When it comes to trendy and versatile haircuts, tapered cuts are a top choice for many black boys. From the classic fade to more modern variations, taper haircuts offer a range of styles that can be customized to suit different face shapes, hair textures, and personalities. Whether you’re looking for a clean-cut look for school or something fresh and edgy for the weekend, the tapered haircut provides a perfect balance between style and low-maintenance grooming.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of taper cuts for black boys—how they work, their variations, and why they’re one of the most popular choices for haircuts today.
What is a Tapered Haircut?
A tapered haircut refers to a hairstyle where the hair gradually gets shorter from the top down to the sides and back. The length of the hair on top can vary, but the key characteristic is that the hair tapers or fades as it moves towards the natural hairline. This gives the haircut a clean and sharp look while still leaving enough room on top for styling.
What makes the taper haircut particularly suitable for black boys is that it can work with all hair types, from tightly coiled curls to looser waves. It’s a flexible cut that provides volume and texture on top, while the shorter sides give it structure and definition.
Why Taper Haircuts Are Perfect for Black Boys
1. Versatility for Different Hair Textures:
Black hair comes in many different textures, from tight curls to waves to looser curls, and the taper cut works for all of them. Because the sides are tapered or faded, it offers the opportunity to show off natural hair texture on the top while keeping the sides neat and clean. Whether you have coarse, curly, or wavy hair, you can easily adapt the taper to your unique hair type.
2. Low Maintenance, High Style:
Taper cuts are incredibly low-maintenance compared to many other haircuts. The sides typically require a trim every 4-6 weeks, but the top can be left to grow as much as you want. You don’t need to spend a lot of time styling your hair either. A quick comb through or the use of light product for texture is all you need to keep the look sharp. Plus, because the hair gradually fades, you won’t have to worry about your hairline looking uneven.
3. Timeless and Modern:
Tapered cuts are timeless, as they’ve been around for decades but continue to evolve to meet modern trends. You can achieve a classic look or go for something more contemporary, depending on how you style the top. The taper is also customizable—whether you prefer a low, mid, or high taper, there’s a version that can reflect your style and mood.
Popular Taper Haircuts for Black Boys in 2023
Here are some of the most popular taper haircut styles for black boys that you can try in 2023:
1. Low Taper Fade
The low taper fade is one of the most classic and widely loved taper cuts. This style involves fading the hair slightly above the ears, keeping the length at the top intact.
- How It Looks: The hair on the top is kept relatively long—usually around 1 to 2 inches—while the sides are tapered close to the scalp. The fade gradually blends in with the longer hair on top.
- Why It’s Popular: The low taper fade is subtle yet stylish. It works well for boys with tight curls or wavy hair and gives them a sharp, clean look without being too extreme. It’s also easy to maintain and keeps a neat appearance without requiring too much upkeep.
This fade is great for boys who want a refined and classic look that can transition from casual to formal settings.
2. Mid Taper Fade
The mid taper fade is slightly more pronounced than the low fade but still maintains a soft, seamless transition between the top and the sides.
- How It Looks: The fade starts at or just above the temple, providing a bit more height and definition on the sides. The top can be left with more volume and texture, offering flexibility in styling.
- Why It’s Popular: The mid taper fade is ideal for boys who want a balanced look that still stands out. It’s perfect for those who have curly or thick hair because it allows the natural texture to shine through while keeping the sides clean and sharp.
It’s a versatile haircut that works well for both casual and more polished looks.
3. High Taper Fade
If you’re looking for a bold statement cut, the high taper fade might be the way to go. This version has a more dramatic fade, starting high on the head, near the temples, and blending into the longer hair on top.
- How It Looks: The sides fade significantly high, creating a stark contrast with the top section. The length on the top can vary, but it’s usually styled with more volume and texture.
- Why It’s Popular: The high taper fade offers a modern, edgy look that’s especially great for boys with thick, curly hair. It’s bold and attention-grabbing while still offering enough room for styling on top. Whether you choose to slick the top back or leave it messy and textured, the high fade enhances the overall look.
Perfect for boys who want to make a statement, the high taper fade offers maximum style impact.
4. Tapered Afro
For boys with natural, thick, curly hair, the tapered afro is a fantastic way to showcase their hair’s natural texture while maintaining a stylish, fresh look.
- How It Looks: The hair on top is kept fuller, often shaped into a rounded or defined afro, while the sides are tapered and faded shorter. The result is a clean, neat, yet voluminous style.
- Why It’s Popular: The tapered afro allows boys with natural curls to maintain their fullness on top while keeping the sides neat and well-groomed. It’s a fun, bold style that works well for school, events, or just casual everyday wear.
The tapered afro combines natural texture with modern styling, offering a look that’s both sophisticated and easy-going.
5. Tapered Mohawk
For those looking for something truly unique, the tapered Mohawk is a bold option. It involves shaving or fading the sides of the head while leaving the top section longer and styled upward into a mohawk.
- How It Looks: The hair on the sides is shaved down to the scalp or faded high, leaving the middle section much longer, often styled into spikes or voluminous curls.
- Why It’s Popular: The tapered mohawk is perfect for boys who want a daring, punk-inspired look. It gives a lot of personality and flair while keeping the sides clean and tidy. While the mohawk is definitely on the edgier side, the taper helps balance out the style and makes it a little more wearable for everyday life.
This style is great for boys who love to stand out and embrace their bold, adventurous side.
6. Afro Fade Taper
The Afro fade taper is a variation of the low fade that works wonderfully for black boys with a full head of curls. It’s perfect for showing off natural curls while keeping the sides short and clean.
- How It Looks: The sides are faded down to a very short length, while the top is left longer, allowing the curls to form a defined afro. The fade blends seamlessly into the fuller top, creating a stylish and modern look.
- Why It’s Popular: This haircut is great for boys with natural curls who want to keep their hair in a low-maintenance style that still showcases their texture. It’s ideal for those who don’t want a full, voluminous afro but still want to embrace their curls.
It’s a perfect combination of modern styling with natural texture.
How to Style and Maintain Tapered Haircuts for Black Boys
One of the best things about tapered haircuts is how easy they are to maintain, especially for black boys with textured hair. Here are some simple tips to keep your taper looking fresh:
- Regular Trims: To maintain the clean lines of the fade, make sure to visit the barber every 4-6 weeks. Depending on how fast your hair grows, you might need more frequent visits.
- Use the Right Products: For curly hair, a leave-in conditioner or curl cream will help maintain texture and prevent frizz. A light styling gel or pomade can also be used to keep the top styled without weighing it down.
- Moisturize Your Hair: Curly hair tends to be dry, so it’s important to keep it moisturized. Regular use of a good moisturizer or hair oil can keep your curls looking healthy and vibrant.
- Minimal Styling: Since taper cuts are relatively low-maintenance, you don’t need to spend hours styling your hair. A quick comb through or finger-style will usually do the trick, depending on the look you’re going for.
Final Thoughts: Why Tapered Haircuts are the Best Choice for Black Boys in 2023
Tapered haircuts are undoubtedly one of the most stylish and versatile choices for black boys in 2023. Whether you’re looking for something classic like a low taper fade or more adventurous like a tapered Mohawk, these haircuts offer a blend of modern style and natural texture that works for every personality.
