The taper fade hairstyle has cemented its place as a timeless look for men, and in 2025, it continues to evolve with fresh and innovative variations. A favourite for its versatility, the taper fade can be combined with various top styles to suit any personality, face shape, or occasion.
One of the standout styles this year is the taper fade messy top, a perfect blend of casual, stylish, and effortlessly cool. Whether you prefer it high, mid, or low, there’s a taper fade messy top style for everyone. Let’s explore some of the best variations to try in 2025.
1. Taper Fade Long on Top
If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with longer hair, the taper fade long on top is a must-try. This style keeps the top section of your hair significantly longer while fading the sides and back for a sleek contrast. The length on top allows for versatility, giving you the freedom to style it in a messy, textured look or slick it back for a more polished appearance. The longer top adds an air of sophistication while the taper fade keeps things modern and sharp.
2. Low Taper Fade Long on Top
For those who want a subtle and gradual fade, the low taper fade long on top is a fantastic option. The fade starts lower on the head, creating a softer transition between the long top and the faded sides. This style works brilliantly with textured hair, giving a natural, effortless finish. The longer hair on top can be styled in a variety of ways, from a casual messy look to something more refined, making it ideal for men who like to switch up their look depending on the occasion.
3. Low Taper Fade with Textured Top
Texture is key in modern men’s hairstyles, and the low taper fade with textured top offers the perfect combination of structure and movement. The low taper fade provides a clean and understated look, while the textured top adds a casual, undone finish. Whether your hair is naturally wavy or you’re using products to create texture, this style is all about embracing that messy yet controlled aesthetic. It’s ideal for men who want to look effortlessly cool without spending too much time on their hair.
4. Mid Taper Fade with Textured Top
For a more balanced approach, the mid taper fade with textured top is an excellent choice. The mid taper fade falls between a low and high fade, offering a more pronounced transition between the fade and the longer top. This style works well with a variety of hair types, and the textured top adds a modern edge. If you’re looking to maintain a professional appearance with a bit of a trendy twist, this is the hairstyle for you.
5. High Top Taper Fade
If you’re after a bold and edgy look, the high top taper fade should be at the top of your list. This style involves a more dramatic fade, starting higher up on the head, while the top is left longer and fuller. The contrast between the short sides and the high, voluminous top creates a striking and modern look. It’s particularly popular with men who have curly or kinky hair, as it allows the natural texture to stand out while maintaining a clean fade on the sides.
6. Taper Fade Crop Top
A sleek and trendy option is the taper fade crop top. This style is characterised by a short, textured top that sits close to the head, while the taper fade creates a seamless transition. It’s a low-maintenance yet stylish option, perfect for men who want a fresh, sharp look without too much fuss. The crop top look is great for both straight and curly hair, and can be styled slightly messy or more refined, depending on your preference.
7. Curly Top Taper Fade
Men with naturally curly hair will love the curly top taper fade, which allows you to embrace your natural texture while keeping the sides clean and tidy. This style pairs a short taper fade with longer, curly hair on top, creating a playful contrast that enhances the curls. Whether your curls are tight or loose, this style adds volume and dimension while maintaining a sharp, polished appearance with the fade.
Also Read: Curly Taper Fade: A Trendy Haircut for Curls
8. Low Taper Fade Long Hair on Top
If you prefer a more laid-back vibe, the low taper fade with long hair on top offers a softer, more gradual fade that complements longer hair. This style is perfect for men who want to keep their length without sacrificing the sleek look of a taper fade. The longer top can be styled into a messy look, adding a relaxed and effortlessly cool touch to your overall appearance.
Styling Tips for a Taper Fade Messy Top
The key to nailing a taper fade messy top look is to embrace texture and volume. Using the right products, such as texturising sprays, sea salt sprays, or matte pomades, will help you achieve that messy yet controlled look. For a more relaxed finish, consider using your fingers instead of a comb to add definition without making the style look too neat.
Regular trims will also keep the taper fade looking fresh, ensuring the sides maintain their sharp fade while the top remains long enough to style.
Also Read: Taper Messy Fade: The Modern Look Redefined
Conclusion
The taper fade messy top is here to stay in 2025, offering a variety of stylish and versatile options for every man. Whether you prefer a mid taper fade with a textured top or a curly top taper fade, there’s a version of this look to suit your style and personality. By blending a messy top with a clean, sharp taper fade, you can achieve the perfect balance of laid-back yet polished—a look that works for any occasion.
FAQs:
1. What fade to get for messy hair?
For a messy hair look, the most popular fades are low, mid, or taper fades. These options blend seamlessly with the longer, textured top, allowing for a contrast between the clean fade on the sides and the tousled, messy look on top. A low taper fade or a mid taper fade with a textured top is a great choice as it provides a sleek and sharp finish while leaving plenty of length on top for that messy, effortless style.
2. How do you get a messy hair look?
To achieve a messy hair look, you can follow these steps:
- Start with slightly damp hair.
- Apply a lightweight styling product such as a texturising spray, sea salt spray, or matte pomade.
- Use your fingers to work the product through your hair, focusing on creating natural texture and movement.
- For a more defined messy look, scrunch your hair or use your fingers to twist sections for added volume.
- Allow your hair to air dry or use a blow dryer on a low setting for a more natural finish.
The goal is to keep it casual and tousled without making it look overly styled.
3. What is the messy haircut called?
The messy haircut is often referred to as a textured crop, messy quiff, or taper fade messy top, depending on the specific style. These cuts leave the top longer and more textured, while the sides are often faded or tapered for a sharp, clean contrast. The curly top taper fade is another variation for men with curly hair who want a messy, voluminous look on top.
4. What is the best taper for messy hair?
The best taper for messy hair is a low or mid taper fade. These tapers create a gradual fade from the longer, textured hair on top to shorter hair on the sides and back, enhancing the natural, tousled look of messy hair.
