Mid Taper Fade & Mid Fade: Complete Style Guide for Straight, Curly, Fluffy, and Messy Hair

The mid taper fade has become one of the most popular haircuts for men of all ages. It strikes the perfect balance between a sharp, clean look and a modern, stylish vibe, making it a versatile option for men who want to express their unique style. This haircut can be tailored to suit a wide range of hair textures—whether your hair is fluffy, curly, straight, or even messy, a mid taper or mid fade can help you achieve a polished, fashionable look that suits your personality.

What’s the Difference Between Mid Taper Fade and Mid Fade?

Mid Taper Fade

A mid taper fade is subtle. It only tapers the sideburns and neckline area, leaving most of the hair on the sides intact. It begins tapering around the middle of the head—typically at temple level—and gradually blends down to shorter lengths at the sides and neckline. The “taper fade” means a gradual reduction in length.

Characteristics:

Starts at temple level and curves around the ear
Uses progressive clipper guards (#5 or #6 down to #2 or #3)
Creates smooth transitions without harsh lines
More conservative than a full fade
Excellent for professional settings

mid taper fade blowout — Mid taper fade with blowout and textured fringe by hairstylist @laurie.raphael_

Mid Fade

A mid fade removes hair much higher on the sides, starting around the midpoint of the head (just above the ears), and blends down to the skin. That’s exactly what we see in the image below. The fade climbs up the sides, creating a sharp contrast with the longer textured top.

Characteristics:

Starts at same temple level as mid taper
Fades down to skin level or #1 guard
Creates more dramatic contrast
Sharper, more defined lines
Bolder, more contemporary appearance

Guy with a Mid Taper fade — Mid Fade Haircut

Both techniques work exceptionally well with various hair textures and lengths on top, from tight curls to straight hair, short crops to longer styles. The result is a clean, modern appearance that enhances facial features while providing excellent versatility for different styling approaches and occasions.

18 Mid Taper Fade & Mid Fade Hair Styles for Every Man:

1. Classic Mid Taper Fade: A timeless, balanced cut featuring a clean taper starting at temple level with traditionally styled hair on top. The gradual fade creates perfect contrast while maintaining professional appeal.

brushed bad haircut with taper — Mid taper fade with middle part brushed back top by barber @seanlingwood_barber

Best For: Business professionals, versatile daily styling, first-time fade wearers.
Styling: Light-hold pomade or styling cream, comb neatly to preferred side.

2. Classic Mid Fade with Textured Top: Sharp, dramatic version of the classic cut with skin-level fading for maximum contrast. Clean lines and bold definition make a confident statement.

a guy with a mid fade — Mid fade haircut with messy texture by barber @maxence.barber

Best For: Men seeking bolder contrast, modern edge, fashion-forward styling.
Styling: Matte clay for structured top, regular touch-ups for clean lines.

3. Mid Taper Fade Curly Hair: Celebrates natural curl patterns with clean, sharp edges that enhance texture and volume. The mid-level taper creates striking contrast against bouncy curls while maintaining natural movement.

a guy with a mid taper fade and curly hair — Mid taper fade with curly hair texture by barber @noel_botello_

Best For: Men with natural curls who want to showcase texture with clean sides
Styling: Curl-enhancing cream with diffuser drying for definition and bounce.

4. Mid Fade Curly Hair: Dramatic skin fade provides maximum contrast against voluminous curls. Sharp lines emphasize the natural texture and create a bold, contemporary look.

mid fade with curly hair — Mid Fade with Curly hair by barber @tomlemat_barber

Best For: Bold styling preferences, natural curl celebration, high contrast appeal.
Styling: Lightweight curl cream, minimal manipulation to preserve natural pattern.

5. Mid Taper Fade Straight Hair: Perfect for men with naturally straight hair, featuring clean tapered sides with soft, layered flow on top. The curtain-style movement creates natural direction while the mid taper adds contemporary structure.

mid taper fade with straight hair — Mid taper fade with flow haircut by @crispylanez

Best For: Straight hair types seeking modern style with natural movement.
Styling: Blow-dry with vent brush, lightweight styling cream for shine and separation.

6. Mid Fade with Textured Fringe: Features deliberately choppy, layered fringe with serious movement and volume. The sharp mid fade keeps sides clean while the textured top creates dynamic contrast.

a guy with a classic mid fade haircut — Mid fade with textured fringe – Haircut by barber @seanlingwood_barber

Best For: Men with straight to wavy hair who want edgy, modern styling.
Styling: Texture powder or matte clay on dry hair, finger-styled for natural flow.

7. Mid Fade Caesar Cut: Contemporary take on the classic Roman-inspired cut featuring sharp, short straight fringe with clean skin fade. The blunt horizontal fringe creates bold geometric lines while the dramatic fade adds modern edge.

Best For: Bold geometric styling, strong facial features, contemporary classic appeal.
Styling: Matte clay for fringe control, blow-dry forward for sharp line definition.

8. Mid Taper Fade Crew Cut: A classic military-inspired style featuring short, tapered length on top with a mid taper fade on the sides. This timeless cut combines traditional masculine appeal with contemporary fade technique to create a neat appearance that works in any setting.

crew cut taper — Mid taper fade with crew cut haircut by barber @urielohana_

The Crew Cut vs. Buzz Cut:
A buzz cut is clipped to one uniform length, for instance, the Number #4 buzz cut, all over the head, giving a clean, military-inspired look with no styling needed. A crew cut keeps the top slightly longer than the faded or tapered sides, offering a more classic and versatile style.

Best For: Professional environments, military-inspired styling, men seeking classic masculine appeal with modern edge.
Styling: Light matte pomade or styling cream for subtle texture and control, comb forward or to the side for traditional finish

9. Mid Taper Fade Two Block Haircut: Works especially well for Asian men with straight, thick hair texture. Features a clean taper around ears and neck with a short, neat top that maintains natural density.

mid taper fade two block haircut - Asian hair — Mid taper fade curtains haircut by barber @noel_botello_

Best For: Asian hair types, professional settings, clean-cut preferences.
Styling: Light matte cream after blow-drying to maintain shape and natural movement.

10. Mid Taper Fade Wavy Hair: Blends soft waves with gradual tapered fade lines for a natural yet polished appearance. The waves add volume and movement while the mid taper creates clean structure.

wavy hair with mid taper — Mid taper fade with wavy hair texture by barber @wahlprouk

Best For: Natural wave patterns, balanced style between casual and professional
Styling: Lightweight texture cream with finger-styling to define waves naturally

11. Mid Taper Fade Mullet: Subtle taper version with a mid taper fade contrasting against the length variation on the back. Contemporary edge meets retro styling for confident, fashion-forward appeal.

short modern mullet with tapered sides — Mid taper fade with short mullet by @ts_barbering_

Best For: Bold fashion choices, creative expression, contemporary retro styling.
Styling: Strong-hold clay for top structure, natural flow for back length.

12. Mid Taper Fade with Dirty Blonde Hair: Combines sun-kissed blonde coloring with clean, gradual taper fade structure. Light waves add natural volume and movement, creating youthful, contemporary appeal.

dirty blonde highlights with mid-to-high taper fade — Mid to high taper fade with dirty blonde highlights by barber @lautaro_ferrarii

Best For: Men wanting color enhancement with modern cut, casual lifestyle preferences.
Styling: Matte styling cream with blow-dryer for controlled volume and natural finish.

13. Mid Taper Fade with Design: Merges a clear taper fade with custom hair designs carved into the faded area. Features layered volume on top with creative detailing that adds a unique personality.

fade with designs — Mid taper fade with line designs by barber @trejo.00

Best For: Creative expression, standing out from conventional styles, artistic personality.
Styling: Molding paste with finger-shaping for top control, regular touch-ups for design maintenance

14. Mid Taper Fade Short Afro: Subtle afro volume with gradual fade structure around ears and neckline. The taper creates clean contrast that enhances natural curl patterns while maintaining cultural significance and a more conservative professional appearance.

afro texture with mid taper — Mid Taper Fade with Afro by barber @leta_barber

Best For: Natural afro texture with professional styling needs, balanced contrast preferences, workplace-appropriate afro styling.
Styling: Lightweight curl cream with diffuser to shape and define natural curl pattern, regular professional maintenance for clean taper lines

15. Mid Taper Fade Long Hair: A clean mid taper provides contrast against flowing longer hair. Bold lines create a striking visual impact while the longer top maintains styling versatility.

Best For: Long hair with bold contrast preferences, high impact styling.
Styling: Lightweight cream for natural flow, minimal manipulation for movement.

16. Mid Taper Fade Slick Back Sophisticated styling that combines volume with gradual fade lines. Hair flows smoothly backward with controlled lift, creating refined yet contemporary appearance.

slick back undercut — Mid taper fade undercut slick back haircut by @asifalex_official

Best For: Professional settings, formal occasions, classic style with modern twist.
Styling: Round brush blow-drying with styling cream for sleek control and natural shine

17. Mid Taper Fade with Dreads Modern combination of clean gradual edges with natural dreadlock styling. Faded sides provide neat structure while dreads add cultural significance and distinctive texture.

dreads and mid taper fade — Mid taper fade with dreads by @slim_fade

Best For: Dreadlock maintenance, cultural expression, moderate contrast preferences.
Styling: Soft styling cream to keep dreads fresh and defined, regular maintenance appointments

18. Mid Taper Fade Fluffy Hair Perfect for natural volume lovers, featuring thick, bouncy texture with sharp mid taper fade. A clean mid fade keeps sides neat while voluminous top creates bold, approachable styling.

fluffy hair texture and taper fade — Mid taper haircut by barber @nevinthebarber

Best For: Natural volume with bold contrast, contemporary casual styling, high impact appeal.
Styling: Texture-boosting cream with finger-styling for natural, enhanced volume

Choosing Between Low, Mid, and High Taper Fades

While the mid taper fade has certainly earned its place as a fan favorite, it’s important to understand how it differs from other types of fades—specifically the low and high fades—and why choosing the mid taper level can be unique for you.

Low Fades: The most popular, the low taper fade haircut starts just above the ear and gradually shortens toward the neckline. This is a subtle and less dramatic fade, perfect for men who prefer a more conservative, polished look. It’s great for maintaining length on top while giving a clean finish around the edges. However, it might not offer the same level of contrast as a mid or high fade.

curly blowout and low taper — Low Taper Haircut with curly hair by hairstylist @david____escamilla

High Fade Haircuts: These haircuts start higher up on the head, usually above the temples, resulting in a sharper, more dramatic contrast between the longer hair on top and the short fade on the sides. This is ideal for men who want a bolder, more daring look. It works especially well for those looking to show off their bone structure or enhance facial features. The high fade, though bold, can sometimes be harder to maintain and doesn’t offer the same versatility in styling as a mid taper fade.

Mid Fade: This one strikes a balance between the low and high fades, starting around the midpoint of the head. This makes it a versatile choice for men who want a stylish, modern cut that’s still appropriate for professional settings. The mid fade provides enough contrast to highlight the hair on top, whether it’s fluffy, curly, or straight, without being too extreme. It’s also easier to maintain than the high fade, making it ideal for busy men who want a clean look without constant touch-ups.

Soccer Players Popularized the Mid Taper Fade

Soccer players have played a massive role in popularizing the haircut. Known for their high-profile, global presence, and impeccable sense of style, many athletes have made the mid taper fade their signature look, blending sharp grooming with athleticism. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Sergio Ramos have been seen sporting various iterations of the fade, making it one of the most recognizable and influential styles in men’s fashion.

Soccer Player Haircuts — Sergio Ramos with a Mid Fade Haircut

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Main Difference Between Mid Taper Fade and Mid Fade?

The key difference is the final fade length:

Mid Taper Fade: Gradually reduces length but maintains some hair throughout (usually ending at #2 or #3 guard)

Mid Fade: Fades down to skin level or very short lengths (#1 or skin), creating more dramatic contrast

Result: Mid taper provides balanced structure while mid fade creates bolder visual impact

How Often Should I Get My Mid Fade Trimmed?

For optimal appearance, schedule appointments every 2-3 weeks. Mid-level fades grow out more noticeably than low fades, making regular maintenance essential for preserving clean lines and proper proportions.

What Face Shapes Work Best with Mid-Level Fades?

Both mid taper fades and mid fades are universally flattering:

Oval faces: Can wear any variation confidently Round faces: The height contrast helps elongate facial appearance Square faces: Sharp lines complement strong jawlines Heart-shaped faces: Balanced proportions offset wider foreheads Long faces: Avoid excessive top height, opt for side-swept styles

Can I Get Mid Fades with Curly Hair?

Absolutely! Both mid taper fades and mid fades work exceptionally well with curly hair. The fade creates clean contrast that enhances natural curl patterns while the temple-level start provides enough structure to balance voluminous curls.

How Should I Describe a Mid Fade to My Barber?

Use specific terminology:

“Mid taper fade starting at temple level” or “Mid skin fade at temple level”
Specify desired top length and styling
Mention skin fade vs. shadow fade preference
Bring reference photos for visual clarity
Discuss neckline shape (rounded, square, or natural)

What Products Work Best for Mid-Level Fades?

Product choice depends on desired styling:

Texture Clay: Strong hold with matte finish for structured styles Styling Cream: Lightweight control for natural movement Pomade: High shine and hold for slicked styles Sea Salt Spray: Pre-styling texture enhancement Texture Powder: Volume boost for fine or flat hair

Mid taper fade haircut with textured hair and fringe by @komilov_bobo

Maintenance and Care

Regular Maintenance Schedule

Professional appointments: Every 2-3 weeks for optimal fade maintenance
Home care: Light trimming of neckline between visits using precision trimmers
Signs for touch-up: Fade appears grown out, loss of temple definition, uneven blending

Communication with Your Barber

Consultation preparation:

Bring multiple reference photos showing different angles
Discuss lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and styling goals
Be specific about fade intensity and starting point
Ask for product recommendations based on your hair type

Essential terminology:

“Mid taper starting at temples” or “Mid skin fade at temple level”
Specify clipper guard preferences if known
Describe desired top styling and length
Mention any design elements or special requests

Both mid taper fades and mid fades offer exceptional versatility while providing more visual impact than their low-sitting counterparts. With proper maintenance, quality products, and clear communication with your barber, these modern cuts deliver consistent style that adapts to any situation. Whether you prefer conservative gradual styling or bold dramatic contrast, mid-level fades provide the perfect foundation for expressing your personal style while maintaining that sharp, clean appearance that defines modern men’s grooming.

Ready for Bolder Styles? Explore High Fade Options

While mid-level fades offer excellent balance and versatility, some men prefer even more dramatic contrast. High fade cuts start higher up the head, creating maximum contrast and bold visual impact.

Fluffy Hair and Taper — High Fade with Fluffy Hair Texture

High Fade Benefits:

Maximum contrast and drama
Sharp, defined appearance
Contemporary, fashion-forward appeal
Excellent for showcasing facial features

Forward Hair and Mid Taper fade — High Skin Fade with a Short Quiff and Beard

Popular High Fade Variations:

High taper fade for gradual dramatic contrast
High skin fade for maximum impact
High fade with designs for creative expression
High fade buzz cut for ultimate minimalism

Curly Hair and Fade — High Fade with Curly Afro Hair – See More: Stylish Taper Fade Haircuts for Black Men

If you’re ready to explore bolder fade options, high fades provide the next level of contrast and contemporary styling. Consider discussing high fade variations with your barber to determine if a more dramatic cut suits your style preferences and lifestyle needs.

—Edited by Fernando Lahoz-García, a seasoned journalist and art director passionate about men’s hair, fashion and lifestyle.

This article is intended as an editorial guide and highlights the creative work of modern barbers and hairstylists from different cities around the world. If your work is featured and you’d like edits, updates, or credit adjustments — or if you’d like to be featured in future articles — please feel free to reach out.