Jude Bellingham’s haircut has become a popular reference for guys with curly hair, coily hair, and Afro-textured hair. The appeal is obvious: a sharp taper fade on the sides paired with natural volume and curl definition on top, giving a look that reads as clean on the pitch and stylish off it. If you’ve got a Jude Bellingham photo saved on your phone and you’re not sure how to describe it to your barber, this guide breaks the look down piece by piece the fade type, top length, hair texture, curl pattern, and how to adapt it if your hair isn’t naturally curly. We’ll also cover which face shapes suit this style best, how much hair maintenance it actually needs, and a few close hairstyle variations you’ll see barbers offer under the same name.
The Jude Bellingham haircut is a taper fade usually a low taper or mid taper combined with a fuller, textured top left long enough to show natural curl or coil patterns. The sides and back are tightly faded for contrast, while the top is shaped into a rounded or slightly flat silhouette, sometimes described as a soft high-top. It works because the fade haircut keeps things sharp and relatively low-effort day to day, while the top gives the style personality, movement, and natural hair volume. Read more https://apexhaircuts.com/
A low taper fade starts near the ears and nape. It keeps the look soft and subtle. A mid taper fade lifts the blend toward the temple. This creates sharper contrast on the sides. Barbers use clippers for a smooth transition line. Then scissor work shapes the top nicely. Low blends flatter a long face. Mid blends slim a round face or square face. Thick hair and curly hair show more shape with mid fades. Thin hair often looks cleaner with a low fade. Ask your barber for a one-guard blend or half-guard blend.
Feature | Low Taper Fade | Mid Taper Fade |
| Fade start point | Near ears/nape | Near temple |
| Contrast level | Subtle | Sharper |
| Best face shape | Long face | Round or square face |
| Best hair type | Thin hair | Thick or curly hair |
| Common guard | One-guard blend | Half-guard blend |
The defining part of the look is the top: natural curls or coils left at a medium length, usually a few inches, and shaped rather than slicked down. Some versions lean into a rounder, high-top-inspired shape, while others keep it looser and closer to the head. Best for: Naturally curly, coily, or wavy hair; straight hair can be permed to get a similar curl pattern, though this adds a maintenance step Face shapes: The volume on top adds height, which flatters round faces particularly well and balances square jawlines Maintenance: A curl-defining product applied to damp hair after washing, plus a trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the shape from becoming shapeless
Part of what makes this look photograph so well is a crisp, clean hairline where the fade meets the forehead. It’s a small detail, but it’s the difference between a good taper fade and one that looks unfinished. Best for: Any hair type or hair texture Maintenance: A line-up every 1–2 weeks between full haircuts keeps the hairline sharp without needing a full fresh fade each time
A slightly different take on the same idea swaps the rounded top for a shorter, textured fringe that falls forward over the forehead, still paired with a fade on the sides. It’s a lower-maintenance styling option since there’s less need to shape curls upward. Best for: Wavy hair or looser curl patterns that fall forward naturally Face shapes: Works well on long face shapes, since the forward fringe shortens visual length Maintenance: Similar to the standard version — regular fade touch-ups plus occasional trimming to keep fringe length in check
| Style | Best For | Maintenance | Styling |
| Low Taper + Curly Top | Curly/coily hair, round faces | Medium | Curl cream, minimal shaping |
| Mid Taper + Curly Top | Curly hair, square/oval faces | Medium | Curl cream, more defined shape |
| Textured Fringe + Fade | Wavy hair, long faces | Low-Medium | Light pomade, comb forward |
| High-Top Adjacent | Coily/Afro-textured hair | Medium-High | Curl sponge, moisturizer |
Round face: The hair volume and height on top elongate the face, making this one of the most flattering options for rounder features. Square face: A mid taper with a slightly higher top complements a strong jawline without overpowering it. Oval face: Almost any variation works, since oval faces suit most hairstyle proportions. Long face: The textured fringe variation is the better pick here, since a tall rounded top could exaggerate facial length.
Bring a clear reference photo and specify whether you want the low taper or mid taper version. Let your barber know your natural hair texture so they can decide whether scissor work or clipper work suits the top better. Ask for the top to be shaped, not heavily thinned, to preserve curl volume and natural texture. Request a clean, precise hairline as part of the finish, not just a general fade. Ask about aftercare products for your specific hair type before you leave the chair curly hair and coily hair usually need a curl cream, leave-in conditioner, or hair moisturizer, rather than a standard gel. Read more https://apexhaircuts.com/soccer-player-haircuts/
Curly hair and coily hair can require more moisture than straight hair, so a leave-in conditioner or curl cream after washing helps keep the top looking defined rather than frizzy. Avoid brushing dry curls, since this can break up the curl pattern — finger styling or a wide-tooth comb on damp hair works better.
For the fade itself, a light trim-up every couple of weeks between full cuts keeps the sides from growing shaggy and losing the contrast that makes the style work. Regular hair washing, proper moisturizing, and suitable curl styling products can also help maintain definition and reduce frizz.
Jude Bellingham typically wears a low taper fade or mid taper fade paired with a fuller, textured top that shows off his natural curl pattern, sometimes styled as a rounded high-top and sometimes as a shorter textured fringe.
Yes, though the curl definition on top won’t be there naturally. A texturizing perm can replicate the curl pattern, or you can style straight hair with a matte texture paste for a looser, tousled version of the same shape.
It’s moderate. The fade needs a barber visit every 2–3 weeks, and the curly top needs regular moisture and shaping products, but there’s no daily heat styling required the way some other football-inspired hairstyles demand.
A low taper fade keeps the fade close to the hairline and ears, creating a subtler transition, while a mid taper fade fades higher up the sides for more visible contrast against the top.
A curl-defining cream or moisturizing leave-in conditioner applied to damp hair typically works best, since curly and coily hair textures benefit from hydration to help avoid dryness and frizz.
The Jude Bellingham haircut works because it balances a genuinely low-maintenance side and back with a top that has real personality. Whether you go with the classic low taper and curly top, a sharper mid taper, or the textured fringe variation, the key is matching the fade to your face shape and being upfront with your barber about your natural hair texture.