When it comes to modern men’s hairstyles, one look that stands out for its versatility and style is the taper messy fade. This haircut blends clean, faded sides with a messy, textured top. It offers the best of both worlds — a sharp and professional finish on the sides with a casual, edgy vibe on top.
Whether you’re heading to the office or chilling with friends, this haircut adapts easily to both formal and relaxed settings. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes the taper messy fade so popular, the different variations, how it suits different hair types, and what you should know before getting one.
What Is a Taper Messy Fade?
A taper messy fade is a hairstyle that features a gradual taper on the sides and back, combined with a messy, unstructured style on top. The taper begins near the ears and neck, where the hair fades from longer to shorter. The messy top brings contrast, giving it a relaxed and textured appearance.
The key feature of this style is the combination of sharp tapering and an intentionally untidy top. This creates a balanced look that’s stylish but not overly polished — ideal for anyone wanting a fresh and youthful appearance.
Why Is the Taper Messy Fade Trending?
The taper messy fade is trending because it blends style, practicality, and low maintenance. Many guys today want a haircut that looks fashionable without needing too much time to style. The messy top allows room for individuality, while the taper fade keeps things neat and controlled.
This style is also very flexible. You can pair it with straight, wavy, or curly hair and even adapt it to fit different fringe styles or mullet-inspired looks. Whether you prefer a low, mid, or high taper fade, this haircut can be personalized to fit your face shape and personality.
Types of Taper Messy Fade Styles
Before getting the haircut, it’s helpful to understand the different variations of the taper messy fade. Let’s look at the most popular ones.
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Low Taper Fade Messy Fringe
The low taper fade messy fringe starts the fade lower on the head, near the ears. It works great for people who want a subtle look. On top, the hair falls naturally forward with a messy fringe, making it a perfect mix of style and ease.
This style is ideal for students or professionals who want a fashionable yet low-key look. The fringe adds a youthful appearance, while the low taper keeps the sides clean.
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Mid Taper Fade with Messy Fringe
Mid taper fade with messy fringe gives a slightly bolder look. The fade begins around the middle of the sides and blends up to the messy fringe on top. It works well for medium-length hair and suits oval or square face shapes.
The transition between the clean mid taper and the unruly fringe adds a unique character to this style, perfect for men who like to stand out.
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High Taper Fade Messy Fringe
If you prefer a sharp contrast between the sides and the top, the high taper fade messy fringe is the right pick. This style starts the taper high up, near the temples. It puts more focus on the top of the head and works well with longer messy hair or voluminous fringe.
It’s bold and noticeable, making it a good fit for fashion-forward individuals who aren’t afraid to experiment.
Transitioning to Different Hair Types
While the fade levels affect the look, your hair type also plays a key role in how the taper messy fade will appear. Let’s break it down.
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Taper Messy Fade for Straight Hair
If you have straight hair, achieving a taper messy fade straight hair look is easier because of the natural flow and structure of straight strands. Styles like the taper fade messy fringe straight hair or taper fade messy top straight hair work especially well.
You can use a lightweight texturizing spray or matte clay to create definition without weighing the hair down. Straight hair also shows off the clean lines of the taper fade more clearly.
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Taper Messy Fade for Curly Hair
For curly-haired individuals, the taper messy fade curly hair version brings volume and movement. Curly hair already has natural texture, so a messy top looks more effortless.
Pairing it with a low or mid taper fade keeps the sides from looking too bulky. It also helps manage curls better while maintaining a stylish shape.
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Messy Taper Fade Mullet
Taking a step into retro-modern fusion, the messy taper fade mullet brings the ’80s mullet style back with a modern twist. The sides are tapered cleanly, and the back is left longer and messy.
This look is not for everyone but definitely works well for those looking to express their individuality with a bold hairstyle.
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Taper Fade Messy Slick Back
Another stylish variation is the taper fade messy slick back, where the top is pushed back loosely instead of spiking or parting. This style works well for both formal and informal occasions.
Using pomade or a light-hold gel, you can slick the hair back while still allowing some messiness to show. It adds volume and class at the same time.
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Messy Wavy Fringe + Low Taper Fade
A mix of waves and low taper fading results in the messy wavy fringe + low taper fade style. It suits people with naturally wavy hair or those using styling tools to create waves.
The fringe gives a laid-back beach look, while the low fade keeps it polished enough for daily wear. A styling cream or sea salt spray can enhance waves for a relaxed texture.
Styling Tips for the Perfect Taper Messy Fade
Here’s how to get and maintain the perfect taper messy fade, no matter which variation you choose:
- Consult with your barber: Explain exactly what you want, including the taper level (low, mid, or high) and the kind of messy top you’re aiming for.
- Use the right products: For straight hair, matte clay or paste adds definition. For curly or wavy hair, use curl-enhancing creams or light mousse.
- Don’t over-style: The “messy” part should look natural. Avoid making it too perfect.
- Regular trims: While the top can grow out a bit, the taper fade looks best when kept sharp. Visit your barber every 2-3 weeks for a cleanup.
- Dry shampoo or sea salt spray: These help keep the texture alive without adding too much oil or heaviness.
Who Should Try the Taper Messy Fade?
This haircut suits most face shapes and hair types. If you’re someone who:
- Likes modern hairstyles
- Wants a low-maintenance yet fashionable look
- Prefers a haircut that’s good for work and weekends
- Has naturally wavy, curly, or straight hair
then the taper messy fade is definitely worth trying.
Final Thoughts
The taper messy fade is more than just a hairstyle — it’s a reflection of today’s grooming trends. It gives men the freedom to experiment with texture while keeping the sides neat and stylish. Whether you go for a low taper fade messy top, a high taper fade messy fringe, or a mid taper fade messy fringe, there’s a variation that fits your personality and daily routine.
By using a mix of natural styling products, regular trims, and understanding your hair type, you can keep this style looking fresh and on point. It’s a practical, trendy, and flexible option for anyone wanting to level up their hair game.
FAQs:
1. What is the best taper for messy hair?
The low taper fade is the best option for messy hair. It provides a clean and subtle fade at the sides and back, which keeps the overall look polished while leaving enough length on top for a messy, textured style. This combination balances a neat finish with a relaxed vibe.
2. How do guys get a messy fringe?
To get a messy fringe, apply a lightweight styling product like texturising cream or sea salt spray to damp hair. Use your fingers to scrunch and tousle the fringe, creating a natural, undone look. Avoid using combs or brushes to maintain the relaxed texture.
3. What’s the best fade for messy hair?
The best fade for messy hair is a taper fade, as it keeps the sides clean and low-maintenance while allowing the messy texture on top to stand out. It works well with all hair types, especially when paired with a messy fringe or wavy top.
