A mid taper fade starts around the temple, roughly halfway between the top of the ear and the corner of the forehead, and fades down to the sideburns and neckline. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, how to ask your barber for it and how to style it.
Mid taper fade at a glance
- Top: Any length; popular with crops, fringes and curls
- Sides and back: Tapered from temple height down to the hairline
- Maintenance: Medium
- Trim every: 2 to 3 weeks
What makes it different
It sits between the low and high taper: more noticeable than a low taper, less severe than a high one. You get clear contrast and a clean outline while keeping some weight on the sides.
Who it suits
Most face shapes. It's a good choice for oval, square and round faces, and for anyone who finds a low taper too subtle.
Not sure about your face shape? Find it with the free face shape detector, or read our guide to men's face shapes.
How to ask your barber for a mid taper fade
- Ask for a mid taper starting around the temple.
- Say whether it should fade to skin at the sideburns and nape.
- Say how you'll wear the top so the barber can blend it properly.
- Bring a photo. Barbers use these names differently, and a picture removes the guesswork.
How to style it
Add texture on top with clay or paste for straight hair, or define curls with cream. The mid taper pairs well with a line up at the temples.
Variations
- Mid taper with textured fringe: forward fringe with a clean temple.
- Mid taper with curls: tight edges under a full curly top.
- Mid taper with a side part: a neat, professional version.
Try it before you cut
A haircut takes weeks to grow out. Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and see the mid taper fade on your own face, next to up to three other styles.
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FAQ
What is a mid taper fade?
A mid taper fade starts around the temple, roughly halfway between the top of the ear and the corner of the forehead, and fades down to the sideburns and neckline.
Who suits a mid taper fade?
Most face shapes. It's a good choice for oval, square and round faces, and for anyone who finds a low taper too subtle.
How often does it need a trim?
About every 2 to 3 weeks.
