15 Sharp High Taper Fade Haircuts

The high taper fade is a bold and clean haircut that starts the fade higher on the sides and back of the head, creating a sharp, defined look with striking contrast between the faded sections and the hair on top. Its popularity comes from its versatility; it works equally well on straight, wavy, and curly hair, allowing anyone to pull off the style with ease. Whether you’re aiming for a polished, professional appearance or a more trendsetting, fashion-forward vibe, the high taper fade can be adapted to fit your look, making it a go-to choice for modern men’s grooming.

Origins of the High Taper Fade

The high taper fade has its roots in military-inspired short back-and-sides cuts, originally designed to reflect sharpness, discipline, and practicality. As the style moved beyond the barracks, it gained mainstream popularity in barbershops during the 1980s and 1990s, becoming a defining look within hip-hop culture and urban fashion. Over time, the high taper fade cemented its place as a staple men’s haircut, evolving with fresh variations that cater to different hair textures and face shapes, ensuring it remains as relevant today as it was decades ago.

Key Considerations for High Taper Fade Haircuts

Hair Type

The high taper fade is an excellent choice for men with thick or coarse hair, as it adds structure and definition while keeping the overall style looking sharp. Curly or textured hair also pairs perfectly with this cut; the contrast between the tight fade on the sides and the natural volume on top creates a bold, eye-catching look that stands out.

Face Shape

The high taper fade can be especially flattering for round or oval face shapes, as the higher fade helps elongate the face and create a more balanced appearance. For those with square faces, pairing the high taper fade with a beard can soften strong angles and bring added harmony to the overall look. This makes the cut adaptable, ensuring it complements a wide range of facial features.

Maintenance Level

A high taper fade is a sharp, defined cut that needs regular upkeep to look its best. To maintain clean lines and a fresh fade, trims are usually recommended every 2–3 weeks. Styling products can also help elevate the look. Light clays work well for a natural, textured finish, while pomades or gels can provide more hold and shine depending on your preferred style.

Top 15 High Taper Fade Haircuts

1. High Taper Fade with Curly Top

A high taper fade with a curly top creates a bold contrast, with the fade starting high above the temples and blending into natural curls on top. This sharp yet textured style has been worn by celebrities like Odell Beckham Jr. and Michael B. Jordan, making it a standout choice for men who want both definition and personality in their haircut.

Suitable hair types: Best suited to naturally curly or wavy hair with medium to thick density. The height and texture of the curls balance the sharpness of the high fade, flattering oval, square, and round face shapes.

Styling tips: Keep curls defined with a curl-enhancing cream or mousse and maintain the fade with regular trims every 2-3 weeks. For added polish, finish with a light-hold styling spray to prevent frizz without weighing down the curls.

2. High Taper Fade with Buzz Cut

A high taper fade paired with a buzz cut creates a clean and low-maintenance look. The fade starts high above the temples and blends seamlessly into the ultra-short buzz on top, giving a sharp and disciplined finish. This minimalist style has roots in military grooming but has been embraced in modern fashion for its crisp, no-fuss appeal, and has been seen on stars like Zayn Malik and Drake, who’ve both rocked variations of the buzz cut with a sharp fade.

Suitable hair types: Works well for all hair types and densities, from straight to curly, as the hair is kept very short. This style is particularly flattering on oval, square, and heart-shaped faces, where the sharp lines enhance facial structure.

Styling tips: The beauty of this look lies in its simplicity. Minimal styling products are needed, just a lightweight matte moisturiser or scalp oil to keep the scalp healthy and hydrated. To maintain the precision of the fade, book trims every 2–3 weeks.

3. High Taper Fade with Textured Crop

A high taper fade with a textured crop is a modern, fashion-forward style that combines sharp sides with a choppy, layered top. The high fade creates clean contrast above the temples, while the textured crop on top adds movement and a casual, effortless vibe. This style has become a go-to for trendsetters and has been seen on celebrities like Cillian Murphy and Timothée Chalamet.

Suitable hair types: Best suited for straight to wavy hair with medium density, as the texture enhances the choppy, layered effect. It’s particularly flattering on round and oval face shapes, where the volume and texture on top elongate the face.

Styling tips: Use a matte clay or texturising paste to define the layers and create a tousled, natural look. For extra hold, finish with a light mist of texturising spray. Regular trims every 2–3 weeks keep the fade sharp while maintaining the structure of the crop.

4. High Taper Fade with Pompadour

A high taper fade with a pompadour combines vintage flair with modern sharpness. The high fade creates a clean, defined base that contrasts with the voluminous sweep of the pompadour on top. This bold, statement-making style is perfect for men who want to stand out, and it has been worn by style icons like David Beckham and Bruno Mars.

Suitable hair types: Works best with straight or slightly wavy hair that has medium to thick density, as the hair needs volume and hold to achieve the height of the pompadour. Ideal for oval and square face shapes, since the added height elongates the face and balances strong features.

Styling tips: Blow-dry the hair upward and backwards for lift, then use a strong-hold pomade or styling mousse to sculpt the pompadour. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to lock the style in place. To keep the look sharp, schedule trims every 2–3 weeks and maintain the volume with daily styling

5. High Taper Fade with Quiff

A high taper fade with a quiff is a stylish and versatile haircut that blends clean sides with a lifted, voluminous top. The high fade adds sharp contrast above the temples, while the quiff provides height and movement, making this look both classic and contemporary. Celebrities like Zac Efron and Harry Styles have sported variations of the quiff, showing its adaptability for both polished and more relaxed styles.

Suitable hair types: Best suited for straight to wavy hair with medium to thick density, as the hair needs enough structure to hold the quiff’s lift. This style is particularly flattering on round and oval face shapes, as the added height elongates the face.

Styling tips: Use a blow dryer to create volume at the front, then shape the quiff with a medium-hold pomade or clay for a natural finish. For extra hold, add a light hairspray. Keep the fade sharp with trims every 2–3 weeks and refresh the quiff daily for a consistently polished look.

6. High Taper Fade with Caesar Cut

A high taper fade with a Caesar cut is a timeless style that combines sharp sides with a short, straight fringe at the front. The high fade creates a clean and structured base, while the Caesar cut adds a distinctive edge that’s both practical and fashion-forward. This bold look has been popularised by stars like Gerard Butler and Eminem, who’ve showcased the cut’s versatility.

Suitable hair types: Works best on straight to slightly wavy hair with medium density, as the fringe needs definition and structure. It’s particularly flattering on oval and square face shapes, where the straight fringe balances proportions and frames the face.

Styling tips: Keep the fringe neat with a lightweight styling cream or matte paste to add subtle texture without too much shine. Regular trims every 2–3 weeks are essential to maintain both the sharp fade and the clean line of the Caesar fringe.

7. High Taper Fade with Long Top

A high taper fade with a long top strikes the perfect balance between sharp precision and styling freedom. The high fade keeps the sides clean and defined, while the longer hair on top allows for a wide range of looks from slicked-back and polished to tousled and casual. This versatile style has been worn by celebrities like Chris Hemsworth and Brad Pitt, who’ve both sported long-on-top cuts with faded sides. 

Suitable hair types: Works well on straight, wavy, or curly hair with medium to thick density. The longer top gives flexibility in styling and flatters most face shapes, especially oval and rectangular, as the added length balances proportions.

Styling tips: Use a hair dryer to shape the top in your preferred direction, then apply pomade or clay for structure, or mousse for natural volume. Keep the fade sharp with trims every 2–3 weeks while maintaining healthy length on top with regular conditioning.

8. High Taper Fade with Waves

A high taper fade with waves offers a stylish blend of clean edges and natural texture. The high fade creates sharp contrast on the sides and back, while the wavy hair on top adds movement and a relaxed, yet refined, look. This cut has been sported by celebrities like Trevor Noah and Jordan Fisher, who showcase how waves paired with a high fade can be both trendy and versatile.

Suitable hair types: Ideal for wavy or slightly curly hair with medium density, as the natural texture enhances the fade’s contrast. This style suits oval, square, and heart-shaped faces, helping to add height and balance to the overall appearance.

Styling tips: Use a light curl-enhancing cream or mousse to define waves without weighing them down. Finish with a small amount of matte pomade for hold and texture. Regular trims every 2–3 weeks will keep the fade crisp and the waves looking fresh.

9. High Taper Fade with Afro

A high taper fade with an Afro combines bold volume on top with sharp, clean sides for a standout look. The high fade emphasises the natural shape and texture of the Afro, creating a striking contrast that’s both modern and stylish. Celebrities like J. Cole and Michael B. Jordan have been seen rocking this look.

Suitable hair types: Best suited for tightly coiled or curly hair with medium to thick density. The high fade complements round, oval, and square face shapes, allowing the Afro’s volume to create a balanced and proportional appearance.

Styling tips: Keep the top well-moisturised with a curl cream or leave-in conditioner to maintain softness and definition. Regular trims every 2–3 weeks help maintain the sharpness of the fade while allowing the Afro to keep its natural shape and fullness.

10. High Taper Fade with Short Spikes

A high taper fade with short spikes is a bold, modern haircut that combines clean, sharp sides with textured, upward-pointing hair on top. The high fade creates a striking contrast, while the short spikes add a playful yet stylish edge. Celebrities like Justin Timberlake and Paul Mescal have been seen sporting variations of spiked fades.

Suitable hair types: Works best with straight to slightly wavy hair with medium density, as the hair needs enough texture to hold the spikes. This style flatters oval, square, and rectangular face shapes, adding height and definition to the overall look.

Styling tips: Apply a small amount of matte wax, pomade, or clay to damp hair and shape the spikes with your fingers. Finish with a light-hold hairspray if needed for extra hold. Keep the fade sharp with trims every 2–3 weeks to maintain contrast and precision.

11. High Taper Fade with Undercut

A high taper fade with an undercut is a bold, modern hairstyle that pairs clean, sharply faded sides with longer hair on top that can be styled in multiple ways. The high fade creates a striking contrast above the temples, while the undercut allows for versatility. Celebrities like Henry Cavill and David Beckham have famously worn variations of this style.

Suitable hair types: Works best with straight or wavy hair with medium to thick density. The longer top provides styling flexibility, and the high fade complements oval, square, and rectangular face shapes by adding definition to the sides while maintaining volume on top.

Styling tips: Use a pomade or clay to style the longer top and create texture or hold. Blow-drying can help achieve lift and shape. Regular trims every 2–3 weeks are essential to maintain the fade’s sharpness and keep the undercut looking clean.

12. High Taper Fade with Messy Texture

A high taper fade with messy texture combines clean, sharp sides with a deliberately tousled top for a relaxed, modern look. The high fade emphasises the contrast, while the messy texture adds movement and personality, making the style effortlessly stylish. Celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Robert Pattinson have been seen rocking this look.

Suitable hair types: Best suited for straight to wavy hair with medium density, as the texture on top holds shape while maintaining a natural, undone appearance. This style flatters oval, square, and heart-shaped faces by adding volume and height to balance facial features.

Styling tips: Use a lightweight matte paste, clay, or texturising cream to define layers and create separation. Fingerstyle the hair for a relaxed, messy effect, and schedule trims every 2–3 weeks to keep the fade crisp while maintaining the textured top.

13. High Taper Fade with Hard Part

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A high taper fade with a hard part is a sharp, stylish haircut that adds a defined line to separate the longer top from the faded sides. The high fade emphasises clean edges, while the hard part creates a striking, polished contrast that elevates the overall look. Celebrities like Zayn Malik and Joe Jonas have been seen sporting this cut, showing how a simple shaved line can make a modern fade stand out.

Suitable hair types: Works best with straight or slightly wavy hair with medium to thick density. This style is flattering on oval, square, and rectangular face shapes, as the hard part accentuates structure while maintaining a sleek silhouette.

Styling tips: Apply a pomade, wax, or clay to style the longer top and maintain hold. Use a comb to define the part clearly and keep the fade sharp with trims every 2–3 weeks. For added shine and control, finish with a light hairspray if desired.

14. High Taper Fade with Faux Hawk

A high taper fade with a faux hawk is an edgy, modern style that combines sharp, clean sides with a tapered strip of longer hair running from the front to the crown. The high fade accentuates the contrast, giving the faux hawk a bold, structured look without going full mohawk. Celebrities such as Lewis Hamilton have been seen sporting this style.

Suitable hair types: Best for straight to wavy hair with medium to thick density. This style suits oval, square, and rectangular face shapes, as the vertical line adds height and elongates the face.

Styling tips: Use a medium-hold clay or pomade to shape the faux hawk, lifting the front slightly for volume. Keep the fade sharp with trims every 2–3 weeks, and refresh the top as needed to maintain texture and definition.

15. High Taper Fade with Side-Swept Top

A high taper fade with a side-swept top blends classic sophistication with modern precision. The high fade keeps the sides clean and defined, while the top is styled to one side for a sleek, versatile look. Celebrities like Henry Cavill and Tom Holland have showcased this style, proving its appeal for both professional and casual settings.

Suitable hair types: Ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair with medium density. This cut flatters oval, square, and heart-shaped faces, with the side sweep adding softness and balance to facial features.

Styling tips: Apply a lightweight pomade or cream to damp hair and comb to one side for a polished finish. Blow-dry for volume if desired and maintain the fade with trims every 2–3 weeks to keep the sharp contrast intact.

Tips for Maintaining High Taper Fade Haircuts

Regular Trims

To keep your high taper fade looking sharp, it’s important to visit the barber every 2–3 weeks. Regular trims prevent the fade from growing out unevenly and maintain that clean, defined finish.

Use the Right Styling Products

The right products can make all the difference in your style. For structured, polished looks, reach for pomades or waxes. If you prefer a more natural finish with movement, lightweight creams or mousses work well to add texture without weighing the hair down.

Keep Edges Defined

Crisp edges elevate the overall appearance of a high taper fade. Keeping hairlines and beard lines well-groomed adds to the precision of the cut and ensures the style looks fresh between barber visits.

Maintain Volume

If you’re wearing more length on top, use volumising products like sprays or powders to enhance height and balance the contrast of the high fade. This not only adds shape but also helps highlight the sharpness of the fade on the sides.

Book Your High Taper Fade Appointment at Rush

Ready to upgrade your look with a sharp, professional high taper fade? At Rush, our expert barbers tailor every cut to suit your hair type, face shape, and personal style, ensuring you leave with a finish that’s both clean and confidence-boosting. Book your appointment at your nearest Rush salon today.