Taper fade: which face shapes it balances and how to ask for it

The sides and back gradually shorten toward the neckline and around the ears, while the top stays longer. A taper keeps some length at the lowest point; a fade can go down to the skin.

What it does to the outline

Takes width out of the sides of the head and draws attention to the top, which makes the face read as a little narrower and longer.

Face shapes it tends to balance

  • Round. Less width at the sides adds a more elongated shape.
  • Square. Keeps the outline tidy; choose a taper over a skin fade for softness.

What to say at the barber

  • “A low or mid taper. Keep it a number 2 at the shortest rather than skin.”
  • “Blend the top into the sides without a hard line.”

Styling

  • Style the top any way you like; the taper works with a quiff, a crop or a side part.
  • A little paste or clay is enough for most lengths.

Upkeep

The sides grow out visibly within 2 to 3 weeks if you like them sharp; 4 to 5 weeks if you don't mind it softening.

Want it matched to your face?

Upload a selfie and Cut ranks styles for your proportions with a reason for each. Your photo is never stored.

Find my haircut