I can clearly recall when I first noticed the taper faux hawk from the back only. Not the front side of the hair, not the top of the spiky ridge but down the back only. Just after a guy cruised past me at a coffee shop, I happened to see the gradual fade he had at the base of his neck. Simple, neat, but not that was not drawing attention by yelling ‘look at me.’ It was at this moment that the whole haircut thing with the front spike was just no longer there—it’s a 360-degree escapade.
What a taper faux hawk really is (without overcomplicating it)
For a moment, let’s set the strict and complex definitions aside. Then a taper faux hawk can be described as:
- The hair part along the center of the head left the longest and pulled up/styled up (the “hawk”).
- The taper fade on the sides, where the short hair is gradually blended into the skin or just a bit shorter in length.
- The back view – the real deal breaker. When the taper faux hawk back is messy, the rest of the cut appears unfinished.
Done. Plain. But even so, there are 100 small ways to change each one of those elements.
Why the back view matters
Once you take a moment to think—your face is not the first thing most people look at. The back of your head is what they see. At the gym. Walking the hallway. Waiting in line. That is the back view of the faux hawk, which is the point where people know if you have a good barber or if your cousin took the clippers and had a go at it.
If the taper fohawk fade back is done properly, it frames your neck and shoulders, creating a balanced look. Without it, the hawk is just a bunch of hair—similar to how hairstyles for diamond face shape male rely on structure for impact.
Types of taper faux hawk (quick breakdown)
Here’s how barbers usually spin it:
- Low taper fade faux hawk Soft, subtle. Almost looks like a regular haircut until you spike it up.
- High and tight faux hawk Bold. Shows scalp. Makes the hawk stand out more.
- Short taper faux hawk Low effort. Throw in a bit of matte paste, done.
- Messy faux hawk fade Slightly longer. More freedom to mess with texture.
- Curly fohawk fade Great for natural curls. A frohawk taper gives volume and shape.
Styling products that actually work
You don’t need ten products. Keep it simple—just like choosing the right hairstyles for diamond face shape male that work without overcomplication.
- Matte clay or paste: For a short taper faux hawk. Textured, natural finish.
- Pomade or cream: If you’re going for sleek, medium faux hawk looks.
- Sea salt spray: For messy faux hawk fades, adds grit without weight.
- Strong gel or wax: If you want spiked faux hawk styles or layered faux hawk definition.
Pro tip: Don’t drown your hair in product. It should still move.
Beard, parts, and add-ons
- Faux hawk fade with beard: Balances jawlines, looks more rugged.
- Hard part faux hawk: Sharp line carved in for definition.
- Faux hawk with design: Lines, shapes, or taper fade faux hawk with tail for extra flair.
- Round face: High fade faux hawk haircut adds height.
- Square face: Faux hawk fade with beard works best, balances jaw.
- Oval face: Lucky—you can wear most versions, from subtle faux hawk to full faux hawk.
- Long face: Low taper faux hawk or messy fohawk fade keeps balance.
Taper faux hawk breakdown
| Style | Fade | Effort Level | Works Best On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low taper fade faux hawk | Low taper | Easy | Office-friendly |
| High fade faux hawk | High fade | Medium | Round/oval faces |
| Messy faux hawk fade | Medium fade | Medium | Medium to long hair |
| Faux hawk fade with beard | Any fade | Medium | Strong jawline |
| Curly fohawk fade | Taper | Medium | Natural curls |
| Faux hawk with hard part | Medium/high | Medium | Trendy look seekers |
Final thoughts
The taper faux hawk back isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention. It says you care enough to clean it up but don’t want to live in the mirror.
Some guys keep it subtle with low taper fade faux hawk cuts. Others push it with designs, high fades, or long faux hawk versions. Whatever way you go, keep the back sharp. That’s what people really see.
FAQs
1. Is taper fade good for faux hawk?
Yes, a taper fade makes the faux hawk cleaner, less aggressive than a full mohawk.
2. What do I tell my barber for a faux hawk taper fade?
Ask for a taper fade on the sides and back, with longer hair through the middle for styling.
3. Is a faux hawk suitable for short hair?
Absolutely. A short taper faux hawk is among the simplest low-maintenance styles.
4. Can a faux hawk be combined with a beard?
Of course, a faux hawk fade along with beard makes an even distribution of the features and a crisper look.
5. What differentiates fohawk from faux hawk?
They’re pretty much one and the same. “Fohawk” is simply a nickname. Faux hawk just gives off a nicer vibe.
Alex Carey writes about men’s and women’s hairstyles, blending fashion insight with easy-to-follow haircare routines for every hair type. With a keen eye on seasonal trends, Alex helps readers stay updated on what’s hot and what’s not. From daily care tips to complete style makeovers, Alex covers it all.