36 Stunning Curly Taper Fade Men Styles You Must Try

A curly taper fade men’s cut keeps your natural curls long on top and gradually shortens the hair on the sides and neckline. The shortening is smooth, so the curls stay full while the edges stay clean. 

It is one of the easiest ways to look sharp without giving up your texture. Below you’ll find 36 distinct looks, barber scripts, guard numbers, and upkeep tips.

If you’re unsure how a taper differs from a fade, read our guide on the taper and fade difference first.

Quick Overview: Top 5 Styles at a Glance

Style	Sides Length	Best For	Upkeep
Classic Low Curly Taper	#2–#3 fading out	Office and daily wear	3–4 weeks
Afro Taper	#1–#2	Tight coils, type 4	2–3 weeks
Curly Fringe Taper	#2–#3	Loose to medium curls	3–4 weeks
Curly Mullet Taper	#3–#4	Long, thick curls	4–5 weeks
Short Curly Crop Taper	#1–#2	Low-effort routines	2–3 weeks

Low Taper Men Curly Hair: 6 Subtle Styles

A low taper stays close to the ear and neckline. It keeps the look soft and easy to wear. For a deeper look at this length, see our guide to a low taper fade curly hair men can wear daily.

1. Classic Low Curly Taper

Here the sides blend from a #3 down to a #1 near the neckline, with curls left natural on top. It frames oval and square faces well. Apply a curl cream on damp hair and let it air dry.

2. Low Taper With Natural Curl Top

Leave the top alone and let your curl pattern do the work. The taper only cleans the edges, so growth looks tidy for weeks. A light leave-in conditioner keeps frizz down.

3. Low Taper With Defined Coils

Barbers use a comb to shape each coil before trimming the sides. The result looks neat and springy. Round faces gain height from the extra definition. For more ideas, see low taper curls.

4. Low Taper With Beard Blend

The sideburns fade straight into a trimmed beard for one smooth line. Men with fuller jaws love how it adds structure. Ask for a #2 blending into a #3 beard.

5. Low Taper With Clean Edge-Up

A crisp lineup across the forehead gives curls a bold frame. Short, sharp edges work best on thick hairlines. Book a touch-up every two to three weeks to keep it fresh.

6. Low Taper With Soft Temple Blend

Rather than a hard edge, the temples blend gently into the curls. It softens strong brows and angular features. Use a tiny amount of matte clay to hold the shape. Our low taper fade for curly hair page shows more soft blends.

Short Curly Taper Fade Men: 6 Low-Effort Looks

Short cuts cut your morning routine down to a minute or two. They also show off the taper more clearly. Our short taper fade page covers more short ideas.

7. Short Curly Crop Taper

Think of tight curls cropped to about an inch with a #1 or #2 on the sides. It looks sporty and neat. Oval and long faces suit it. A dab of curl cream is enough.

8. Buzzed Curl Top Taper

The top stays slightly longer than a buzz, around a #4 guard, while the sides drop lower. It suits men who want almost no styling. Wash, towel dry, and go.

9. Short Taper With Hard Part

A razor-line part carved into the side adds an old-school edge. Curls sit flat and tidy next to it. Square jaws look especially strong here. Keep it sharp with regular visits.

10. Short Taper With Textured Waves and Curls

Mixed hair patterns can look uneven when short. A taper evens everything out. Barbers cut the top with scissors for a natural finish. Sea salt spray adds light grip.

11. Short Taper With Shape-Up

A precise shape-up squares off the hairline for a bolder face frame. It works great on rounder faces. Ask the barber to keep the line natural rather than pushed back too far.

12. Short Taper With Temple Detail

A tiny cut-in at the temple adds personality without a full design. It stays subtle, so work and school are no problem. Lightweight pomade or gel keeps the top neat.

Curly Fringe and Curly Top Taper Fade: 6 Textured Styles

Longer curls on top let you play with shape and volume. If you love this length, see our guide to the taper fade with curly top.

13. Curly Fringe Taper

Curls fall softly across the forehead while the sides stay clean at #2 to #3. It balances long faces by shortening them visually. Dry with a diffuser to keep the fringe bouncy.

14. Side-Swept Curl Fringe

Sweep the front to one side and let the curls fall loose. Barbers thin the weight slightly to avoid heaviness. Heart-shaped faces benefit most. A bit of curl cream controls frizz.

15. Forward Curl Fringe With Skin Edges

Short, tight sides shaved close contrast with a rounded curl fringe. The contrast makes curls look fuller. Our tapered fringe article has similar looks. Keep the fringe above the eyebrows.

16. Messy Curly Top Taper

Rather than perfect curls, this look embraces a loose, rumpled shape. Point cutting breaks up heavy sections. It hides growth well and suits busy men. Finish with sea salt spray.

17. Voluminous Curl Top

A tall, rounded top sits above clean tapered sides. It adds height for round and square faces. Pick it out gently with a wide-tooth comb. Skip heavy gel that flattens the volume.

18. Curly Quiff Taper

Curls are swept up and back from the forehead for a polished profile. Medium-thick hair holds the shape best. Blow dry upward with a diffuser, then set with a flexible cream.

Curly Taper Fade Black Men and Type 3–4 Curls: 6 Textured Styles

Tighter curl types need specific cutting techniques and moisture. For more ideas, see our page on a low taper fade curly hair black guide.

19. Afro Taper

Hair is left rounded on top, then shaped and tapered gently around the ears and neck. Barbers cut it dry to see the true shape. Use a moisturizing butter and pick lightly for fullness.

20. Twist-Out Taper

Twisting damp hair overnight creates defined, bouncy waves in the morning. The tapered sides keep the shape clean. It looks great on medium-length coils. Seal the twists with a light oil.

21. Coil Sponge Taper

A curl sponge twists the top into soft, tight coils. Paired with a #1 to #2 taper, it looks polished. Short to medium hair works best. Apply a little curl cream first.

22. Finger Coil Taper

Each curl is wrapped around a finger to build neat, springy spirals. The look takes patience but lasts several days. It suits type 3C to 4A hair. Use a lightweight gel to lock it in.

23. Two-Strand Twist Taper

Sections are twisted in pairs on top while the sides are tapered close. It keeps hair protected and tidy. A part line between the twists adds structure. Re-twist as needed between cuts.

24. Type 3 S-Curl Taper

Looser S-shaped curls need less product and more air drying. The taper keeps the sides from puffing out. Oval faces suit it best. Scrunch in curl cream and avoid brushing dry curls.

Long Curly Taper Fade Men: 6 Flowing Styles

You can keep length and still look clean. A taper only trims the edges, so the top keeps its drama. Our guide to a low taper fade long curly hair goes deeper.

25. Long Curls With Low Sides

Sides stay lightly tapered with a #3 or #4 guard while the top grows past the ears. It keeps long hair from looking heavy. Oval faces rock this best. Detangle gently while wet.

26. Neckline Taper With Long Curls

Only the nape is tapered, which keeps curls full everywhere else. It suits men who want a tidy back without shortening length. Tie it up easily when needed. Use a leave-in conditioner daily.

27. Curly Mullet Taper

Short sides and a longer, curly back create a bold shape. Barbers thin the weight so curls don’t stack. It flatters strong jawlines. Sea salt spray adds a relaxed, lived-in finish.

28. Curly Man Bun Taper

Curls gather up into a bun with tapered sides below. The sides stay clean even when the top is tied. It works well for gym days. Use a soft hair tie to avoid breakage.

29. Half-Up Curl Taper

The upper section is tied back while the lower curls hang loose. This look suits thick hair and angular faces. The taper keeps the sides from puffing. Define the lower curls with a light cream.

30. Long Curl Flow Taper

Curls grow into the nape and flow naturally over the ears, with a soft taper to keep outlines crisp. It is effortless and relaxed. Trim the ends every few weeks to prevent split ends.

Curly Taper Haircut Designs and Detail Variations: 6 Bold Twists

Small details can turn a standard cut into a signature look. Check our page on a low taper with design for more.

31. Curly Taper With Part Line

A single razor-thin part carved into the side adds shape to loose curls. It stays subtle and works for any setting. Short and medium hair suits it. Keep the line crisp with regular trims.

32. Curly Taper With Line Design

Thin lines shaved into the sides create a custom pattern. They need a skilled hand and fresh edges. Square and oval faces carry them well. Plan a touch-up every two weeks.

33. Curly Taper With Bleached Tips

Lightening the curl ends adds contrast against dark roots and tapered sides. It highlights every curl. Healthy hair holds bleach best. Follow with deep conditioner and a gentle shampoo.

34. Curly Taper With Temple Fade

The fade focuses on the temple area, leaving the rest softly tapered. It sharpens the face without a full skin fade. Round faces benefit from the extra definition.

35. Curly Drop Taper

The taper line curves down behind the ear, following the skull’s shape. It gives curls a more flattering outline from the back. Ask for it low on the neck for a cleaner look.

36. Curly Burst Taper

The fade wraps around the ear in a rounded burst shape, leaving the nape fuller. It looks modern and gives long curls strong contrast. Medium to long hair shows it off best.

How to Ask Your Barber (Copy-Paste Script)

Say this word for word: “I’d like a low taper with a #2 on the sides, fading to a #1 near the neckline, and I want to keep the length and curls on top.”

Bring a photo for backup. It prevents misunderstandings. New to the term? See what’s a taper.

Add one of these depending on your goal:

• Cleaner look: “Please finish with a crisp lineup.”
• Softer look: “Use clipper-over-comb for a natural blend.”
• Textured top: “Please point cut the top for movement.”
• Beard users: “Blend my sideburns into my beard.”

This Cut vs. Other Taper and Fade Options

Option	Fade Height	Guard Range	Best Face Shapes	Styling Difference
Low taper curls	Just above ears	#2–#4	Oval, square, round	Soft and natural
Mid taper	Mid-temple	#1–#3	Oval, heart	Bolder contrast
High taper	Above temple	#0–#2	Long, square	Sharp and modern
Skin fade	Any height	#0 to bare	Oval, square	Very clean and high-contrast
Drop taper	Curves behind ear	#1–#3	Round, oval	Outlines the skull shape
Burst taper	Around the ear	#1–#3	Oval, long	Rounded, fuller back

Still deciding between a taper and a fade? Read taper or fade.

Why This Style Works for Curly Hair

Curls need room to grow and shape. A taper removes bulk only where it matters, so the top keeps its volume while the sides stay tidy. It also grows out gracefully.

It suits office jobs, gym routines, and casual weekends. Wavy, curly, and coily textures all work with it. For a simpler take, see our curly taper page.

How to Style It: Quick Steps

1. Wash with a sulfate-free shampoo and condition well.
2. Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair.
3. Scrunch in a curl cream from roots to tips.
4. Diffuse on low heat or air dry fully.
5. Finish with a light gel, clay, or sea salt spray.
6. Avoid touching until fully dry to prevent frizz.

Step-by-Step Tutorial for Cutting It

A taper on curls is easiest with a barber, but here’s how the process works. For clipper basics, see our how to do a taper fade guide.

Tools you’ll need:

• Clippers with guards #0 to #4
• T-blade trimmer for edges
• Fine-tooth and wide-tooth combs
• Thinning shears or regular shears
• Spray bottle, cape, and hand mirror

Steps:

1. Start with clean, fully dry hair so curls sit in their natural shape.
2. Section the top and clip it away from the sides.
3. Begin with a #3 guard on the lower sides and work upward in light flicks.
4. Switch to a #2, then a #1 near the neckline, blending with clipper-over-comb.
5. Check the blend in a mirror and soften lines with the next guard.
6. Clean the neckline and ears with the trimmer.
7. Point cut the top to remove heavy weight, then restyle.

Best Styling Products for Curly Tapers

• Curl cream: adds moisture and definition for medium to thick curls.
• Matte clay: gives short curls texture and a natural, flat finish.
• Sea salt spray: adds grip and volume to loose curls.
• Light gel: locks defined curls for longer wear.
• Leave-in conditioner: keeps curls soft and frizz-free.

Layer from lightest to heaviest. Start with leave-in, add cream, then finish with clay or gel.

Best Hair Types and Face Shapes

Hair types: Wavy (type 2), curly (type 3), and coily (type 4) all work well. Fine curls look fuller with a longer top. Coarse curls benefit most from moisture.

Face shapes:

• Round: keep volume on top to add height.
• Oval: most variations suit you.
• Square: soft curls balance a strong jaw.
• Long: avoid extra height; try a fringe.
• Heart: side-swept curls balance a wider forehead.

Barbering and Upkeep Guide

Most men need a trim every two to four weeks to keep the taper crisp. Short styles with skin edges need visits closer to two weeks. Longer styles can stretch to four or five.

At home, wash two to three times a week and moisturize often. Use a wide-tooth comb on damp hair and sleep with a satin pillowcase to reduce frizz.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cutting curls wet, which hides how they will really sit.
• Using one guard all over instead of blending.
• Skipping moisture, which causes frizz and dullness.
• Brushing dry curls, which breaks the pattern.
• Letting the neckline grow out for too long.
• Over-applying gel, which weighs curls down.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I get a trim?
Every two to four weeks works for most men. Skin edges need more frequent visits.

Is a curly taper fade good for thick hair?
Yes. The taper removes bulk at the sides and keeps the top full and shapely.

Can I get one with short curls?
Absolutely. Try Style #7, the Short Curly Crop Taper, if you want an easy routine.

What guard should I ask for?
A #2 or #3 on the upper sides, fading to a #1 near the neckline, is common.

Which style suits black men with tight coils?
Style #19, the Afro Taper, and Style #20, the Twist-Out Taper, both work well.

Does it work on wavy hair?
Yes. Wavy hair responds well to a low taper and light styling products.

How do I stop frizz?
Moisturize regularly, avoid brushing dry curls, and use a curl cream.

Conclusion

A well-cut taper lets your curls shine without messy edges. Pick one of these 36 looks, show your barber the script above, and enjoy a cut that feels sharp and natural. For more ideas, explore our taper haircut with curls guide.