The taper is more than just a haircut; it's an institution in African-American barbershops since the 80s. Versatile and clean, it adapts to almost all types of kinky hair (4A, 4B, 4C) and all lifestyles. But behind the generic term 'taper,' there's actually a large family of variations, from the classic taper fade that gently skims the skin, to the skin fade that shaves down to bare skin, and the burst fade that arcs around the ear. In this guide, we've selected the 10 most popular and sought-after taper styles.
1 – The Taper Fade
PHOTO - Chadwick Boseman
The taper fade is the foundational and most versatile version of the family. Unlike the skin fade, it fades the hair from shortest to longest without going down to the skin; the transition remains within the hair lengths. The sides gradually taper downwards, creating a subtle and refined fade. It can start high, low, or mid-height depending on preference. This is the ideal cut for professionals who want a clean style without too much of a shaved effect.
Maintenance Tip
- Moisturize the top 2 to 3 times a week with a leave-in cream to maintain curl definition.
- Frequency: Every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain the cleanliness of the fade.
Do not confuse with a skin fade when briefing your barber; the taper does not go down to the skin.
2 – The Low Fade
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The low fade starts just above the ears and descends towards the nape of the neck in a discreet and gradual transition. It's the most subtle of fades; the result is elegant, refined, almost invisible at first glance. It can transition down to the skin (skin) or remain within the hair lengths (taper). Accessible, it pairs well with buzz cuts, short curls, twists, or waves and is perfectly suited for professional environments.
Maintenance Tip
- Apply a light gel or twist-out cream to the top to define curls and create a subtle contrast with the sides.
- Frequency: Refresh every 2 to 4 weeks depending on hair growth speed.
3 – The High Fade
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The high fade is the boldest and most modern version of the fade; it starts very high on the head, well above the temples, creating a striking contrast with the top. The sides are almost shaved, while the top maintains a defined afro volume. It's a trendy choice, widely photographed on social media, that infuses a bold and rebellious element into the look. It pairs perfectly with afros, high tops, and buzz cuts.
Maintenance Tip
- Thoroughly moisturize and define the top with a styling cream or light gel to maximize contrast with the shaved sides.
- Frequency: Frequent maintenance: every 1 to 2 weeks to keep the fade impeccable.
4 – The Mid Fade
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The mid fade is the perfect balance between the low and high fade; it starts at the temples and offers visible definition without being radical. A favorite version for many due to its versatility, it combines the youthful energy of the high fade and the mature sophistication of the low fade. It pairs well with afros, high tops, thick twists, and mohawks for a fresh and contemporary result.
Maintenance Tip
- Combine a twist-out or wash-and-go on top to maximize volume and contrast with the sides.
- Frequency: Every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain a clean fade.
5 – The Skin Fade (Bald Fade)
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The skin fade, also called bald fade, takes the fade down to the bare skin. The sides and nape are blended with clippers and then finished with a razor for a smooth, clean, uncompromising finish. The contrast level is maximal, and the result requires precision and expertise. It's a fresh, very neat summer look that requires more frequent visits to the barber to stay impeccable.
Maintenance Tip
- Apply a light oil to shaved areas after each session to moisturize the scalp and prevent irritation or ingrown hairs.
- Frequency: Mandatory visit every 1 to 2 weeks - regrowth is very visible on a skin fade.
Never neglect shaved areas; without regular hydration, the scalp can dry out and irritations may appear.
6 – The High Top Fade
PHOTO - Pinterest
The high top fade is an iconic 80s style making a strong comeback with modern barbering techniques. The top is left long, structured, and sculpted into a high, flattened shape — sometimes 4 to 6 inches — while the sides and nape are faded to create a dramatic contrast. Combined with a skin fade or temp fade, it creates an illusion of extra height. For a more mature version, keep the top shorter and parallel.
Maintenance Tip
- The top's structure requires a strong hold cream applied to damp hair. Rework the shape every morning with an afro pick.
- Frequency: Visit the barber every 2 to 3 weeks to reshape the top and refresh the sides.
Do not let the shape collapse without maintenance; the high top loses all its impact if the structure is not maintained daily.
7 – The Buzz Cut Fade
PHOTO - Pinterest
The buzz cut fade is the perfect fusion of functional military style and modern barbering. The top is cut short and uniform — like a classic buzz cut — while the sides incorporate a high-contrast fade for a clean and contemporary finish. Simple, athletic, and effortless, it suits both casual daily wear and professional or formal environments. One of the most low-maintenance styles on this list.
Maintenance Tip
- Apply a light moisturizer or light oil to the entire head 2 to 3 times a week to maintain a healthy scalp.
- Frequency: Every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain the cleanliness of the blend and the uniformity of the top.
8 – The Long Taper with Twists or Locks
PHOTO - Pinterest
This style combines the clean fade on the sides with significant length on top, worn in twists, mini-locks, starter locks, or free curls. It is both a protective hairstyle and a statement style. The contrast between the short sides and the structured lengths on top is elegant and distinctive. Ideal for those in a hair transition phase or growing out their hair.
Maintenance Tip
- Moisturize twists or locks with a light oil (castor, jojoba, argan) 2 to 3 times a week. Do not pull on the roots.
- Frequency: Retwist every 3 to 6 weeks. Sides to be refreshed every 2 to 3 weeks.
Avoid overly tight or too frequent retwists; excessive tension on the scalp can cause traction (alopecia).
9 – The Round Afro Taper (Natural Afro Taper)
PHOTO - Pinterest
This style celebrates the natural volume of kinky hair in its most authentic form: a majestic, rounded dome on top, with slightly faded sides to refine the silhouette. The longer the afro and the higher the fade, the bolder and more assertive the style. This cut highlights natural texture, whether short with tight curls or long with a rounded afro.
Maintenance Tip
- Hydrate generously with the LOC method (liquid, oil, cream). An afro pick is essential to maintain the round, airy shape.
- Frequency: Daily or alternate-day hydration. Restyle every morning with the pick.
Never comb dry hair; always moisturize before detangling to prevent breakage and split ends.
10 – The Burst Fade
PHOTO - Pinterest
The burst fade is a modern and spectacular variation distinguished by its explosive effect around the ear. The fade forms a semi-circular arc that radiates from the ear upwards and forwards, intentionally leaving more hair at the nape. Unlike the drop fade, which curves downwards, the burst fade concentrates most of the fade around and in front of the ear. It pairs particularly well with a textured afro mohawk, thick twists, or voluminous curls on top.
Maintenance Tip
- Moisturize the top with a defining cream to maintain the volume and definition of curls or twists that contrast with the sides.
- Frequency: Every 1 to 2 weeks, as the burst fade's arc quickly loses its precision with regrowth.
Do not ask an inexperienced barber for a burst fade; the curve around the ear requires precise clipper mastery.
Which Taper Suits You?
The taper family is vast, and that's precisely what makes it the most universal hairstyle for men with kinky hair. From the classic taper fade that doesn't touch the skin, to the shaved skin fade, to the iconic high top fade or the minimalist buzz cut fade, each style says something different about you.
Here's how to choose quickly:
- You want a subtle style → Taper Fade or Low Fade
- You like to stand out → High Fade, High Top Fade, or Skin Fade
- You're looking for a balanced compromise → Mid Fade or Burst Fade
- You want low-maintenance → Buzz Cut Fade
- You are transitioning or growing out your hair → Long Taper with Twists
- You celebrate your natural hair → Natural Afro Taper
Whatever your choice, the key is to entrust your cut to someone who understands the specificities of kinky hair—its texture, density, and shrinkage—to adapt every detail of the fade to your head shape.
