The low taper fade is a versatile and sleek hairstyle that continues to dominate trends in men’s grooming, especially for straight hair. Its ability to blend short, faded sides with longer hair on top creates a sharp and polished appearance. When paired with straight hair, the low taper fade offers a clean and modern look that can be customized to suit different styles and personalities.
This article delves into the low taper fade straight hair, highlighting its features, styling options, and maintenance tips. Whether you have naturally straight hair or prefer a neatly groomed look, the low taper fade is a classic choice that offers versatility and a sharp aesthetic.
What is a Low Taper Fade for Straight Hair?
A low taper fade is a haircut in which the sides and back of the head are faded gradually, starting from a shorter length near the ear and blending into longer hair on the top. The “low” aspect refers to where the fade begins, which is typically just above the ear or around the natural hairline.
For straight hair, the low taper fade offers a clean, structured appearance where the sides are short and neat, while the top retains a bit more length. This style accentuates the contrast between the faded sides and the longer top, creating a well-balanced and sharp look.
Unlike other fades, the low taper fade keeps the transition subtle, avoiding an overly drastic contrast between the lengths of the hair. It’s a style that can be both professional and casual, allowing for various customizations depending on your personal style and lifestyle.
Why is the Low Taper Fade Great for Straight Hair?
Straight hair tends to offer more flexibility in styling compared to other hair textures. The low taper fade complements straight hair perfectly, as it can maintain a clean shape and sharp lines while allowing the longer hair on top to retain volume and style. Here are some reasons why straight-haired men love the low taper fade:
Clean and Defined Look:
The fade on the sides creates a sharp contrast that highlights the structure of the face and draws attention to the longer hair on top. This makes the low taper fade a great choice for those looking for a clean, sophisticated look.
Versatility:
Straight hair has the ability to be styled in many different ways, and the low taper fade enhances this versatility. Whether you want a pompadour, a textured quiff, or a simple side part, the low taper fade serves as the perfect foundation for any of these styles.
Easy to Maintain:
Compared to more intricate haircuts, the low taper fade is relatively easy to maintain. Regular trims are necessary to keep the fade fresh, but the haircut itself doesn’t require daily styling. For straight hair, simply applying a bit of product and combing it into place can maintain the style.
A Sharp, Structured Appearance:
The fade creates a sleek, sculpted look, which works particularly well for men with straight hair. The straight texture often lends itself to more defined lines and structured shapes, making the low taper fade a great option for men who want their hairstyle to stand out.
15 Best Low Taper Fade Hairstyles Straight Hair:
The low taper fade is a versatile and sleek haircut, particularly well-suited for men with straight hair. This style offers a clean and structured look with a gradual fade that starts just above the ear. Straight hair complements this fade perfectly, giving a sharp contrast between the short, faded sides and the longer hair on top. Below are 15 of the best low taper fade hairstyles for straight hair that can suit various personalities and preferences.
1. Low Taper Fade with Pompadour:
The pompadour is a timeless hairstyle where the hair on top is styled back and lifted, creating a voluminous look. When combined with a low taper fade, the pompadour creates a sharp contrast between the longer top and the tapered sides, producing a polished yet stylish appearance.
Styling Tip: To style a pompadour, use a volumizing mousse or strong-hold pomade to lift the hair. Use a blow dryer to add height and then comb the hair back to create smoothness and structure.
2. Low Taper Fade with Side Part:
A low taper fade with a side part offers a clean, professional appearance. The side part adds definition and a sense of order to the style, while the fade on the sides keeps the overall look neat and sophisticated.
Styling Tip: Use a comb to create a clean side part. Apply a light styling cream or gel to keep the hair in place, ensuring that the top remains smooth while the sides stay tapered.
3. Low Taper Fade with Textured Quiff:
The quiff is a style where the hair is styled upward and backward, giving it volume and texture. When paired with the low taper fade, it creates a contemporary, edgy look that’s both bold and easy to maintain.
Styling Tip: To create a textured quiff, apply a lightweight styling gel or cream to damp hair. Use a blow dryer and a round brush to lift the front section of the hair, then finish with a bit of matte pomade for added texture.
4. Low Taper Fade with Buzz Cut:
A buzz cut combined with a low taper fade is a no-fuss, sharp haircut that requires little to no maintenance. The top is kept very short, typically clipped with clippers, while the sides fade gradually to the skin.
Styling Tip: This is one of the most low-maintenance styles. Keep the top trim with a clipper and schedule regular trips to the barber to maintain the fade. The buzz cut works well for men who prefer a clean, military-inspired look.
5. Low Taper Fade with Slicked-Back Hair:
For a classic, slicked-back look, the low taper fade provides the perfect contrast to the sleek, polished style. The longer hair on top is combed back, and the fade on the sides enhances the smooth, structured shape of the overall look.
Styling Tip: Apply a generous amount of pomade or gel to damp hair. Use a comb to slick the hair back into place, ensuring a smooth finish. Regular trims are needed to keep the fade clean and sharp.
6. Low Taper Fade with Short and Clean Top:
For a simple, clean appearance, opt for a low taper fade with short hair on top. This style maintains a subtle contrast, with the top kept neat and the fade on the sides offering a refined finish.
Styling Tip: Keep the hair on top short and clean, ideally no longer than an inch or two. You don’t need much product for this style—just a bit of styling cream to keep it in place.
7. Low Taper Fade with Line Design:
For those looking to add a personal touch to their fade, a line design can be shaved into the fade itself. The lines add a modern, creative aspect to the look, giving it a unique edge.
Styling Tip: Work with your barber to create a design that suits your style. Line designs can range from subtle to bold, depending on the type of pattern you prefer.
8. Low Taper Fade with Caesar Cut:
The Caesar cut is characterized by short, even bangs that are cut horizontally across the forehead. A low taper fade brings a modern twist to this classic cut.
Styling Tip: Straight hair pairs perfectly with the Caesar cut, as the texture stays neat and uniform. The fade creates a clean, low-maintenance look that’s ideal for men on the go.
9. Low Taper Fade with High-Volume Comb-Over:
For a more refined appearance, the high-volume comb-over with a low taper fade brings sophistication. The hair on top is styled to the side with added volume, while the sides taper neatly.
Styling Tip: Straight hair naturally lends itself to the clean lines of a comb-over, and the fade ensures the style is always sharp and well-maintained.
10. Low Taper Fade with Faux Hawk:
The faux hawk is a bold, edgy style where the hair is styled upwards and towards the center, resembling a mohawk but with less intensity. A low taper fade adds contrast to this daring look.
Styling Tip: Straight hair works excellently with the faux hawk, giving the hair structure and direction while the fade keeps the look neat and balanced.
11. Low Taper Fade with Bro Flow:
The bro flow is a laid-back, casual style where the hair flows naturally back. When paired with a low taper fade, it creates an effortless yet stylish contrast between the longer top and the faded sides.
Styling Tip: Straight hair’s natural flow complements this relaxed look, and the low taper fade keeps the style sharp and defined without being too high-maintenance.
12. Low Taper Fade with Long Fringe:
For those who prefer a more rebellious look, the long fringe adds drama while the low taper fade keeps things clean on the sides. The fringe can be styled to one side or left to hang loosely.
Styling Tip: Straight hair gives this style a controlled, sharp look, while the low taper fade ensures the overall cut remains clean and defined.
13. Low Taper Fade with Crew Cut:
A crew cut combined with a low taper fade is one of the most iconic and timeless styles. The top is kept short, while the sides fade smoothly, providing a clean and masculine look.
Styling Tip: Straight hair works well with the sharp, clean lines of a crew cut, and the low fade gives the style a modern update without losing its classic appeal.
14. Low Taper Fade with Low-Volume Style:
If you’re looking for a more subtle and understated style, a low-volume look with a low taper fade is perfect. The hair is kept short and neat, with little product, offering a minimal yet clean appearance.
Styling Tip: Straight hair naturally works well with low-volume styles because it remains structured and controlled. The low taper fade ensures a neat transition without overpowering the simplicity of the look.
15. Low Taper Fade with Ivy League Cut:
The Ivy League cut is a short, neat haircut where the hair is tapered at the sides and left slightly longer on top. A low taper fade keeps the haircut fresh and sharp, offering a polished, college-inspired style.
Styling Tip: Straight hair enhances the neatness of the Ivy League cut, and the low taper fade keeps the sides crisp, giving the overall look a well-groomed edge.
How to Maintain a Low Taper Fade on Straight Hair:
Maintaining a low taper fade is crucial to keep it looking sharp and fresh. Here are some tips to ensure your low taper fade stays on point:
Regular Haircuts:
To keep the fade looking crisp, visit your barber every 2-3 weeks for a trim. The fade will naturally grow out, so regular haircuts are essential to maintain the sharp lines and contrast.
Use the Right Hair Products:
For straight hair, use lightweight styling products that don’t weigh down the hair. Mousse, light pomades, or hair creams can help maintain volume and structure without making the hair look greasy or flat.
Keep Your Hair Healthy:
Straight hair benefits from regular washing and conditioning. Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to prevent dryness, and incorporate a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair soft and manageable.
Keep the Sides Fresh:
As the sides grow out, they may lose their clean fade appearance. Regular trims ensure that the sides remain neat and in line with the low taper fade’s gradual transition.
Conclusion:
The low taper fade for straight hair is an adaptable, stylish, and easy-to-maintain haircut that can suit a variety of personal styles. Whether you prefer a clean and professional look or a more textured, voluminous style, the low taper fade offers a sharp contrast that enhances the overall look. It’s perfect for those who want a structured, modern hairstyle with minimal fuss. Regular trims and the right products will help you keep your low taper fade fresh and looking sharp, ensuring that you always step out in style.