30 Must-See Taper Fade Curly Hair Styles

Ready to tame that mane while keeping your texture popping?

Whether you’re looking for sharp edges or voluminous vibes, we have the ultimate inspiration to freshen up your style.

Here is your guide to finding the perfect Taper Fade Curly Hair style that will upgrade your look instantly.

1. Low Taper Fade Defined Tight Curls

This look pairs a clean, low fade with tight, moisturized curls for a finish that feels sharp yet natural. It’s a great way to maintain length on top while keeping the neckline neat and professional.

• Ideal for tighter coil patterns
• Offers a conservative yet stylish silhouette

Pro Tip: Use a curl sponge in a circular motion to define those tight coils quickly in the morning.

2. Mid Taper Fade With Voluminous Top

If you want more height and presence, this cut leans into the 2026 trend of embracing “bigger curls.” It balances a structured fade on the sides with plenty of playful volume up top.

• Great for elongating round face shapes
• Showcases natural texture

Pro Tip: Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and diffuse dry to maximize that height.

3. High Taper Fade Clean Athletic Vibes

This style keeps the sides crisp and short while letting the curls on top stay full and textured. It’s the go-to look for guys who want a low-maintenance cut that looks gym-ready and sharp.

• High contrast look
• Very low maintenance on the sides

Pro Tip: Ask your barber for a skin fade around the ears to make the top curls pop even more.

4. Curly Taper With Shape-Up Line

A lined-up forehead and temples add serious precision for a modern, polished look. This detailing frames the face perfectly, making messy curls look intentional and sophisticated.

• Creates a boxy, masculine hairline
• Clean geometric aesthetic

Pro Tip: Keep a small edging trimmer at home to touch up the line-up between barber visits.

5. Drop Taper Fade With Natural Curls

This fade curves down around the ear, following the shape of your head to enhance the movement of your curls. It provides a unique profile view that sets it apart from a standard straight fade.

• Follows natural head shape
• Keeps more bulk at the back

Pro Tip: This cut looks amazing with a little bit of shine, so finish with a light pomade.

6. Temple Taper Fade With Loose Waves

Subtle, stylish, and trending hard, this is for men wanting a softer, more casual appearance. It creates a relaxed vibe that isn’t too severe, perfect for wavy hair types.

• Soft transition at the temples
• Casual and office-friendly

Pro Tip: Use sea salt spray to enhance the wave pattern without weighing the hair down.

7. Curly Taper Fade Light Beard Blend

This cut features a smooth transition between your curls and your beard for a connected, masculine silhouette. It removes the disconnect between hair and facial hair for a seamless flow.

• Great for men with full beards
• Elongates the jawline

Pro Tip: Fade the sideburns into the beard to avoid a blocky look on the cheeks.

8. Low Taper Fade With Wet-Look Styling

Glossy curls elevate this haircut into a high-fashion, streetwear-inspired aesthetic perfect for 2026. It’s all about looking fresh, hydrated, and intentionally styled.

• High shine finish
• looks very clean and deliberate

Pro Tip: Mix a gel with a little hair oil to get that wet look without the crunchiness.

9. Curly Taper With Middle Part

This trending look adds symmetry and opens up the face, giving off a classic 90s heartthrob vibe. It works exceptionally well with looser curls or waves that fall naturally to the sides.

• Frames the eyes perfectly
• Retro yet modern

Pro Tip: Use a wide-tooth comb to establish the part while your hair is still wet.

10. High Taper Fade With Curly Fringe

A forward-curled fringe adds character and softness to the sharp fade, effectively hiding a larger forehead. It’s a youthful style that brings all the attention to your eyes.

• Balances face proportions
• High fashion appeal

Pro Tip: Scrunch the fringe with a curling cream to keep the curls from falling flat against your forehead.

11. Curly Burst Taper Fade Style

A circular fade around the ear paired with full curls creates a bold vibe that is set to be huge in 2026. It’s a dynamic look that mimics the silhouette of a mohawk without the commitment.

• Edgy and modern
• Keeps the neck hair longer

Pro Tip: This style relies on the “burst” shape, so visit your barber every 2–3 weeks to maintain the curve.

12. Mid Taper Fade Highlighted Curls

Subtle color accents bring out curl definition, making this a massive trend for the upcoming year. The lighter tips catch the light, showing off the texture of the taper fade curly hair beautifully.

• Adds visual depth to dark hair
• Highlights curl separation

Pro Tip: Stick to caramel or honey tones for a sun-kissed look that grows out gracefully.

13. Curly Slick-Back With Low Taper

Classic meets modern where curls are controlled on top with a clean low fade at the edges. It’s a sophisticated option for formal events or professional settings.

• Professional and tidy
• Keeps hair out of the face

Pro Tip: Use a strong-hold matte clay to push curls back while maintaining their texture.

14. Taper Fade With Defined Spiral Curls

This is perfect for men embracing tighter curl patterns with structure and definition. The taper keeps the sides neat so the spirals on top can be the star of the show.

• Showcases ringlets
• Clean perimeter

Pro Tip: Finger-coil individual strands with gel while damp for perfect spirals that last all day.

15. Curly Afro Taper Fade Cut

This style features a short, round afro shape with clean faded edges for a balanced, timeless look. It celebrates natural volume while keeping the overall shape tidy.

• Classic rounded silhouette
• celebrates natural volume

Pro Tip: Use an afro pick to lift the roots for that perfect rounded shape.

16. Curly Taper Fade Hard Part Line

Adding a shaved part creates separation and structure, making this a very barber-shop trendy look for 2026. It adds a dapper, vintage touch to modern messy curls.

• Adds an intentional focal point
• Barber-style precision

Pro Tip: Ask for the line to be thick enough to see, but thin enough to grow out easily.

17. High Taper Fade Natural Curl Volume

This cut is all about max volume on top for a bold, photo-ready look that turns heads. It creates a “high and tight” effect where the top is wild and free.

• Elongates the face
• Bold statement style

Pro Tip: Avoid heavy waxes; use lightweight foams to keep that gravity-defying volume.

18. Curly Mohawk Taper Fade Style

A modern twist on the mohawk, this style keeps curls emphasized down the center strip of the head. It’s less aggressive than a punk mohawk but still packs plenty of attitude.

• Edgy and rebellious
• Great for wide faces

Pro Tip: Taper the back slightly longer to give it that “mullet-hawk” vibe if you’re feeling adventurous.

19. Low Taper Fade Side-Swept Curls

This is great for looser curl types who want more movement and a romantic, windswept vibe. The low taper ensures it looks groomed rather than overgrown.

• Soft and flowy
• Asymmetrical styling

Pro Tip: Train your hair to fall to one side by blow-drying it in that direction.

20. Curly Taper Messy Textured Top

Effortless, rugged, and aligning with the 2026 trend of “undone but intentional.” It looks like you just woke up with perfect hair, but the tapered sides prove you visited a barber.

• Low maintenance styling
• Relaxed aesthetic

Pro Tip: Use a texture powder at the roots to get that messy lift and grit.

21. Mid Taper Fade Subtle Beard Shadow

A stubble blend adds masculinity without the hassle of heavy beard maintenance. It balances the weight of the curly top with a rugged shadow on the lower face.

• Rugged but clean
• Balances the face shape

Pro Tip: Keep the stubble length uniform with an electric trimmer guard set to 1mm or 2mm.

22. Curly High Taper Short Top Texture

With more structure and less volume, this cut is clean, professional, and easy to manage. It’s perfect for the guy who wants curls but doesn’t want a 20-minute morning routine.

• Business-appropriate
• Very tidy appearance

Pro Tip: A pea-sized amount of matte paste is all you need to style this short crop.

23. Curly Taper Fade Razor-Sharp Edges

For those who want the cleanest version of the trend, this focuses on sharp, defined hairlines. The contrast between the soft curls and the geometric edges is striking.

• High definition look
• Instagram-ready finish

Pro Tip: This look requires frequent barber visits to keep those edges looking crisp.

24. Curly Taper With Understated Side Part

A soft side separation creates a stylish everyday look that works for school or the office. It gives a hint of gentlemanly charm to unruly curls.

• Classic styling
• Versatile for all occasions

Pro Tip: Don’t shave the part in; just use a comb to separate the hair for a more natural look.

25. Curly Taper Fade With Blowout Volume

Big, fluffy curls paired with a clean fade give off very 2026 runway energy. This look is all about airiness and soft texture rather than defined, crunchy coils.

• Maximized softness
• Fashion-forward aesthetic

Pro Tip: Blow-dry with a diffuser attachment and use your fingers to fluff the hair outward.

26. Curly Taper Fade Mid-Length Top

Not too short, not too long, this cut is balanced and incredibly easy to style. It offers enough length to play with texture but is short enough to stay neat.

• The “Goldilocks” length
• Highly versatile

Pro Tip: This length is perfect for trying out different products—creams for soft days, gels for hold.

27. Curly Textured Quiff With Taper Fade

This adds height and attitude to the front while keeping the sides tight and tapered. It pulls the hair up and back, keeping your forehead clear.

• Adds vertical height
• Confident and bold

Pro Tip: Use a vented brush while blow-drying the front upwards to establish the quiff shape.

28. Curly Taper Fade Minimalist Design Line

A subtle shaved line adds personality without going extreme or looking unprofessional. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in the uniqueness of the cut.

• Customizable artistic touch
• Subtle flair

Pro Tip: Keep the design simple—a single straight or curved line is usually the most timeless.

29. Curly Taper Fade Controlled Frizz Texture

Soft, airy, lived-in curls are trending huge for 2026’s natural-hair movement. This embraces a little bit of fuzz for a halo effect that looks organic and cool.

• Embraces natural texture
• Very low stress styling

Pro Tip: Skip the gel and use a hydrating cream to encourage soft definition without the crunch.

30. Curly Taper Fade Defined Back Taper

This focuses on an extra-clean taper at the nape for men who want a fresh-cut look that lasts longer. The back view is just as important as the front with this detailed style.

• Clean neckline
• polished rear profile

Pro Tip: Check the back of your head in a mirror to ensure your neckline stays tidy between cuts.

Found your next look?

We hope this list gave you plenty of inspiration for your next trip to the barbershop!

If you found a style you love, please leave a comment below telling us which number you picked.

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