When it comes to curly hair, styling can often be a challenge due to its texture, volume, and unpredictability. However, one style that has become a popular choice for men with curly hair is the taper fade. This stylish cut combines the sleekness of a fade with the natural volume and curl of curly hair, offering a clean and sharp look while still maintaining the personality and texture of curly hair.
In this article, we’ll explore the taper fade curly hair style in depth, discussing its variations, benefits, maintenance, and best ways to wear it.
Why Taper Fade Works So Well with Curly Hair:
Curly hair, with its texture and volume, can sometimes seem difficult to manage, but a taper fade is one of the best ways to work with it. Here’s why it works so well for men with curly hair:
Enhanced Shape: Curly hair tends to have natural volume, which can become unruly if not styled properly. A taper fade creates structure around the curls, giving the hairstyle a clean, refined edge while allowing the curls on top to be more prominent.
Natural Transition: Curly hair tends to be thicker, and without a fade, the sides and back can sometimes look too bulky compared to the top. A taper fade removes the bulk and gradually tapers the hair shorter toward the bottom, offering a more balanced appearance.
Low Maintenance: While curly hair can be high-maintenance in terms of daily styling and care, a taper fade reduces the amount of work needed to maintain a sharp, clean-cut look. The fade can grow out nicely, and the curls on top require minimal attention to keep their shape.
Versatility: A taper fade works for a wide range of curly hair types and face shapes. Whether you have tight, ringlet curls or looser waves, the style can be adjusted to complement your hair’s natural texture.
How to Style Curly Hair with a Taper Fade:
Once you’ve selected your taper fade style, you’ll want to know how to maintain and style it. The key is balancing the sharp fade with the natural curl pattern on top. Here are some steps to follow:
Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner: Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair, so using moisturizing products is essential. Look for shampoos and conditioners designed for curly hair to help maintain moisture and prevent frizz.
Apply a Curl Cream or Gel: After washing, apply a curl cream or gel to define the curls. These products can help maintain the shape of your curls without making them crunchy or stiff.
Avoid Over-Manipulating the Curls: Once your curls are defined, avoid combing or brushing them too much, as this can cause frizz. Use your fingers to separate and shape your curls if needed.
Use a Blow Dryer with a Diffuser: If you want extra volume, use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment to dry your curls. This method enhances the natural curl pattern without disturbing it too much.
Regular Maintenance: Keep the fade looking sharp by scheduling regular haircuts. The fade part will require more frequent trims than the curls on top, so regular visits to your barber or stylist will keep the transition looking fresh.
41 Best Taper Fade Curly Hair:
The taper fade is one of the most popular and versatile hairstyles, and when paired with curly hair, it creates a perfect blend of structure and natural texture. This hairstyle works with a wide range of curl types, from tight coils to looser waves, and can be tailored to suit any face shape or personal style.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are 41 of the best taper fade hairstyles for curly hair, showcasing various fades and curly styles that will keep your look fresh and sharp.
1. Low Taper Fade with Defined Curls:
A subtle low taper fade with well-defined curls on top, perfect for showcasing natural curl texture while keeping the sides neat and tidy.
2. Mid Taper Fade with High Volume Curls:
A mid-taper fade that starts around the temple area, leaving plenty of volume on top for thick, bouncy curls.
3. High Taper Fade with Tight Curls:
A bold high taper fade that works wonderfully with tight curls, emphasizing the shape and volume of the curls on top.
4. Curly Caesar with Taper Fade:
A short, curly Caesar cut with a clean taper fade on the sides, giving you a modern, structured look.
5. Curly Mohawk with Taper Fade:
For a daring, edgy look, try a curly mohawk combined with a taper fade for a high contrast between the top and sides.
6. Taper Fade with Temple Fade:
A fade that focuses on the sides near the temple and above the ear, creating a sleek and minimalist look while leaving the curls intact on top.
7. Textured Curls with High Taper Fade:
Curly hair with a high taper fade that highlights the texture of the curls, giving the hair a chiseled, structured look while maintaining natural volume.
8. Curly Pompadour with Low Fade:
A classic pompadour style with curly hair, paired with a low taper fade on the sides for a polished yet voluminous look.
9. Burst Fade with Curly Top:
A burst fade, where the hair gradually fades up toward the top, combined with a wild, curly top for a sharp yet laid-back vibe.
10. Short Curly Hair with Taper Fade:
A short, cropped curly style with a taper fade on the sides that highlights the curls’ natural shape without excessive length.
11. High Skin Fade with Curly Fro:
A bold high fade that goes down to the skin with a voluminous curly fro on top, making a dramatic contrast.
12. Curly Undercut with Taper Fade:
An undercut with tapered sides to give a sharp look, leaving the curls on top to grow freely, adding contrast and edge.
13. Low Fade with Curly Sides:
The low fade starts at the base of the neck, keeping the curls on the sides more structured and defined for a stylish, balanced look.
14. Afro with Mid Taper Fade:
A classic curly afro combined with a mid taper fade to make the afro stand out without feeling too overwhelming.
15. Curly Taper Fade with Hard Part:
A hard part is carved into the fade, emphasizing the clean lines and contrast between the curls on top and the faded sides.
16. Taper Fade with Spiky Curls:
Tapered sides with the top curls styled in spikes for a spiky yet controlled look, perfect for curly-haired men who like a little volume and texture.
17. Curly Brush-Up with High Fade:
A high fade paired with a curly brush-up style, where the curls are swept back, creating a polished yet relaxed appearance.
18. Disconnected Fade with Curly Top:
The disconnected fade keeps the sides dramatically shorter than the curls on top, giving a strong contrast between the two sections.
19. High Taper Fade with Ringlet Curls:
A high fade with tight, defined ringlet curls on top, allowing the curls to stand out and be the focal point of the style.
20. Curly Fade with Low Sides:
A softer approach to the taper fade, with low sides that gradually blend into the curly top for a refined and modern look.
21. Curly Drop Fade:
The drop fade is a type of fade where the hair gradually drops around the ear, creating a distinct curve to the fade. It pairs beautifully with curly hair, adding a bit of flair.
22. Curly Pompadour with Mid Fade:
A pompadour styled with natural curls, enhanced by a mid fade on the sides for a clean yet voluminous look.
23. Taper Fade with Curly Sideburns:
The taper fades down the sides, leaving the curly sideburns intact for a rugged, yet sleek aesthetic.
24. Short Curly Curls with Taper Fade:
A simple, classic style that pairs short, tight curls with a taper fade to create a clean and effortless look.
25. Curly Crew Cut with Taper Fade:
A short, cropped curly crew cut combined with a taper fade for an easy-to-maintain yet stylish appearance.
26. High Taper Fade with Loose Curls:
For those with looser, wavier curls, a high taper fade can highlight the natural wave of the hair, giving it a relaxed, carefree look.
27. Curly Flat Top with Taper Fade:
A flat top hairstyle styled with curls and combined with a taper fade to keep the sides neat and sharp while allowing the curls to stay high.
28. Curly Fade with Soft Waves:
Soft waves on top with a low fade on the sides, making for a more natural and less structured curly fade hairstyle.
29. Curly Quiff with Mid Fade:
A quiff styled with defined curls on top and a mid taper fade on the sides for a sophisticated, trendy look.
30. Curly Fade with Beard:
Pair your curly taper fade with a well-groomed beard for a balanced and rugged style that adds definition and masculinity to the overall look.
31. Medium Length Curly Fade:
A medium-length curly fade, where the curls on top have a bit more length, offering versatility in styling while the fade remains sharp and clean.
32. Curly Fade with Hard Part and Design:
Add a hard part along with unique designs shaved into the fade for a bold, fashion-forward look that stands out.
33. Curly Fade with Natural Curls:
Keep the curls natural, letting them grow with a low taper fade for a stylish, effortless look.
34. Taper Fade with High-Contrast Curls:
A sharp high fade combined with tighter, more structured curls to create a bold and defined contrast between the top and sides.
35. Curly Slick Back with Taper Fade:
Slick the curls back into a polished style and combine it with a taper fade to make the overall look more structured and formal.
36. Textured Curls with Burst Fade:
A burst fade combined with textured, voluminous curls for an edgy, fun look that adds dimension and height to your hairstyle.
37. Low Fade with Curly Bangs:
This style features curly bangs that fall across the forehead, combined with a low taper fade on the sides for a soft, stylish look.
38. Curly High Fade with Natural Textured Curls:
A high fade with well-defined natural curls that keep their texture and form, giving the hair a professional yet stylish finish.
39. Curly Fringe with Mid Taper Fade:
A curly fringe on the forehead with a mid taper fade, ideal for men who like the idea of a fringe but want the sides more controlled.
40. Taper Fade with Loose, Tousled Curls:
A relaxed style where the curls are loose and tousled, combined with a taper fade to keep the look casual yet put-together.
41. Curly Side Part with Low Fade:
A clean side part with curly hair, paired with a low fade on the sides for a timeless and sophisticated style that works well in any setting.
How to Maintain Your Taper Fade Curly Hair:
Trim Regularly: Curly hair tends to grow out quickly, and the fade will lose its shape as your hair grows. It’s important to keep the sides and back trimmed to maintain that fresh fade.
Moisturize Your Curls: Use moisturizing hair products regularly to keep your curls hydrated and soft, preventing frizz and maintaining the definition of your curl pattern.
Keep the Fade Tidy: Ensure the fade on the sides and back is sharp and well-blended. As your hair grows, the fade can lose its definition, so regular barber visits are key.
Avoid Over-Styling: Over-styling curly hair can lead to product build-up and damaged curls. Keep things simple and let your natural texture shine.
Conclusion:
A taper fade combined with curly hair is a versatile and stylish choice for anyone looking to create a modern, polished look while showcasing their natural curls. Whether you prefer a subtle fade with defined curls or a more dramatic contrast, these 41 taper fade curly hairstyles offer plenty of inspiration to suit various preferences and face shapes. Choose the one that best complements your personality and hair texture, and embrace the beauty of curly hair with a tapered edge!