High Taper Fade: 35+ Best Haircuts & Top Trends for Men 2025

Finding the perfect haircut can be a challenge, especially when you want something trendy, versatile, and low-maintenance. For men, choosing a style that suits your face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle can seem overwhelming with so many options available. Whether you have curly, straight, or textured hair, getting the right haircut can make a huge difference in your overall look and confidence.

One of the most popular and stylish options in 2025 is the high taper fade. This haircut offers the perfect balance between style and simplicity. The clean lines of the taper blend seamlessly with the longer hair on top, making it a great choice for any man looking to stay on trend while maintaining a professional and sharp appearance. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the high taper fade, including styles for every hair type, tips for maintaining your fade, and the best products to use.

What is a High Taper Fade?

Key Characteristics of the High Taper Haircut

This style is defined by a gradual transition from long hair on top to shorter hair around the sides and back. The fade starts high, typically above the ears, and gradually blends into the skin or shorter hair, creating a clean and sharp contrast. The hallmark of this style is the precision involved in fading, ensuring that the hair blends seamlessly with no harsh lines.

Versatility: It works for various hair types, from curly to straight.
Sharp Contrast: Creates a noticeable yet smooth transition between the top and sides.
Clean Finish: Ideal for men who prefer a neat, well-groomed appearance.

Why Choose a High Taper Fade Haircut in 2025?

Being a professional hairstylist, I experienced that with its stylish and polished look, this style is a top choice for men in 2025. Here’s why:

Trendy and Modern: This haircut is favored for its ability to stay on-trend without requiring high maintenance.
Adaptable to Various Styles: From classic looks to modern textures, this fade can be tailored to suit your style.
Low Maintenance: While it looks sharp and clean, it doesn’t demand constant styling, making it a practical choice for busy men.

Popular High Taper Fade Haircuts for Men in 2025

Being a professional hairstylist, I experienced in the fashion industry that the haircuts given below are the best, and most people like these styles. You can easily choose your hairstyle in the given useful guides below that suit your personality. If you want to further enhance your looks then try eyebrow slit along with high taper fade. Here’s the complete guide:

1. Modern High Taper Fade

This style is all about keeping things sharp yet flexible. The fade starts high, with the hair gradually shortening from the temples down, while the top is kept longer for easy styling.

Face Type: Great for oval and rectangular faces.
Hair Type: Works well with straight or wavy hair.
Hair Texture: Medium to fine hair is ideal.
Hair Length: Medium length on top, short on the sides.
Occasion: Perfect for both casual and formal settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a lightweight pomade to add shine and hold to the longer hair on top.

2. Textured High Taper Haircut

This style keeps the top of the hair full of texture while the sides are tapered for a neat finish. It’s perfect for those who like a little more volume and structure on top but want the clean look of a taper fade.

Face Type: Ideal for square and round faces.
Hair Type: Best suited for thick, straight, or wavy hair.
Hair Texture: Works best with coarse hair textures.
Hair Length: Medium length on top with short sides.
Occasion: Great for everyday wear or even professional settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a texturizing spray or matte clay to enhance the volume and definition.

3. Curly High Taper Haircut

Men with naturally curly hair can still rock a high taper fade! The curly high taper keeps the curls on top, giving them shape and structure, while the sides are faded for a sharp contrast.

Face Type: Best for oval or heart-shaped faces.
Hair Type: Ideal for curly or coily hair.
Hair Texture: Works well with medium to thick curls.
Hair Length: Medium length on top, short on the sides.
Occasion: Suitable for casual settings or more formal environments.
Product Recommendation: Use a curl-enhancing cream to keep curls defined and bouncy.

4. High Taper Pompadour

The High Taper Pompadour is a classic style that combines the high taper with a voluminous pompadour on top. It’s perfect for those who want a sophisticated look with a modern twist.

Face Type: Ideal for square or oval faces.
Hair Type: Best for thick, straight, or wavy hair.
Hair Texture: Works best with medium to thick textures.
Hair Length: Long on top, short on the sides.
Occasion: Great for formal events and professional settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a high-hold pomade to style the pompadour and maintain its volume.

5. High Taper with Textured Fringe

This style offers a stylish and edgy look. The fringe is kept textured for a messy yet controlled appearance, while the sides are tapered high for a clean finish.

Face Type: Suits oval and rectangular face shapes.
Hair Type: Works well for straight or slightly wavy hair.
Hair Texture: Best for medium to thick hair.
Hair Length: Medium on top with short sides.
Occasion: Ideal for casual outings or a relaxed office environment.
Product Recommendation: Use a lightweight texturizing cream to keep the fringe in place without making it too stiff.

6. High Taper Undercut

This is a bold style that contrasts longer hair on top with short, tapered sides. The undercut adds an extra element of sharpness, making this look stand out.

Face Type: Best for oval and triangular face shapes.
Hair Type: Works for straight, wavy, or curly hair.
Hair Texture: Medium to coarse textures are ideal.
Hair Length: Long on top, short on the sides.
Occasion: Suitable for trendy, casual, or business settings.
Product Recommendation: A strong-hold gel or pomade is great for styling and defining the top while keeping the undercut sharp.

7. High Taper Mohawk

This style is a great choice for those who want to balance boldness with neatness.

Face Type: Best for oval or diamond face shapes.
Hair Type: Ideal for thick or coarse hair.
Hair Texture: Works well with straight or tightly curled hair.
Hair Length: Medium to long hair down the center, short on the sides.
Occasion: Ideal for casual or bold fashion statements.
Product Recommendation: Use a high-hold gel to keep the mohawk in place and looking sharp all day.

8. High Taper Crop

This is a clean, short hairstyle that features a cropped top with a high taper fade on the sides. This style is low-maintenance but looks stylish and modern.

Face Type: Best for square and round face shapes.
Hair Type: Works well with straight or wavy hair.
Hair Texture: Ideal for medium to thick hair textures.
Hair Length: Short on top with a high fade taper on the sides.
Occasion: Perfect for both casual and professional settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a matte paste or styling clay for a natural, textured finish.

9. High Taper with Waves

This style incorporates natural or styled waves with a high fade taper, creating a balance between a neat fade and the movement of waves on top.

Face Type: Best for oval and square faces.
Hair Type: Works best for wavy or curly hair types.
Hair Texture: Suitable for medium to coarse textures.
Hair Length: Medium length on top, short on the sides.
Occasion: Ideal for everyday wear, from casual outings to professional environments.
Product Recommendation: Use a wave pomade to maintain the wave definition and shine.

10. High Taper Slick Back

It’s a sleek, polished look where the top is combed back smoothly while the sides feature a sharp taper fade for contrast. This style is perfect for men who prefer a sophisticated appearance.

Face Type: Complements oval or square face shapes.
Hair Type: Works best with straight hair.
Hair Texture: Ideal for medium to thick hair textures.
Hair Length: Long on top, short on the sides.
Occasion: Suitable for formal settings or professional environments.
Product Recommendation: Use a high-shine pomade to achieve the slicked-back look.

11. High Taper Side Part

The style is a classic and timeless haircut that features a defined side part with a high fade taper. This style is easy to maintain and looks sharp.

Face Type: Best for square or oval faces.
Hair Type: Ideal for straight or wavy hair.
Hair Texture: Works best with fine to medium textures.
Hair Length: Medium on top with a part, short on the sides.
Occasion: Perfect for formal or professional settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a medium-hold gel or pomade to keep the part clean and neat.

12. High Taper with Design

For those who like to make a statement, the High Taper with Design incorporates unique designs shaved into the tapered sides. This style adds a personalized touch to your haircut.

Face Type: Suits all face shapes depending on the design.
Hair Type: Works for all hair types.
Hair Texture: Suitable for medium to coarse textures.
Hair Length: Short on the sides with designs, medium to long on top.
Occasion: Great for bold fashion statements or casual settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a styling gel or wax to maintain the top while keeping the design sharp.

13. High Taper with Braids

This style blends the clean look of a sharp taper fade with the boldness of braids on top. It’s a perfect fusion of neatness and creativity.

Face Type: Best for oval and heart-shaped faces.
Hair Type: Works best with thick, curly, or coily hair.
Hair Texture: Ideal for coarse hair textures.
Hair Length: Medium to long for braids on top, short on the sides.
Occasion: Suitable for casual, trendy, or semi-formal occasions.
Product Recommendation: Use braid oil and pomade to keep both the braids and taper looking fresh.

14. Short High Taper Fade

This is a simple, no-nonsense style for those who prefer a low-maintenance haircut. The hair is kept short all over with a clean taper on the sides.

Face Type: Best for square or round faces.
Hair Type: Works with all hair types.
Hair Texture: Ideal for fine to medium textures.
Hair Length: Short all over with a high fade.
Occasion: Perfect for professional and everyday casual settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a light styling balm to keep the hair neat and in place.

15. With Line Up

This style adds a sharp line-up, creating a bold, defined edge around the hairline and sides.

Face Type: Ideal for square or rectangular faces.
Hair Type: Best for straight or slightly wavy hair.
Hair Texture: Works well with medium textures.
Hair Length: Short to medium on top with a clean line-up.
Occasion: Perfect for casual or semi-formal occasions.
Product Recommendation: Use a medium-hold gel to define the line-up and keep the top in place.

16. With Textured Top

This style keeps the top full of texture while the sides are neatly tapered for a balanced look. It’s ideal for men who like a bit of volume and texture.

Face Type: Best for oval or round faces.
Hair Type: Works well for thick, straight, or wavy hair.
Hair Texture: Best for coarse or thick hair.
Hair Length: Medium on top with a high taper on the sides.
Occasion: Great for everyday wear or professional settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a texturizing spray or styling cream for a natural, textured finish.

17. High Taper Fade with Color

Add a pop of color to your sharp taper fade for a bold, unique look. This style incorporates vibrant or subtle hues while keeping the fade sharp and clean.

Face Type: Best for oval or heart-shaped faces.
Hair Type: Works with all hair types.
Hair Texture: Ideal for medium to thick textures.
Hair Length: Medium on top, short on the sides.
Occasion: Perfect for casual or creative environments.
Product Recommendation: Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to maintain vibrancy and shine.

18. With Part

This style adds a clean part to this High-Gradient Taper, creating a sleek, sophisticated look. The part can be styled in various ways, making it a versatile addition to any fade.

Face Type: Ideal for oval and square faces.
Hair Type: Works best with straight or wavy hair.
Hair Texture: Suitable for medium to fine textures.
Hair Length: Medium to short on top with a distinct part.
Occasion: Perfect for professional and formal settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a high-hold pomade to keep the part clean and the hair in place.

19. High Taper Fade with Quiff

This is a stylish combination that merges the classic quiff on top with a clean, high fade on the sides. This hairstyle adds volume and texture, giving a bold yet polished look.

Face Type: Best for oval or square faces.
Hair Type: Ideal for straight or slightly wavy hair.
Hair Texture: Works best with medium to thick hair.
Hair Length: Medium on top with short tapered sides.
Occasion: Suitable for formal, business, and casual settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a volumizing mousse or pomade for styling the quiff and keeping the taper sharp.

20. With Spiky Hair

This is a bold style that features textured spikes on top with a sharp, high taper fade on the sides. This look is perfect for men seeking an edgy, fashionable style.

Face Type: Best for oval or round face shapes.
Hair Type: Ideal for thick, straight, or slightly wavy hair.
Hair Texture: Medium to coarse textures work best.
Hair Length: Medium length on top, short on the sides.
Occasion: Great for casual or trendy events.
Product Recommendation: Use a strong-hold gel or wax to keep the spikes defined and in place.

21. High Taper Fade with Faux Hawk

This style offers a more subtle take on the traditional mohawk, with a gradual fade on the sides and a textured top for a sleek, modern look.

Face Type: Ideal for oval or triangular faces.
Hair Type: Works well with thick or coarse hair.
Hair Texture: Best for medium to coarse hair textures.
Hair Length: Medium to long on top with short sides.
Occasion: Suitable for casual, trendy settings or nights out.
Product Recommendation: Use matte styling clay to define the faux hawk without adding too much shine.

22. Burst High Taper Fade

This is an edgy and modern style that creates a unique, rounded fade around the ear area, offering a standout look. It’s a versatile haircut that pairs well with different hair lengths and textures, making it a popular choice for those looking to add a creative edge to their taper.

Face Type: Ideal for round, oval, or diamond face shapes.
Hair Type: Works well with straight, wavy, or curly hair.
Hair Texture: Suits medium to thick hair textures.
Hair Length: Short to medium on top, with the burst fade focusing around the ears.
Occasion: Great for casual or trendy looks, but can be styled for formal occasions.
Product Recommendation: Use a strong-hold gel or pomade to maintain the sleek finish of the top, especially if you’re going for a mohawk or spiky look with the burst fade.

Popular High Taper Fade Haircuts for Black Men

I experienced many different haircuts for black men, but some of the most famous styles that black men like are given below:

1. With Long Coils

This style features long, defined coils on top with a clean taper fade on the sides, giving a sharp contrast between the two.

Face Type: Suits oval and diamond face shapes.
Hair Type: Ideal for curly or coiled hair types.
Hair Texture: Works well with medium to coarse curls.
Hair Length: Medium to long coils on top, short on the sides.
Occasion: Perfect for casual or semi-formal settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a curl-enhancing cream to define and maintain the coils.

2. With Line-Up and Mid-Length Afro

High taper fade With Line-Up and Mid-Length Afro

A mid-length afro with a sharp line-up and high taper fade offers a modern twist on the classic afro style. The fade keeps the sides neat, while the line-up gives a defined edge.

Face Type: Best for oval and square faces.
Hair Type: Ideal for thick, curly hair.
Hair Texture: Works well with coiled or tight curls.
Hair Length: Medium-length afro on top with short sides.
Occasion: Great for casual or professional wear.
Product Recommendation: Use a leave-in conditioner to keep the afro soft and moisturized.

3. Textured Crop Top Fade

The Textured Crop Top Fade combines a textured crop on top with a sharp, high taper fade on the sides. This style is low-maintenance yet stylish.

Face Type: Ideal for oval or round faces.
Hair Type: Works best for thick or curly hair.
Hair Texture: Medium to coarse textures are ideal.
Hair Length: Short to medium on top with a fade on the sides.
Occasion: Perfect for casual or professional settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a matte texturizing spray to add definition to the crop.

4. With Long Twists

This style keeps long twists on top while maintaining a sharp taper fade on the sides for a neat, polished appearance. It offers a balance between boldness and clean lines.

Face Type: Suits oval and rectangular faces.
Hair Type: Best for thick, curly, or coiled hair.
Hair Texture: Ideal for coarse hair textures.
Hair Length: Long twists on top with short tapered sides.
Occasion: Great for casual or creative professional settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a twisting cream or loc gel to maintain the twists and keep them looking fresh.

5. Curly Taper Fade

This is perfect for those with natural curls, allowing the curls to be the focal point while the sides are kept clean with a taper fade.

Face Type: Best for oval or round faces.
Hair Type: Ideal for curly or coiled hair.
Hair Texture: Medium to coarse textures work best.
Hair Length: Medium on top, short on the sides.
Occasion: Suitable for casual or semi-formal occasions.
Product Recommendation: Use a curl-defining cream to keep the curls bouncy and hydrated.

6. 360 Waves with Temple Fade

360 waves are a popular style among Black men, and pairing them with a clean temple fade enhances the look by keeping the sides neat while the waves remain the focal point.

Face Type: Ideal for square and round face shapes.
Hair Type: Works best with wavy or coarse hair.
Hair Texture: Best for medium to coarse hair.
Hair Length: Short all over with waves on top.
Occasion: Great for casual and formal events.
Product Recommendation: Use wave pomade and a durag to maintain the wave pattern and keep the fade sharp.

7. Taper Braids Pony

This style combines tapered sides with braids that are tied back into a ponytail, offering a bold yet practical look for men with long hair.

Face Type: Best for oval or triangular faces.
Hair Type: Ideal for thick, coiled, or curly hair.
Hair Texture: Works well with coarse textures.
Hair Length: Long braids on top, short sides.
Occasion: Perfect for casual, trendy settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a braid oil to keep the braids smooth, and the taper fade sharp.

8. Drop Taper Fade

The Drop Taper Fade is defined by the gradual drop of the fade behind the ears, offering a unique and stylish twist to the classic taper.

Face Type: Best for oval or round faces.
Hair Type: Works for all hair types.
Hair Texture: Ideal for medium to coarse textures.
Hair Length: Medium to short on top with a drop fade on the sides.
Occasion: Great for casual or semi-formal settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a pomade to maintain the shine and hold of the top.

9. Textured Crew Cut Fade

This style combines a classic crew cut with a textured top and High-Contrast Taper Fade for a fresh and modern look.

Face Type: Suits square and oval face shapes.
Hair Type: Ideal for straight or wavy hair.
Hair Texture: Medium to fine textures work best.
Hair Length: Short on the sides with a textured top.
Occasion: Suitable for both professional and casual settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a matte paste for a natural, textured finish.

10. Short Curls with Undercut Design

This style features short curls on top paired with an undercut and a design on the sides, offering a creative and bold look.

Face Type: Best for round and oval faces.
Hair Type: Ideal for curly or coiled hair types.
Hair Texture: Works best with coarse textures.
Hair Length: Short curls on top with an undercut on the sides.
Occasion: Perfect for casual or creative environments.
Product Recommendation: Use a curl-defining cream to maintain the curls and a styling gel to keep the undercut design sharp.

11. With Rope Twists

Rope twists paired with a sharp taper fade offer a neat, structured look, keeping the twists as the focal point while the fade provides a clean contrast on the sides.

Face Type: Ideal for square and oval faces.
Hair Type: Best for thick, coiled, or curly hair.
Hair Texture: Medium to coarse textures work best.
Hair Length: Medium to long twists on top.
Occasion: Perfect for casual and semi-formal settings.
Product Recommendation: Use twisting cream or loc gel to maintain the twists and taper.

12. With Dreads

This style is a popular look that combines the boldness of dreadlocks with the clean, sharp look of a taper fade.

Face Type: Best for oval and round faces.
Hair Type: Ideal for thick, coiled, or curly hair types.
Hair Texture: Works well with coarse textures.
Hair Length: Medium to long dreads on top.
Occasion: Great for casual or creative professional settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a loc cream or oil to keep the dreads moisturized and the fade neat.

13. With Short Natural Hair

Short natural hair paired with a high fade taper creates a fresh and simple look, keeping the sides clean while the natural hair is left untouched on top.

Face Type: Ideal for square and oval face shapes.
Hair Type: Suitable for all hair types, especially natural black hair.
Hair Texture: Works best with tight curls or coils.
Hair Length: Short natural hair on top, short sides.
Occasion: Suitable for both casual and formal settings.
Product Recommendation: Use a curl sponge to maintain the natural curls and keep the fade sharp.

14. Dreadlocks with Bald Taper Fade

The Dreadlocks with Bald Taper Fade offers a bold contrast between the long dreads on top and a bald fade on the sides. This look is perfect for those who want to showcase their dreads while keeping a sharp, clean appearance.

Face Type: Best for round or oval face shapes.
Hair Type: Ideal for thick, coiled, or kinky hair.
Hair Texture: Works well with tight dreads.
Hair Length: Medium to long dreads on top with bald sides.
Occasion: Suitable for both casual and professional settings.
Product Recommendation: Use loc gel to keep the dreads defined and a scalp moisturizer to maintain the bald fade.

15. With Long Afro

This is a stylish and bold choice, combining the natural volume of an afro with the clean lines of a high taper fade. This style allows you to showcase your natural hair while keeping the sides sharp and neat.

Face Type: Ideal for oval and round faces.
Hair Type: Best suited for thick, natural, coiled hair types.
Hair Texture: Works well with coarse and tightly coiled textures.
Hair Length: Long afro on top, short sides.
Occasion: Perfect for casual settings and formal events.
Product Recommendation: Use a moisturizing curl cream or afro pick to keep the afro defined and hydrated.

Tips for Maintaining Your High Taper Fade Haircut

Maintaining a sharp taper fade requires regular care and attention to keep it looking sharp. Here are some of my experienced key tips:

Regular Trims: To keep the fade crisp, visit your barber every 2-3 weeks.
Moisturize the Scalp: Use lightweight oils or moisturizers, especially if you have coarse or curly hair, to keep your scalp and hair healthy.
Use a Soft Brush: Brushing daily helps to maintain your hair’s neat appearance, especially if you have short, wavy, or curly hair.
Minimal Product Usage: Avoid using too many heavy products that could weigh your hair down. Stick to lightweight creams or gels.
Durag or Headscarf: Use a durag at night to maintain waves or keep your hair neat.

The Importance of Finding the Right Barber for Taper Fades

Choosing the right barber is necessary to achieve a clean, sharp taper fade. Here’s why it’s important:

Experience: A skilled barber will know how to execute a high taper fade properly, ensuring the transition between hair lengths is smooth.
Personalized Touch: The right barber will consider your hair type, face shape, and personal style preferences to give you a customized look.
Consistency: A good barber will maintain consistency in each visit, ensuring that your taper fade looks just as sharp every time.
Precision and Clean Lines: An experienced barber will use precise cutting techniques to achieve clean lines, especially around the hairline and neck area.

Final Thoughts

The High Taper Fade is an incredibly versatile haircut that suits various hair types and face shapes just like burst fade mullet. Whether you prefer a sleek, polished look or something more textured and casual, this fade offers endless styling options. With the right barber, products, and maintenance routine, you can keep your sharp taper fade looking fresh and stylish for any occasion. If you’re looking for a bold, modern hairstyle that’s easy to maintain, the high taper fade is the perfect choice. There are other types of fades which you can check for a different look.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a High Taper Fade Haircut?

It’s a haircut where the hair gradually shortens from the top to the sides, with the fade starting higher up on the head, near the temples. It creates a clean, sharp transition between hair lengths, making it a popular choice for men.

2. How Do You Ask for a High Taper?

When asking for a high taper, tell your barber to start the fade just above the ears or higher and gradually blend it into the longer hair on top. You can also specify how much length you’d like to keep on top and whether you want any specific designs or textures.

3. How High Should a Taper Go?

A high taper typically starts near the temples and gradually blends downwards. However, the exact height can be customized based on your preferences and the look you’re going for.

4. How Long Does a High Taper Fade Last?

This taper fade lasts about 2 to 3 weeks before needing a touch-up to maintain the sharpness of the fade and keep the lines clean.