Mid Taper Fade Haircuts for Black Men: Styles, Tips & Trends

I remember the first time I got bored of my old haircut and decided to try something new. My barber suggested a mid taper fade, promising it would suit my hair and face shape. The clean, balanced look surprised me, and even my mom approved. Since then, I’ve learned a lot about keeping this style fresh through barbers, friends, and my own mistakes. If you’re curious about the mid taper fade for Black men, I’ll share everything I know, minus the jargon.

What Is a Mid Taper Fade?

A mid taper fade is a hairstyle that blends the hair on the sides and back from short to even shorter, starting at the midpoint of your head. Unlike a low fade that sits closer to the ears or a high fade that goes almost to the top, the mid taper fade is right in the middle. This gives you balance—enough length to style, but still a sharp, clean look around the edges.

The tapering starts just above the ears, then gets shorter as it moves down to the neckline. The top can be left longer, so you have options—curls, waves, twists, or just a short, textured style. One thing I noticed after getting this cut is that it made my face look more defined. The fade brings out the jawline and cleans up the sides, which helps a lot if you have thick or curly hair like me. And if you’re looking for easy-to-manage medium styles for men, there are plenty of great options to pair with this kind of fade.

Barbers often use clippers with different guards to get the fade just right. If you’ve ever sat in the chair and heard the “buzz” change pitch, that’s the sound of the guard getting switched. Sometimes, they’ll use scissors to tidy up the top or blend the sides better. The end result is a fade that looks natural and not blocky or uneven.

I once tried explaining this cut to my little cousin, and he thought “taper fade” sounded like a superhero name. Maybe it is—after all, it saves you from bad hair days. The best thing about a mid taper fade is that it works for almost every head shape, especially if you’re Black and have textured hair.

Classic Mid Taper Fade

This cut keeps the fade right in the middle, blending smoothly from the sides to the top. It’s easy to maintain and always looks neat. Great for anyone who wants a timeless look without too much fuss.

Mid Taper Fade with Curls

Let your natural curls pop by keeping them longer on top while the sides fade down cleanly. This style brings out your hair’s texture and stays sharp between trims. It’s the go-to if you love showing off curls.

Mid Taper Fade with Waves

Brush your hair into waves and let the fade highlight the pattern. The sides stay low while the top looks defined and fresh. Perfect if you want a style that turns heads but isn’t hard to manage.

Mid Taper Fade with Beard

Blend your beard into the fade for a smooth, connected look from the sideburns down. This adds maturity and sharpness to your appearance. It works especially well for anyone who wants a fuller, more polished style.

Mid Taper Fade with Hard Part

Add a shaved line to your mid taper fade for extra detail. The hard part creates a bold, stylish separation that stands out. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference..

Mid Taper Drop Fade

Let the fade drop lower at the back, following your head’s curve. This gives a rounded, more dramatic finish. It’s ideal if you want your haircut to have a unique profile.

Mid Taper Fade with Designs

Get creative by asking your barber to add lines or shapes to the faded sides. These designs add personality and help your cut stand out from the rest. It’s a fun way to make your style yours.

Why Do Black Men Choose the Mid Taper Fade?

When I first got a mid taper fade, I wasn’t trying to follow a trend. I just wanted something easy to maintain that looked good all the time. I quickly learned that I wasn’t the only one who felt this way. In every barbershop I’ve visited, I’ve seen Black men—from teenagers to older guys—ask for a mid taper fade. There’s a reason for this.

This haircut works perfectly with curly, coily, or wavy hair. Our hair types can sometimes be tough to manage, especially when it gets longer. The mid taper fade keeps the sides neat and lets you show off the texture on top. No more fighting with your hair every morning. Plus, the fade doesn’t make you look too young or too old—it’s just right.

Another reason this style is a favorite is the way it shapes the face. A mid taper fade gives you a sharper jawline and makes your cheekbones stand out. For guys who want a more defined look without growing a beard, this fade does the job. I noticed that after my first mid taper fade, my selfies started looking way better—even my friends started asking what changed.

There’s also a practical side. The fade is easy to keep clean, and if you need to look sharp for work or school, you can just brush the top and go. When you add in a fresh line-up or edge-up, the whole cut looks polished. I remember once getting a mid taper fade right before a family wedding. My aunt said I looked like I just walked off a magazine cover. That felt good!

Barbers also love this style because it’s versatile. If you want to add waves, sponge twists, or even a little design on the side, the mid taper fade makes it all possible. Whether you have short hair or prefer a longer top, this fade fits right in. It’s a style that keeps up with trends but never really goes out of fashion.

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Features of the Mid Taper Fade for Black Men

One thing I love about the mid taper fade is how customizable it is. No two fades look exactly alike. Every barber has their own touch, and every head of hair reacts differently to the clippers. Here’s what you can expect when you ask for this style.

The sides are the first thing people notice. The fade starts above the ears, gradually blending down toward the neckline. This means no harsh lines, just a smooth transition. The back of the head usually follows the same pattern, but you can ask your barber to make it round, squared, or “dropped” if you want the fade to curve lower at the back. I once asked for a drop fade, and my mom said it looked like the back of my head got a cool shadow.

The top is your playground. You can keep it short, grow it out, style it into curls, or brush it out for volume. Some guys like a neat, close-cropped look, while others go for mini-afros, twists, or even waves. I tried growing the top longer once, and it made my face look totally different—kind of like I hit the “upgrade” button.

Edges are important. A clean line-up or shape-up around the forehead and temples makes the whole haircut look professional. Barbers use trimmers to get those lines sharp. For Black men, this can be the difference between a haircut that looks finished and one that just looks “okay.” I learned the hard way that skipping the edge-up can make you feel like you only got half a haircut.

Necklines also matter. Some people like the fade to finish with a natural neckline, while others want it boxed or rounded. I’ve had all three, and honestly, it depends on the mood. When I’m feeling bold, I go for the boxed look. For something softer, the natural neckline blends right in.

Beards play a role, too. If you have facial hair, you can ask your barber to blend your beard into the fade. This gives a smooth, continuous look from your sideburns down to your jaw. When I started growing a beard, this blend made it look fuller and more put together—even when the beard wasn’t all the way there yet. And if you’re exploring barber-approved styles for professionals, there’s plenty of inspiration for pairing fades with both clean-shaven and bearded looks.

Finally, the products you use make a difference. For curls, a little leave-in conditioner or curl cream helps keep the top soft and defined. For waves, a brush and some pomade go a long way. If you want your fade to last, sleep with a durag or wave cap to keep everything in place.

Popular Mid Taper Fade Styles for Black Men

Walking into a barbershop and seeing the wall of hairstyle photos can be overwhelming. I remember staring at those pictures, thinking, “Which one is right for me?” The truth is, there are many ways to rock a mid taper fade. Here are some of the most popular options I’ve tried or seen on friends.

The classic mid taper fade keeps things simple. The sides and back fade smoothly, and the top is left just long enough to show off natural texture. This style works for almost everyone, and it’s easy to maintain. I go back for a touch-up every two weeks, and it always looks fresh.

If you like curls, the mid taper fade with curls on top is a great choice. I’ve worn my hair like this during summer, when humidity makes my curls stand out. A good curl cream keeps the top soft, while the faded sides make sure you don’t look too “puffy.”

For guys who love waves, there’s the mid taper fade with waves. It takes time to brush and lay down your waves, but the fade makes them pop even more. I met a guy at the gym who gave me tips on how to get my waves spinning—he said the secret is brushing every night and never skipping the durag.

Adding a beard to the mix changes everything. A mid taper fade with a blended beard looks mature and sharp. It works well if you’re trying to look older or more professional. When I started working in an office, this became my go-to look.

Some barbers add a hard part or side part to the mid taper fade. This means a defined line is shaved into the hair, giving the style extra detail. I tried a hard part for my birthday once, and my friends said it made me look “grown.” For those who want to stand out, a design shaved into the fade or even a bit of color on top can make a regular haircut unique.

If you have an afro, you can get a mid taper fade that shapes your hair into a round, neat style. The fade makes the afro look more controlled and stylish. I had this look during my last year of school, and it got more compliments than any other style.

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How to Ask Your Barber for a Mid Taper Fade

The first time I tried to ask for a mid taper fade, I just pointed at a photo and hoped for the best. Now, I know exactly what to say, and it always pays off. Here’s what I’ve learned about talking to your barber.

First, be clear about the “mid” part. Let your barber know you want the fade to start halfway up the sides of your head, not too high or too low. If you want the fade to drop lower at the back, ask for a drop fade. Photos help a lot. I usually scroll through my phone and show a picture that matches what I want.

Next, talk about the top. Tell your barber if you want to keep the top longer, go for curls, or just keep it short and neat. Mention any products you like to use, like pomade for waves or curl cream for texture. The more info you give, the better the result.

Edges and line-ups are important. If you want a sharp edge-up, say so. Some barbers will ask if you want the corners rounded or squared. I like mine squared, but it’s all about personal preference.

For beards, say if you want it blended into the fade or kept separate. I always ask for a blended beard because it looks smoother. If you’re trying a new look, don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Most barbers have seen it all and can recommend what will look best for your face shape and hair type.

Finally, ask about aftercare. A good barber will tell you how to keep your cut looking sharp until your next visit. I learned to sleep with a wave cap and avoid scratching my head too much.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Keeping a mid taper fade fresh is easier than you think. I’ve made a few mistakes over the years, but now I have a routine that works.

First, touch-ups are key. I get my fade redone every 10 to 14 days. If you let it go longer, the fade loses its sharpness. A quick trip to the barbershop brings it back to life.

Washing your hair regularly keeps your scalp healthy. I use a gentle shampoo and a leave-in conditioner for my curls. For waves, I brush every day and use a small amount of pomade. If you have straight or wavy hair, a lightweight gel works well.

Moisture is your friend. Curly and coily hair dries out fast, so use products that hydrate. I avoid anything with heavy alcohol because it makes my hair stiff. When I started using a curl cream, my hair felt softer and looked better.

Scalp care matters. Razor bumps can be a problem, especially if you have sensitive skin. I use a soft brush and avoid shaving too close. If you get bumps, a bit of witch hazel helps. Sleeping with a durag or satin pillowcase protects your hair while you sleep and keeps the fade from getting messed up.

If you want to save money or don’t have time for the barber, you can clean up the edges at home with a trimmer. I’ve done it a few times just take it slow and don’t try to fix what isn’t broken. I once tried to give myself a full fade and ended up wearing a hat for a week. Lesson learned.

Products make a difference. Ask your barber which ones work best for your hair. I stick to the basics: shampoo, conditioner, curl cream, and a brush. You don’t need a whole shelf of stuff. The right tools save time and keep your style sharp. And if you’re trying to figure out the differences between fade styles, it’s worth knowing how each one changes the look and feel of your haircut.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a mid taper fade?
A mid taper fade is a haircut where the sides and back are faded from longer to shorter, starting at the middle of the head.

How long does a mid taper fade last?
Most mid taper fades look fresh for about two weeks before needing a touch-up.

Does a mid taper fade work for curly hair?
Yes, it works great for curly, coily, and wavy hair, letting you show off your texture while keeping the sides neat.

Can I get a mid taper fade if I have a beard?
Absolutely. Ask your barber to blend the beard into the fade for a smooth, connected look.

How do I keep my mid taper fade looking fresh?
Regular touch-ups, moisturizing products, and sleeping with a durag or satin pillowcase help maintain your cut.

What’s the difference between a mid taper fade and a low or high fade?
The mid taper fade starts in the middle of the sides, while low fades start near the ears and high fades start closer to the top.

Is a mid taper fade good for all face shapes?
Yes, this style suits most face shapes, but your barber can suggest tweaks to make it fit even better.

What products should I use with a mid taper fade?
Use a moisturizing shampoo, leave-in conditioner, curl cream for curls, pomade for waves, and a brush or sponge depending on your style.

Can I cut a mid taper fade at home?
It’s possible but tricky. If you try it yourself, start by just cleaning up the edges and leave the fading to a pro.

How do I ask my barber for a mid taper fade?
Tell your barber you want a fade that starts in the middle, show a picture if possible, and explain how you want the top and edges.