Many people with East and Southeast Asian heritage have hair that is straight, thick and coarse, with each strand often thicker in diameter than average. That density is a big advantage for volume, but it comes with challenges: the sides stick out, the crown sticks up, and the blend in a fade shows every step. A low taper fade solves the side problem, and the right top style uses the density to your advantage.
Hair types vary widely among individuals, of course. Use this guide as a starting point and adapt it to your own hair.
Quick Facts
| Common hair traits | Straight, thick, coarse, dark |
| Fade height | Low (or mid for very thick hair) |
| Bottom length | #0.5 to skin |
| Sides above taper | #2 to #3 to stop sticking out |
| Top length | 2 to 5 inches |
| Key products | Matte clay, strong paste, volumizing spray, blow-dryer |
Why Asian Hair and the Low Taper Work Well
The sides stop sticking out. Thick straight hair grows outward above the ears. The taper removes it at the source.
The dark hair shows a beautiful gradient. On dark, dense hair, a precise fade looks very clean.
The top keeps its volume. Dense hair holds styles like the two-block and comma hair without much product.
12 Best Low Taper Fade Styles for Asian Hair
1. Two-Block Cut with a Low Taper
A layered top that falls over shorter sides, with a soft low taper at the neckline and sideburns. Hugely popular across Korea and Japan.
2. Comma Hair
The fringe curls inward in a "comma" shape over the forehead. Needs a blow-dryer and a round brush, or a light curling iron.
3. Textured Crop
Short, choppy and forward. Uses density to create texture. See textured crop.
4. Textured Fringe
Piecey, forward fringe. See textured fringe.
5. Curtains / Middle Part
Center-parted fringe falling to the sides. See curtains and middle part.
6. French Crop
A neat, horizontal fringe. See French crop.
7. Side Part / Comb Over
Polished and professional. See side part and comb over.
8. Spiky Short Hair
Short top spiked with wax or fiber. Thick hair holds spikes all day.
9. Quiff
Thick hair gives a strong, structured quiff. See quiff.
10. Permed Hair with a Low Taper
A loose perm adds waves or curls to straight hair. The taper keeps the sides neat while the top gains movement.
11. Fluffy Hair
Blow-dried volume and movement. See fluffy hair.
12. Edgar Cut
A sharp horizontal fringe. Dense straight hair holds the line well. See Edgar.
How to Ask Your Barber
"My hair is thick and straight and the sides stick out. Low taper fade, half guard at the bottom, sides at a #2 or #3. On top, keep [X] inches and remove some weight with texturizing so it doesn't puff up. I want a [two-block / comma / textured crop] style."
Ask about the crown. Many people have a strong cowlick or whorl at the crown that sticks up. Ask your barber to leave a little extra length there, or to cut it so it lies down.
Styling Tips for Thick, Straight Hair
- Always blow-dry. Thick straight hair follows the direction it dries in. Air-drying often leaves it sticking up.
- Dry the roots in the direction you want them to lie. For a fringe, blow-dry forward and down.
- Use a round brush for comma hair or curtains, turning the ends under.
- Use matte clay or paste; avoid heavy shiny pomades unless slicking back.
- Use a heat protectant if you blow-dry daily or use a curling iron.
Common Mistakes
- Leaving the sides too long. Thick straight hair sticks out at a #4 or longer.
- Air-drying. Results in unpredictable shapes.
- Too much thinning. Can cause spiky, frizzy ends.
- Ignoring the crown. Cutting too short at a cowlick makes it stand up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a two-block haircut?
A style where the top is kept longer and layered so it falls over shorter sides, creating two "blocks" of length. Adding a low taper at the bottom keeps the edges neat.
Why does my hair stick out after a haircut?
Thick straight hair grows outward. Shorter sides, a low taper and blow-drying in the right direction fix this.
What is comma hair?
A fringe styled so the ends curve inward like a comma. It is created with a blow-dryer and round brush or a curling iron.
Is a skin fade good for Asian hair?
Yes. Dark, dense hair shows a skin fade very clearly. For a softer look, ask for a half guard at the bottom.
