Taper Fade: The Complete Guide to the Hairstyle Everyone's Talking About
by Kadir Duran ︱ ︱ Reading time: 11 minutes
by Kadir Duran ︱ ︱ Reading time: 11 minutes
If you follow men's fashion, TikTok or visit barbershops in Scandinavia, there's one name you'll come across again and again: the taper fade . It's not just a hairstyle – it's a statement. A modern classic that combines sharpness with versatility, and works for everything from school days to parties.
But what exactly makes the taper fade so special? Why do so many young men choose this particular haircut? And what is the difference between low, mid and high taper fade ?
A taper fade is a gradual transition in hair length, where the hair goes from shorter on the sides and neck to longer on top. The transition is “faded” out in an elegant way, so the lines become soft and natural. It gives a clean, sharp finish, without the harsh contrasts you know from classic fades.
The great thing is that taper fades can be customized to your style:
Low taper fade → subtle and discreet, perfect if you want a professional and clean hairstyle.
Mid taper fade → the golden mean, where the sides get a significant lift, but without becoming too extreme.
High taper fade → most edgy and striking, where the contrast between the top and sides really stands out.
In the Nordics we see a clear trend: guys want a hairstyle that can look both casual in everyday life and clean for a party. The taper fade fits perfectly here because it offers flexibility. You can style the top with Matte Paste, Matte Pomade or Hair Powder to create different looks – everything from a natural “fluffy” hair to a tight slick back.
At the same time, the taper fade is timeless. It works for short hair, curly hair, wavy hair and longer lengths. That's why it's one of the most sought-after men's haircuts in Europe - and for good reason.
One of the reasons why the taper fade is so popular among young men is that it can be adapted to any situation. It looks equally sharp at school, at work, at the gym, or on a city trip. And most importantly: you can choose how bold you want it to be, so the hairstyle always matches your personality and style.