More than mere memes: a group of related haircuts that blend the subtleness of tapers with the contrast of fades.


"Imagine if Ninja got a low taper fade."
-- ericdoa

"Imagine if Tfue got a high taper fade."
-- hpf


A popular family of haircuts that combine elements of both taper and fade styles, creating a modern yet classicly clean and polished appearance. Here’s what composes a taper fade: The taper involves a gradual decrease in hair length from the top of the head down to the sides and back, typically starting at the natural hairline and blending smoothly without harsh demarcations. A fade, on the other hand, is a more dramatic transition where the hair is cut very short and blends down to the skin, often resulting in a sharper contrast between lengths. The taper fade merges these two by keeping longer hair on top while gradually shortening the hair on the sides and back, blending it seamlessly into shorter lengths. This results in a look that is versatile for various hair types, as well as suitable for casual to professional settings. Varieties of taper fades include:

This cut requires regular upkeep to maintain its "blurriness," the smooth blending of the transitions from long to short hairs. While tapers tend to last longer than fades due to their subtle transitions, all three styles benefit from frequent visits to the barber to keep them looking fresh, typically every two to four weeks.




HairQuest 2024

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