23 Cleanest High Taper Fade Haircuts for Men in 2025

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

A high taper fade is a men’s haircut with the sides cut gradually shorter, beginning at 2 inches maximum from the top of the hair down to the sides of the head. Guys everywhere are captivated by this versatile fade because of the remarkable contrast it creates when paired with any hairstyle!

High tops, combovers, man buns, quiffs, high and tight haircuts, and any other bold cut you can envision – all of these have proven to create a strong and tidy look when combined with a high taper fade. Zayn Malik’s spiked hair, Adam Levine’s undercut, and Channing Tatum’s brushed-back locks are just a few examples of how this fashionable fade has been successful and in vogue!

The sharp definition is best accomplished with thick hair since most sides will be trimmed away, allowing for greater versatility in styling. Utilize strong hold styling products like gels and pomades to enhance the benefits of this clean and sharp cut.

Eliminate the hesitation and explore these sought-after high taper fade haircuts for the contemporary, stylish man!

Photos
A Quiff with a High Taper Fade

#1 Chic Quiff with a High Fade

The combination that consistently wows! Showcase a bold style while maintaining a relaxed vibe. Keep the taper fade elevated to highlight the high, textured strands on top.

A Fresh High Taper Fade for Men with Wavy Hair

#2 Stylish High Taper for Wavy Hair

One of the top haircuts for males with curly hair is a cropped cut. This allows length to be preserved while creating a refined shape. Pair this cut with a high temple fade, and you’ll look exceptionally sharp. Avoid over-texturizing the top, as this will cause your curls to frizz. Ask your barber or stylist about finishing products.

A High Taper Fade with Textured Fringe for Men

#3 Contemporary High Taper with Textured Fringe

Explore a chic and modern men’s hairstyle – the high taper fade with textured fringe. This look features shorter sides merging gradually into longer hair on top for a stylish contrast. The fade is a versatile option that complements various face shapes and hair types, providing a clean and polished appearance. Incorporating a textured fringe enhances the hairstyle with texture and movement, giving it a relaxed and trendy feel.

A Mohawk with a High Taper Fade

#4 Edgy Mohawk Style

A stunning centerpiece is essential for a graduated fade. These taper haircuts represent the essence of daring individuality.

A High Taper Fade Comb Over Haircut

#5 Classic High Top Fade with Comb Over

Nothing embodies sophistication in men’s grooming like the classic high top fade with comb over. Style using a pomade or gel for a polished shine to maintain this tapered cut’s timeless appeal, while a fade on the sides brings a contemporary twist.

A High Taper Fade with a Spiky Top for Men

#6 Stylish High Taper with a Textured Top

A stylish high taper with a textured top is fashionable and low-maintenance! Ask your barber to use a texturizing technique on the top section of your hair. This will provide it a relaxed, voluminous appearance. Then, request point or razor cutting. Following that, a skin fade on the sides minimizes bulk and creates a contemporary blend. To style this appearance, spray Rockaway Salt Spray onto damp hair. Allow your hair to air dry. This will give you a matte, textured finish.

A Hard Part with a High Taper Fade

#7 Sharp Part with a Elevated Fade

The sleek shave comes flawlessly, featuring a distinct part that transitions into a compact faux hawk. You can style it up or down with this elevated fade haircut.

A Grey Curly High Taper for Older Men

#8 Curly High Taper Haircut for Mature Men

A curly high taper is a great and manageable style to keep for mature men. The curly top has been disconnected at the front to maintain a prominent fringe but blended at the back. It has been tapered around the edges for a polished finish and will grow out nicely. This is a low-maintenance haircut. A trim every 4-6 weeks will be sufficient to keep it looking sharp. A styling powder or a low-sheen paste will provide a natural look.

High Taper Fade with a High Top
Instagram @oh_mike_d

#9: High Taper Fade with a High Top

These flat top fades pair beautifully with shaved sides! This men’s taper fade hairstyle focuses on that top style. To achieve the look, request an all-around taper.

A Messy French Crop with High Taper Fade for Men

#10 Stylish French Crop with Taper Fade

Timeless styles endure. They can be updated to infuse your unique flair. We’ve introduced plenty of texture into the top of this stylish French crop for a tousled appearance. At the temple line, we’ve maintained a substantial blend. This assists in creating a smooth transition and provides more space for a taper. I would recommend using a quality styling powder for a natural look.

#11: Long Hair with Taper Fade

This haircut offers a versatile fade suitable for all hair types and styles – from waves to side parts or a man-bun, as shown above. What I appreciate about it is that you experience the best of both styles.

Tapered haircut with Textured Waves
Instagram @dario_d_bordon

#12: Tapered Haircut with Textured Waves

There is plenty to style, even with a notably short haircut. Stylist Dario did an excellent job on the waves and layers on this fade and taper haircut men appreciate.

a High Taper Fade for Men with Thick Hair

#13 Taper Fade for Thick Hair

If you’re open to a fresh look, consider this high taper for thick hair! I suggest asking your barber for a mid-taper on the sides and a short scissor cut on top. It should complement your hair texture and face shape. With a bit of thinning and texture, it will aid in reducing bulk and enhancing styling! To keep this high fade haircut looking sharp, you should schedule regular appointments with your barber every 2-4 weeks for optimal results.

a High Taper Fade with Fringe for Men

#14 Modern High Taper with Fringe

The modern high taper fade with fringe is a fashionable and contemporary haircut choice for men. This hairstyle features a gradually faded cut on the sides and back, creating a striking contrast with the longer hair on top. The fringe enhances versatility, allowing you to explore various styles and textures, while the high taper fade with fringe is particularly well-suited for men with thick hair, as it helps to minimize bulkiness and add depth. To keep the look fresh, aim to schedule regular trims, as these are essential for maintaining the sharpness of the fade and the definition of the fringe.

A Korean-Inspired High Taper Fade for Men

#15 Korean-Influenced High Taper

Asian hair has unique growth patterns when compared to Caucasian hair. The hair tends to grow straight and outward, leading to a different approach in fading techniques. This Korean-influenced haircut maintains a heavier top with a defined transition point. The client requested to keep some length on top. The fade has been kept low, allowing the barber to seamlessly transition it into the top, preserving the overall shape. If you’re uncertain about how to describe this style, it’s helpful to show this picture to your barber.

Sleek Back Hair
Instagram @virydbk

#16: Sleek Back Taper Haircut

This is an undercut fade, low maintenance, and fashionable, and it is easy to style. My favorite thing about this look is that it is chic and versatile. It’s very important to use styling products such as pomade or gel.

A Faded High Taper with a Line Up for Men

#17 Stylish Faded High Taper with a Line Up

If you’re looking to refresh your look, consider this faded taper with a line-up. This style is ideal for anyone seeking a fashionable appearance that provides versatility with its ability to be styled forward as a crop or swept back to keep your hair off the forehead. To maintain this look, ask your barber for a zero fade. It should blend to a manageable length up top that complements your hair type and lifestyle. Get excellent cutting tips for at-home care from your trusted hair professional.

A High Taper Fade with Longer Top for Dudes

#18 Longer Top with Tapered Sides

This stylish taper with added length on top appears quite trendy, don’t you think? To avoid any confusion, have an in-depth conversation with your barber. Share images of the hairstyle you desire. Additionally, inquire about products that can help you keep your look fresh at home. They will probably suggest a mid-fade cut. There will be ample hair remaining on top to provide definition.

A Short Crew Cut with a High Taper Fade

#19 Classic Crew Cut

I describe this look as a timeless, distinctive hairstyle. This specific comb-over haircut with a mid-bald fade is an excellent choice for someone who desires a stylish new appearance while maintaining a polished, professional vibe. My favorite aspect of this haircut is the “blurry” effect on the fade.

A High Taper Fade with Brushed Forward Fringe

#20 Fade with Textured Brushed Forward Fringe

If you’re in search of a fresh look, consider a haircut featuring a textured brushed forward fringe. This style gained popularity in London. It provides a departure from the side-parted hairstyles we’ve observed recently. It showcases a forward 3-4 inch top, a cropped fringe, and a bald mid-fade. To style this haircut, apply hair powder to dry hair. Use your hands to help achieve a dry, spiked texture.

Taper Fade
Instagram @davis_hair_cut

#21: Fade Haircut

A taper fade is one of the trendiest hairstyles for men these days. Ideal for spring and summer but still great throughout the year!

A High Taper Fade for Men with Thick Wavy Hair

#22 High Taper Fade for Luxurious Wavy Locks

I frequently receive requests for timeless styles. This high taper for luxurious wavy locks is exceptionally sought after. I recommend that with thick hair, keep the blend tight and elevated. This will promote healthier growth and maintain a neater appearance for an extended period. This look has been completed for a natural finish. I suggest using Crazy Bull Styling Powder.

A taper fade hairstyle for straight hair

#23 Stylish Taper Fade for Straight Hair

One of the styles that go well with a stylish taper fade is a fluffed-up top, which is great for building up texture. If you want to convey your inner rebel, a taper fade like this, and a messy top is a way to go.