You’ve probably noticed the mid taper fade buzzing around a lot lately. It’s not one of those crazy, in-your-face haircuts but still looks sharp. I mean, if you care about a clean look that’s not screaming “I just walked out of a barbershop,” this is a solid go-to.
What Is a Mid Taper Fade Anyway?
Alright, quick breakdown: a “fade” means the hair gets shorter as it goes down the sides and back. A “taper” is like a fade but usually less intense, keeping a little more length near the neckline and around the ears.
A French crop haircut with a mid taper is a go-to combo—easy to manage, sharp, and clean without trying too hard.
The “mid” means the fade starts somewhere around the middle of your head — like above your ears but below the top. Not too low, not too high. That’s why it’s kinda the “middle ground” fade.
Works on almost any hair type curly, straight, wavy. The barber just blends that fade into the longer hair on top in a smooth way.
Why Would You Pick This Cut?
Honestly, it’s a nice balance if you want something sharp but not wild. High fades can look pretty bold, and low fades can sometimes feel heavy or old school. Mid taper fade just slides in comfortably.
Plus, you can mess with the top however you want keep it messy, slick it back, whatever. The sides are tidy but not shouting for attention.
How Do Barbers Actually Do It?
So, the fade kicks in around the middle of the head, starting with a longer clipper guard and then they fade it down using shorter guards. The trick is getting that smooth gradient without harsh lines.
The taper means the hair around your neckline and ears is trimmed neat but not shaved all the way down. It keeps things clean but soft.
If you want it sharper, barbers go shorter on the fade; for something subtle, they keep it softer.
Mid Taper Fade vs. Other Fades: What’s Up?
People often confuse mid taper fade with mid fade or taper. Here’s the thing — a “fade” usually means the hair’s cut really short, sometimes all the way to skin, especially near the bottom.
Not quite ready to go mid? The low taper fade offers a more subtle blend that’s perfect for laid-back, clean styles.
A taper keeps a bit more hair near the edges and is less drastic. Skin fades go all the way down to bare skin. The mid taper fade doesn’t usually do that.
Keeping It Up: Maintenance Tips
Good news: it’s pretty easy to maintain. The fade part will need trimming every couple of weeks to stay fresh, but the top is up to you.
If you like that clean edge look, regular barber visits are key. But if you don’t mind a bit of a grown-out look, it still holds up.
Styling Ideas for the Top
Since the sides are neat, the top’s your canvas. Pomades, wax, clay—pick what suits your hair type and mood. Messy, slicked back, spiky, natural—anything goes.
If you want easy, just comb it through with a bit of product, or let it air dry for a chill vibe.
Who’s This Cut For?
Honestly, anyone. It’s flexible for professional settings, casual days, whatever. Older guys, young guys, creative or corporateit’s a nice middle ground.
FAQs
- How often should I get my mid taper fade trimmed?
Usually every 2-3 weeks if you want it sharp. You can wait longer if you’re cool with it growing out. - Can I get this fade if I have curly hair?
Yeah, it works great with curls. Just make sure your barber knows what they’re doing with curly hair. - What’s the real difference between mid taper fade and skin fade?
Skin fades shave down to the scalp; mid taper fades blend but keep some hair near the edges. - What styling products should I use?
Depends on your hair. Pomades and wax for thick, cream or leave-in for curly or wavy hair. - Is the mid taper fade good for all face shapes?
For sure. You might tweak the top length, but the fade itself fits most face shapes.
Kamran Shahzad blends creativity with expertise in hair fashion, offering style guides and haircut inspiration for every vibe. At Dresvia, he helps you transform everyday looks into standout statements.