35 Best Taper Fade Haircuts for Black Men (High & Low Fade Ideas)

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What Are The Best High & Low Taper Fade Haircuts For Black Men?

Fade cuts are hugely popular amongst black men and when the blend is crisp and flawless, there is nothing more pleasing to the eye. Black men can be admired for the care and effort they take in making sure they look and feel dapper at all times. In fact, I can confidently say that they spend more time with their barbers than they do with their ladies.

With the number of talented barbers and hairstylists out there, the fade game is strong and the variety of haircut choices are almost endless. We got you covered as we have collected some epic ideas to help you choose your next suave fade.

1. High Fade with Squared Hairline

High fades equal high confidence. This fade shoulders a tight twisted afro with a squared hairline and the balance of contrasts and textures makes this a fine a dapper fade for black men.

2. Low Sharp Fade

The fade on this gentleman is simply flawless. The lines in the temples and forehead are crisp and tight and the groom in the beard is a great balance to the overall look.

3. Bounded Locs

This is pure hair architecture. A protective style at its best, the dreadlocks are secured with micro twists that resemble string, tying down the locs in a creative way. Along with a lineup and fade, this hairdo has a Viking feel to it which you will love if that is your vibe.

4. Frohawk Fade

The balance of textures and flawless precision make this an envious and dope haircut. The clean sharp lines mean business and the tight disheveled curls that create a frohawk balance it out with some carefree vibes.

5. Sharp Low Fade

A low fade is a great way to embrace your natural texture and showcase it with some style. You can add some extra edge to your fade with a sharp lineup and a parting that follows the contour of the neck, just above the ear. This helps bring out the contrast of the fade and shows off the skill of such a seamless blend.

6. Short Dreadlocks with Fade Design

If you prefer to stand out and not blend in with the crowd, you can take your hairstyle to a unique and creative level. Turn your length into some cool dip-dyed locs for a bit of texture and color, and some super cool hair tattoo designs to your fade as your signature element.

7. Short Mohawk Skin Fade

Fades don’t always have to flow all the way around the head, and mohawks don’t always have to be long and grungy. This Mohawk fade is a great combination and merging of different techniques. The beard is a great addition and dissolves brilliantly into the temples.

8. Skin Fade with Parting

Crisp lines and flawless blends are the epitome of suave. A well-groomed beard can bridge the gap from the high skin fade to the neck and chin providing a stylish balance of sharp contours. If that is not awesome enough, add a shaved parting to up your fade game.

9. Taper Fade with Twist Top

Rock your natural texture by maintaining some length and neatening up with some twists. A taper fade is a great border to outline those rad locks and keep your hair trim and well kept.

10. Afro Fade

Add more structure to your afro by pairing it with a crisp high fade. A high fade is a perfect choice to eliminate the roundness and add length to your face. Include a lineup for sharpness and masculine face-framing.

11. Afro Mohawk Fade

Not quite as wide as an afro but not as narrow as a mohawk. The bang area is left longer to enhance the length of the shape and to add a bit of looseness to the well-structured mohawk. A high fade borders these curls creating the perfect contrast and shape.

12. Aztec Taper Fade

Adding some geometric shapes to your cut is a brilliant way to amp up the creativeness of an epic fade cut. While some opt for some simple line work, shapes and designs are an option depending on the skill levels of your barber. This Aztec-inspired artwork is super creative, enhanced with some epic color to complete the look.

13. Braided Temple Fade

Braids are an awesome protective style for black hair and adding a fade can keep your hair looking fresh and modern. Adding a line up to border your braids can add some structure and masculinity to your look.

14. Burst Fade with Afro Spikes

If you are looking to give your afro an update and a bit of edge, opt for these stylish cone-looking spikes. Pair them with an epic burst fade for an overall dapper and modern finish. Clean the hairline with some precision to rock this clean and flawless fade style.

15. Juicebox High Fade

The juice box haircut rose to fame by the legendary Tupac Shakur and is still dope amongst the hip-hop culture. A high and tight fade with a lineup provides the perfect frame for this epic haircut.

16. Sharp Blue Fade

Add some color to your fro if you need some added edge and funk. The lineup is achieved with flawless precision and contrasted with a curved, shaved parting. The high skin fade is perfect to draw all the attention to the epic detail at the top of the head.

17. Short Clean Taper Fade with Sideburns

Short, clean and sharp is the vibe of this fade. The fade is focused at the nape, leaving the sideburns for something more edgy and unique. The key to rocking this look, is solid, crisp lines.

18. Short High Skin Fade

Short and sophisticated, a high skin fade that is short and crisp is the ideal fade for any sportsman or low fuss man. This means regular visits to your barber, which is never a bad thing if neat and refined is your vibe.

19. Skin Fade with Tall Twists and Arched Parting

Level up your fade with an added parting that contours the arch of the head. This interrupts the fade in a tasteful and artistic way without taking away from the aesthetic of the fade. Embrace your natural texture by maintaining some length at top and twisting your locks for some separation and texture.

20. Temple Fade with Long Twists and Lineup

This fade is masculine and stylish and the lineup from the temples creates some epic contrast from the temple fade. The hair on top is styled into twists that creates a more rounded shape that flows with the head.

21. Temple Fade with Waves

Add some softness to the squared lineup by styling the rest of your hair in a gentle wave. A temple fade is effective here as it doesn’t take away from the texture of the hair.

22. Boosie Fade

Made famous by Lil Boosie, you will be on trend with this high skin fade that gradually fades to a medium length at the top. Cleaned up with a crisp lineup, you will be walking around with that gangster hop in your step.

23. Classic Fade Box Cut

Look as fresh as the Prince of Belair with this classic box cut, also known as a flatop.  The back and sides are tapered close to the skin, gradually fading toward the temples and getting longer toward the top to create a square box shape, perfect for the natural texture of black hair.

24. Cornrow Fade

Keep it smooth, slick, and stylish with this protective hairstyle. Cornrows have a suave gangster vibe to them, that is masculine and professional if need be. Paired with a high skin fade, this hairstyle is smart and dope.

25. Creative Braids and Temple Fade

Some men enjoy a touch of elegance in their look and these creative cornrows do just that. A great protective style that provides a low-maintenance hair routine.

26. Curly Mohawk Temple Fade

A great way to blend and incorporate your beard into your hairstyle is with a flawless temple fade. It creates a stylish balance and masculine aesthetic. Control and showcase your natural curl by opting for a modern version of a mohawk with a sharp, clean lineup.

27. Dreadlocks Fade

Everyone who rocks a head of dreadlocks has their personal reasons for choosing to do so. We believe aesthetics is a good enough reason to rock them out. They can look super professional, neat and suave while making a statement and standing out. Adding a stylish fade and lineup can remove a lot of the heaviness and bulk and make your dreadlocks look fresh and structured.

28. Fauxhawk Fade

The precision and balance of this temple fade with the beard are epically flawless. A lot of crisp linework is showcased around the hairline, beard, and the addition of a neat, clean parting line. Length is maintained at the top and down the back to create the shape of a mohawk and styled with a tight twist.

29. Mohawk Fade with Designs

Level up your fade and mohawk with some dope hair tattoo designs that flow with the shape of the head. The natural texture of black hair is a perfect canvas for this type of work as it is easier for the barber to get crisp, clean lines.

30. Mohawk Skin Fade with Single Braid

Some men like to totally stand out with their hairstyle ideas, and this is a great idea to add a bit of qwerk. A skin fade to short mohawk with a braided tail at the crown. Not entirely sure about the inspiration behind this one, but we like it and love that there is something for everybody.

31. Mushroom Afro Fade

This afro is like a perfectly pruned hedge, every hair has its place. This talented barber has groomed a fantastic afro to resemble the shape of a mushroom, kind of like a modern bowl cut. The low fade gives this shape some structure and contrast.

32. Rope Braids with Hairline Fade

This is a dope protective hairstyle if dreadlocks aren’t quite something you are keen to commit to. Chunky two-strand twists can look amazing and dapper pulled back into a thick ponytail and dressed up with fade at the hairline.

33. Sharp Temple Fade

Sometimes less is more and this style is a great example of how effective a subtle fade can be. A low temple fade and a sharp line up has these natural locks looking dope and fresh.

34. Short Low Fade with Design

Keep it fresh with a short and low fade. Your hair routine doesn’t get simpler than this, but it does mean having a needy relationship with your barber. Elevate your style as well as your ego with some epic hair designs for an artistic touch.

Final Thoughts

The variety of fades that are available today is endless and there is something for every personality. They are a popular look amongst black men and will forever stay on-trend. The artistic ability and talent of barbers today is out of this world and it is exciting to see how far this talent can progress and evolve. Watch this space!

Here are a few more points to consider before choosing your next fade.

  • Tight fades last  2- 3 weeks while others last 4 to 6 weeks. Keep this in mind if you are not keen on seeing your barber too regularly.
  • Consider your schedule and home hair routine, choose a style that aligns with the amount of time and attention you are able to give to it on a daily basis.
  • Don’t be fearful to maintain your fade at home. You can clean lines with a razor in between haircuts to keep it looking fresh.
  • Afro hair needs extra moisture! It is prone to breakage so regular use of conditioners and oils is essential.
  • Don’t neglect your scalp! Great hair comes from a healthy scalp, and essentially your scalp is an extension of your face. Find a good oil to suit your skin type to moisturize, protect and keep your scalp looking flawless to show off those fades.
  • Your beard plays a huge role in the overall look so don’t forget to give your facial hair some attention too.

There you have it, gents! Don’t fade into the crowd but rather stand out with your fade!

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Author - Lauren Holland

Lauren always knew she needed to work in an industry that would nurture her creative and eccentric personality. She has run her own business for 7 years. After 2 years attending college, Lauren found herself an apprenticeship with one of the top salons in her province. This salon was popular for their more alternative and creative hairstyle ideas, taking part in many international competitions, photoshoots and shows where bright colors and Avant Garde styling were always the theme. She fine-tuned her skills throughout her 5 years there, achieving many awards including national finalist of the Goldwell Color Zoom competition. After qualifying, Lauren stayed on and grew in leaps and bounds in her art, training new apprentices and meeting some local fame and influencers. She got to experience various facets of the industry and built up a strong clientele. Lauren eventually found her way to owning her own salon and, in this time, she specialized in bridal and formal hair. Living in the Midlands meant she was in the hub of the wedding industry and was involved with collaborative shoots and bridal shows.