7 Kick-Ass Tapered Fades

Nothing gets me as pumped up as getting a brand new hair style. In fact, I just got a new one last week called the tapered fade. Basically it is shaved on the sides and in the back, but longer on top. It can be drastic or mild depending on how adventurous you are.

It also depends on your age. If you’re twenty-something, you can get away with an extravagant change, but if you are forty-plus, you will want something a bit less radical and more sophisticated. The new ‘do isn’t as new as one might think. Both Vanilla Ice and Brian Bozworth were sporting the tapered fade back in the late ’80s and early ’90, but Do Not try an emulate these two clowns or you will appear dated and out of step.

Today’s tapered fade is much cleaner, sharper and slicker. Granted, to keep your faded hairdo looking flawless does require more trips to the stylist, but that’s the price of being trendy.

Below are seven examples of the tapered fade.

1. Taper Fade Pompadour

Go all out with the Taper Fade Pompadour. With this cut, you truly get the best of both worlds. While it would look groovy on a twenty-ish or thirty-ish guy, don’t attempt this style if you’re forty-plus as you will appear as if you are desperately hanging onto your youth. Wear it clean shaven or with a well manicured beard.

2. Longer Hair on Top With Volume

Whoever says you can’t look cool as you get older must not look cool right now! This is a tapered fade which is classy and sophisticated, but retains a hip edge. If you adopt this style, you will definitely be the talk of the office and spark many chats around the water cooler.

3. Disconnected Fade

If you’re tatted up, you’ll want this tapered fade. This badass look gives you completely shaved sides with mounds of hair up top. While this style is not for everyone, if you want to turn heads, this cut will definitely achieve your goal.

4. Mid Length Fade With Spikes

Spikes have been around for a couple of decades, however these spikes are clearly defined by a stripe on both sides. Wear it with a tailored beard to achieve the full effect. Clearly for a younger man, this fade is fashion forward enough for the clubs, but tame enough for the office.

5. Tapered Slick Back Fade

For a classic yet updated look, go with the faded slicked back look. While this is fade is a bit less adventurous, it is good at any age.

6. Taper Fade Mohawk

Definitely not for the faint of heart, the taper fade Mohawk will demand attention no matter where you are. It takes a lot of product to keep the hair in place. Combat boots and spiked collar not included.

7. The Classic Fade

This fade is what I like to call the safe fade. Not too flashy or audacious, yet it is yawn worthy in the slightest. This cut is an acceptable one for every age, even if you’re a grandpa.