The iconic Edgar cut gets a fresh update – taper fades. As an Edgar enthusiast, I’m pumped to showcase 20 modern spins on this signature style.
Taper fades gradually blend longer tops into tight, crisp lines on the back and sides. Combining the classic Edgar fringe with these tapered sides creates edgy, high-contrast looks adaptable to any hair type.
From subtle low fades to daring high taper statements, get ready to feel inspired by 20 cutting-edge looks that instantly modernize this timeless style while keeping it office-friendly.
Taper Edgar Cut
Let’s start with one of the most popular takes on the Edgar – the taper cut. For this style, your barber will leave plenty of length up top while tapering the hair tightly down the back and sides. The result? A smooth, blended appearance compared to the harsh disconnect of an undercut style.
| Style Feature | Description |
| Top Length | Longer for signature brushed fringe |
| Back & Sides | Taper faded – short to medium length |
| Ideal For | All hair types, both casual and professional settings |
To style a taper Edgar cut, simply sweep that iconic fringe forward in a slightly messy, piecey way. Use a lightweight pomade, wax or clay product with a low-shine finish to enhance texture and flow. This versatile rendition works well on straight, wavy or curly hair.
High Taper Edgar Cut
Feeling bold? Go for dramatic contrast with a high taper Edgar cut. For this impactful style, your barber will use clippers to taper the back and sides extremely short – starting the fade about halfway up the head. This sky-high skin fade makes the blunt fringe portion pop dramatically.
Style Highlights:
- Back/sides faded with clippers, virtually no bulk
- Long, blunt fringe framing the face
- High-contrast, statement look
- Ideal for thick, straight or wavy hair textures
To really accentuate this cut’s high-impact aesthetic, brush the longer fringe forward and add height to the crown. Use a volumizing product with a matte finish to achieve maximum lift and texture on top.
Fair warning – this high-maintenance style requires frequent trips to your barber to keep those taper lines looking crisp and fresh.
Low Taper Edgar Cut
If you have naturally thick or wavy tresses, consider requesting a low taper Edgar cut. Here, your barber will incorporate lots of long layering and texturizing on top, combined with a subtle low taper fade that starts right at the neckline.
The benefits? This long-layered, tapered technique creates incredible movement and fluffy volume – especially ideal for those with denser, more unruly hair.
By minimizing weight on the sides while leaving substantial length up top, your hair’s natural texture can truly shine.
To style a fluffy low taper Edgar cut:
- Prep: Apply a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray to damp hair.
- Rough Dry: Roughly blow dry with just your hands, scrunching and tousling the lengths.
- Product: Work in a malleable styling cream or fiber paste using a raking motion.
- Final Touches: Scrunch and piece out the layers for added body and separation.
Mid Taper Edgar Cut
Can’t decide between a low or high taper fade? Meet in the middle with a mid taper Edgar cut! For this style, your barber will initiate the fade below the temples, around ear level, for a medium-height taper.
By leaving some weight on the sides, you get more balance between the top and bottom sections. The end result is clean yet maintains the signature brushed-forward shape that defines the Edgar fringe.
Styling Tips for Mid Taper Edgar:
- Blow dry: First, blow dry the longer top portion using a vent brush to create volume
- Product: Apply a pliable pomade or clay product, distributing from roots to ends
- Finish: Brush the fringe down and forward, with some height through the crown area
This mid taper variation suits most hair types and lengths, making it an excellent option for both trendy and traditional tastes.
Fluffy Edgar Low Taper Cut
Calling all curl and wave lovers! The fluffy Edgar low taper cut allows you to fully embrace your hair’s glorious natural texture while still incorporating subtle shape and style.
Your barber will cut long layers from top to bottom, gently removing bulk only on the lower taper section near the neckline. This technique leaves maximum thread-like lengths on top to enhance the fluffiness and body of your waves or curls.
I recommend simply air drying or diffusing with little to no product. A light curl cream or anti-humidity spray is optional if some frizz control or definition is needed. The beauty of this style lies in its carefree, touchable movement and dimension.
Low Taper Fade Edgar Cut
For an edgier take, ask your stylist to transition the low taper into a more extreme low fade. By fading down to skin tight on the perimeter, you’ll get amazing shadowing and crisp lines to really make the longer fringe section pop.
This mid-length variation combines the sharpness of a fade with the iconic Edgar top and fringe. It has a cool, urban vibe while remaining versatile for both smart and casual occasions.
To pull off the low fade look, your barber should use masterful fading techniques – gradually taking down the hair in stages for a precise and seamless finish. Impeccable line work and detailing is a must!
Styling wise, go for a piecey, modern finish on top using a matte pomade or wax. The fade stays tight and clean cut, allowing you to play up that trendy texturized top area.
Blowout Taper Edgar Cut
If voluminous texture is your game, look no further than the blowout taper Edgar cut. This amped-up style starts with longer layers through the top and sides, tapered to short on the back.
The key? Using a round brush and blow dryer to achieve incredible lift, volume and airy movement. First, apply a volumizing mousse or root booster to damp hair. Then, blow dry thoroughly while rolling the brush inward to encourage that rounded, lifted shape.
Once dry, work in a malleable styling product like a cream pomade or gel. Concentrate it through the roots first, then brush up and back into your desired shape – leaving the lengths separated and textured.
The back and sides provide a tailored foundation via the taper fade. But the real star is that blindingly full, blown-out top and fringe area. Opt for this voluptuous take if you love big, bouncy, brushable styles.
Messy Edgar Cut Taper
For those who prefer a more relaxed, low-key aesthetic, the messy Edgar cut taper offers laidback appeal. Your barber will create chopped, texturized layers up top while tapering the sides tight – netting undone bedhead vibes.
The messier your styling, the better! Simply rough dry the longer top and fringe portions with your hands, scrunching and tousling as you go. Once dry, work a pea-sized amount of matte styling cream or texture paste through your lengths using your fingertips.
The key is keeping things piece-y without looking “done.” Scrunch and zip-up sections to achieve that just-woke-up-like-this flow and separation. This low-maintenance style looks best with some naturally tousled texture or when air-dried for added waves and bend.
High Taper Fade Edgar Cut
If you really want to turn heads, opt for a high taper fade Edgar cut. This daring style juxtaposes ultra-tight faded sides with a burst of length up top in the signature blunt fringe.
By taking the taper fade extremely high – starting around the temples or even higher – your barber will create amazing shadowing and contrast. The long, disconnected top pops dramatically against the tight perimeter fade.
I suggest this bold take for guys with straight to wavy hair that can handle the length and stand up to aggressive styling. Use a grooming cream or fiber pomade to slick the fringe forward, creating immaculate folds and waves.
Achieve added volume and drama by blow drying the top section with a round brush. The sharpness of the high fade demands precise fading technique, so visit an experienced barber to nail this fashion-forward look.
Textured Edgar Fade
Another cool iteration involves a lightly texturized top section combined with tapered or faded sides and back. This textured Edgar fade provides the best of both worlds – keeping the signature longer lengths up top while adding crisp lines and grit.
Your stylist will use precision point-cutting to create soft, elevated texture through the top and fringe area. The result is added movement, separation and piecey definition that contrasts nicely with tight fading.
On styling day, apply a matte pomade, wax or salt spray to enhance and exaggerate that textured, tousled effect. Use your fingers to further zip up and fracture the lengths for maximum bedhead-inspired lift.
Whether faded high, low or somewhere in-between, the textured top brings an edgier, modern vibe to this iconic cut’s classic proportions.
Short Textured Edgar Cut
For a lower-maintenance take on textured hair, consider a short textured Edgar cut. Here, your barber will keep the top portion cropped relatively close while still leaving enough length to achieve that trademark Edgar fringe and flow.
The real difference lies in how they cut and texturize the top area using scissors, razors or point-cutting. This method encourages enhanced movement, separation and pieceyness for gritty, high-impact texture.
To complement the edgy, tousled top, the back and sides get taken down to a tight fade or undercut. The end result? A fresh, bold and low-fuss style with undeniable visual interest.
I recommend using a matte pomade or styling powder to further emphasize the texture on top. Simply rough dry, apply product in a raking motion, then zip up and fracture the lengths into place.
Curly Edgar Fade
Those of you blessed with gorgeous curls and coils, this one’s for you! The curly Edgar fade provides the perfect canvas to show off your stunning natural texture while adding shape via faded sides.
Your barber will leave significantly more bulk up top, cutting and layering to enhance and elongate your curl pattern. Meanwhile, the back and sides get taken down much tighter – incorporating a fade or undercut to offset the fluffy top.
After cutting, ask your stylist to meticulously carve out crisp lines and shadowing to sharply define the curly top from the tight-faded perimeter. This cut celebrates your curl type while keeping the overall shape sleek and fresh.
For styling, I suggest using a curl cream or pudding combined with a leave-in conditioner. Distribute the products using your hands, scrunching and separating curl by curl. Let air dry or diffuse with a blow dryer for hold and frizz control.
Disconnected Edgar Fade
If you want high-impact contrast, go for a disconnected Edgar fade. This modern interpretation features an abrupt disconnect between the longer top section and super tight, carved fade on the back and sides.
Your barber will use precise fading and line work techniques to create an ultra-crisp perimeter and stunning separation from the signature fringe area. This disconnected cut makes a major visual statement.
To further emphasize the distinct sections, I suggest brushing the Edgar fringe forward while styling the longer top towards the back. Use a strong pomade or gel to heighten shine and lock everything into place.
Fair warning – this high-maintenance style requires touch-up visits to keep those lines looking immaculately sharp. But for guys who love head-turning styles, it’s a standout choice.
Line Up Fade Edgar
For a polished yet edgy aesthetic, consider a line up fade Edgar cut. This look integrates cleanly carved lines along the forehead and temples, combined with tapered or faded sides.
Your barber will first establish those crisp, shaped lines using a straight razor. This “line up” helps frame the face while creating separation from the longer Edgar-esque top and fringe.
From there, they’ll gradually blend the back and sides down to your desired fade height – be it high, low or somewhere in between. The result is a fresh, almost architectural look that feels simultaneously retro and modern.
To style a line up fade Edgar, use a shaping pomade or molding wax to sweep the signature fringe across the forehead. Follow your barber’s line work, distributing product over the edges for enhanced definition.
Edgar Fade with Design
For an extra dose of personality and flair, request an Edgar fade with shaved design! This popular barbering technique allows you to incorporate intricate line patterns and motifs within your faded sides.
Popular fade design styles include:
- Hair tattoos: Detailed portraits, symbols or words etched into the hair
- Geometric patterns: Lines, triangles, diamonds and more forming a repeating design
- Tribals: Bold, curved shapes inspired by indigenous tattoo art
- Words or initials: Your name, nickname or other text shaved into the fade
Have a meaningful symbol or image in mind? Discuss it with your barber first to ensure they can properly execute the design. High-contrast blended shading helps these accents really pop against your fade’s perimeter.
Styling wise, keep things clean and simple up top. Sweep the fringe neatly across the forehead, allowing those shaved-in details to be the stars of the show.
Spiky Edgar Fade
Crave max height and drama? Try the spiky Edgar fade – taking the classic brushed-up fringe to stratospheric levels.
Your stylist cuts and texturizes the top short, leaving layered scaffolding to spike into towering peaks when styled. The key? Ultra-strong spiking pomade or gel, combined with meticulous blow drying technique.
First, distribute product from roots to ends, then blow dry while brushing lengths straight up and back. Once set, use hands or picks to meticulously spike and separate sections into rigid peaks. Hairspray locks it in place.
Pair the spiked-up top with a tight low, mid or high fade on the back/sides for maximum punky, edgy contrast.
French Crop Fade Edgar
For a slick yet trend-forward variation, check out the French crop fade Edgar. This fresh style takes the Edgar’s signature fringe and combines it with a tight, cropped top section.
Here’s the breakdown: Your barber will scissor cut the top extremely short, leaving just enough length up front to create a subtle, sweeping fringe piece. The back and sides then get faded or undercut using clippers for that sharp, clean-cut finish.
The result is a contemporary, low-maintenance look with an effortlessly cool French sensibility. It’s polished yet textured, dressy yet casual – the perfect balanced cut for stylish guys on the go.
When styling a French crop fade, apply a pliable pomade with your fingers. Brush the fringe piece forward across the forehead while lifting and separating the short cropped lengths on top. You want height and soft, enhanced texture.
Use a vent brush to further sculpt and set the shape. Finish with a flexible hairspray to lock in that perfectly tousled, effortless aesthetic. The tight fade offers wonderful contrast with the longer fringe and textured crown area.
This cut works wonderfully across most hair types – from straight and fine to thick and wavy textures. It’s a fresh, easy-to-style option that still carries an edgy, fashion-forward sensibility.
Pompadour Fade Edgar
For vintage flair with a contemporary twist, look no further than the pompadour fade Edgar cut. This style artfully combines the iconic pompadour volume of decades past with crisp, modern faded sides.
Your barber will leave significant length up top while shaping and sculpting the hair to achieve that signature lofted, rounded pompadour shape. The interior gets heavily layered and texturized to allow for incredible lift and body.
Meanwhile, the back and sides get tightly faded or undercut to provide stunning contrast and shadowing effects. The sharper and lower you go on the fade, the more dramatic that retro-meets-contemporary juxtaposition will look.
To style a pompadour fade Edgar, start by working in a volumizing mousse from roots to ends while hair is damp. Blow dry thoroughly with a vent brush while lifting up and away from your head to set the pompadour’s rounded, lifted shape.
Once dry, apply a strong pomade or styling wax and use a comb to meticulously sculpt and define those sleek, Rockabilly-inspired folds and waves. This combo of old-school volume and edgy faded lines is simply unbeatable.
Comb Over Fade Edgar
For a dapper, tailored aesthetic, give the comb over fade Edgar cut a try. This polished style incorporates the best of both worlds – the signature Edgar fringe swept neatly to one side paired with tight fading through the back and sides.
Your barber will cut the top box section quite square to allow for that distinct side-parted comb over. They’ll then weight the longer side for a sweeping, brushed-over fringe effect.
The opposite side gets tight faded or undercut using clippers to offset the longer, combed-over portion. This creates beautiful separation and asymmetry when styling.
To achieve the perfect comb over finish, you’ll want to use a strong pomade with a shiny finish. First, create a crisp side part using the pointed end of a comb. Then, slick and sweep the longer side across the forehead using a combing motion.
Keep the top portion brushed neatly over while lifting up the crown area for added volume and height through the interior. The killer combo of this sleek, dapper top styling with faded sides looks sharp for any classy occasion.
Side Part Fade Edgar
For an asymmetrical, face-framing cut with lots of personality, try a side part fade Edgar. This distinctive style incorporates a deep side part that runs from the forehead all the way to the back neckline.
Your barber will cut the top and side areas long and disconnected, allowing them to part dramatically over one shoulder. The opposite side then gets tightly faded down using clippers and carving techniques.
When styling a side part fade Edgar, the longer side takes center stage. Use a pomade or grooming cream to slick it fully over, creating gorgeous sweeping arches and immaculate separation. The deep side part adds lovely movement and direction.
Tight fade the shorter side down for strong shadowing and contrast. But leave just a touch of length up front to integrate with that signature brushed-forward Edgar fringe.
This exaggerated side part represents the beauty of mixing retro barbering techniques with modern sensibilities. It’s equal parts unique, edgy and refined.
Styling and Maintenance Tips
To keep your taper fade Edgar haircut looking fresh and on point, be sure to:
Styling Products
- Use a volumizing mousse or root lifter on damp hair before blow drying
- Opt for matte pomades, creams or waxes with low-shine finishes
- Add texture spray or sea salt mist for grit and enhanced separation
Tools Needed
- Vent or round brush for blow drying volume and shape
- Rat-tail comb to cleanly part and slick back sections
- Quality trimming shears or clippers for at-home touch ups
Haircut Frequency
- Get a trim every 2-4 weeks to maintain the silhouette and weight distribution
- Taper fade sections will require tighter fades every 2-3 weeks
- Let your barber know if you need any areas blended out or corners cleaned up
Pro Tip: When rocking a longer, textured top section, invest in a great dry shampoo or texture powder. These can revive lift and grit in-between shampoo sessions.
Trends and Celebrities
Tapered and faded Edgar cuts exploded in popularity recently. Celebrities like Zayn Malik and Timothée Chalamet rocking edgy high fades. Top athletes like Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler sporting low to mid fades. Even icons like Brad Pitt and Ryan Reynolds embracing this modern iconic style.
Given its widespread appeal across ages and styles, the taper fade Edgar reigns supreme. A go-to request in barbershops nationwide, its reign will endure in 2024 and beyond.
Barber Recommendations
To pull off these modern taper fade Edgar haircuts with precision and artistry, it’s crucial to visit an experienced barber skilled in advanced cutting and styling techniques.
In major US cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami, I’d highly recommend:
- NYC: Botanist Barber (East Village), Gramercy Park Barbers
- LA: Oldies Barbershop (Echo Park), Better Daze Grooming
- Chicago: Belmont Barbershop, Blind Barber
- Miami: Slaughterhouse 3310, Miami Pomade Company
Of course, don’t hesitate to ask fellow stylish gents for their top barber recommendations in your local area! Finding the right artist is key to nailing these cool, fashion-forward Edgar styles.
FAQs
What fade is best for Edgar?
The beauty of the Edgar cut lies in its versatility – you can pair the signature top and fringe with virtually any fade style. However, some popular and complementary combinations include:
- Low Taper Fade: Smooth, subtle fading starting at the neckline
- Mid Taper Fade: More moderate fade around the ear area for some contrast
- High Skin Fade: Bold, high-contrast fading starting midway up the head
Consider your hair type as well. Guys with thick, dense hair may want to go shorter on the fade to avoid excess bulk. While those with fine or thinning hair could rock a lower taper fade for a fuller look.
Is an Edgar cut just a taper?
Not quite! While many modern Edgar styles incorporate tapering or fading through the back and sides, the true defining feature is that longer top section paired with a brushed-forward fringe.
So an Edgar cut requires more length and weight through the crown and frontal areas, allowing for that iconic look and styling ability. Simply tapering or fading hair shorter everywhere would be something different, like a crew cut.
What is the most popular taper fade?
Based on current trends and barber insights, some of the most popular and requested taper fade styles include:
- Low Taper Fade With its smooth, subtle blend of lengths, the low taper fade offers a versatile yet trendy look. It complements the longer top sections of styles like pompadours or comb overs nicely.
- Skin Fade For major impact and contrast, a skin fade tapered down to bald defines the perimeter in an ultra-crisp way. It makes any longer top area really pop.
- Drop Fade This unique variation starts fading lower on the sides before arcing up toward the back. It creates a distinct curved line that frames the face.
- Temple or Undercut Taper Fade
These tight fades hug the perimeter extremely close, often disconnected from longer top lengths for an edgy, stylish finish.
No matter which taper fade you choose, the sharpness of those faded lines and blending will make or break the overall look. Visit a talented barber to nail that precision cut.
What is the most attractive fade haircut?
While personal preference plays a big role, certain fade haircuts tend to be widely considered more universally flattering and attractive on most guys. A few that frequently top “most attractive” lists include:
- Low Fade with Texture A low, tight fade complements nearly any face shape while the textured top adds movement and dimension. It reads as both masculine and stylish.
- Crop Fade This fresh, youthful style combines a tight fade with slightly longer, piecey texture up top. It’s clean yet trendy.
- Comb Over Fade The side-swept look elongates oval and rounder faces. Plus the taper fade creates flattering contours along the hairline.
- Pompadour Fade The distinct volume and swoop instantly elevate a pompadour when paired with shaved or faded sides. It’s a confident, powerful look.
Of course, other factors like face shape, hair type, styling ability, and personal style preferences should be weighed as well. The most attractive fade complements your specific features.
Which haircut suits me?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the most flattering haircut depends on several individual factors, including:
- Face Shape The most complementary styles will soften or add angles where needed based on your specific face shape (oval, round, square, etc.)
- Hair Type
Your hair’s natural texture, density, and growth patterns may limit certain styles. Work with what you’ve got! - Lifestyle How much time and effort you can commit to styling regularly? A low-maintenance cut may be advisable.
- Style Preferences At the end of the day, you have to love the way you look! Choose a cut that fits your personal taste.
To get started, I’d recommend first determining your true face shape by measuring its proportions and angles. Then, research which general styles tend to best complement those dimensions.
For example, oval shaped faces can pull off almost any look. Round faces benefit from styles with volume up top to elongate. Square shapes get softened with longer, face-framing layers.
Once you’ve narrowed it down a bit based on your shape, look through inspiration photos matching your texture and styling ability too. Don’t be afraid to consult with an experienced barber, as they can make expert recommendations individualized just for you.
You may also like:
Fluffy Edgar Haircut Ideas
Final Thoughts
The iconic Edgar cut transforms into any style – edgy, textured, refined, classy. By fusing taper fades, line designs, volumized shapes and intricate parts, limitless cool contemporary looks emerge.
Subtle low taper fades or statement high fades – on-trend Edgar variations suit every taste and hair type. This legendary cut’s versatility, combined with top barbers’ skills, allows amazing individual expression.
Step outside the norm – ask your stylist to get creative! With 20 inspirational taper fade Edgar styles here, you’re primed to modernize this retro look. The perfect cut for dapper gents seeking timeless elegance meets fashion-forward edge.
