Discover 32 Unique Slicked Back Taper Fade Styles for Modern Mens Haircut Inspirations
Introduction
The slicked back taper fade is not just a haircut; it’s a statement. Striking the perfect balance between classic charm and modern flair, it has become a go-to style for men seeking a sharp, clean look. This style is versatile, suiting a variety of occasions from formal events to casual outings, and can be tailored to fit any personal style. In this article, we’ll explore ten unique takes on the slicked back taper fade, each suited for different tastes and occasions. Whether you’re looking for something rugged, refined, or somewhere in between, there’s a version of this timeless cut for you.
Modern Classic: Slicked Back Taper Fade for Professional Settings
The Modern Classic is the quintessential mens haircut for the workplace. Featuring a short taper that fades into skin at the temples and a slicked back top, this style exudes professionalism and sophistication. Ideal for men with long hair or those desiring a sleeker silhouette, it pairs well with a sharp suit and a confident attitude. This cut is particularly flattering for oval and square face shapes and complements darker eye colors, adding a dash of mystery to your look.
Maintaining the Modern Classic requires a quality pomade to keep the hair in place. Opt for a medium-hold product that offers shine without stiffness, like Baxter of California’s Clay Pomade.
The Textured Wave: Messy Slicked Back Taper Fade for Casual Days
Dive into the messy yet stylish world of the Textured Wave. This laid-back iteration of the slicked back taper fade uses wavy, long hair on top to create a look full of movement and life. It’s an excellent choice for weekend outings or casual office environments. The style works best with a middle part to enhance the natural wave, and it’s a great match for heart-shaped faces and lighter eye colors.
To keep your waves defined and in control, a light styling cream or sea salt spray will do the trick. We recommend the Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream for its ability to enhance and hold natural curls.
The Urban Edge: Slicked Back Taper Fade with a Curly Twist
Incorporating curly hair into the slicked back taper fade brings an Urban Edge to this classic style. It’s perfect for individuals who want to showcase their natural texture while maintaining a sleek silhouette. Suitable for all types of events, from music festivals to corporate meetings, this style adds a touch of rugged modernity. It flatters round and diamond face shapes and pairs well with any eye color.
Maintain your curls with a curl-enhancing shampoo like SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo, which hydrates and defines curls without weighing them down.
The Sleek Minimalist: Long Slicked Back Taper Fade for the Understated Modern Man
The Sleek Minimalist is all about understated elegance. This version extends the long hair trend into a clean, flowing back style that’s both modern and minimalistic. It’s an ideal choice for gala events or a sophisticated night out. The look works well with rectangular and oblong face shapes, and its simplicity allows it to complement any eye color and wardrobe choice.
To achieve the sleekness required, use a high-quality hair serum like John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum, ensuring your locks stay lustrous and smooth all night.
The Retro Revival: Mid-Century Slicked Back Taper Fade
Step back in time with the Retro Revival, a slicked back taper fade that pays homage to the dapper days of the mid-20th century. This style is perfect for themed parties or anyone who appreciates a vintage aesthetic. Best suited for short to middle hair lengths, it complements square and heart face shapes, especially with hazel or brown eyes.
Keep your retro look sharp with an old-school grooming tonic like Reuzel Grooming Tonic, which provides a manageable hold and a timeless, glossy finish.
The Bold Statement: Long Slicked Back Taper Fade with Vibrant Design
Make a bold statement with this vibrant take on the slicked back taper fade. It incorporates unique design elements, such as geometric patterns shaved into the fade, making it ideal for those who want to stand out from the crowd. This style is a showstopper at creative gatherings or fashion-forward events. It suits all face shapes and is particularly striking on those with bold eye colors.
To maintain the sharpness of the design, regular touch-ups are a must, along with a defining gel like American Crew’s Firm Hold Styling Gel to keep everything in place.
The Rugged Outdoorsman: Weathered Slicked Back Taper Fade
The Rugged Outdoorsman style emphasizes a messy yet controlled look, perfect for adventurers and nature lovers. This long hair taper showcases a rugged charm with a slightly disheveled top for a lived-in feel. Ideal for outdoor events or casual meetups, it fits well on round and oval face shapes and is especially complementary to green and blue eyes.
To ensure your style withstands the elements, use a weather-resistant wax like TIGI Bed Head for Men Matte Separation Workable Wax.
The Executive Sharp: Clean-Cut Slicked Back Taper Fade
For the corporate warriors, the Executive Sharp offers a polished and refined appearance. This style maintains a neat, short slick back that pairs seamlessly with business attire. It’s suitable for important meetings and formal business functions, favoring oblong and triangular face shapes and any eye color.
Maintain this sharp look with a stronghold gel, such as L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel for a clean finish that lasts all day.
The Artistic Soul: Creative Slicked Back Taper Fade with Asymmetrical Part
This style caters to the creatively inclined with an asymmetrical part that adds a unique twist to the classic slick back. The Artistic Soul is ideal for gallery openings or creative presentations, best fitting square and heart-shaped faces, and enhancing vibrant eye colors.
Use a flexible hairspray like Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray to keep the creative part in place without sacrificing movement.
The Vintage Throwback: 1950s Inspired Slicked Back Taper Fade
Revisit the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll with the Vintage Throwback, a 1950s inspired slick back that’s all about short, glossy locks. Perfect for themed parties or classic car shows, it works well with round and oval face shapes, especially with dark eye colors.
Achieve that vintage gloss with a classic pomade like Suavecito Pomade Firme Hold, which offers strong hold and moderate shine.
The Coastal Casual: Beach-Inspired Slicked Back Taper Fade
Embrace the beach lifestyle with the Coastal Casual, featuring a relaxed, wavy slick back that mimics the ocean’s waves. It’s perfect for beach parties or summer barbecues, complementing oval and square faces with light eye colors.
Keep your waves natural and tousled with Bumble and bumble Surf Spray, which adds body and texture without the crunch.
The Sophisticate: Sleek Middle Part Slicked Back Taper Fade
The Sophisticate uses a middle part to create a symmetrical, refined look that’s timeless. Ideal for formal events or upscale dinners, it suits rectangular and heart-shaped faces, highlighting subtle eye colors.
To keep the part pristine and the hair smooth, apply a lightweight styling cream like Aveda’s Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother.
The Innovator: Futuristic Slicked Back Taper Fade with Sharp Angles
For those who like to stay ahead of the curve, the Innovator presents sharp, precise angles in the fade that scream modern and futuristic. It’s a standout at tech events or creative symposiums, best suited for diamond and triangular face shapes, and bold eye colors.
Maintain the angular precision with a detailing clay, such as Hanz de Fuko Claymation, for sculpted texture and hold.
The Dapper Gentleman: Classic Slicked Back Taper Fade with Side Part
The Dapper Gentleman brings back the charm of yesteryears with a classic side part combined with a slick back. It’s a hit at weddings or traditional gatherings, fitting well on oblong and square faces, particularly with classic eye colors.
Keep the side part sharp and the hair slick with Gatsby Moving Rubber Spiky Edge, which provides a strong hold and a polished look.
The Rebel: Edgy Slicked Back Taper Fade with Disconnected Undercut
Channel your inner rebel with this edgy take that features a disconnected undercut beneath the slick back. Perfect for concerts or night outs, it’s suited for all face shapes and dramatic eye colors.
To keep the edges defined and the top manageable, use Schwarzkopf Osis+ Dust It Mattifying Powder for volume and hold.
The Minimalist: Bare Essential Slicked Back Taper Fade
For those who appreciate minimalism, this style focuses on simplicity with very short hair and subtle tapering. It’s ideal for everyday wear, suitable for all face shapes and eye colors.
Maintain the minimal look with just a dab of light hold gel, such as American Crew Light Hold Texture Lotion, which provides control without stiffness.
The Trendsetter: Modern Slicked Back Taper Fade with Color Pop
The Trendsetter is not afraid to experiment with color, incorporating pops of vibrant hues into the slick back. Great for fashion shows or artistic events, it works best on younger, oval and heart-shaped faces with any eye color.
Preserve the color and style with a color-protectant conditioner like Redken Color Extend Conditioner.
The High Roller: Luxe Slicked Back Taper Fade
Embody luxury with the High Roller, featuring a voluminous slick back that’s all about richness and depth. It’s perfect for upscale parties or casino nights, complimenting angular and round face shapes with striking eye colors.
Use a volumizing mousse like Kerastase Densifique Densimorphose to add thickness and lift to your slick back.
The Sports Enthusiast: Athletic Slicked Back Taper Fade
The Sports Enthusiast combines practicality with style, designed to keep hair out of the face during intense activities. It’s ideal for athletes or active individuals, fitting well on robust, square face shapes and any eye color.
Keep sweat at bay and hair in place with a sport-specific gel like Paul Mitchell Mitch Steady Grip.
The Night Owl: Dramatic Slicked Back Taper Fade for Evening Wear
The Night Owl is designed for evening wear, with a dramatic, deep slick back that shines under nightlife lights. Suitable for parties or night events, it matches well with any face shape and darker eye colors.
Enhance the nighttime shine with a high-shine pomade, such as Layrite Super Shine Cream.
The Old School Cool: Retro-Inspired Slicked Back Taper Fade
Bring back the cool with the Old School, featuring a retro-inspired slick back that’s smooth and stylish. It’s a perfect fit for retro music nights or classic diners, complementing square and oval face shapes, especially with classic eye colors.
Achieve the slick, retro look with a traditional oil-based pomade like Murray’s Original Pomade for that authentic shine and hold.
The Global Traveler: Worldly Slicked Back Taper Fade
The Global Traveler is all about embracing diverse influences, featuring elements from hairstyles around the world. It’s ideal for globetrotters and multicultural events, fitting well on all face shapes and enhancing any eye color.
Keep your hair manageable and ready for any climate with a universal styling cream like Living Proof No Frizz Styling Cream.
Conclusion
From the sleek professionalism of the Modern Classic to the creative flair of the Bold Statement, the slicked back taper fade is as versatile as it is stylish. We’ve explored a range of options that cater to various tastes and occasions. Now, we’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences with these styles, or suggest your own variations in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation about cutting-edge mens fashion alive and buzzing!
I’m Nikita Mazlov, a web developer with a passion for men’s style. My interest in haircuts, tattoos, outfits, and grooming inspired me to create this platform. Here, I blend my technical skills with a love for masculine style, sharing unique ideas and the latest trends. From sharp haircuts to bold tattoos, I explore various styles to inspire your next look. Join me as we dive into men’s fashion and grooming, where every detail shapes your personal story.
