A low taper fade is a popular hairstyle for men with curly hair. This fade starts low on the sides and back and gradually tapers up to the top, creating a clean and sharp look that is perfect for any occasion. Curly hair can be difficult to style and manage, but a low taper fade allows you to embrace your natural texture while keeping a neat and polished appearance.
If you have curly locks and want to try out this stylish cut, read on for tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect low taper fade.
Start with Clean, Dry Hair
The first step to ensuring your low taper fade lasts as long as possible is to begin the styling process with clean, dry hair. The tapered effect will look its sharpest right after a wash. Wet hair can appear darker and mask the gradual lightening that a proper fade produces.
It’s also essential to thoroughly dry your curls, as cutting or fading damp hair can lead to uneven results. The weight of water causes curls to elongate and straighten, so hair in this state won’t give an accurate representation of how it will look when dry. Diffuse or gently blot curly hair with a towel to remove excess moisture before styling a fade.
Invest in a high-quality razor to avoid any nicks, cuts or irritation when shaving in the fade. Dull blades can pull on hair and create an uneven line. Look for razors that specify they work well for coarse or curly hair. Always shave in the direction of hair growth to prevent ingrown hairs.
Gradually Work Your Way Up
When cutting in a low taper fade, start at the lowest point at the nape of the neck or around the ears. Gradually work your way up towards the crown using clippers with progressively larger guards.
The key is to keep the hair at the top noticeably longer than the layers beneath it to create a tapered look. A tight fade with only subtle length differences won’t have the same defined effect on curls as more dramatically staggered layers.
Avoid any drastic changes in length by feathering in the fade with multiple intermediate lengths. If you go too short too quickly, it can remove the weight needed for curls to cling together and you may be left with a frizzy halo around the top of your head.
Take your time and check for even blending, feeling with your fingers to ensure a smooth transition between layers. Some barbers recommend going over the area twice to perfect the gradient.
Use Curl-Defining Products
Styling products designed for curly hair are a must to bring out the best in your low taper fade. The right co*cktail of creams, gels and sprays will help curls maintain their spring and definition.
Start by detangling coils with a wide-toothed comb or fingers. Be gentle and don’t rip through knots. Apply a nourishing curl cream or leave-in conditioner, distributing it evenly from roots to ends.
Next, rake your fingers or a pick through curls to encourage formation of ringlets. Scrunch in a lightweight gel, foam or mousse, which will provide hold as your hair dries. Those with tighter coils may prefer heavier creams or custards.
Finish with a misting of hairspray to lock in the faded shape. If your hair won’t be dry within an hour or so, a touch of oil can help seal in moisture and prevent frizz.
Some of the best ingredients to look for in products for curly low taper fades include:
- Natural oils– Coconut, olive, argan and jojoba oils provide hydration and shine while enhancing curls.
- Shea butter– Softens and smoothes frizz-prone hair.
- Glycerin– Draws moisture into strands to prevent dryness.
- Panthenol– B5 provitamin repairs damage from heat styling and environmental aggressors.
- Holding polymers– Guar gum, PVP and VP/VA copolymer provide flexible hold for touchable texture.
Communicate with Your Stylist
If you’ll be getting your low taper fade done professionally at a barber shop, communication is key. Come prepared with photos of the exact type of look you want so your stylist understands the shape and level of contrast you’re aiming for.
Mention any problem areas, like a crooked hairline or odd cowlicks, that they should pay special attention to when cutting in the fade. Share your hair’s temperament – does it get frizzy with too much layering? Does it tend to shrink up as it dries? This info will help them adapt the fade to best suit your curl pattern and texture.
Ask your barber to explain their plan of attack before they begin cutting. Voice any concerns or modifications up front to get the haircut you want. Don’t be afraid to speak up!
Invest in Quality Styling Products
A quality low taper fade requires quality products. Now is not the time to skimp on drugstore finds. Invest in salon brands made specifically for curly and coil-dense hair.
With the right routine, you’ll use less product and get better results. Look for lightweight gels, mousses and curl creams without heavy emollients that could weigh down your locks or leave buildup. Play around with your perfect co*cktail of stylers for your hair type.
Keep a small arsenal of products on hand for versatility. Use heavier sealing creams or butters when humidity is high. Switch to lighter defining gels and foams in drier weather when hair needs more bounce.
The tapered layers of your fade will require extra attention. Reactivate curls and redirect any pieces losing their shape with a curling cream or moisturizing spray as needed throughout the day. Carry travel sizes for quick touch ups.
Maintain Regular Trims
Don’t neglect regular haircuts! To keep your low taper fade looking its best, visit your stylist every 4-6 weeks for maintenance. Waiting too long between trims will result in your once-defined layers growing out.
Ask for a “trim” or “cut” rather than a full-on “haircut” to avoid taking off more length than necessary. Cleaning up the edges of your fade should only require a slight dusting rather than removing substantial height.
In between barber visits, use a bit of curl-safe styling gel or paste to smooth down any flyaways or uneven growth around your tapered nape and sides. Don’t try to cut your own fade – leave it to the professionals!
Perfect the Details
It’s often the small details that take a tapered curly style from good to great. Don’t neglect key finishing touches:
Crisp hairline– Keep the edges around your temples and nape neat with regular shaves or visits to your barber. Stray hairs can quickly make a fade look overgrown.
Even volume– Distribute curls evenly so one side or section doesn’t appear fuller. Twist strands in opposite directions to create visual balance.
Smoothed crown– Use a soft hold gel to control frizz and flyaways at your part and crown where tapered layers meet.
Shine boosters– Oils, glosses and serums add luminous radiance while taming strays. Prioritize lightweight formulas to avoid flattening curls.
Fluffed texture– Gently shake curls and use fingers to lift hair at the roots. Avoid tightly smoothing coils flat to your head.
These intentional finishing touches elevate a basic low taper fade into an expertly executed style. Don’t forget the importance of the little things!
Troubleshooting Tricks
Even experienced curl wranglers can encounter issues styling and maintaining a curly low taper fade. Here are tips to troubleshoot common problems:
Uneven fading– Book a touch up with your barber to clean up the lines and blending. Ask them to go slowly and check their work.
Loss of definition– Clarify hair to remove product buildup. Deep condition to restore moisture and elasticity.
Frizz and puffiness– Use a moisturizing curl cream with hold. Avoid heavy oils that can create more frizz.
Straggling curls– Reshape pattern and encourage curl formation by scrunching and twisting strands.
Flattening– Boost volume with curl-safe sea salt sprays. Diffuse upside down for lift at the roots.
Don’t give up if your fade isn’t perfect right away! It may take some trial and error to discover the right maintenance routine and styling tricks for your unique texture and curl pattern.
Ideal Lengths for Curly Fades
The amount of curl shrinkage you experience will help determine the ideal lengths for each layer of your low taper fade. Here are some tips:
Top– 3 to 5 inches gives enough length for full curl formation but avoids an unruly mop. Those with tight coils can go a bit longer.
Upper sides/back– 1 to 2 inches allows for graduated tapering while preventing the appearance of a blunt bowl cut.
Mid fade– 1/2 to 1 inch is short enough for contrast but leaves some texture.
Lower nape– 1/4 to 1/2 inch balances sharp lines with maintaining some curl.
Go shorter if your curls are loose and tend to elongate. If hair shrinks dramatically, keep layers slightly longer to account for pullback. The top should always be significantly longer than the tapered sides and back.
Complementary Facial Hair
Pairing your curly low taper with the right facial hair can make for a well-rounded, polished look. Go for structured styling that complements the clean lines of your fade.
Short stubble– Faded beard shadow mimics the look of your tapered sides. Use a beard trimmer to maintain 1 to 2 days of growth.
Textured goatee– Thicker hair is trimmed short for a subtle, rugged effect. Avoid let-it-grow shagginess.
Chinstrap– A thin strip of beard connects sideburns to mustache and chin hair while framing your jawline.
Mustache– Make a style statement with a neatly groomed mustache. For volume, apply beard oil or balm.
The key is keeping edges clean and facial hair tidy to enhance your faded hairstyle. Skip anything patchy or scraggly.
Styling Inspiration For Curly Fades
Still searching for inspiration on how to style your curly low taper fade? Here are some eye-catching looks to spark ideas:
Defined ringlets– Embrace natural texture with bouncy, springy curls styled with curl cream.
Piece-y coils– Use fingers to separate coils for a clumpier, pieced out effect.
Textured crop– Achieve an undone vibe with matte pomade controlling frizz.
Curly faux hawk– Shape tapered sides into a faux hawk with the top spikes styled up.
Side-part– Part curls to one side for added direction and visual interest.
Slicked sides– Comb tapered sides back smoothly away from your face.
Natural volume– Allow the contrast of your fade to boost the appearance of your curl’s natural lift.
Don’t be afraid to switch it up day-to-day! Change parts or brush curls forward or off your forehead for added versatility.
Low Maintenance Shorter Styles
If you’re looking for an even lower maintenance curly hairstyle, take your fade a little shorter. Here are some easy-care options:
Buzzed sides– Shave the back and sides down to stubble for extreme contrast with longer curls on top.
Temp fade– Ask your barber for a “temp” or “high bald” fade that starts very low and tapers up higher.
Cropped curly Caesar– A classic Caesar cut with bangs leaves only about an inch of length all over but still shows off texture.
Coil sponge curl– Use a specialized sponge tool to roll-set tight uniform coils.
Curly buzz cut– Shear curls down to a buzz cut on top for an all-over minimized look.
Go for a subtle shape up around hairline and nape for a sculpted appearance. These abbreviated cuts mean air-drying and a quick scrunch of product is all you need.
Curly Low Fades for All Hair Types
Beyond coil curl patterns, a curly low taper fade can also work for other curl varieties:
Wavy hair– Tousled waves look edgy and carefree with faded sides. Style with a matte styler.
Straight hair– Add texturizing sea salt spray for piece-y texture paired with your tapered nape.
Afro-textured hair– Use curl-enhancing products to define ringlets and coils.
Thick hair– Fading around the ears and neckline removes bulk and prevents puffiness.
Asian hair– Create a Korean-inspired look by brushing bangs down over a side fade.
Latino hair– Slick back loose waves into a textured pompadour.
This tapered cut offers versatility for various hair types when styled appropriately. Don’t be limited by your curl pattern or ethnicity – make a low fade your own!
Maintain Your Low Taper Fade
Putting in the proper maintenance will keep your curly low taper fade looking fresh in between barber visits. Be diligent about the following care tips:
Daily moisturizing– Nourish curls and prevent dryness and breakage with a hydrating curl cream or gel.
Weekly deep conditioning– Replenish moisture and shine with a 10-minute intensive hair mask treatment.
Monthly clarifying shampoo– Remove product buildup that can cause limp, lifeless hair.
Satin pillowcase– Reduce unwanted frizz and friction overnight.
Protective styling– Braid, twist or pin up curls at night to maintain the fade shape.
Heat protectant– Shield strands from damage before heat styling with a thermal spray.
Salon trims– Get a touch up every 4-6 weeks to prevent uneven growth.
Invest a few extra minutes in proper at-home care and your fade will stay crisper longer. Don’t wait until things look shaggy for a shape up!
Flattering Face Shapes for Fades
A taper fade can be adapted to flatter any face shape when cut properly:
Oval– A classic low fade with clean lines complement the balanced proportions.
Long– Keep sides cropped close to prevent a long look. Style hair up off the forehead.
Round– A taper above the ears draws attention up and slims a fuller face.
Square– Avoid a high tight fade in favor of longer layers to soften jawlines.
Heart– Angle the fade to complement a wide forehead and tapered chin.
Diamond– Focus the fade around cheekbones to play up great bone structure.
Discuss the attributes you want to highlight or downplay with your barber. They can customize the fade placement accordingly.
Dapper Curly Styles for the Office
You can absolutely rock a curly low taper fade at the office or for business events. The trick is keeping styling refined. Try these professional looks:
Side parted pomp– Sweep curly bangs to one side away from your forehead in a subtle pompadour.
Brush up– Use pomade to brush curls off your face for a structured look.
Textured top– Work a small amount of matte wax through curls just at the crown to lightly define.
Natural ringlets– Allow your natural curl pattern to do the work. Finish with a light mist of flexible hold hairspray.
Slicked sides– Comb tapered sides smoothly back for a sleek effect.
Covered hairline– Conceal forehead and temples with side-swept bangs or curls brushed forward.
The key is keeping the silhouette neat and staying away from anything overly messy. Ask your barber for a precision cut and keep styling products minimal.
Experimenting with Color
Boys with curls wanting to experiment with color can still rock a low taper fade. Some cool options include:
Natural highlights– Have delicate sun-kissed honey, caramel or chestnut hues painted through your curls. Avoid anything brassy.
Subtle ombre– Darken your roots ever so slightly and transition into a chocolate brown or deep burgundy ombre effect a few shades lighter than your natural color.
Grey blending– Embrace your silver strands with stylish blending rather than fighting nature. It’ll look sharp with your fade.
Nape design– Get creative with a geometric, abstract, floral or striped design shaved into your tapered nape.
Temple fade– Have your barber “cut in” a sharp pattern like a lightning bolt or triangle along your temple fade.
All-over color– Stand out from the crowd with eye-catching, vibrant all-over color like cobalt blue or pastel pink.
Talk to a stylist skilled in coloring coils – they can customize the right vivid or subtle look for you while avoiding damage.
A few styling tools can make it easier to achieve a curly low taper fade:
- Denman brush– Detangle and gently brush curls into smooth, defined coils.
- Diffuser– Attach to blowdryer to encourage curl and provide even, all-over drying. Reduces frizz.
- Curl cream– Rake through damp curls and then scrunch out excess moisture. Provides frizz-free definition.
- Scalp massager– Use this handheld tool’s soft, flexible bristles to stimulate blood flow and exfoliate the scalp while redirecting curls. Feels great!
