Taper Fade on Sides | Men’s Haircut

The Taper fade on sides is one of the most versatile and polished men’s haircuts, offering a clean, gradual transition from longer hair on top to shorter sides. Unlike a skin fade that shaves down to bare skin, a taper fade maintains a more natural, blended look, making it suitable for professional and casual settings alike.

This guide explores how a taper fade on the sides works for different hair types—straight, curly, and short hair—along with styling tips and maintenance advice.

Taper Fade on Sides for Straight Hair

Straight hair offers a sleek, smooth canvas for a taper fade, allowing for sharp, defined lines and a polished finish.

Best Taper Fade Styles for Straight Hair:

✔ Classic Taper Fade – Clean, gradual fade with a side part for a professional look.
✔ Low Taper Fade – Starts just above the ear, keeping most of the hair intact.
✔ High Taper Fade – More dramatic contrast, fading higher up the sides.

Styling Tips:

• use hair products after consult with hair specialist .
• A blow dryer can add volume to straight hair.
• Regular trims (every 3-4 weeks) keep the fade sharp.

Best For: Office professionals, men who prefer a neat yet stylish look.

Taper Fade on Sides for Curly Hair

Curly hair requires a slightly different approach to prevent a bulky or uneven appearance. A well-executed taper fade enhances natural curls while keeping the sides tidy.

Best Taper Fade Styles for Curly Hair:

✔ Drop Taper Fade – Follows the natural curve of the head, preventing a “boxy” look.
✔ Temple Taper Fade – Focuses on tapering around the temples for a balanced shape.
✔ Mid Taper Fade – Balances volume on top with a gradual fade.

Styling Tips:

• Use a curl-defining cream to enhance texture.
• Avoid over-cutting—curls shrink when dry, so the fade should account for shrinkage.
• A line-up sharpens the edges for a cleaner finish.

Best For: Men with 3A-4C curl patterns who want structure without sacrificing volume.

Taper Fade on Sides for Short Hair

Short hair benefits from a taper fade by adding dimension and preventing a “blocky” appearance.

Best Taper Fade Styles for Short Hair:

✔ Buzz Cut Taper Fade – Ultra-short on top with tapered sides for a military-inspired look.
✔ Crop Cut Taper Fade – Textured top with a subtle fade for a modern touch.
✔ Caesar Cut Taper Fade – Short, uniform length with tapered sides for a timeless style.

Styling Tips:

• A light hair wax adds definition to short styles.
• Keep the neckline clean for a sharp appearance.
• Maintenance is key—short hair grows out quickly, so touch-ups every 2-3 weeks are ideal.

Best For: Men who prefer low-maintenance, high-impact haircuts.

Maintenance & Barber Tips

• Frequency: Touch up every 2-4 weeks depending on hair growth.
• Home Care: Use a boar bristle brush to train hair and maintain shape.
• Barber Communication: Show reference photos and specify fade height (low, mid, high).

Final Verdict: Who Should Get a Taper Fade on Sides?

✅ Straight Hair – Sharp, polished look.
✅ Curly Hair – Controlled volume with clean edges.
✅ Short Hair – Adds dimension to cropped styles.

Whether you want a professional office cut or a stylish everyday look, the taper fade on the sides adapts to your needs.