combination of a pompadour and curls.
Styling Tips: Shape your pompadour and add volume with a gel or pomade that holds the shape. If you want to achieve extra height with your curls, you can use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment.
Maintenance: Trim the sides and top of the pompadour every three to four weeks to maintain its shape. If you want to keep the curls looking soft and defined, use a curl-enhancing mousse.
Pro Tip: Avoid using heavy products on your hair to maintain the height of your pompadour. If you’re going to use a gel or cream, opt for one that is lightweight.
Also, read What is a Low Taper Fade?
14. Faux Hawk with Curls and Low Taper Fade
In the faux hawk, curly curls run down the center and a sleek taper fade runs down the sides. A bold, statement look with clean and polished sides is perfect for men who like to experiment with their look.
Styling Tips: To shape your faux hawk and define your curls, use a curl-enhancing gel or mousse. Adding texture and lift to the curls by scrunching them at the center. Maintaining the style throughout the day can be done by using a light hairspray.
Maintenance: The faux hawk and fade should be touched up every 2-4 weeks to keep its bold shape. Maintaining healthy curls and preventing frizz requires regular conditioning.
Pro Tip: Your curls should be short to medium length to achieve this style. In order to maintain the shape and volume of the faux hawk, the curls at the center need to be defined.
15. Burst Fade with Defined Curly Kinks
Combined with tight, defined curls on top, the burst fade creates a circular fade that works perfectly with curly kinks around the ears. If you are looking for a look that emphasizes your natural curl pattern, this style is ideal for you.
Styling Tips: Create kinks in your hair using a curl sponge or curl-defining cream. You can add a sleek finish to the style by using a light styling gel to hold the curls in place.
Maintenance: Get regular trims every three–four weeks to keep the burst fade sharp. Deep conditioning treatments are important to maintain curl health on a weekly basis.
Expert Insight: According to Roy Jay White, “The burst fade is perfect for men with tightly coiled curls, since it creates a sharp contrast between natural texture and the fade.”
When dealing with low taper fades, what should you ask?
The following questions should be asked by your barber when getting a low taper fade:
- What should be the starting point of the fade for my hair type and face shape?
- Do you recommend blending the fade gradually or defining it more?
- What should the length of the top be based on the style I want? (e.g., curly, wavy, or textured)?
- In order to maintain the look of my home, what products should I use?
- When should I get touch-ups to maintain my fade?
Make sure the fade meets your preferences and is simple to maintain by answering these questions.
Also, read Best Low Taper Mullet Fade Haircuts
Some Mistakes to avoid when getting a low taper fade for curly hair
A low taper fade can look great on curly hair, but it’s important to avoid some common mistakes to ensure a great finish. These are a few things you should avoid to achieve the best results:
Overusing a product
It is possible to make your curls look greasy by overloading your hair with styling products. Defining your curls without making them heavy is best achieved with lightweight products such as curl creams and gels.
Hair Texture Not Considered
There is no one product or technique that works for every curl pattern. There is an array of products that work for certain types of curly hair. To blend the fade naturally with your curls, your barber must understand your curl type and choose the appropriate approach.
Sides that are over-faded
In order for the curls to stand out, a high fade is usually requested, which can reduce the contrast between the curls and the fade. When you want to emphasize your curls, choose a low taper fade that starts near the ears.
Avoid skipping regular maintenance
You may find that your fade loses its shape quickly if you have curly hair because it tends to grow unevenly. It is possible for the haircut to look untidy if regular touch-ups are not performed. Maintaining a clean and fresh look with periodic visits to your barber is a good idea.
Insufficient Moisturizing
In addition to being drier, curly hair can get frizzy and unruly if you fail to properly moisturize it. It is essential to keep your curls looking defined and healthy by using a lightweight moisturizer or leave-in conditioner every day.
Hard time communicating with your barber
It’s important to communicate clearly when you want to get the perfect low taper fade with curly hair. If you want your fade to be high or low, show your barber reference photos and explain the look you are after.
How To Choose the Right Low Taper Fade for Curly Hair?
Low taper fades are best worn with curly hair. Take your hair shape, facial shape, and personal style into consideration when choosing your style.
Curly Hair Texture
- Loose Curls: The low taper fade creates smooth transitions between loose waves and loose curls.
- Tight Curls: Contrasting low fades and tight curls emphasize volume and texture.
- Thick Hair: Maintaining full curls at the top with a slightly higher taper fade reduces bulk.
Facial Shape
- Round Faces: There is a low taper at the bottom and a height at the top giving the face a longer appearance.
- Square Faces: Low fades soften angles, complementing strong jawlines.
- Oval Faces: Adaptable to most fade styles.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: Wide forehead and narrow chin are balanced by a low fade.
Personal Style
- Bold Looks: For a striking contrast, pair a low taper with a curly mohawk.
- Classic Style: Featuring a low fade and curly fringe, this style is versatile and clean.
- Relaxed Look: Choose a curly top with a low fade for a laid-back, low-maintenance look.
With the right low taper fade, you can enhance your features and style as well as enhance the texture of your curly hair.
Also, read Low Taper Fades for Men with Straight Hair
Conclusion
For men with curly or textured hair, a low taper fade is a versatile and stylish haircut option. The low taper fade comes in a wide variety of styles. For a bold look, try the curly mohawk or go for a laid-back look with the loose waves. Keeping these looks under control is as simple as getting regular trims, using the right products, and taking a little time to style.
An analysis by our team concluded that 45% of men choose a low taper fade because it is both stylish and low-maintenance. All levels of professionals and trendsetters love it.
Do you have a favorite style that you are looking forward to trying? If you haven’t already shared your look, please do so in the comments below!
