Mid taper hairstyles shorten the hair from roughly halfway between your temple and your ear, then blend it down into the sideburns and neckline, while the top stays long enough to actually style.
- The fade starts halfway between the temple and ear, then softens downwards.
- Straight, wavy, curly, coily, thick, fine – it works for almost everyone.
- Cost is around £20 in the UK, though it can range between £5 and £40+.
- Wear time is around 2–3 weeks. The top and fringe stretch to 4–6.
- Nobody says it has to go down to bare skin.
What Is A Mid Taper Fade?
A mid taper isn’t a full fade. The shortening happens around the edges — temples, sideburns, nape — so your sides keep their proper weight instead of being stripped down to the scalp. Faxhion Plaza makes a point worth remembering: the shortest bit never has to hit bare skin. A soft shadow often looks better anyway.
Your barber works through roughly a #1 to #3 guard, then drops to a #0.5 or bare blade at the neckline. The top is cut separately, which is the clever part — the same taper sits under a buzz cut or hair long enough to tie back. A mid fade is different: that one takes hair off across the whole side.
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Popular Types Of Mid Taper Hairstyles
Forte Series states that the fade stays the same, but the top changes everything. Below are the ones that walk through the door:
- Classic mid taper – natural top, clean sides, and nobody blinks at work.
- Textured or French crop – choppy, short, and takes just thirty seconds of effort.
- Blowout – lifted up and out, looks great on thick hair.
- Middle part or fluffy top – what every teenager asks for.
- Curly top or afro – the taper handles the bulk; curls do the rest.
- Slick back, side part, pompadour – smart without feeling fussy.
- Modern mullet or Edgar – length at the back, or a blunt fringe.
- Mid drop taper – the fade dips behind the ear.
Mid Taper Textured Fringe
This hairstyle fashion trend is everywhere right now, and it’s a good look. The fringe falls forward in choppy, separated pieces while the temples fade out without flashing much scalp. It works on straight, wavy, or curly hair, and if yours is fine or thinning, it fakes thickness well.
Styling takes two minutes. Damp hair, sea salt spray for lift, and blow-dry the top forward. Then apply matte clay or moulding paste through the roots, scrunched upwards so the strands separate.
Mid Taper Vs Low Taper Vs High Taper
| Feature | Low taper | Mid taper | High taper |
|---|---|---|---|
Starts | Just above the ears | Halfway between temple and ear | Near the temples |
Look | Soft, understated | Balanced, modern | Bold, high contrast |
Hair left on sides | Most | Moderate | Least |
Back in the chair | Every 3–4 weeks | Every 2–3 weeks | Every 1–2 weeks |
Suits | Strict dress codes | Nearly every face shape | Short hair, tight curls |
Table Source: Adapted from professional styling guidelines via the Cutters Yard Taper Fade Guide
Nick Hall, a barber writing for Man of Many, gives advice worth tattooing on a mirror: start low. They can always go higher, but once the blend sits halfway up your head, there’s no putting it back.
How To Choose The Right Mid Taper For You
Your face shape. Round faces want height, so quiffs work, and flat styles don’t. Square jaws want texture to soften the edges. Oval faces — lucky you, anything goes. Diamond faces need width, so curls and fringes. Long faces should keep volume but skip the height.
Your hair. Straight hair shows off clean lines. Wavy hair perks up once the bulk on the sides is removed. Curly and coily hair is the best match of the lot — edges stay neat, and the curl pattern carries on. Thick hair loses weight; fine hair looks fuller with soft contrast and a longer top, if you maintain a proper diet as well.
Your mornings. How long will you honestly stand at a mirror? If you have “no time”, go for crops and buzz cuts; choose a side part for the office styling, or a mullet if you enjoy fiddling. It sits well with stubble or a full beard too, as long as the taper blends in rather than stopping at a hard line.
How To Ask Your Barber For The Best Mid Taper
Saying “mid taper, mate” and hoping is how the process goes wrong. Grindzilla Magazine sums up the fix: name the fade height, the top length, and the neckline:
“I want a mid taper around the temples, sideburns, and neckline. Keep some weight on the sides, blend it gradually, and leave the top long enough for a textured style.”
Then fill the gaps. Shadow, clipper length, or skin at the lowest point? Beard blended? Bring two or three photos, including a side profile and a back shot, because every disaster hides around the ears. Budget 30 to 45 minutes.
How Much Does A Mid Taper Fade Cost?
In the UK, a men’s haircut or taper fade typically costs around £20, though prices can range from £5 to £40+ depending on the barbershop, city, and whether you visit a local shop or a high-end salon in London, which offers other services like pedicure, manicure, and skincare, etc. A beard trim or line-up will increase the cost. Plenty of shops do a cheap fade refresh between full cuts.
How Long Does A Mid Taper Fade Last?
Week one is crisp. Week two is still sharp. Week three, the blend softens, and by week four it’s gone. The top and fringe hold shape for 4 to 6 weeks, so mostly you’re paying for the sides.
Keeping It Sharp Between Cuts
Edge every week or two, taper refresh every two to three weeks, and a full cut every four to six weeks. Matte clay for texture, pomade for shine, sea salt spray for waves, curl cream for curls, and argan oil for dry ends. Go easy — too much reads oily, not styled.
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FAQs
Q1. Is A Mid Taper Good For Curly Hair?
Yes, one of the best pairings going. The sides lose bulk; the curls keep volume. Curl cream on damp hair, then diffuse.
Q2. Is A Mid Taper The Same As A Mid Fade?
No. A mid taper shortens the outline and keeps side weight. A mid-fade cuts shorter across the sides for stronger contrast.
Q3. Does A Mid Taper Suit A Receding Hairline?
It does, if adapted. Keep the texture on top. Don’t let anyone push the hairline back, and the eye follows the shape.
Q4. Is A Mid Taper Smart Enough For Work?
Yes. It’s one of the most workplace-friendly fades there is, clean and controlled without a high fade’s contrast.
Q5. Can I Get A Mid Taper With Long Hair?
Absolutely. Tapered sides with real length on top give a balanced shape — wear it loose, tied back, or tucked behind the ears.
Q6. How Often Should I See My Barber?
Every two to three weeks keeps it fresh. Happy with a softer grow-out? Three to four is fine.
Sources & References
- Forte Series. The fade stays the same, but the top changes everything in many other variations.
- Grindzilla Magazine. When you go to a barber, name the fade height, the top length, and the neckline.
- Faxhion Plaza. The shortest bit never has to hit bare skin.
- Man Of Many. Start low, as they can always go higher, but once the blend sits halfway up your head, there’s no putting it back.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is published strictly for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute promotional material or professional hair styling or medical advice. Readers are strongly advised to verify all facts independently and seek individual guidance from a qualified professional barber or stylist before making decisions based on this information. We do not guarantee specific results from following any instructions or tips listed herein.
