A high taper fade shortens the sides and back in a smooth gradient that starts high on the head, up near the temple, and ends at a clean, short neckline. It is the sharpest and most visible member of the taper family, and the one clients ask for when they want contrast without giving up the structure of a tapered cut.
The quick answer: a high taper starts the shortening above the temple, a medium taper starts around the middle of the head, and a low taper starts just above the ear. This guide walks through the high taper, the burst versions, the black men’s version, the medium taper and the skin taper, with plain instructions for what to say in the chair.
What is a high taper fade?
A high taper fade begins its gradient up near the temple and parietal ridge, so the sides are short for most of their height and the top is left clearly longer. The fade is lighter than a skin fade at the bottom, and the transition is soft, not harsh.
It is a strong, modern shape and it suits men with an oval or long face who want a little more width on top to balance the head. If your face is already round and wide, the contrast can make the head look longer, which many men like. The high taper also works with almost every top: a textured crop, a quiff, a comb over or short curls.
| Taper height | Where it starts | Best for | Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Just above the ear | Office dress codes, first time tapers | Soft, subtle |
| Medium | Around the middle of the sides | Most faces, most tops | Balanced, clean |
| High | Above the temple | Strong contrast, short sides | Sharp, modern |
For a plain comparison between all the heights, including drop and burst shapes, read our guide to types of fade haircuts. At the shop, all of this sits inside the $35 fade haircut, with a hot towel neck finish on every cut.
What is a taper burst fade?
A taper burst fade is a taper on the sides with a burst around the ear, meaning the fade curves in a half circle from the temple, around the back of the ear and down to the neckline. The hair at the back is left longer than at the sides.
It looks like a small explosion of length behind the ear, hence the name. The burst is most useful when you want the back of the head to hold some shape, for example with a mullet, curls or a longer nape. The top can be as short as a textured crop or as long as a flow. In a taper burst the gradient is gentler; the contrast is lower than in a skin burst.
Ask for it with the words: “taper burst, curve around the ear, leave the back longer, medium height.” For the mullet version of the same shape, see our guide to the burst fade mullet.
How is a burst taper fade different?
A burst taper fade puts the emphasis on the taper, with a subtle burst, while a taper burst fade leans toward the burst, with a stronger curve. In practice the two names overlap, and barbers use them loosely.
The way to settle it at the chair is to ask for the effect you want: “short at the ear, curve behind it, soft transition at the neck.” If you have curls, the burst gives your hair somewhere to sit and keeps the back from looking flat. We wrote a separate guide on fades for curly hair, including burst, mid and drop, which shows what the burst does to tight and loose curl patterns.
Quick differences
- Taper burst: stronger curve, more contrast, longer back.
- Burst taper: subtler curve, more blended, shorter back.
- Both: need a barber who is comfortable with curved lines.
What does a taper fade look like for black men?
A taper fade for black men typically pairs a defined top, such as twists, short coils or a curly top, with a sharp, tight taper on the sides and a clean hairline. It is a classic that works across almost every curl pattern.
The details are what make it look right. Coily hair holds a crisp edge, so a skin or number 1 taper around the sideburns and neckline stands out clearly. A line up on the forehead and temples frames the face, and a line up and edge up is $18 at the shop. Many clients add a beard and take the Sharp Edge package, line up plus beard, for $30.
The top can be shaped to any look, from a short natural to a high top. When a drop or curved shape is wanted behind the ear, ask for a drop fade; our write up of the drop fade for black men covers it in more detail. And if the high top is what you are after, the high top fade guide has the specifics.
What is a medium taper fade?
A medium taper fade starts the gradient around the middle of the sides, so it is shorter than a low taper and less dramatic than a high one. It is the most balanced version and suits nearly every client.
It is also the cut the shop does most. Our own piece on the medium fade haircut goes through the details: where it starts, how much blending to ask for, and what to expect at the neckline. For men who are not sure where to land, a medium taper is the safe call: sharp enough to look decisive, conservative enough for client meetings in Midtown.
Barbers build it by working up from the neckline with progressively longer guards, usually a number 1, then a 2, then a 3, and blending the transitions with the clipper and, where necessary, scissors over comb. The top is left at your chosen length.
What is a taper fade with a skin finish?
A skin taper fade takes the bottom of the taper down to bare skin, usually with a trimmer or a foil shaver, while the upper part still blends into the longer top. It is the sharpest and cleanest version of any taper.
A skin finish shows regrowth within about ten days, so it is the highest maintenance choice. It also shows scars, moles and uneven skin, which is something to know before you ask. It looks especially strong on short, dense hair and on clients with a beard, since the beard line can blend directly into the skin fade. A faded beard is a natural pair; see our post on the faded beard for how the two connect.
If your goal is a very clean look for photos, a wedding or an interview, a skin taper is worth the extra effort. If you want something that holds for a month, pick a number 1 or 2 start instead. All of these sit inside the fade haircut at $35.
Get a high taper fade in Murray Hill
Deja Vu Barbershop is at 101 E 34th St, New York, NY 10016, between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue in Murray Hill. Call (212) 576-1062. We are open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm, closed Saturday. Walk ins are always welcome, and you can book online if you prefer a set time.
The fade haircut is $35 in low, mid, high and skin versions, with a hot towel neck finish included. A line up and edge up is $18, and the Classic Combo, fade plus beard, is $48. For a side by side comparison of every height and shape, start with our guide to types of fade haircuts, and see our fade haircuts page for the full service.
Questions readers ask
What does low taper fade mean?
A low taper fade begins its gradient just above the ear and stays near the hairline, leaving most of the side length intact. It is the subtlest taper and a common choice for an office dress code.
How much does a low taper fade cost?
A fade haircut is $35 at Deja Vu Barbershop, including the hot towel neck finish. That price covers low, mid, high and skin versions.
Is a mid taper fade a thing?
Yes. A mid taper starts the gradient around the middle of the sides and is among the most requested cuts. Ask for it by name and give the guard number you like.
How do I do a mid taper fade as a beginner?
Start from the neckline with a number 1 guard, move up to a 2 and then a 3, and blend each step with small flicking motions. Most beginners get cleaner results by leaving it to a barber and learning the look first.
Which taper is best for a round face?
A medium or high taper adds the contrast that makes a round face look longer. Pair it with a bit more height on top.