Okay, so you are considering having a new haircut and don’t want to get carried away with something unconventional. Something clean, sharp-ish, but not too much. That’s where the mid taper fade comes in.
It’s not too high, not too low—just that sweet spot on your head where the hair tapers nicely without screaming “look at me.”
What Is a Mid Taper Fade, Anyway?
Okay, quick rundown a taper fade is when the hair gets gradually shorter as you go down the sides and back. The “mid” means it starts around the middle of your head — typically just above your ears.
It’s kinda like the middle ground fade. Not as high as the “high fade” where it almost disappears up top. Not as low as a “low fade” which stays close to your neckline. Just… in the middle.
Works with all hair types — curly, straight, wavy. Leaves you enough hair on top to do something with, but cleans up the sides and back real nice.
Why Do People Like It?
Honestly, I see a lot of guys who don’t want something super sharp like a high fade or super subtle like a low taper fade. Mid taper fade feels like that balance clean but not over the top.
It’s professional enough for the office but casual enough to fit in pretty much anywhere.
And the best part? It grows out in a way that’s not ugly. You don’t get those awkward lines when it starts coming back.
Also, if you like messing around with different styles on top pompadour, messy curls, or just a little textured crop it’s a good canvas.
How’s It Different From Other Fades?
High fade? Starts way up. Low fade? Starts low. Mid taper fade? Right in the middle.
That means it’s less drastic than high fade but gives more edge than low fade. If you want something that’s noticeable but not screaming for attention, this is it.
What Happens During the Cut?
So, you sit down, barber grabs clippers, switches guards to blend from short near the skin up to longer on top. The fade starts about mid-level on your head — smooth blend, no harsh lines or patches.
Sometimes scissors get used on top to add texture or keep the length you want.
Heads up, if you want crisp edges, ask your barber to clean up the neckline and around the ears. That really makes a difference with fades.
How To Style It?
The mid taper fade plays well with a bunch of styles:
- Textured short hair
- Comb-overs
- Messy waves
- Slick backs
- Pompadours
Just use light product — matte pomade, maybe a little wax. You want your hair to move naturally, not look stiff or greasy.
Keeping It Fresh
If you want that clean fade look, you’ll wanna hit the barber every 2-3 weeks. Sides grow fast, fade loses shape quick.
If you don’t mind it growing out a bit, you can stretch to 4 weeks or so.
Styling is easy, just a little product to keep the top in check.
Who’s This For?
Pretty much anyone. College, office, whatever.
It works with most face shapes and hair types. If you want something modern but not too wild, it’s a safe bet.
Also, it slims your profile a bit with the faded sides, which is nice.
Just Let It Taper Off
So yeah, the mid taper fade is kind a like the “just right” fade. Not too much, not too little. If you want something clean, versatile, and easy to manage, this is a solid pick. Go find a good barber, tell ’em you want that mid taper fade, and you’re good.
FAQs
- How often should I get a mid taper fade touched up?
Every 2-3 weeks to keep it sharp, but you can wait longer if you don’t mind a bit of grown-out fade. - Can I style the top differently with this fade?
Totally. It works with tons of styles — messy, slicked back, textured, you name it. - Is this fade good for curly hair?
Yeah, it cleans the sides but leaves your curls on top to do their thing. - What’s the difference between a mid taper fade and a low fade?
Mid taper starts higher, above the ears; low fade starts lower near the neckline. - Do I need special products?
Nah, just light pomade or wax works. Avoid heavy stuff unless you want that wet look.
Kamran Shahzad is an expert in men’s grooming and hair fashion, dedicated to helping modern gents refine their style. At Refine Gents, he shares timeless tips, sharp cuts, and fresh trends to keep your look polished and confident.