Introduction

The “Low Taper Fade” is both a popular hairstyle and a viral internet meme. While the haircut itself is a classic choice among men, characterized by a gradual tapering of the hair near the ears and neckline, the term has taken on a life of its own in the world of memes, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Twitter.

Origin of the Meme

The meme’s origins can be traced back to a viral clip from a Twitch livestream by the singer ericdoa in January 2024. During the stream, ericdoa humorously speculated about what popular streamer Ninja (Tyler Blevins) would look like with a “low taper fade.” This moment quickly gained traction on social media, with fans and creators running with the idea. Soon, the phrase “Imagine if Ninja got a low taper fade” became a widespread meme, sparking a series of redraws, parodies, and even fan art featuring various characters and celebrities sporting the haircut.

Meaning and Usage

The “Low Taper Fade” meme is used to humorously imagine how different characters or well-known figures would look if they had this particular haircut. It plays on the contrast between the simple, everyday hairstyle and the exaggerated or unexpected contexts in which it’s imagined. The meme has also inspired an art trend where artists draw their favorite fictional characters or celebrities getting a low taper fade in a barber shop setting.

Examples in Conversation

• Example 1:
  Person A: “Did you see the new Sonic fan art? They gave him a low taper fade!”
  Person B: “No way, that’s hilarious! Imagine Sonic with a clean fade.”
• Example 2:
  Person A: “Just found some low taper fade memes of anime characters. They’re weirdly good!”
  Person B: “I love that trend. Who knew a haircut could be so funny?”

Cultural Impact

The “Low Taper Fade” meme reflects the internet’s love for absurd and unexpected humor. By taking a simple haircut and placing it in exaggerated scenarios, the meme has managed to captivate a wide audience, making it one of the standout trends of 2024. It’s a perfect example of how a mundane aspect of life can be transformed into a viral sensation through the creativity of online communities.