Featuring a low taper fade with plenty of volume, this hairstyle blends the classic taper with a contemporary fade. In this article, we’ll explain the basics of this TikTok-famous style, including how to ask your barber for it after the next trim. As well as offering advice on how to choose a barber, and how to maintain your new cut, we will also give you plenty of ideas for low taper fades.
Low taper fades are the iconic way to dress up natural curls! A low taper fade is a great way for black men to showcase their style when it comes to enhancing their hair texture. This hairstyle can be paired with a variety of hairstyles, including buzz cuts, twists, afros, and even dreadlocks. Another way to emphasize your personality and appearance is to mix a low taper fade with different beard styles. It’s an excellent field for experimentation, and with these 15 ideas, you can get a good idea of how to recreate your dream hairstyle.
Things You Should Know
- On top, the hair is long and textured. At the neck’s base, the hair is very short and textured.
- Make sure the fade at the nape of your neck is low and gradual. Ask for a high fade at the top of your head, a gradual fade at the back, and a low fade at the nape of your neck.
- Keep your low taper fade looking fresh by visiting your barber every 3 weeks to have it cleaned up and styled.
What is a Low Taper Fade?
The nape of the neck transitions from long to short with a low taper fade.
The length of the hair gradually shortens between the long top hair and the short, close-to-the-skin neckline hair of this style. The “low” taper fade is called that because it sits close to the nape of the neck, where the hair shortens dramatically to the skin. Some sideburns are also preserved. There’s plenty of precision and edge to this style, which results in a neat and tidy look.
- Initially, low taper fades may not have as much definition as a high taper fade, but they will retain their overall shape for a few months, making them a good long-term choice.
- Those with high taper fades, however, are shorter and may require a bit more effort to maintain.
Also read: Best Mid Taper Fade Haircut for Men
Low Taper Fade Styles
1. Textured Crop with a Taper Fade
An afro crop is a great option if you want something stylish to accentuate your natural hair texture without putting much effort into maintaining it. A personal style can be displayed while it is acceptable at work as well. Your curly crop should be trimmed once a month, and the fade should be touched up every 3-4 weeks.
2. Low Taper Twists
Twisting your curls protects them from any damage and gives you a cool hairstyle that adds character to your appearance. Fading at the sides and nape contrasts with the longer top, creating a neat overall look. Leave-in conditioner, sulfate-free shampoo, and retwisting hair as it grows are all ways to keep your twists hydrated.
3. Curly Crop with Tapered Temples
In addition to a wide variety of fade haircuts, a low taper fade remains our favorite for spicing up a cropped curly top. You won’t need to trim your gorgeous afro, as a high taper fade does. A subtle, gradual fading of your hair will be achieved by tapering only the sides.
4. Low Taper with a Curly Top
It is important to consider how to take care of your curls if you choose to leave your hair longer on top. Use shea butter-infused oils and pomades 2-3 times per week after every other wash, and you’ll notice how much more shiny and hydrated your hair will be. Those who want to grow out their natural hair should follow this hair care routine.
5. Short Tapered Afro
Soften your ‘fro with a slight rounding so that it complements your high forehead and strong jawline. Low taper haircuts add structure to your hair while enhancing the volume at the top. Give it a smooth appearance by styling it with a hair pomade.
6. Low Taper Coils with a Beard
With naturally curly hair, shorter haircuts require less maintenance and upkeep, especially when it comes to maintaining and maintaining them. In order to demonstrate hair texture, we still recommend leaving some length.
7. 360 Waves Style
Black men tend to sport short versions of 360 waves haircuts, even though they look like buzz cuts. In order to achieve similar looks, stylists recommend using creams instead of pomades, as overuse of pomades can lead to product accumulation.
8. Clean Taper Fade with Twisted Locs
It is possible to create something truly unique by combining drastically different styles, which is perfect for showing off your creative flair. Inspiration can be found in this half-twisted, half-faded look.
9. Taper Fade Dreadlocks
The combination of dreadlocks on top and a fade on the bottom is a great alternative for black men seeking a long hairstyle with a twist. Taper your sides and nape for a clean finish when you style your dreads in a ponytail or bun.
10. Spiky Afro
To give your coils the moisture they lack, apply a leave-in conditioner, gel, or curl refreshing spray before creating these spikes. Run a small amount of hair mousse through your hair and spike out your curls. As a result, the shape will be more defined, and you will be able to fix the styling for the rest of the day.
11. Low Taper and Textured Curls
Your natural texture will be accentuated with a haircut that gradually taper’s from the top to the sides and back of the head. It’s all about the right hair care and styling to achieve this look. A hydrating shampoo and conditioner will leave your hair silky. If your hair is still soaking wet, use a curling cream or gel to style it. A diffuser can be used to blow dry.
12. Buzz Cut with a Skin Fade
With its skin fade and close-cropped buzz cut, this style gives a barely-there appearance. However, if you have a square face shape, you can create an elongation with a long beard.
13. Temple Fade and Cornrows
This hairstyle requires longer hair to be braided in cornrows. An ultra-stylish and unique look is achieved by combining a taper fade with clean lines and shaved temples. Your natural hair should also be nourished and hydrated with a hydrating spray.
14. Cropped Afro with a Low Taper
Stick to the classic styles if you don’t enjoy intricate braids, locs, and twists. They are timelessly stylish and alluring. The bottom of your head and temples should be buzzed to the length of the low taper fade. Keep it polished and refined with regular trimming.
15. Caesar Fade
For men with kinky hair who want a polished short haircut, this is an excellent reference. Line-ups will bring sharp lines to the look, so it’s best to accentuate them. Adding a neatly trimmed beard to the hairstyle is also a good idea.
All these looks are textured, allowing you to highlight your natural features and stand out.
Asking Your Barber for a Low Taper Fade
Request a low fade with a gradual taper and volume on top
Specify to your barber that you want plenty of volume on top and a low fade at the nape of your neck. In a low taper fade, the shortest hair is usually 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) long. Use the #2 clippers to get this length.
- Your barber’s recommendations and your personal style will determine how you treat the hair on top. There is often a “fringe” or “textured” cut on top of low taper fades to add volume and facilitate styling.
- Ensure your hair is clean and tangle-free before your barber’s appointment by washing, brushing, and thoroughly drying it.
Bring a reference photo to show the barber what you want
It can be difficult to put your exact cut into words, so when in doubt, let pictures do the talking. You won’t have to translate hairstyle jargon to your barber if you show them photos of the cut you want. Make sure you have some photos saved when you walk into the salon. Browse TikTok or Instagram for the perfect low taper fade, then have them with you when you arrive.
- Take a look at the reference photos and pick and choose elements you like. On top, you might want one photo’s texture, another’s sideburns, and another’s fade.
Also read: Taper vs. Fade
Ask for your barber’s advice and listen to their expertise
In general, barbers know which cuts look best on what kinds of faces and hair types, as they have plenty of training and experience. Your barber might suggest tweaks to your style even if you have the perfect reference photo. If you want their advice on your preferred style, don’t be afraid to ask them.
- The final decision is up to you, since it’s your hair and your money. You can have any haircut you like if you’re determined to have it! In the worst case scenario, you will have to grow it out and recut it.
Low fade vs taper fade: What’s the difference?
Taper fades are a combination of taper and fade. I think it’s best to briefly explain how taper and fade haircuts differ: In a taper haircut, the length of the hair gradually decreases from top to bottom. It is natural and without hard edges to transition from longer to shorter hair.
The back and sides of the head become shorter as they approach the neck.
There is a greater contrast between the two hairstyles in the fade haircut. There is a significant shortening of the hair from top to bottom. It is common to shave down to the skin the shortest hair length. In addition to low fades, mid fades, high fades, and skin fades, there are other fade styles available. Different transitions have different heights and intensities.
