Taper Fade voor krullend haar: 12 stijlen en hoe u er naar uw barbier vraagt

Getting a taper fade for curly hair is a smart way to keep your sides and neckline clean while letting the volume on top do its thing. It gives curly or coily hair a sharp shape without losing its natural texture. In this guide, we will break down the difference between a taper and a fade, show you 12 taper fade styles for curly hair, and cover what to ask your barber. We also included tips on styling and what to do if your hair is thinning on top.

Taper vs. fade: what is the difference?

Both cuts get shorter toward your neck and ears, but the main difference comes down to how short the hair gets and where the fade starts:

• Taper: The hair gets progressively shorter but rarely goes down to the bare skin. It offers a softer look that fits easily into a professional setting.
• Fade: The hair goes down to very short stubble or bare skin, creating a sharp contrast between the sides and the top.
• Taper fade: This is simply a taper that finishes with a short fade at the temples and neckline. Most barbers use the two words together.

Height also plays a big role. A low taper starts just over the ears, a mid taper sits around the temples, and a high taper reaches near the top of the head. The higher the fade, the more your top curls will pop.

12 taper fade styles for curly hair

1. Low taper with a curly top

Keep clean edges around the neck and ears, leaving the top full. This is your most natural-looking choice.

2. Mid taper fade with curls

Starting around the temples, this offers a great middle ground between a soft taper and a bold skin fade.

3. High taper fade with curly top

The sides are clipped short all the way up to the temples, giving the top curls a taller, defined appearance.

4. Burst fade with curls

The fade arcs around the ear in a half-circle, leaving length at the back. It is a go-to for curly mullets or longer tops.

5. Drop fade with curls

The fade drops lower behind the ear toward the neckline, following your natural head shape.

6. Skin taper fade with a curly fringe

The sides are taken down to the skin, while the top curls are brushed forward to hang over the forehead.

7. Taper fade with short curls

With an inch or two of curls on top and a tight taper on the sides, this is a very low-maintenance cut.

8. Taper fade with long curls

A clean taper underneath keeps long curls on top from looking too wide or bulky.

9. Taper fade with twists

Short to medium twists on top paired with a side taper. A defined option for coily hair.

10. Taper fade with a curly mullet

Short sides, long curls at the back, and a taper or burst fade to keep the overall look neat.

11. Taper fade with a beard

The taper blends directly into your facial hair, keeping the sides of your face looking clean and connected.

12. Taper fade with a hard part

A shaved line on one side creates a clear divide between the taper and the curls, adding structure to the cut.

How to ask your barber for a taper fade

• Tell them if you want a taper, fade or taper fade, and specify the height: low, mid, or high.
• Let them know exactly how short to take the sides, whether that is down to the skin or using a specific clipper guard.
• Specify how much length you want to behouden bovenop, using inches or centimeters.
• Request that they cut or check your curls dry. Curls shrink as they dry, so this prevents them from taking off too much length.
• Show them a reference photo of someone with a similar curl pattern to yours.

How to style a curly taper fade

• Work a curl cream or leave-in conditioner into damp hair, scrunching it with your fingers.
• Let your hair air-dry, or dry it on low heat using a diffuser.
• Do not brush your curls when they are dry, as this separates the clumps and creates frizz.
• Plan on booking more frequent barber visits. Since the sides are so short, a taper loses its clean lines quickly as it grows.

For more haircut ideas, check out our guide to krullende kapsels voor mannen.

Curly hair thinning on top?

Curls can mask thinning hair for a little while. However, once your scalp starts showing, a taper fade can actually highlight the contrast between the short sides and a sparse top. Cutting the top shorter can help balance the look. If the thinning continues, wearing a hair system with a matching curl pattern can restore the density while you maintain a taper fade on your natural hair at the sides and back:

• Match the curl. De Curl & Wave Sample Ring has 13 tagged samples ranging from a tight 4mm curl to a loose 40mm wave.
• Krullende en gekrulde tupets. De afro hair systems collection includes curl patterns, twists, braids, and dreadlocks on either lace or skin bases.
• Curl and density guide. Learn how to match curl, density and your own hair before placing your order.
• Op maat gemaakt. Een aangepaste toupet can be made with the curl size you select from the ring.

Veelgestelde vragen

Does a taper fade work on curly hair?
Yes. It keeps the sides short and tidy while letting the curls up top maintain their volume. This prevents curly hair from puffing out too wide on the sides.

What is the difference between a taper and a fade for curly hair?
A taper cuts the hair gradually shorter but usually leaves a little hair at the base. A fade blends all the way down to the skin or very short stubble, creating more contrast.

Low, mid or high taper for curly hair?
A low taper looks the most natural and grows out smoothly. A high taper makes your curls look taller and more prominent, but you will need to visit the barber more frequently to keep it sharp.

How often should I get a taper fade touched up?
You will need touch-ups more often than you would with a longer haircut since the short sides grow out fast. Check with your barber to see what timeline works best for your hair.

Can I get a taper fade with a hair system?
Yes. The hair system covers the top of your head, while your natural hair on the sides and back can still be faded or tapered by a barber.