High Taper Fade Guide: Styles for Men with Photos

The high taper fade is one of the most stylish haircuts for men today. It’s sharp, clean, and works with almost any hair type. Whether you have straight hair, curly hair, or waves, a high taper fade can give you a modern, fresh look.

I still remember the first time I asked my barber for a taper fade. I wasn’t sure what to expect. All I knew was that my hair felt boring and outdated. The barber showed me a couple of variations, and when I saw myself in the mirror afterward, I felt like a brand-new person. That’s the magic of a good haircut—it boosts your confidence instantly.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the high taper fade, the different styles you can try, how to maintain it, and even how much it might cost. Plus, I’ll share some real-life tips that barbers don’t always tell you.

What Is a High Taper Fade?

A high taper fade is a haircut where the hair gradually shortens from the top down to the sides and back. Unlike a low taper that fades closer to the ear, a high taper starts higher on the head—usually around the temples.

The look is clean, professional, and stylish all at once. It’s often paired with textured tops, curls, or even long hair on top for a contrast.

One reason men love the high taper fade is its flexibility. It can make a casual look sharper, or it can give a formal style an edgy twist.

Why the High Taper Fade Is So Popular Now

There are many reasons this style is trending:

• Versatility: It works with different face shapes and hair types.

• Modern look: Celebrities, athletes, and influencers are rocking this cut.

• Easy maintenance: With proper trimming, it can last longer than you’d expect.

• Confidence boost: A sharp taper fade makes you look polished without being too formal.

I have a friend who works in a corporate office, and he swears by the high taper fade. It gives him a professional appearance, but when he goes out with friends, he can still style it into something trendy. That balance is what makes it timeless.

Styles of High Taper Fade for Men

Here’s a breakdown of popular high taper fade styles with simple explanations:

1. High Taper with Curly Top

Perfect for men with natural curls. The fade makes curls pop and adds definition.

2. High Taper with Wavy Hair

If your hair is naturally wavy, the taper keeps it neat while allowing movement on top.

3. High Taper with Textured Crop

Short, messy texture on top combined with a sharp taper looks stylish and easy to manage.

4. High Taper with Pompadour

For a bold style, leave more volume at the top and slick it back into a pompadour.

5. High Taper with Dreads or Braids

The fade keeps the sides clean while dreads or braids on top make a strong statement.

How to Do a Taper Fade (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re thinking of trying this at home or just want to know what your barber does, here’s a quick guide:

1. Start with clean, dry hair.

2. Choose the clipper guard size. For high tapers, most barbers begin with a #1 or #2 guard.

3. Begin the fade high on the sides. Start at the temples and move toward the back.

4. Blend the fade. Switch to longer guards as you move upward.

5. Line up the edges. Use trimmers for sharp lines near the ears and neckline.

6. Style the top. Add product depending on your chosen style—pomade for slick looks, curl cream for natural curls, or matte paste for texture.

Which Taper Fade Is Best for Males?

The best taper fade depends on your face shape and lifestyle:

• Round face: Go for a high taper with more volume on top—it elongates the face.

• Square face: A sharp taper highlights strong jawlines.

• Oval face: Almost any taper fade works.

• Busy lifestyle: A high taper with a crop is low maintenance.

Personally, I have a round face. When I tried a low taper, it didn’t make much difference. But once I switched to a high taper with volume on top, my face looked slimmer and sharper.

What Is the 2025 Fade Trend?

The fade trend in 2025 is all about personal expression. Here’s what’s popular this year:

• Skin tapers: Very sharp fades that go down to bare skin.

• Textured tops: More men are choosing messy, natural looks with clean fades.

• Afro tapers: A mix of natural curls with clean sides.

• Hybrid fades: Combining a high taper with design patterns or even color highlights.

Barbers say clients are asking for more “individual” fades—something that feels unique but easy to maintain.

What Is a 3 Fade Haircut?

A #3 fade means the shortest part of the fade is cut with a #3 clipper guard, leaving about 10 mm of hair. It’s longer than a #1 or #2 fade, so it looks softer but still neat.

If you’re new to fades, a #3 is a good place to start. It won’t be too extreme, but it will still look stylish.

Maintenance Tips for a High Taper Fade

Keeping your fade sharp is just as important as getting the cut. Here’s how to maintain it:

• Regular trims: Every 2–3 weeks to keep the fade clean.

• Moisturize your scalp: Especially if you go for skin fades.

• Use styling products: Light pomade, wax, or curl cream depending on hair type.

• Brush daily: Keeps the fade neat and prevents uneven growth.

I once skipped trims for over a month, thinking I could stretch it. My barber laughed when he saw me—it had grown out into a messy half-fade. Lesson learned: maintenance matters.

Cost Comparison: How Much Does a High Taper Fade Cost?

Prices vary depending on where you live and the barber’s skill level:

In my city, I pay about $35 for a fade at a local shop. A friend in New York pays nearly $80 for the same cut. The difference? The barber’s reputation and location.

More High Taper Fade Styles You Can Try

One of the best things about the high taper fade is that it never has to look the same. Your haircut can be your signature. Here are more styles worth trying:

High Taper with Side Part

This is a mix of old-school and modern. The taper fade keeps the sides neat, while the side part gives you that “gentleman” look. I once wore this style for a friend’s wedding. It looked formal in photos but still relaxed enough for the after-party.

High Taper with Spiky Hair

If you grew up in the 2000s, spiky hair was probably your go-to. Now, combine it with a taper fade, and it looks updated. A bit of gel or wax is all you need. It’s low effort but high impact.

High Taper with Slick Back

This one is bold. You need a little length on top, and some strong pomade to slick it back. The fade gives it balance so it doesn’t feel too heavy. If you want to make a strong first impression, this is your cut.

High Taper with Caesar Cut

Yes, you can combine both. Keep the fringe straight across (like a Caesar haircut) while the sides taper down. It works really well if you have a wider forehead or just want something unique.

My First Bad Taper Fade Experience

Not every haircut turns out perfect, and I think it’s worth sharing.

A few years ago, I went to a new barber without showing him any photo. I just said, “Can you give me a taper fade?” He nodded confidently. Twenty minutes later, I looked in the mirror and saw something closer to a bowl cut with uneven sides.

It taught me a lesson: always bring a reference photo. Barbers aren’t mind readers, and small details matter a lot in fades. Now, before every cut, I scroll through Instagram or Pinterest for inspiration and show the barber what I want. Trust me, it saves a lot of disappointment.

Products That Work Best with a High Taper Fade

Your fade looks sharp on its own, but the right product can take it to the next level. Here are some recommendations:

• Pomade: Best for slick, shiny looks like pompadours or slick backs.

• Matte clay or paste: Perfect for textured crops or spiky looks.

• Curl cream: If you’ve got natural curls or waves, this keeps them defined.

• Light hairspray: Helps keep volume in place without making hair stiff.

I personally keep two products at home: matte clay for everyday use, and pomade for events. It feels good to switch up the look depending on the day.

Why Barbers Love Giving Taper Fades

I once asked my barber why so many guys ask for taper fades. He said:
“Honestly, it’s because they suit almost everyone. Round faces, square faces, young guys, older guys—it works. Plus, it’s a haircut that makes people come back sooner for touch-ups. It’s good business and good style.”

That made sense. Taper fades grow out in a way that still looks decent, but once you see that clean line fading away, you want to book your next appointment.

A Quick Timeline: The Rise of the Fade

• 1940s: Military-inspired cuts become popular—short sides, longer tops.

• 1980s: Fades explode in hip-hop culture, with high tops and sharp edges.

• 2000s: More men experiment with low fades and skin fades.

• 2020s–2025: Tapers and hybrid fades dominate. Influencers and athletes push unique versions, making them more mainstream.

It’s fascinating how something as simple as a haircut can have cultural roots and evolve through decades.

Should You Try a High Taper Fade?

If you’re still unsure, ask yourself:

• Do I want a haircut that’s stylish but not “too much”?

• Do I need something that works in both casual and formal settings?

• Do I like changing up my top styles while keeping the sides neat?

If the answer is yes to at least one, then the high taper fade is worth trying.

When I finally switched to it full-time, I noticed people actually complimented me more. It wasn’t just family or close friends—even strangers at the gym or at coffee shops would say, “Nice cut, bro.” That never happened with my old basic trims.

FAQs About High Taper Fade

How to maintain a mullet fade vs taper fade?

Mullet fades need more styling at the back, while high tapers are simpler and more versatile.

Can you do a taper fade at home?

Yes, but it takes practice. Start with longer guards so mistakes aren’t too noticeable.

Does a taper fade work with receding hairlines?

Absolutely. It can actually make thinning hair less noticeable.

Final Thoughts

The high taper fade is more than just a haircut—it’s a statement. It shows that you care about looking sharp, but also want versatility. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or someone who just enjoys switching up styles, this cut works for everyone.

Every time I leave the barber’s chair with a fresh taper, I notice people compliment more. It’s not just about the look—it’s about the confidence it gives you.

So if you’re considering a high taper fade, go for it. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different tops—curls, waves, crops, or even pompadours.