Ready to beat the heat without losing your cool? Summer is officially here, and while the sun is sizzling, your hair doesn’t have to suffer.
The taper fade remains the undisputed king of the barbershop, offering that perfect blend of “sharp professional” and “weekend warrior.”
Whether you’re looking for a bold trendy look to rock at the beach or a funny, unique twist to show off your personality, we’ve rounded up the freshest cuts of the season.
From gravity-defying textures to clean, crisp lines, these 10 taper fade hairstyles are guaranteed to keep you feeling light and looking legendary all summer long.
1. Curly Top Taper Fade with Sun Burst Highlights
The Curly Top Taper Fade with Sun Burst Highlights blends natural curl texture with playful sun-kissed highlights — perfect for summer vibes. The taper fade on the sides keeps the style cool and clean, while the top pops with light golden highlights that accentuate movement and depth. This look works great on oval and round faces, especially in sunny climates where the highlights catch natural light.
Materials Needed
- Clippers (various guards)
- Haircutting shears
- Curl-enhancing cream or mousse
- Diffuser attachment
- Wide-tooth comb
- Highlighting kit with sun burst tones (light golden or honey blonde)
- Blow dryer
Time Period
- Coloring + highlights: 2.5–3.5 hours
- Haircut: ~50–60 minutes
- Daily styling: ~10–12 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Prep Hair: Start with clean, damp hair. Apply curl cream to define curls.
- Taper Fade: Use clippers to taper the sides and back gradually — shorter at the bottom, blending upward into longer top hair.
- Top Length: Leave the top at about 2.5–3 inches for defined curls.
- Add Highlights: Section hair and apply sun burst highlights focusing on the front and crown where sun naturally hits; follow product timing.
- Diffuse Dry: Use a diffuser on a low heat setting, lifting curls to enhance their natural energy.
- Define Curls: Finger-style each curl to bring out shape and separation.
- Final Touch: You can mist with light hairspray for humidity resistance.
Maintenance Tips
- Refresh highlights every 6–8 weeks.
- Hydrate curls with moisturizing products to prevent frizz.
Image Prompt:
“Curly top taper fade with sun burst highlights for men — natural curls, golden summer highlights, fun trendy look 2026”
2. Neon Accent Taper Fade
If you want a fun and attention-grabbing summer cut, the Neon Accent Taper Fade does exactly that. This style pairs a clean taper fade with a splash of neon color — think electric blue, vibrant pink, or neon green — just on a few strands or a streak. It’s playful and perfect for summer festivals, beach parties, or city nightlife.
Materials Needed
- Clippers with guards
- Haircutting shears
- Comb
- Neon temporary hair color (spray/gel chalk)
- Light styling product (gel or wax)
- Blow dryer
Time Period
- Haircut: ~50 minutes
- Neon accent application: ~20–30 minutes
- Daily styling: ~7–10 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Taper Fade: Use clippers to taper sides and back — start with a low guard and blend into mid-length hair toward the top.
- Top Length: Leave the top at about 2–3 inches so the neon accents have enough surface to show.
- Section Accent: Decide where you want neon highlights — front fringe, side piece, or streaks through the top.
- Apply Neon Color: Use temporary neon spray or chalk gel to saturate selected strands. Follow product timing and guidelines.
- Blow-Dry Shape: Lightly blow-dry while shaping the top into place with your fingers.
- Style: Use a small amount of light gel or wax to keep neon-accented strands defined without stiffness.
- Finish: A quick mist of hairspray keeps everything locked and resistant to summer humidity.
Maintenance Tips
- Reapply neon accents every 2–3 days if using temporary color.
- Keep hair hydrated — bright colors look best on healthy hair.
Image Prompt:
“Neon accent taper fade for men — vibrant color streaks with clean fade, fun summer hairstyle trend”
3. Short Faux Hawk Taper Fade
The Short Faux Hawk Taper Fade is a playful yet stylish summer haircut that gives a bold silhouette without being too heavy. This style keeps the sides tight with a clean fade and leaves a slightly raised ridge down the center, giving a playful, energetic feel. Ideal for oval and square face shapes, it adds height and character perfect for vacations or summer nights out.
Materials Needed
- Clippers (various guards)
- Haircutting shears
- Comb
- Light styling wax or paste
- Blow dryer
Time Period
- Haircut: ~45–55 minutes
- Daily styling: ~6–8 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Start with Clean Hair: Begin with towel-dried hair.
- Taper Sides: Use clippers to create a taper fade — start low and blend up toward the top ridge where hair will remain longer.
- Top Ridge Length: Leave the center top about 1.5–2.5 inches.
- Blend Transitions: Use shears or clipper-over-comb to smooth transitions from sides to top without harsh lines.
- Blow-Dry Lift: On low heat, lift the top ridge with fingers while blow-drying to encourage subtle height.
- Define Shape: Work a touch of light wax/paste into the ridge for texture and separation.
- Finish: A light hairspray holds shape without stiffness, perfect for summer humidity.
Maintenance Tips
- Refresh the fade every 5–6 weeks.
- Use light texturizing products to keep uplift.
Image Prompt:
“Short faux hawk taper fade for men — raised center ridge with clean sides, fun summer look”
4. Wavy Fringe Taper Fade
The Wavy Fringe Taper Fade gives you movement at the front while keeping sides fresh and neat. The tapered sides and back keep you cool and comfortable in summer, while the slightly longer wavy fringe in front adds personality and playful texture.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Haircutting shears
- Comb
- Wave-enhancing cream or mousse
- Diffuser attachment
- Blow dryer
Time Period
- Haircut: ~50–60 minutes
- Daily styling: ~10–12 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Taper Fade Base: Use clippers to taper the sides and back softly — start with a longer guard at the top and work down gradually.
- Shape Fringe Length: Use shears to trim the top front to about 2–3 inches.
- Wave Prep: Apply wave cream or mousse to damp hair to enhance natural movement.
- Diffuse Dry: Use a diffuser on low heat to dry the hair while lifting the front waves with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
- Define Fringe: Finger-style the front fringe so waves fall naturally forward or slightly to the side.
- Final Touch: A light mist of flexible hairspray keeps the waves defined through beach breezes or summer humidity.
Maintenance Tips
- Trim fringe every 4–6 weeks for shape.
- Deep-condition weekly to prevent frizz.
Image Prompt:
“Wavy fringe taper fade for men — textured flowing front with neat faded sides, stylish summer haircut”
5. High Taper Fade with Mini Quiff
The High Taper Fade with Mini Quiff is a playful juxtaposition of bold and casual: clean fade on the sides with a small quiff in front. It’s a great summer option for oval and heart-shaped faces who want character without too much length.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Haircutting shears
- Comb
- Light to medium styling clay
- Heat protectant
- Blow dryer with round brush
Time Period
- Haircut: ~50–60 minutes
- Daily styling: ~10–12 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- High Taper Fade: Use clippers to start the fade high on the sides and back.
- Top Length: Keep the top around 2–3 inches.
- Prep Hair: Apply heat protectant on damp hair.
- Blow-Dry Lift: Lift hair at the front with a round brush while blow-drying upward.
- Apply Clay: Rub a small amount of clay between palms and press through roots to ends.
- Shape Mini Quiff: Comb up and slightly forward to form a subtle quiff.
- Finish: A light mist of hairspray gives flexible hold.
Maintenance Tips
- Keep fade sharp with trims every 3–5 weeks.
- Use a medium clay for touchable texture.
Image Prompt:
“High taper fade with mini quiff for men — subtle lifted front with clean sides, trendy summer look”
6. Classic Taper Fade with Color Tip Pop
Add a fun twist to a classic taper fade by introducing a pop of color just at the tips of the top hair. This can be a light pastel, beachy teal, or even soft pink — perfect for summer festivals or beach trips.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Haircutting shears
- Comb
- Temporary hair color spray or light chalk tint
- Light styling cream
- Blow dryer
Time Period
- Haircut: ~45–50 minutes
- Color pop application: ~10–20 minutes
- Daily styling: ~5–8 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Classic Taper Fade: Use clippers to taper sides and back, leaving the top slightly longer (~2–3 inches).
- Apply Temporary Color: Spray or chalk only the tips of the top hair with your chosen fun summer color.
- Set Color: Let dry per product instructions; you can seal with very light hairspray.
- Blow-Dry: Dry hair upward and outward for volume.
- Light Styling Cream: Apply cream to help color sit nicely without flattening.
- Define Tip Pop: Finger-style colored tips outward or upward for playful movement.
Maintenance Tips
- Reapply color every few days as needed.
- Keep fade edges neat with regular trims.
Image Prompt:
“Classic taper fade with color tip pop — colored tips on top with clean faded sides, fun trendy summer style”
7. Slick Back Taper Fade with Beach Shine
The Slick Back Taper Fade with Beach Shine pairs a sleek silhouette with a glossy, summer-ready finish. This is especially awesome for beach resort vacations where you want a polished yet seasonal look — neat sides with a glossy top that glimmers in the sun.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Haircutting shears
- Comb
- Strong-hold gel or pomade
- Shine serum
- Heat protectant
- Blow dryer with nozzle
Time Period
- Haircut: ~50 minutes
- Daily styling: ~10 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Taper Fade: Use clippers for a neat taper on the sides/back.
- Apply Protectant: Spray on damp hair.
- Blow-Dry Back: Use the comb and nozzle to guide hair straight back.
- Apply Gel/Pomade: Work product from roots to ends.
- Add Shine Serum: Light touch of serum for beach-ready gloss.
- Comb Definition: Comb hair back smoothly.
- Finish: Light mist for hold.
Maintenance Tips
- Refresh fade every 6–8 weeks.
- Reapply shine only as needed to avoid oil buildup.
Image Prompt:
“Slick back taper fade with beach shine — glossy top with neat faded sides, elegant summer hairstyle”
8. Pineapple Taper Fade
The Pineapple Taper Fade is a playful cut where curls are kept higher and shaped upward while sides are cleanly faded. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you want your curls up and away from the neck but still look stylish.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Haircutting shears
- Curl-enhancing cream
- Diffuser attachment
- Wide-tooth comb
- Light-hold hairspray
Time Period
- Haircut: ~50–60 minutes
- Daily styling: ~12–15 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Taper Sides: Start with a clean taper fade.
- Long Top: Leave top around 3–4 inches.
- Enhance Curls: Apply curl cream to damp hair.
- Diffuse Upward: Use a diffuser to lift curls upward.
- Shape Pineapple: Finger-style curls up and away from the face.
- Lock with Light Spray: Light hairspray for humidity resistance.
Maintenance Tips
- Condition curls often.
- Refresh fade every 6–8 weeks.
Image Prompt:
“Pineapple taper fade for men — elevated curls with clean faded sides, fun summer haircut”
9. Zigzag Part Taper Fade
The Zigzag Part Taper Fade is one of the most fun and bold summer cuts — a creative twist on the classic hard part. A zigzag shaved part line makes this perfect for vacations and beach selfies.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Detailer for part
- Haircutting shears
- Comb
- Light styling gel
- Blow dryer
Time Period
- Haircut: ~55–60 minutes
- Daily styling: ~8–10 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Create Zigzag Part: Use a detailer to shave a creative, clean zigzag line where the part will be.
- Taper Fade: Use clippers to fade around sides/back up to the zigzag line.
- Trim Top: Leave ~2–3 inches on top.
- Blow-Dry: Dry hair upward or sideways depending on the look you want.
- Apply Gel: Light gel for control.
- Define Pattern: Comb so hair lines flow around the zigzag part.
- Finish: Quick mist for hold.
Maintenance Tips
- Refresh zigzag line every 2–3 weeks.
- Trim fade every 5–7 weeks.
Image Prompt:
“Zigzag part taper fade for men — fun creative shaved pattern with clean fades, summer hairstyle trend”
10. Messy Parted Taper Fade
The Messy Parted Taper Fade combines relaxed texture with a clean fade — ideal for summer outings, travel, and casual days. The messy part gives a carefree feel while the fade ensures the haircut stays sharp.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Haircutting shears
- Comb
- Texturizing paste
- Blow dryer
Time Period
- Haircut: ~50–55 minutes
- Daily styling: ~8–10 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Taper Sides: Use clippers for a smooth taper fade.
- Top Length: Leave ~2–3 inches on top.
- Add Texture: Lightly texturize.
- Blow-Dry Messy: Use fingers to tousle while drying.
- Apply Paste: Work a small amount from roots to ends.
- Define Part: Slight, messy part using fingers.
- Finish: Light mist holds the texture.
Maintenance Tips
- Trim every 5–6 weeks.
- Keep product light.
Image Prompt:
“Messy parted taper fade for men — relaxed textured top with neat faded sides, cute and trendy summer haircut”
