Curly hair can be tricky to style and manage, but the right haircut can make all the difference. For men with curly locks, a low taper fade is one of the most popular and versatile styles. This tapered cut showcases the glorious texture of curls while allowing for easy styling and maintenance.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about rocking low taper curly hair. Read on for tips on choosing the right taper fade, styling and caring for your curls, and getting inspiration from the hottest low taper curly haircuts.
Understanding the Low Taper Fade
The taper fade may just be the perfect haircut for guys with curly hair. This short cut features hair clipped close and tapered near the neck and sides while left longer near the top of the head. This graduated slope creates a seamless transition between the shorter back/sides and the length on top.
For curly hair, a low taper fade is recommended. As the name suggests, the tapering starts lower on the head, just above the ears and curving below the occipital bone. This creates a subtle and natural-looking slope while allowing the glorious curls on top to take center stage.
Benefits of a Low Taper Fade for Curly Hair:
- Shows off curl pattern and volume beautifully. The tapered sides draw attention upward to the full top.
- Requires minimal regular maintenance compared to short sides, short back/sides. Just tidy up the tapered edges as needed.
- Keeps thick or dense curls manageable. Removes bulk at the neck and sides.
- Easier to style. The shorter sides allow curly hair products to penetrate curls better for defined styling.
- Adaptable for any face shape or head shape. The gentle slope flatters round, oval, square and diamond face shapes equally.
- Classic and stylish. The taper fade is a timeless cut that suits curly hair especially well.
The Many Variations of Low Taper Fades
One of the best things about the low taper fade is how versatile it is. There are many types of taper fades to choose from to get the look you want.
Low Fade
This standard taper begins fading hair just above the ears and nape of the neck. It provides a subtle, blended look. For very thick or dense curls, the low fade prevents excessive bulk at the bottom without over-tapering the sides.
Low Bald Fade
Takes the low taper fade one step further by shaving or “balding” the tapered sides and back close to the skin. This accentuates the gradient between the very short sides and longer curly top even more.
Low Drop Fade
The drop fade creates an abrupt “drop” where the long hair on top meets the faded sides below. This taper is sharpest and most well-defined. Awesome for making curly hair the star of the show.
Low Temp Fade
This style tapers hair at the temple area for a retro look. Creates a seamless curve at the sides and maintains length at the sideburns.
Low Burst Fade
Features “bursts” of curls tapering downward from longer hair on top. This irregular, softer fade allows natural curls to shine.
Low Skin Fade
Like a bald fade, but tapers down to completely expose the skin. Super short with high contrast on the sides.
Now that you understand the low taper fade and its variations, let’s go over some tips for styling it…
Expert Tips for Styling Low Taper Curly Hair
Styling curly hair can seem intimidating. But with the right products and techniques, you can create stunning styles that show off your curls beautifully. Here are some pro tips for making the most of your low taper curly look:
Define curls right out of the shower. Apply a curl cream, mousse, or leave-in conditioner while hair is soaking wet. Scrunch it in to encourage curl formation as your hair dries.
Let hair air dry naturally. Allow curls to set into their natural pattern. Avoid rough toweling or excessive heat which can cause frizz.
Use a diffuser for faster drying. If you must use a hairdryer, always attach a diffuser. This gently dries curls in place instead of blowing them around and causing frizz.
Avoid heavy oils or butters. Lightweight moisturizers like curl creams or milks work best for fine or low density curls. Avoid products that may weigh down the hair.
Embrace texture and volume. Use your fingers to gently lift curls at the roots as you style for added body and shape.
Be strategic with hair products. Apply products only from mid-length to ends to avoid greasy roots. Focus on frizzy areas to tame flyaways.
Style with the right tools. Use a wide-tooth comb or Denman brush to gently detangle and distribute products. Finger-styling works wonders for shaping curls.
Refresh curls between washes. Scrunch in a curl reviver spray or foam on second- or third-day hair to reactivate curls. Diffuse for added volume.
Get regular trims. Schedule a trim every 8-12 weeks to remove damage and keep curls healthy. Ask your stylist for long layers and face-framing angles.
With the right routine, your curly low taper will look crisp and defined every day. Next, let’s go over the must-have products for styling and care…
Top Recommended Products for Low Taper Curls
Having the right haircare products can make a world of difference when it comes to managing and enhancing curly hair. Here are some of the best options recommended by stylists and curly hair experts:
Focus on low-foam, lightweight formulas that provide moisture and definition without buildup or crunch. And don’t be afraid to mix and match products to suit your particular curl type and needs. A gentle shampoo, hydrating conditioner, curl cream, and gel or mousse can take your style to the next level.
Now that we’ve covered products, let’s look at some inspirational low taper curly haircut styles…
The Hottest Low Taper Curly Haircuts to Try
The many variations of the low taper fade offer limitless options for customizing your curly haircut. Here are some of the hottest looks inspired by the top celebs and influencers rocking low taper curls:
Textured Top with Low Fade
This style features longer, textured curls on top with a classic low taper fade on the back and sides. It’s one of the most popular cuts for curly hair because it’s so low-maintenance and versatile. Ask your barber for layers and texture on top to enhance and shape curls.
Defined Coils with Low Bald Fade
For super defined ringlets, ask your stylist for a low bald fade to accentuate your coils. Keep the curls longer on top and enhance definition with curl cream. Fading the sides down to the skin gives the most contrast for tight curls.
Curly Pomp with Low Burst Fade
This unique low taper style features a curly pomp or faux hawk on top with a burst fade that follows the natural shape of the curls. It’s edgy yet allows the texture to shine. Use a strong hold gel or pomade to sculpt the textured top.
Volume and Movement with Low Drop Fade
Ask for a sharp low drop fade to make your curls stand out. Keep the top longer and enhance volume and movement with mousse. The contrast between the defined fade and free-flowing curls is mesmerizing.
Natural Curls with Low Temp Fade
For a retro twist, try a low temp fade that follows the shape of the temples. This allows the natural curl pattern to take center stage while creating a seamless tapered effect. Styling cream defines the ringlets.
Volume and Flow with Low Skin Fade
The low skin fade takes tapering to the extreme for high-contrast style. Keep curly hair longer on top for lots of volume and movement. The exposed scalp draws attention to the flawless coils above.
As you can see, the options are endless for customizing your low taper curly haircut. Show these photos to your barber and collaborate to create your perfect style.
Up next, we’ll go over some specialized tips for caring for low-density curls in particular…
Tips for Caring for Low Density Curly Hair
While a tapered cut removes bulk at the bottom, some curl types are naturally fine and low density. This can make achieving volume and definition difficult. Here are some tips to make the most of thin, curly strands:
Use volumizing products. Try mousses, volumizing sprays, or serums made specifically for fine hair. Apply to the roots while damp for lift.
Avoid heavy oils and shea butter. These can make hair limp and flat. Opt for lightweight gels and curl creams instead.
Don’t over-wash. Shampoo just 1-2 times per week to maintain moisture. Co-wash in between to cleanse hair without stripping oils.
Dry upside down. Bend forward and diffuse hair upside down for added volume at the roots and crown.
Get layers. Long layers remove some weight while encouraging movement and bounce. Ask your stylist to frame your face.
Try volume-boosting techniques. Back-combing, twisting, or scrunching the roots while styling adds lift at the crown.
Protect hair at night. Tie curls in a gentle topknot or use a satin headwrap or pillowcase. Avoid breakage from rubbing on cotton.
With the right products and techniques, you can help low-density curls look and feel fuller. A skilled stylist can also cut your hair in a way that makes the most of finer strands.
To offer some professional insight on low taper curly hair, I reached out to celebrity hairstylist Lamar Kelly. Here’s what he had to say:
“One of the biggest benefits of the low taper fade is its versatility for curly hair types. It works for any curl pattern from wavy to coily. The tapered sides not only show off texture beautifully, but also take weight off near the neck and ears so curls can pop with volume on top. Another plus is low maintenance – just have your barber sharpen up the taper as needed while letting the curls flow. For styling, I recommend a leave-in conditioner and curl cream or gel to define those coils. Finish with hands to break up the crunch. Done!”
Thanks for the expert tips, Lamar!
Conclusion: Embrace the Versatility of Low Taper Curly Hair
In summary, the low taper fade is hands-down one of the hottest cuts for guys with curly manes. This graduated look flatters all face shapes and curl textures beautifully.
The many variations – from low fades to temp and burst fades – offer countless options for customization. Keep curls longer on top and taper the back/sides for a flattering silhouette.
Style low taper curls easily with the right moisturizing products and techniques. Allow hair to air dry or diffuse gently for flawless definition. Then enhance volume and movement with your fingers for a finished look.
For maintenance, see your stylist regularly to trim damage and keep the taper clean. Let your glorious coils shine through with a sleek low taper fade!
So embrace the versatility of this trendy curly haircut. Show off your amazing texture with a taper that focuses all eyes upward. Your hair will not only look awesome, but be healthier and easier to manage. Flaunt those natural curls proudly!
