What is a Mid Taper?
A mid taper haircut features a gradual fade that begins around the midpoint between your temples and ears, blending smoothly into the neckline. This cut creates a clean, balanced transition from longer hair on top to shorter sides and back. More defined than a low taper, it adds structure and visual contrast while staying versatile for professional or casual styles. The mid taper delivers a sharp, modern look with minimal upkeep.
Explore top Mid Taper haircuts that blend structure and style for a sharp, everyday look that always feels fresh.
Popular Mid Taper Haircuts for Men
Mid Taper Fade

The Mid Taper Fade gives a perfect blend of sharpness and movement, fading cleanly midway between the temple and ear for a smooth, balanced shape. It works best with thick or wavy hair, offering natural texture and volume. Use a blow-dryer to lift the top, then shape with Texture Clay for a matte, effortless finish. This trendy cut suits oval, square, and round face shapes for a fresh, youthful edge.
Mid Taper Textured Fringe

The Mid Taper Textured Fringe blends a clean taper with messy movement up top. The mid taper sharpens the sides and neckline, while the choppy fringe adds bold texture and personality. Blow-dry the hair forward, then use Texture Clay with your fingers to create separation and volume. This cut gives a stylish, trendy vibe and looks best on round, oval, or heart-shaped faces.
Mid Taper Curly Hair

The Mid Taper Curly Hair keeps curls tight and neat with a sharp taper around the temples and neckline. This cut gives lift on top and keeps the edges polished, perfect for curly-haired guys who want a fresh, modern look. Use a diffuser to blow-dry, then scrunch in Hydrating Curl Cream to define curls and reduce frizz. It suits oval, diamond, and round face shapes best.
Mid Taper Blowout

The Mid Taper Blowout delivers bold volume on top with subtle, gradual tapering at the neckline and temples. This style lifts the hair upward and outward, giving a natural, wind-swept effect that looks sharp yet effortless. To style it, blow-dry with a vent brush for lift, then shape with Molding Paste for flexible hold and soft texture. It works best on oval, diamond, and longer face shapes.
Mid Taper Mullet

This Mullet blends sharp contrast with laid-back edge, tapering cleanly around the ears while letting the back flow with lift and movement. This style keeps the sides tight and neat while the top and rear sections stay textured and full. Blow-dry using a diffuser, then shape with Texture Clay for control and grit. It’s perfect for oval, square, and round face shapes seeking attitude with structure.
Mid Taper Fringe

This version of Fringe mixes a clean, mid-level taper on the sides with thick, forward-flowing fringe that frames the forehead. This cut adds lift and movement to the top, keeping the edges sharp while letting the texture lead. Use a blow dryer to lift the roots and shape the fringe with Molding Paste for flexible hold. Best suits oval, heart, or square face shapes looking for bold, trendy style.
Mid Taper Edgar

The Mid Taper Edgar blends bold attitude with subtle edges, featuring a sharp fringe line across the forehead and a mid taper on the sides that fades smoothly into the neckline. Thick, textured volume on top gives it a fresh, fresh edge. Style it using a Molding Paste to define the shape and hold. This edgy cut works best for round, oval, or diamond face shapes craving sharp definition.
Mid Taper Straight Hair

The Mid Taper Straight Hair gives a clean, sharp look with a smooth taper that sits midway on the sides and back. The straight top flows naturally with soft lift and subtle movement, styled to perfection using Styling Cream for a lightweight, touchable finish. Blow-dry upward with finger-shaping to enhance flow. This look suits oval, heart, and diamond face shapes, offering fresh simplicity with a bold, youthful twist.
Mid Taper Buzz Cut

The Mid Taper Buzz Cut brings sharp definition with a balanced taper that starts at the middle of the sides and blends smoothly into a short, uniform top. This style feels bold and low-maintenance, offering polished edges and modern appeal. Apply a small amount of Matte Clay to define texture and reduce shine. Ideal for square, oval, or round face shapes, this look delivers effortless confidence with every wear.
Mid Taper Black Male

The Mid Taper for Black Male cut delivers a sharp, neat look with tight tapering around the ears and neckline while keeping the natural curls dense and structured on top. This style uses finger-shaping to define texture and movement, making the curls pop with youthful energy. Apply Styling Cream to soften and hydrate curls, then blow-dry gently. Best suited for round, square, and oval face shapes.
Mid Taper Design

The Mid Taper Design combines a clean mid taper with a sharp, eye-catching razor design at the nape, turning a simple cut into an artistic statement. This look adds bold personality while keeping the sides smooth and tapered. Blow-dry the top for lift, then shape it using Texture Clay to define natural flow and control. This haircut suits round, diamond, and oval face shapes perfectly.
Mid Taper Slick Back

The Mid Taper Slick Back brings a fresh twist to a classic style by blending clean, tapered sides with voluminous hair slicked smoothly toward the back. This look adds a sleek, confident finish while keeping the taper sharp and balanced. Blow-dry the top for lift, then style with Styling Cream for a soft, natural hold and healthy shine. Best for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces.
Mid Taper Afro

The Mid Taper Afro blends a clean, taper with naturally voluminous curls for a bold yet refined finish. This cut highlights thick texture while keeping the sides mid and polished. Use Hydrating Argan Oil to keep curls soft and moisturized, then shape with a Texture Spray for defined volume and movement. This look works best on round, oval, or square face shapes.
Mid Taper Short Hair

The Mid Taper Short Hair delivers a tight, fresh style with just the right balance of edge and simplicity. This cut features neatly tapered sides that rise to a short, textured top, adding controlled volume and definition. Use Texture Clay to sculpt with a matte finish and lock in hold. Blow-dry using finger movement to shape naturally. It suits oval, square, and heart-shaped faces perfectly.
Mid Taper Wavy Hair

The Mid Taper Wavy Hair blends natural movement with a clean, modern edge. This style keeps the waves voluminous on top while the taper sharpens the sides for a sleek contrast. Blow-dry while finger-shaping to enhance the waves, then apply Styling Cream for soft hold and touchable texture. It’s a confident, low-maintenance look that suits oval, round, and heart-shaped faces effortlessly.
Mid Taper Comb Over

The Mid Taper Comb Over delivers a clean, confident look with precise lines and sleek volume. This style blends a mid taper on the sides with a sharply parted top, creating structure and movement. Use a Molding Paste to lock in shape with natural shine, and finish with a Texturizing Spray for lift. Ideal for oval, heart, and square face shapes, this cut keeps you looking sharp all day.
Mid Taper Burst Fade

This version of Burst Fade features a rounded fade around the ears that blends seamlessly into voluminous, textured curls on top. This style brings out bold movement and definition, perfect for adding edge to curly hair. Use Curl Defining Cream to enhance natural curls and Styling Cream to shape and control volume. Best suited for oval, round, or diamond face shapes looking for a fresh and modern vibe.
Mid Taper Back

The Back View shows off a neat, balanced fade that blends seamlessly from the neckline into fuller, textured hair up top. This look combines sharp tapering with natural bulk, creating visual depth and movement. Use a Texture Clay to shape the top and a blow-dryer for lift. The result is polished from every angle. This style works best for oval, round, and square face shapes.
Mid Taper Long Hair

The Long Hair blends subtle tapered sides with a flowy, longer top, creating the perfect mix of structure and movement. This cut keeps volume around the crown while letting longer layers cascade naturally. Use the Texture Clay for controlled hold and the Argan Oil to keep long strands smooth and healthy. Ideal for oval, heart, or oblong face shapes looking to showcase bold length with edge.
Mid Taper Skin Fade

This version of Skin Fade delivers sharp contrast with a refined, skin-tight fade that gradually blends into thick curls on top. This style adds height and lift while keeping the neckline fresh and crisp. Use Molding Paste to shape and define curls with hold, and finish with Hydrating Argan Oil for softness. Best suited for round, square, and oval face shapes craving fresh edges with texture.
Mid Taper with Bulk

The Bulk strikes is a perfect balance between structure and flow, combining clean tapered sides with a voluminous top. This look keeps the bulk intact for texture and movement while the mid taper keeps edges sharp and modern. Style it using Texture Clay for control and body, then finger-shape with a blow-dryer for lift. Ideal for round, diamond, and oval face shapes that embrace bold dimensions.
Mid Taper Dreads

The Dreads combine refined edges with bold texture, making it a go-to look for guys who want sharp style with laid-back confidence. This cut features a mid taper that blends seamlessly into thick, defined dreads, delivering both structure and freeform movement. Apply Styling Cream to maintain moisture and softness, and finish with Argan Oil to add shine. Best suited for square, oval, and heart-shaped faces.
Mid Taper Drop Fade

The Drop Fade blends precision and edge, curving the taper fade naturally behind the ear for a subtle, sculpted look. This cut adds sharp contrast to voluminous top hair, creating a modern, stylish silhouette. Use Texture Clay for definition and Molding Paste to lock in shape while keeping it touchable. Blow-dry with finger shaping for added lift. Best suits oval, square, and diamond face shapes.
Mid Taper Messy Fringe

This Messy Fringe brings bold texture and effortless attitude together with a sharp taper at the sides and tousled fringe on top. This look plays up natural movement and volume, perfect for boys who want that chill-yet-confident vibe. Use Texture Clay to build separation and grit, then finish with a quick blow-dry and finger shaping. This style flatters round, oval, and heart-shaped faces exceptionally well.
Mid Taper Waves

The Waves offer a sharp, fresh look with smooth wave patterns up top and a refined taper around the ears and neckline. This style blends tradition with a modern edge, highlighting texture and precision. Use Molding Paste for soft hold and definition, then brush daily and keep it wrapped at night. The cut suits oval, square, and heart-shaped faces for a crisp, stylish finish.
Mid Taper Long Top

The Mid Taper Long Top blends sharp edges with length and flow. This look keeps the sides tight with a mid taper while letting the top grow long enough for a man bun or tie-back. Use Styling Cream to smooth flyaways and boost natural shine, and finish with a quick Argan Oil touch for softness. It works best on oval, square, or longer face shapes for a sleek trendy vibe.
Mid Taper with Beard

The Mid Taper with Beard creates a bold contrast between tight-cut tapers and rugged facial texture. This style features a smooth mid taper that blends seamlessly into thick, voluminous hair up top, paired with a defined beard for balance and structure. Blow-dry the top with a Texture Clay for hold and grip, then define edges using a Styling Cream. Ideal for oval, round, and diamond face shapes seeking sharp, masculine energy.
Mid Taper Perm

The Mid Taper Perm brings bold texture and effortless flow to the trendy young male’s look. This cut features a tight taper on the sides that gradually blends into voluminous, bouncy curls up top. Use a Curl Enhancing Cream to define each coil and blow-dry with a diffuser for added lift. Finger-shape for natural movement. It suits round, oval, and diamond face shapes best, offering both flair and control.
Mid Taper Blonde Hair

The Blonde Hair blends soft texture and bright tone into a stylish, youthful look. This cut features a refined mid taper that transitions into long, flowy blonde layers with natural movement. Blow-dry with a round brush for volume, then sculpt using Molding Paste to define strands without stiffness. Ideal for fine to medium hair, it delivers effortless flow and sharp contrast that stands out in any crowd.
Mid Taper Undercut

The Undercut delivers sharp contrast and bold definition by pairing a tight mid taper on the sides with a disconnected, voluminous top. This style thrives on texture and structure, using Texture Clay to shape and separate the top, then finish with a blow-dryer for volume and grip. Perfect for oval, diamond, and heart-shaped faces, this look commands attention with minimal effort and maximum swagger.
Mid Taper vs Other Tapers: Key Differences
Mid Taper vs Low Taper
Choosing between a Mid Taper vs Low Taper depends on your vibe. A mid taper hits just above the ears for a bold, modern look with visible contrast, while a low taper starts closer to the neckline for a more subtle, clean-cut edge. Both work great with textured volume on top. Use Texture Clay for control and natural flow. Mid taper suits oval faces; low taper flatters round or square shapes.
Mid Taper vs High Taper
When comparing Mid Taper vs High Taper, the choice comes down to boldness and balance. A mid taper blends smoothly at the temple for a clean, versatile look, while a high taper cuts higher near the crown for extra contrast and edge. Use Molding Paste for volume and hold without stiffness. High tapers suit angular faces; mid tapers complement oval or heart-shaped face structures best.
How to Choose the Right Mid Taper For You
Choosing a mid taper by hair type or face shape helps you unlock its full styling potential with minimal upkeep.
By Hair Type
A mid taper haircut adapts easily to any hair type straight, curly, or wavy making it a manageable taper haircut for everyday wear. It reduces bulk in thick or coarse hair, creating a lighter, more balanced shape. Whether you want volume control or subtle structure, a mid taper hairstyle by hair type offers versatile, low-maintenance styling that keeps your look sharp with minimal effort.
By Face Shape
Choosing the right mid taper for face shape helps enhance balance and structure. Oval faces suit any mid taper, while square faces benefit from softened edges. Round shapes gain definition through height and sharp tapering, and heart-shaped faces achieve harmony with balanced proportions. This versatile mid taper haircut creates a clean, flattering silhouette tailored to your unique features.
How to Ask Your Barber for the Perfect Mid Taper
Show a Reference Image
Always bring 2-3 clear reference photos showing your desired mid taper from multiple angles. Visuals help your barber understand your expectations, match your hair type, and avoid miscommunication, making sure you walk out with the exact mid taper you envisioned.
Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid vague taper requests. Specify the mid taper height, top length, and neckline style. Bring examples. Poor communication leads to haircut misfires, clarity ensures your taper fade matches your vision.
How to Style a Mid Taper
Learn how to style a mid taper fade with proper prep, product choice, and volume techniques for a clean, modern finish.
Hair Prep
Start by washing with a lightweight shampoo, then towel-dry to damp. This removes buildup and sets the foundation for clean styling.
Apply Product to Taper
Apply product while hair is damp. Use clay for matte texture or cream for smooth control. Work it evenly from roots to ends.
Blow Dry Mid Taper
Use a vented brush and direct heat upward for volume. Finger-shape the top while maintaining a clean, tapered side profile.
Finish Taper Haircut
Finish taper haircut with texture powder for lift or light pomade for hold. Lock in the look with a quick blast of cool air or light spray.
How to Maintain a Mid Taper
To keep your mid taper sharp and stylish, follow a consistent grooming routine with proper hair care and taper-friendly styling products.
Regular Barber Visits
Schedule a barber visit every 2-3 weeks to maintain your mid taper haircut. This ensures the taper line stays sharp, bulk doesn’t build up, and your cut keeps a clean, professional look. Mid taper maintenance depends on a consistent trim routine and expert upkeep.
Hair Products
Choose the best hair products for mid taper styling to maintain volume and structure. Matte clays provide strong hold, texture powder boost lift, and styling creams offer control. These grooming essentials help define and preserve your mid taper between trims.
Recommended Hair Products for Mid Taper
Choosing the best hair products for mid taper styles helps maintain volume, control, and texture while keeping your haircut sharp and easy to style.
Texture Clay
Texture Clay adds volume and structure to mid taper styles, offering a matte finish and strong hold. It’s the best product for mid taper texture and control.
Molding Paste
Molding Paste gives flexible hold and natural movement for combovers, side parts, or messy mid taper looks. Ideal for daily mid taper styling without stiffness.
Texture Powder
Use Texture Powder to boost root lift and create long-lasting volume. It’s perfect for maintaining a mid taper haircut with lightweight texture and shape retention.
Pomade
Pomade delivers a sleek, glossy finish for slicked mid taper styles. Great for creating structured, classic looks with strong hold and smooth control.
Sea Salt Spray
Sea Salt Spray enhances natural texture and adds light volume. It’s ideal for casual, beach-inspired mid taper hairstyles with easy movement and flow.
Styling Cream
The Styling Cream softens thick or curly hair and adds gentle hold. It’s perfect for mid taper styling with a smooth, frizz-free, natural finish.
Hydrating Argan Oil
Hydrating Argan Oil nourishes dry ends, reduces frizz, and boosts shine. Use it to maintain healthy, manageable hair in any mid taper style.
Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying Shampoo removes product buildup, keeping your scalp clean and the mid taper area fresh. Essential for a healthy grooming routine for tapers.
Hydrating Conditioner
Hydrating Conditioner strengthens and moisturizes hair, ensuring mid taper styles stay smooth and healthy. Great for daily care and long-term taper maintenance.
Mid Taper Haircut FAQs:
What is a Mid Taper Haircut?
A mid taper haircut starts to taper around the middle of the head, offering a clean, balanced look that suits most face shapes and hair types.
What is a Mid Taper Fade?
A mid taper fade blends hair gradually from the mid-sides downward, creating contrast between the longer top and faded sides for a fresh, modern style.
What does a Mid Taper do?
A mid taper adds structure to the haircut by tapering the sides, controlling volume, and sharpening edges for a well-defined and balanced appearance.
What’s the difference between a Mid Taper and a High Taper?
A mid taper starts fading at the middle of the sides, while a high taper begins near the temples, offering more height and visual contrast.
What face shapes work best with a Mid Taper?
Oval, round, and square faces work best with a mid taper because it balances facial width and sharpens jawlines with clean, tapered edges.
What’s better: mid fade or Mid Taper?
A mid taper offers softer blending and shape control, ideal for subtle styling. A mid fade, however, creates bolder contrast with a skin-tight finish.
How long does a Mid Taper last?
A mid taper lasts about 2-3 weeks, depending on your hair growth rate and how well you maintain the shape between barber visits.
Can curly hair work with a Mid Taper?
Yes, curly hair pairs well with a mid taper, enhancing texture on top while keeping the sides tidy and easier to manage daily.
How do I ask my barber for a Mid Taper?
Say “mid taper starting at mid-sides,” describe your top length and neckline preference, and show a reference photo to ensure clarity.