The Afro taper fade has become one of the most popular and stylish haircuts for Black men, combining the beauty of natural hair with the sharp look of a well-blended fade. Whether you’re going for a bold high taper or a subtle low taper, this haircut gives you plenty of room to play with your personal style while keeping things neat and fresh.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top variations of the Afro taper fade you should definitely consider, break down how to maintain the look, and share helpful tips on how to talk to your barber so you walk out loving your cut.
What Is an Afro Taper Fade?
The Afro taper fade haircut is a stylish blend where the hair gradually shortens from the top of the head down to the neckline and around the sides. What makes this cut stand out is how it keeps the shape of the afro on top while the sides and back are faded smoothly. The taper focuses on the edges—the temples, neckline, and sideburns—giving the haircut a clean and structured look.
According to celebrity barber Kenny Duncan in an interview with Men’s Health, “A good taper fade on natural hair highlights the texture while keeping the overall look sharp and polished”.
Why the Afro Taper Fade Is So Popular
This style offers the best of both worlds: the freedom to rock your curly hair fade on top while enjoying the cool, lightweight feel of faded sides. It works well for different face shapes and is easy to maintain with regular trims.
The versatility of the Afro taper fade for Black men is also a huge reason why it’s trending. Whether you’re looking for a more conservative cut for work or something edgy for the weekend, there’s a taper fade variation that will suit your vibe.
1. Low Taper Fade Afro
The low taper fade afro is perfect if you want a subtle fade that starts just above the ears. It keeps most of the volume on top while softly blending the sides and neckline. This style looks great for men who prefer a more natural, less dramatic fade but still want that clean finish around the edges.
The low taper fade pairs beautifully with a line up haircut or edge up haircut, which creates a sharp, straight hairline across the forehead and around the temples.
2. Mid Taper Fade Afro
For those who want a balance between bold and classic, the mid taper fade afro is the way to go. The fade starts around the middle of the sides and gives a nice transition from the curls on top to the faded sides.
Barbers often recommend this style because it works well with different hair lengths and face shapes. Adding a temple fade with this variation gives a more defined look around the sides, especially when paired with a beard fade.
3. High Taper Fade Afro
If you’re going for a sharp, standout style, the high taper fade afro delivers that edgy, modern feel. The fade starts higher up on the head, right around the temples, creating a striking contrast with the longer hair on top.
This style is often combined with a burst fade at the back or even a skin fade for extra drama. The high taper fade looks especially good on those who like to keep their curls tight or go for a slightly shaped afro.
4. Afro Taper Fade with Beard
The afro taper fade with beard is one of the freshest combinations out there. The fade seamlessly transitions into the beard, creating a cohesive, well-blended look from the top of the head down to the chin.
Celebrity stylist Marcus Harvey, known for working with actor Omari Hardwick, shared with GQ that “Blending the beard with the taper fade makes the style look intentional and polished”.
This style works well whether you’re rocking a full beard, goatee, or chin strap.
5. Afro Taper Fade for Curly Hair
If your hair type is extra curly or coily, the afro taper fade curly hair variation helps manage the volume while still letting your natural curls shine. This look allows for definition at the top while keeping the sides neat.
Using the right products like curl creams and moisturizing gels can help maintain the shape and avoid frizz. Barber fade techniques like a line up haircut add sharpness around the hairline, making your curls pop even more.
6. Afro Taper Fade with Line Up
Adding a line up haircut or edge up haircut to your Afro taper fade instantly sharpens the entire look. The line up defines the forehead, temples, and sideburns with precise, straight lines that contrast nicely against the softness of your natural curls.
This variation works well with any level of fade—low, mid, or high—and can also be combined with a skin fade for an even cleaner appearance.
7. Temple Fade Afro
The temple fade focuses on tapering just the area around the temples while leaving the back and neckline fuller. This style is subtle yet stylish and works well for men who want a fresh look without losing too much hair length.
Pairing this with an afro fade haircut allows the top to remain voluminous while giving the edges a crisp finish.
8. Burst Fade Afro
For a more creative take, the burst fade is a curved fade that starts around the ear and tapers down toward the neckline. It’s often paired with a mohawk or a rounded afro shape for a fun, modern twist.
This style suits those who like their haircuts with a bit more edge while still keeping the core afro shape.
How to Maintain Your Afro Taper Fade
Maintaining an afro taper fade isn’t hard, but it does take regular upkeep to keep the fade looking fresh and the curls healthy. Here’s how:
- Trim every 2–3 weeks to maintain the fade line.
- Use curl-enhancing products to keep your hair moisturized and prevent breakage.
- Clean the scalp regularly to avoid buildup, especially around the fade lines.
- Ask your barber about the best barber fade techniques to maintain sharp edges between appointments.
How to Ask Your Barber for the Perfect Afro Taper Fade
When you’re at the barber, knowing how to explain what you want makes all the difference. Use these tips:
- Specify low, mid, or high taper fade.
- Mention if you want a line up haircut, edge up haircut, or beard fade.
- Show a photo of the variation you like to avoid confusion.
- Communicate how much volume you want on top.
Barber Chris Bossio, co-founder of Tomb 45 Barber Academy, emphasizes the importance of being clear about your expectations: “Pictures help, but always discuss the details like fade level and hairline shape with your barber”.
Final Thoughts
The afro taper fade is more than just a haircut—it’s a statement of style, personality, and self-care. Whether you choose a low taper fade afro for a subtle finish or go bold with a high taper fade afro and burst fade, this look gives you the flexibility to show off your natural texture while keeping things fresh and polished.
By understanding the different variations and how to maintain them, you’ll always step out of the barber chair looking sharp and feeling confident.
If you’re ready to switch up your style, give one of these taper fade variations a try—you might just find your new signature look.
