TheTaperFade.net is your go-to resource for men’s grooming expertise, and the mid taper fade is a prime example of a haircut that blends style with versatility.
This cut gradually transitions from short sides and back to a longer top, offering a balanced look that’s neither too high nor too low. Perfect for curly, wavy, or straight hair,
it suits various face shapes and lifestyles. Whether you prefer a sleek skin taper, a curved drop fade, or a bold burst fade, this style delivers. Drawing on deep barbering knowledge and the latest 2025 trends,
we share precise techniques, styling advice, and cultural context to help you master the mid taper fade and maintain its sharp appearance.
Key Features of the Mid Taper Fade:
- Gradual Fade: Unlike high or low fades, which cut the hair more drastically, the mid taper fade features a subtle, gradual fade that starts at a mid-point of the sides and back of the head.
- Versatile Length: The mid taper fade provides a lot of flexibility in terms of styling. You can keep the hair on the top longer for more styling options or trim it shorter for a more conservative look.
- Low Maintenance: Despite the attention to detail in achieving a clean fade, the mid taper fade is relatively low-maintenance, as it doesn’t require frequent touch-ups compared to very short or buzzed fades.
- Suitable for All Hair Types: Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coiled, the mid taper fade can be tailored to suit your natural texture, enhancing its overall appearance.
- Timeless and Stylish: This cut has been around for decades and continues to be popular due to its timeless look and the ability to adjust the fade to reflect both classic and modern sensibilities.
How to Style a Mid Taper Fade:
When it comes to styling the mid taper fade, the possibilities are nearly endless. The key to this hairstyle is balancing the length on the top with the fade on the sides. Below are a few common styling options:
- Pompadour with Mid Taper Fade:
A pompadour involves sweeping the hair back with volume, which contrasts beautifully with the faded sides. This style works especially well if you have thicker hair and want a bold, vintage-inspired look.
- Buzz Cut with Mid Taper Fade:
For those who prefer a more straightforward, no-fuss style, pairing a buzz cut with a medium taper fade creates a clean, minimalist aesthetic. It’s practical and requires little maintenance.
- Textured Crop with Mid Taper Fade:
A textured crop is ideal for creating a casual and trendy look. The hair on top is cut into layers or a choppy texture, which contrasts nicely with the smooth fade on the sides.
- Undercut with Mid Taper Fade:
An undercut is often paired with a taper fade to create a distinct contrast between the top and the sides. The longer top can be slicked back or styled into a quiff.
- Curly Hair with Mid Taper Fade:
The mid taper fade can be adapted to curly hair, leaving the curls longer on top for a voluminous, curly look. The fade on the sides and back adds structure to the hair, preventing it from appearing too bulky.
- Side Part with Mid Taper Fade:
A side part adds a refined touch to the mid taper fade. The longer hair on top is parted to one side, while the faded sides maintain the clean and sharp transition.
- Crew Cut with Mid Taper Fade:
The crew cut combined with a mid taper fade is an ideal low-maintenance yet polished look. The hair on top is short and tapered, and the sides are faded to blend seamlessly.
Popular Mid Fade Haircuts
Here is a detailed list of 40 different medium taper fade hairstyles, each offering a unique twist on the classic fade. These hairstyles provide ample variety in terms of length, texture, and styling options, making the medium taper fade versatile and adaptable to any individual’s personal style.
Classic Pompadour with Mid Taper Fade
The pompadour hairstyle features a voluminous top with hair swept back, while the medium taper fade on the sides and back creates a sharp contrast. This style is both retro and modern, with the fade enhancing the height and volume of the pompadour.
Ideal for: Men with thick, straight, or wavy hair looking for a timeless and polished look.
Buzz Cut with Mid Taper Fade
The buzz cut paired with a Mid taper fade offers a clean, minimalist look. The hair on top is clipped short, while the sides gradually fade from short to shorter. This style is easy to maintain and provides a sharp, well-groomed appearance.
Ideal for: Those who want a low-maintenance, no-nonsense haircut.
Short and Textured Top with Tapered Sides
This style combines a textured, choppy top with tapered sides. The medium fade on the sides helps to frame the face, while the messy, tousled hair on top adds volume and style.
Ideal for: Men with wavy or straight hair who enjoy a more casual and youthful look.
Curly Top with High Fade Sides
The hair on top is left longer and curly, while the sides gradually fade into a clean, sharp look. This hairstyle offers a mix of volume and structure, giving curly-haired men a well-defined style without losing their natural texture.
Ideal for: Curly-haired men who want to keep their curls but prefer a more polished edge.
Crew Cut with Mid Taper Fade
The crew cut, with its short, even top, is complemented by a medium taper fade on the sides and back. This look is simple, clean, and versatile, offering a timeless, military-inspired style.
Ideal for: Men with straight hair who prefer a clean, classic look.
Undercut with Mid Fade
The hair on top is left longer while the sides are shaved into an undercut, which blends into a medium taper fade. This hairstyle offers high contrast and is perfect for those who want a bold, attention-grabbing style.
Ideal for: Men who want a dramatic contrast between the top and sides.
Long Quiff with Mid Taper Fade
The quiff features a longer top that is styled upward and backward, paired with a medium taper fade on the sides. This creates a sophisticated yet edgy look, with the fade providing a smooth transition to the longer quiff.
Ideal for: Those with thick or textured hair who want volume and sophistication.
Modern Comb Over with Taper Fade
A side part is used to create a comb-over look, with the hair smoothly styled to one side. The medium taper fade on the sides offers a neat and clean finish. This style can be sleek or textured, depending on preference.
Ideal for: Professional men seeking a clean, formal look with a modern twist.
Slicked Back with Fade
The slicked-back hairstyle is paired with a medium taper fade, offering a sleek, polished appearance. The sides fade gradually, enhancing the neat and controlled look of the slicked-back hair.
Ideal for: Men with straight or wavy hair who prefer a stylish, refined appearance.
Textured Crop with Mid Taper Fade
The hair on top is cut in a textured crop, with short, choppy layers that add volume and depth. The sides are faded to a medium length, which complements the messy texture on top.
Ideal for: Those with straight or wavy hair who want an easy-to-maintain, trendy style.
Curly Fringe with Tapered Sides
The curly fringe on top is paired with medium fade sides. The curls on the front are left longer to create a natural, voluminous look, while the tapered sides provide balance and structure.
Ideal for: Men with curly hair who want a stylish yet low-maintenance haircut.
Ivy League Style with Mid Taper Fade
A refined look with short sides and a neatly combed top. The Ivy League cut is clean and sharp, with the medium fade blending the sides into the well-groomed hair on top.
Ideal for: Men who need a professional haircut that still offers a modern edge.
Buzzed Sides with Mid Fade and Textured Top
The sides are buzzed very short, but the top is left longer with a textured, choppy finish. The medium fade helps blend the contrast between the top and the sides.
Ideal for: Those who want a clean and easy-to-maintain style with some texture on top.
Pompadour with Fade and Side Part
A voluminous pompadour is styled with a defined side part. The medium fade on the sides creates a seamless transition from the longer hair on top to the shorter sides.
Ideal for: Those who enjoy classic hairstyles with a modern twist.
Flat Top with Mid Taper Fade
The flat top remains flat and angular, while the medium taper fade on the sides sharpens the look. This retro style has been modernized with a fade, providing a clean and defined appearance.
Ideal for: Men who want a bold, vintage-inspired look with a modern upgrade.
Side Swept with Mid Fade
The hair is styled to the side, with a subtle fade on the sides to create a balanced, clean look. The medium taper ensures the sides are short enough to offer structure while maintaining volume on top.
Ideal for: Those who prefer a neat yet stylish and effortless look.
Low Maintenance Buzz Cut with Mid Fade
This buzz cut is very short and paired with a medium fade on the sides. The result is a simple, low-maintenance haircut that still provides a sharp and defined appearance.
Ideal for: Men who need a no-fuss, clean cut.
Long Top with Fade Sides and Back
The hair on top is left longer to allow for a range of styles, while the sides and back are tapered into a medium fade. This look balances length and sharpness.
Ideal for: Men who want flexibility in styling the top but still enjoy a clean, tapered fade.
High Volume with Mid Fade
The top is styled with a lot of volume, using mousse or styling products for lift. The medium fade on the sides ensures the look remains clean and structured.
Ideal for: Those who want a bold, standout style with lots of texture and height.
Curly Afro with Tapered Sides
This style keeps the natural curls intact while tapering the sides for a more controlled look. The fade is subtle but helps give the curly afro structure.
Ideal for: Those with naturally curly hair who want to maintain volume but prefer a more refined appearance.
Tapered Fade with Slick Back
The hair is slicked back with a medium taper fade on the sides, making for a polished, slick look. This style works well for men with straight hair and gives a sophisticated edge.
Ideal for: Professional settings where you need to look sharp but still stylish.
Mid Fade with Mohawk
A bold Mohawk is paired with a medium fade on the sides. The sides are shaved into the fade, allowing the Mohawk to take center stage.
Ideal for: Those looking to make a statement with a high-energy, edgy hairstyle.
Shaved Sides with Tapered Mid Fade
The sides are shaved very short, while the medium fade blends into a slightly longer top. This style gives a sharp contrast between the sides and top.
Ideal for: Those who want a high-contrast, edgy appearance.
Faux Hawk with Mid Taper Fade
A faux hawk with a medium taper fade is a bold choice that gives a modern, spiky style on top with a clean, sharp fade on the sides.
Ideal for: Men looking for an attention-grabbing hairstyle with some edge.
Crew Cut with Clean Taper
A crew cut with a medium taper fade offers a structured, sharp look. The crew cut is short, neat, and well-groomed, with the fade providing a seamless transition.
Ideal for: Those who need a smart, low-maintenance style with clean lines.
Low Sides with High Volume on Top
The sides are faded to a medium length, while the top is styled with plenty of volume. This hairstyle creates a sharp contrast between the top and sides.
Ideal for: Those who want a dramatic height difference between the top and sides.
Textured Slick Back with Mid Fade
The slicked-back hairstyle is given texture with added volume on top, complemented by a medium fade on the sides. This creates a refined but relaxed look.
Ideal for: Those who want a sophisticated but not overly formal hairstyle.
Side Swept Bangs with Fade
The bangs are styled to one side, with the sides and back faded to medium length. The side-swept bangs add an element of youthfulness to the style.
Ideal for: Men who want a modern yet effortless hairstyle.
Modern Caesar Cut with Mid Taper Fade
The Caesar cut, known for its short fringe, is paired with a medium taper fade on the sides. This look is clean and easy to maintain while still looking sharp.
Ideal for: Those who like short, sharp haircuts with a bit of structure.
Clean Cut with Fade and Long Top
The hair on top is kept longer, while the sides are faded to a medium length. This style creates a balanced and professional look.
Ideal for: Those who need a sophisticated yet easy-to-maintain hairstyle.
Wavy Top with Tapered Sides
The top is left wavy and styled with volume, while the sides are tapered into a medium fade. This style combines texture with structure for a casual yet polished appearance.
Ideal for: Men with wavy hair who want to enhance their natural texture.
Short Spiky Top with Fade
A spiky, short top is paired with a medium fade on the sides. The spikes create an edgy, youthful appearance, while the fade offers clean lines.
Ideal for: Those who enjoy a bold, spiky look with a sharp fade.
Buzzed Sides with Pompadour on Top
The sides are buzzed short with a medium fade, while the top is styled into a pompadour. This style is a bold mix of modern and vintage.
Ideal for: Those looking for a high-contrast, voluminous hairstyle.
Faded Sides with Angular Top
The hair on top is cut into angular, sharp shapes while the sides are faded gradually. This creates a clean, geometric look.
Ideal for: Those who want a structured and angular appearance.
Hard Part with Mid Fade
A hard part is added to create a clear separation between the top and the faded sides. This adds extra definition to the fade.
Ideal for: Those looking for a clean, defined hairstyle with an edge.
Low Taper Fade with Textured Top
A low taper fade is paired with a textured, tousled top. This style is casual but structured, providing a balance of relaxed and neat.
Ideal for: Men who want a stylish, textured top with clean sides.
Shaggy Top with Mid Fade
A shaggy, layered top with a medium fade on the sides gives a laid-back, youthful style. The fade ensures the hairstyle remains sharp and defined.
Ideal for: Those with textured or wavy hair who want a bit of edge to their hairstyle.
Clean and Sharp Crew Cut with Fade
A crew cut with a medium fade is a simple yet sharp hairstyle. It’s clean, functional, and easy to maintain.
Ideal for: Those who need a practical, professional haircut.
Textured Crop with Side Part and Fade
A textured crop is styled with a side part, and the medium fade on the sides creates a seamless transition. This adds definition to the top while keeping the sides neat.
Ideal for: Those who want a relaxed, modern haircut with easy styling.
Messy Curls with Mid Fade
Natural curls are kept messy and voluminous on top, while the medium fade gives structure to the sides and back. This allows the curls to shine while maintaining a polished look.
Ideal for: Men with curly hair who want to show off their natural texture with a clean finish.
Mid Fade Haircut Guide
Variations and Styling
Types:
- Skin Fade: Tapers down to bare skin for a sharp, bold appearance. Works well for professional or edgy looks.
- Drop Fade: Curves downward behind the ears, creating a distinct arc. Best for round or oval face shapes.
- Burst Fade: Spreads outward from the ears in a semi-circle, highlighting sideburns or mohawk styles.
- Temp Fade: Focuses on the temple area, blending into sideburns for a clean, defined edge.
Styling Tips:
- Apply pomade or matte clay to damp hair for texture and hold.
- Blow-dry to add volume, especially for curly hair or pompadour styles.
- Pair with a comb-over, quiff, or crop for a versatile look.
- Keep lines sharp with weekly trims and daily brushing.
Haircut Techniques
Clipper Guards:
- Bottom: Use #0 (skin) or #1 (1/8 inch) near the neck and ears.
- Mid-Scalp: Transition with #2 (1/4 inch) or #3 (3/8 inch).
- Top: Use #4 (1/2 inch) or higher, or scissors for longer lengths.
Blending Techniques:
- Clipper-Over-Comb: Lift hair with a comb, clip over it to blend lengths smoothly.
- Flicking Motion: Flick clippers outward at transition points to avoid lines.
- Guard Switching: Move from #1 to #2, then #3, fading upward gradually.
- Shear Blending: Use scissors on top to merge with clipper-cut sides.
Tools Needed:
- Professional clippers, guards (#0–#4), blending shears, comb, mirror, cape.
History and Cultural Significance
- Origins: The mid fade emerged from military haircuts in the mid-20th century, gaining popularity in barbershops by the 1980s.
- Cultural Role: Widely adopted in Black communities for its versatility with textured hair, often paired with line-ups or designs. It reflects precision and style, blending streetwear and professional vibes.
- Broad Appeal: Used across cultures, particularly by Black men to enhance curls, waves, or afros, showcasing barbering artistry and cultural pride.
Step-by-Step Guide
For Barbers:
- Wash and dry hair. Set up clippers with #0 or #1 guard.
- Mark a guideline above the ears, below the crown.
- Clip from neckline to guideline with #0 or #1.
- Blend with #2, then #3, using a flicking motion.
- Cut top with scissors or #4+ guard, blending with shears.
- Refine edges with a T-blade, line up temples, clean neckline.
- Check symmetry with a mirror, adjust as needed.
For DIY:
- Gather clippers, guards, hand mirror, and work in a well-lit area.
- Start with #1 guard at neck and sides, moving upward.
- Blend with #2, then #3, up to mid-scalp.
- Cut top with clippers or scissors to desired length.
- Clean sideburns and neck with a T-blade or razor.
- Inspect for uneven spots, touch up as needed.
Maintenance:
- Trim every 1–2 weeks for sharpness.
- Wash weekly with sulfate-free shampoo.
- Use lightweight oil or conditioner for scalp health, especially textured hair.
- Brush daily with a boar-bristle brush to enhance waves or curls.
FAQ: Mid Taper Fade Haircut
What’s a mid taper fade haircut?
It’s a stylish men’s haircut where the hair gets shorter from the top down to the sides and back. The fade kicks in around the middle of the head, usually above the ears, blending longer hair up top with shorter sides for a sharp, versatile look.
Does a mid taper fade suit round faces?
Absolutely, it can work great for round faces. The extra length on top adds height, making the face look longer and less round. Tapering the sides keeps it neat, and styling the top with some volume really helps.
How’s a low taper different from a mid taper?
A low taper starts fading closer to the ears and neck, giving a subtle, classic vibe. A mid taper begins higher up, around the middle of the head, creating a bolder contrast between the top and sides. It’s more noticeable but not as intense as a high taper.
How long does a mid taper fade stay fresh?
You’re looking at about 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows. To keep the fade crisp, you’ll need regular trims, as the gradient can start to lose its shape as hair grows out.
Can curly hair pull off a mid taper fade?
Definitely! A mid taper fade looks awesome with curly hair. The fade gives a clean edge, letting the curls on top stand out. It works for all kinds of curls, but you’ll need to maintain it to keep the fade tight and curls on point.
Conclusion:
The Mid taper fade is a stylish, practical, and versatile haircut that can be adapted to various hair types and personal preferences. With its gradual transition from long to short, it’s a timeless look that can be both modern and classic, depending on how it’s styled. Whether you opt for a textured crop, a sleek pompadour, or a buzzed crew cut, the medium taper fade offers endless possibilities to suit your taste and