Discover 20 best low taper fade looks for curly hair in 2025, from classic elegance to modern flair. Click for trends, tips, and styling advice!
Curly hair is a gift, offering natural volume, texture, and personality that can make any haircut stand out. When paired with a low taper fade, curly hair becomes even more dynamic, creating a polished yet trendy look that’s perfect for any occasion. The low taper fade, with its gradual blend from longer hair on top to shorter sides and back, is an ideal choice for curly-haired men, as it enhances natural curls while keeping the overall style neat and manageable. As we step into 2025, the low taper fade is evolving with fresh trends and innovative techniques, making it a top pick for those looking to elevate their curly hair game.
In this guide, we’ll explore 20 of the best low taper fade styles to enhance your curly hair, highlighting 2025 trends, offering barber tips, and providing styling advice to keep your curls looking sharp and fresh. Whether you prefer a classic, understated look or a bold, modern twist, there’s a style here for you. Let’s dive in!
Why the Low Taper Fade is Perfect for Curly Hair
The low taper fade is a standout choice for curly-haired men due to its ability to enhance natural texture while maintaining a clean, polished appearance. Here’s why it’s perfect:
- Enhances Curl Definition: The low fade draws attention to the curls on top, making them the focal point of the style.
- Reduces Bulk: By tapering the sides and back, the low taper fade reduces bulk, making curly hair more manageable without sacrificing volume.
- Versatility Across Curl Types: Whether you have loose waves, tight coils, or anything in between, the low taper fade can be tailored to suit your curl pattern.
- 2025 Trends: This year, barbers are incorporating innovative techniques, such as drop fades, razor detailing, asymmetrical fades, and hybrid fades, to give the low taper fade a modern edge, ensuring it remains a staple for curly-haired men.
20 Best Low Taper Fade Styles for Curly Hair in 2025
With 2025 ushering in new trends, the low taper fade is being reimagined in exciting ways for curly hair. Below are 20 stunning styles, tailored to different preferences, curl types, and face shapes, with a nod to the latest updates.
1. Classic Low Taper Fade with Defined Curls
This timeless style features a low taper fade that blends seamlessly into a longer, defined curly top, offering a polished, professional look.
- Best For: Tight curls or coils and oval or square face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: Barbers are adding a “soft low taper” technique, where the fade is blended more gradually for a natural, effortless look, perfect for hybrid work environments.
- Styling Tip: Apply a curl-defining cream to damp hair, scrunch the curls, and let air-dry for a sharp, defined finish.
2. Textured Crop with Low Taper Fade
The textured crop with a low taper fade is a modern, casual style that’s gaining traction in 2025, featuring a short, textured curly top with a low fade on the sides and back.
- Best For: Loose waves or medium curls and round or oval face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: The “disconnected texture” trend is big this year, where barbers leave slightly longer strands on top for a messy, voluminous look, adding a playful, youthful vibe.
- Styling Tip: Use a matte wax or styling powder, tousling the hair forward or slightly to the side for a textured, effortless finish.
3. Low Taper Fade with Messy Curls
This style embraces the natural chaos of curls, pairing a low taper fade with a longer, messy curly top for a relaxed, carefree look.
- Best For: Medium to tight curls and oval or heart-shaped face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: The “drop low taper fade” is trending, where the fade curves slightly downward behind the ears, adding a unique flair to the classic style.
- Styling Tip: Apply a curl-enhancing mousse to damp hair, scrunch the curls, and let air-dry for a natural, tousled look.
4. Low Taper Fade with Side-Parted Curls
For a polished yet trendy look, the low taper fade with side-parted curls features a low fade that blends into a longer curly top, neatly parted to one side.
- Best For: Loose waves or medium curls and square or rectangular face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: Barbers are incorporating “razor detailing” into the side part, adding a crisp, artistic line to enhance the definition, a hot trend this year.
- Styling Tip: Use a medium-hold gel to define the part, comb the hair to one side, and let the curls fall naturally.
5. Low Taper Fade with High-Volume Curls
This bold style features a low taper fade that contrasts with a high-volume, longer curly top, creating a dramatic, eye-catching look.
- Best For: Tight curls or coils and round or oval face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: Barbers are adding “asymmetrical fades” to this style, where one side is slightly longer than the other, adding a modern, edgy twist.
- Styling Tip: Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair, blow-dry on low heat while scrunching, and finish with a light mist of hairspray for hold.
6. Low Taper Fade with Tapered Curls
This style features a low taper fade that blends into a curly top, which is tapered to create a more structured, pyramid-like shape.
- Best For: Medium to tight curls and oval or heart-shaped face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: The “soft low taper” technique is trending, ensuring a seamless blend that enhances the structured look of the curls.
- Styling Tip: Use a curl-defining cream to shape the curls, focusing on tapering the sides of the top for a structured finish.
7. Low Taper Fade with Curly Fringe
The low taper fade with a curly fringe features a low fade that blends into a longer, curly top, with the front left longer to create a fringe that falls over the forehead.
- Best For: Loose waves or medium curls and round or oval face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: Barbers are incorporating “disconnected textures” into the fringe, leaving slightly longer strands for a messy, voluminous look, a trend dominating social media in 2025.
- Styling Tip: Apply a curl-enhancing cream to the fringe, tousle it forward, and let air-dry for a casual, effortless finish.
8. Low Taper Fade with Curly Mohawk
This bold style features a low taper fade on the sides, leaving a wider strip of curls on top to create a curly mohawk effect.
- Best For: Tight curls or coils and square or rectangular face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: Barbers are adding “razor detailing” to the sides, creating artistic patterns that enhance the mohawk’s edgy appeal, a hot trend this year.
- Styling Tip: Use a strong-hold gel to shape the mohawk, focusing on defining the curls for a sharp, structured look.
9. Low Taper Fade with Curly Pompadour
The low taper fade with a curly pompadour features a low fade that blends into a longer, voluminous curly top, combed upward and backward for a classic pompadour effect.
- Best For: Medium to tight curls and oval or square face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: Barbers are incorporating “asymmetrical fades” to this style, adding a modern twist to the classic pompadour, making it a standout choice in 2025.
- Styling Tip: Use a high-shine pomade, blow-dry on low heat while combing upward and backward, and finish with a light mist of hairspray for hold.
10. Low Taper Fade with Short Curly Top
For a low-maintenance option, the low taper fade with a short curly top features a close-cropped curly top that blends into a low fade, offering a clean, sharp look.
- Best For: Tight curls or coils and square or oval face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: The “drop low taper fade” is trending, adding a unique curve behind the ears for a modern flair.
- Styling Tip: Apply a lightweight curl cream to define the short curls, and let air-dry for a natural, effortless finish.
11. Low Taper Fade with Curly Undercut
This style features a low taper fade that blends into a longer curly top, with the curls left longer on top and shorter on the sides, creating an undercut effect.
- Best For: Medium to tight curls and round or heart-shaped face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: Barbers are adding “razor detailing” to the undercut, creating artistic patterns that enhance the style’s edgy appeal, a trend dominating 2025.
- Styling Tip: Use a medium-hold gel to shape the curls, focusing on keeping the top voluminous and the sides neat.
12. Low Taper Fade with Curly Side Sweep
The low taper fade with a curly side sweep features a low fade that blends into a longer curly top, swept to one side for a polished, asymmetrical look.
- Best For: Loose waves or medium curls and oval or square face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: The “soft low taper” technique is trending, ensuring a seamless blend that enhances the asymmetrical look of the curls.
- Styling Tip: Use a curl-defining cream, comb the hair to one side, and let air-dry for a sharp, defined finish.
13. Low Taper Fade with Curly Faux Hawk
This style features a low taper fade on the sides, leaving a narrower strip of curls on top to create a curly faux hawk effect, offering a bold, trendy look.
- Best For: Tight curls or coils and square or rectangular face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: Barbers are incorporating “asymmetrical fades” to this style, adding a modern twist to the classic faux hawk, making it a standout choice in 2025.
- Styling Tip: Use a strong-hold gel to shape the faux hawk, focusing on defining the curls for a sharp, structured look.
14. Low Taper Fade with Curly Top Knot
The low taper fade with a curly top knot features a low fade that blends into a longer curly top, gathered into a small top knot for a trendy, stylish look.
- Best For: Medium to tight curls and oval or heart-shaped face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: Barbers are adding “drop low taper fades” to this style, creating a unique curve behind the ears for a modern flair.
- Styling Tip: Use a curl-enhancing cream to define the curls, gather the top into a small top knot, and secure with a hair tie.
15. Low Taper Fade with Curly Buzz Cut
For an ultra-low-maintenance option, the low taper fade with a curly buzz cut features a close-cropped curly top that blends into a low fade, offering a clean, sharp look.
- Best For: Tight curls or coils and square or oval face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: Barbers are adding “razor detailing” to the sides, creating artistic patterns that enhance the buzz cut’s edgy appeal, a hot trend this year.
- Styling Tip: No styling products are needed—just wash and go. Use a scalp moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated, especially if the fade is close to the skin.
16. Low Taper Fade with Curly Comb Over
This style features a low taper fade that blends into a longer curly top, combed over to one side for a polished, classic look with a modern twist.
- Best For: Loose waves or medium curls and oval or square face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: Barbers are incorporating “hybrid fades,” blending elements of low and mid fades, to add a unique flair to this style, a trend gaining popularity in 2025.
- Styling Tip: Use a medium-hold pomade to define the comb over, comb the hair to one side, and let the curls fall naturally.
17. Low Taper Fade with Curly Angular Fringe
The low taper fade with a curly angular fringe features a low fade that blends into a longer, curly top, with the front cut at an angle to create a sharp, angular fringe.
- Best For: Medium to tight curls and round or oval face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: Barbers are adding “razor detailing” to the angular fringe, creating crisp lines that enhance the style’s edgy appeal, a hot trend this year.
- Styling Tip: Apply a curl-enhancing cream to the fringe, tousle it forward at an angle, and let air-dry for a sharp, defined finish.
18. Low Taper Fade with Curly Quiff
This style features a low taper fade that blends into a longer, voluminous curly top, styled upward and backward to create a curly quiff effect.
- Best For: Medium to tight curls and oval or square face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: Barbers are incorporating “asymmetrical fades” to this style, adding a modern twist to the classic quiff, making it a standout choice in 2025.
- Styling Tip: Use a high-shine pomade, blow-dry on low heat while combing upward and backward, and finish with a light mist of hairspray for hold.
19. Low Taper Fade with Curly Bowl Cut
The low taper fade with a curly bowl cut features a low fade that blends into a longer, curly top, cut in a bowl-like shape for a bold, retro-modern look.
- Best For: Loose waves or medium curls and round or oval face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: Barbers are adding “disconnected textures” to the bowl cut, leaving slightly longer strands for a messy, voluminous look, a trend dominating social media in 2025.
- Styling Tip: Apply a curl-enhancing cream to the top, tousle it forward, and let air-dry for a casual, effortless finish.
20. Low Taper Fade with Curly Shag
This style features a low taper fade that blends into a longer, shaggy curly top, offering a relaxed, bohemian look with a modern twist.
- Best For: Medium to tight curls and oval or heart-shaped face shapes.
- 2025 Trend Update: Barbers are adding “soft low taper” techniques to this style, ensuring a seamless blend that enhances the shaggy look of the curls, a trend gaining popularity in 2025.
- Styling Tip: Use a curl-enhancing mousse to define the shaggy curls, scrunch the hair, and let air-dry for a natural, tousled finish.
Choosing the Right Low Taper Fade Style for Your Curl Type and Face Shape
Selecting the perfect low taper fade style depends on your curl type and face shape, as it can enhance your natural texture and create a balanced look. Here’s a quick guide:
- Loose Waves: Styles like the textured crop, side-parted curls, curly comb over, or curly bowl cut work best, as they enhance wave definition without adding too much volume.
- Medium Curls: Opt for styles like the classic low taper fade, messy curls, curly undercut, or curly side sweep, as they balance volume and structure.
- Tight Curls or Coils: Choose styles like the high-volume curls, curly mohawk, curly buzz cut, or curly faux hawk, as they highlight the natural texture while keeping the sides neat.
- Oval Face: Most styles work well, but the classic low taper fade, textured crop, or curly comb over add balance.
- Square Face: Opt for softer, gradual fades like the curly side sweep, curly pompadour, or curly quiff to highlight your jawline without adding too much width.
- Round Face: Choose styles with more volume on top, like the messy curls, high-volume curls, or curly fringe, to elongate your face.
- Heart-Shaped Face: The curly buzz cut, curly top knot, or curly shag work best, as they minimize forehead width and emphasize the jawline.
Comparison of Low Taper Fade Styles for Curly Hair
Here’s a handy comparison of the top low taper fade styles for curly hair, updated with 2025 insights, to help you decide which one suits you best.
Best Low Taper Fade Styles for Curly Hair in 2025
| Style | Best Curl Type | Best Face Shape | Maintenance Level | 2025 Trend Update |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Defined Curls | Tight Curls, Coils | Oval, Square | Low | Soft low taper technique |
| Textured Crop | Loose Waves, Medium | Round, Oval | Medium | Disconnected texture |
| Messy Curls | Medium, Tight Curls | Oval, Heart | Medium | Drop low taper fade |
| Side-Parted Curls | Loose Waves, Medium | Square, Rectangular | Medium | Razor detailing on part |
| High-Volume Curls | Tight Curls, Coils | Round, Oval | High | Asymmetrical fades |
| Tapered Curls | Medium, Tight Curls | Oval, Heart | Medium | Soft low taper technique |
| Curly Fringe | Loose Waves, Medium | Round, Oval | Medium | Disconnected texture |
| Curly Mohawk | Tight Curls, Coils | Square, Rectangular | High | Razor detailing on sides |
| Curly Pompadour | Medium, Tight Curls | Oval, Square | High | Asymmetrical fades |
| Short Curly Top | Tight Curls, Coils | Square, Oval | Low | Drop low taper fade |
| Curly Undercut | Medium, Tight Curls | Round, Heart | Medium | Razor detailing on sides |
| Curly Side Sweep | Loose Waves, Medium | Oval, Square | Medium | Soft low taper technique |
| Curly Faux Hawk | Tight Curls, Coils | Square, Rectangular | High | Asymmetrical fades |
| Curly Top Knot | Medium, Tight Curls | Oval, Heart | Medium | Drop low taper fade |
| Curly Buzz Cut | Tight Curls, Coils | Square, Oval | Very Low | Razor detailing on sides |
| Curly Comb Over | Loose Waves, Medium | Oval, Square | Medium | Hybrid fades |
| Curly Angular Fringe | Medium, Tight Curls | Round, Oval | Medium | Razor detailing on fringe |
| Curly Quiff | Medium, Tight Curls | Oval, Square | High | Asymmetrical fades |
| Curly Bowl Cut | Loose Waves, Medium | Round, Oval | Medium | Disconnected texture |
| Curly Shag | Medium, Tight Curls | Oval, Heart | Medium | Soft low taper technique |
Barber Tips for Getting the Perfect Low Taper Fade with Curly Hair
To ensure you leave the barbershop with the perfect low taper fade for your curly hair, clear communication is key. Here’s what to ask your barber, updated with 2025 trends in mind:
- Specify the Fade Type: Say, “I want a low taper fade starting just above my ears, blending into the skin near the neckline.” For a 2025 twist, consider asking for a “soft low taper,” “drop low taper fade,” “asymmetrical fade,” or “hybrid fade.”
- Choose the Top Length: Decide how long you want the hair on top (e.g., 2-3 inches for a classic look, 1-1.5 inches for a textured crop, or 4-5 inches for high-volume styles). Mention if you want texture added, especially for 2025’s “disconnected texture” trend.
- Define the Taper Length: Use clipper guard numbers to communicate this (e.g., #2 or #3 for a longer taper, #1 or #0 for a shorter fade).
- Mention the Hairline and Neckline: Choose a straight, rounded, or natural edge-up for the hairline, and a tapered, blocked, or rounded neckline. For a 2025 flair, ask for “razor detailing” on the neckline or sides.
- Bring a Reference Photo: If you’re unsure, bring a photo of your desired style, especially if you want to incorporate 2025 trends like razor detailing, asymmetrical fades, or hybrid fades.
Maintenance Tips for Your Low Taper Fade with Curly Hair
To keep your low taper fade looking sharp between barber visits, follow these maintenance tips, updated for 2025:
- Regular Trims: Visit your barber every 2-3 weeks to maintain the fade’s sharpness, especially if you’ve opted for razor detailing, which requires more frequent touch-ups.
- Scalp and Hair Health: Use a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent dryness and scalp irritation, a key concern in 2025 as men prioritize scalp health. Apply a lightweight hair oil or conditioner to keep your curls and scalp hydrated, with new 2025 products like CBD-infused hair oils gaining popularity for their nourishing properties.
- Curl Care: Use curl-enhancing products like creams, mousses, or gels to define your curls, depending on your desired finish (natural, voluminous, or structured).
- UV Protection: Wear a hat or use a UV-protectant spray to prevent fading of colored hair, especially if you’ve added highlights—a trend that’s making waves this year.
- At-Home Touch-Ups: Invest in a quality trimmer to clean up the neckline and sideburns between visits, with smart trimmers featuring AI-guided precision being a top choice in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the best low taper fade style for curly hair in 2025?
The best style depends on your curl type and face shape, but popular choices in 2025 include the classic low taper fade with defined curls, textured crop, and curly mohawk, enhanced with trends like soft fades and razor detailing. - How often should I get a low taper fade trimmed with curly hair in 2025?
Visit your barber every 2-3 weeks to maintain sharpness, especially if you’ve incorporated 2025 trends like razor detailing or asymmetrical fades, which require more frequent touch-ups. - Can tight curls work with a low taper fade in 2025?
Absolutely! Styles like the high-volume curls, curly mohawk, curly buzz cut, and curly faux hawk are ideal for tight curls, enhanced with 2025 trends like drop fades and razor detailing. - What’s the difference between a low taper fade and a low fade for curly hair in 2025?
A low taper fade gradually shortens the hair with a subtle blend, ideal for professional looks, while a low fade blends directly into the skin for a sharper contrast, better for bold styles. In 2025, low taper fades are trending for their versatility with curly hair. - What clipper guard numbers should I ask for a low taper fade with curly hair in 2025?
For a longer, softer taper, ask for a guard #2 or #3. For a shorter, skin-tight fade, ask for a guard #1 or #0, keeping in mind the 2025 trend of drop low taper fades or hybrid fades. - How do I explain a low taper fade to my barber for curly hair in 2025?
Say, “I want a low taper fade starting just above my ears, blending into the skin near the neckline, with [desired top length] on top to enhance my curls. Add soft fades, drop fades, or razor detailing for a 2025 look.” - Is a low taper fade suitable for professional settings with curly hair in 2025?
Yes! Its subtle fade and polished look make it ideal for hybrid work environments, a key trend in 2025, especially when paired with styles like the classic defined curls or side-parted curls. - What face shapes suit a low taper fade with curly hair in 2025?
It suits most face shapes, including oval, square, round, and heart-shaped. In 2025, asymmetrical fades are trending for square and rectangular faces, while high-volume styles are popular for round faces to add length. - Should I bring a photo to show my barber for a low taper fade with curly hair in 2025?
Yes, bringing a reference photo of a low taper fade style, especially one featuring 2025 trends like razor detailing, asymmetrical fades, or disconnected textures, can help your barber understand your vision better. - How do I maintain the sharpness of a low taper fade with curly hair in 2025?
Visit your barber every 2-3 weeks, use a smart trimmer for at-home touch-ups, and incorporate 2025 products like CBD-infused hair oils to keep your curls and scalp healthy while maintaining curl definition with curl-enhancing products.
Conclusion
The low taper fade remains a top choice for curly-haired men in 2025, offering a perfect blend of sophistication, versatility, and trendiness. With fresh updates like soft fades, razor detailing, disconnected textures, asymmetrical fades, drop fades, and hybrid fades, this classic style is being reimagined to suit modern grooming needs. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of a classic defined curls style, the casual flair of a textured crop, the bold edge of a curly mohawk, or the retro-modern vibe of a curly bowl cut, there’s a low taper fade style for every curly-haired man.
By communicating clearly with your barber and incorporating the latest 2025 trends, you can ensure your low taper fade is both stylish and functional. With regular maintenance, curl care, and the right products, your fade will stay sharp and fresh, keeping you ahead of the grooming game.
Ready to rock one of these 20 low taper fade styles to enhance your curly hair in 2025? Book an appointment with your barber today and use this guide to get the look you’ve always wanted!
Also Read
The Best Low Taper Fade Styles for White Men in 2025
What to Ask Your Barber for a Perfect Low Taper Fade
Low Taper Fade with Volume on Top: Tips, Tricks, and Styling Ideas
How to Transition from a Low Taper Fade to Other Fade Styles Without Losing Length
