Updated by the AI Hairstyle team
Taper Fade Try On
A taper fade is one of the most adaptable men's cuts, but how high and how tight it goes changes the whole look. Upload a selfie and preview a taper fade on your own photo before your barber appointment. Each generation gives you 2 variations to compare.
What Is a Taper Fade?
A taper fade is a cut where the hair on the sides and back gets gradually shorter as it goes down, blending toward the neckline and around the ears. The top is left longer, so it can be styled forward, back or to the side.
Because the sides are tidy but not shaved, a taper suits both office and casual settings and works with most hair types. Seeing it on your own photo helps you judge how much contrast you want between the sides and the top.
What to Ask Your Barber For
- Height: a low taper stays near the ears and neckline; a higher taper starts further up the sides.
- How short: whether the bottom goes down to the skin or keeps a little length.
- The top: how much length to leave and which way you want to style it.
- Upkeep: a taper loses its sharp blend as it grows, so ask how often you will need a tidy-up.
Bring the variation you like from the preview. Want a fringe instead of a styled-back top? Compare it with the French crop.
Living With a Taper Fade
- Styling the top: a matte paste for a textured look, a light pomade for a neater combed one, or nothing at all if your hair has natural texture.
- Hair type: a taper works on straight, wavy, curly and coily hair. With curls or coils, the tapered sides keep the shape neat while the top keeps its texture.
- Between cuts: the neckline and the hair around the ears show regrowth first. Some barbers offer a quick clean-up between full cuts.
- Growing out: because a taper keeps some length at the bottom, it tends to grow out more evenly than a skin fade. Ask your barber to leave the sides longer if you want to move to a longer style.
See a Taper Fade on Your Own Photo
Each generation gives you 2 variations, and new accounts get 1 free generation. The button opens the generator with the taper fade already selected.
Try a Taper FadeTaper Fade Try On FAQs
Which taper fade does the preview show?
The taper fade preset has hair that gradually shortens down the sides toward the skin without going fully bald, and a longer, textured top with some natural movement.
What is the difference between a taper and a skin fade?
A taper shortens gradually and usually keeps some hair at the bottom, while a skin fade takes the sides all the way down to bare skin. The skin fade is not a preset at the moment, so the preview shows the taper.
Can I change the length on top?
Not in the preview: the preset uses one top length. To see a different top, compare it with the brush up or the textured quiff presets on the same photo, then agree the exact length with your barber.
Does a taper fade work with curly or coily hair?
Yes. A taper keeps the sides neat while the top keeps its natural texture, which is why it is often paired with curls. You can also compare it with the natural afro preset on the same photo.