Photo @mehdi_farahh
A tapered haircut is a precise and cleaner version of anyone’s natural hairline. The hair on top should be longer, while the ones at the back of your head and the sides should gradually get shorter as it reaches the crown.
The taper generally fades hair at your sideburns and neck, which is why the defined arch is left behind your ear.
If you are one of those who have a hard time differentiating whether it is a taper or fade find that arch.
It is one of those timeless men’s hairstyles that allows you to make the tapers low, mid taper or high while still retaining the arch.
Table Of Contents
60 Most Popular Taper Hairstyles
No. 2 Back and Sides
Photo @serdar.sharofov
If you don’t have much time for grooming you can go for this style, which has a tapered version of the crew cut or buzz cut.
Let the barber finish this style by cleaning up around the back of your neck and the part around your ears.
Use a low-shine matte hair product, like clay, mousse, pomade or putty that is not extremely strong to complete the style.
Tapered Pompadour Hairstyle
Photo @loonyborz
This is one of those old-school haircuts, similar to the 1920s hairstyles, that are returning now. The taper is an excellent addition to a hairstyle with volume, like the pomp. Make it more modern by taking the taper down by one or two grades.
Get a skin taper that blends to a higher length at the sides and on your back, providing the cut with a rounded look.
Complete the style by applying plenty of pomades.
Mid-Length Scissor Cut
Photo @loonyborz
This haircut is one to three inches long that can boost its masculine shape if paired with a taper. It can add more edge to the scissor cut, which is usually natural and soft around your neckline. Add the taper using three to four grades to get the look.
Tapered Hairstyle With a Textured Quiff
Photo @loonyborz
It requires you to add the taper further up the head, forming a smooth gradient that creates top-heavy styles such as the quiff and other greaser haircuts. It is a versatile style, thanks to the length on top. It is even possible to add a parting to it.
Just apply sea salt spray to increase the volume of your hair without making it stiff.
Skin Fade Tapered Haircut
Photo @serdar.sharofov
This hairstyle can blur the line between a taper and a fade. Visit a barber, then ask him to reduce the length around your neck and ears with the help of a razor or foils. This will take the taper down and make the fade look sharp.
Tapered Hard Part
Photo @barbersukraine
Get the perfect hard parts using fades around grades 0.5 to 1. Integrate a clean skin taper to finish it. It looks as good, if not better than taper comb-over haircuts.
Request a skin taper from your barber while maintaining a sharp and defined hairline from the back of your ear to your neck.
Tapered Top Knot
Photo @pjabreu
This style requires you to taper it down to the neckline. It has longer sides capable of balancing your face, preventing it from becoming too heavy on top. It’s a low-maintenance style that you no longer need to visit your barber that often.
Wavy Tapered Crop Hairstyle
Photo @loonyborz
If you are fond of wavy hairstyles for men this taper hairstyle is for you. The taper will always look good on wavy hair.
For this style you need to integrate a short wavy crop, then taper gradually at the back and the area surrounding the side.
Braided Fade Taper Haircut
Photo @braidsbyjackie
Even if you are dealing with frizzy hair this style will still look good. You can improve your look by integrating a fade and taper to your long braids, classic twists, dreads or cornrows.
Tapered Slicked Back Undercut
Photo @barbersukraine
Of course, this is a very edgy taper haircut. It features longer hair on top paired with an even taper found at the back and the sides.
Keep the top hair secure with a high-shine hair product, then brush it to the back to increase texture.
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @ataev_edu
Photo @ataev_edu
Photo @loonyborz
Photo @loonyborz
Photo @loonyborz
Photo @loonyborz
Photo @serdar.sharofov
Photo @serdar.sharofov
Photo @serdar.sharofov
Photo @serdar.sharofov
Photo @nainaje77
Photo @nainaje77
Photo @nainaje77
Photo @nainaje77
Photo @nainaje77
Photo @i_javatov
Photo @i_javatov
Photo @ataev_edu
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
Photo @barbersukraine
How to Style and Maintain Taper Haircut
Step 1 – Choose a haircut
Consider your personality, hair length and texture, and the facial features you would like to accentuate from your chosen hairstyle.
Step 2 – Shape on top
This is one of the best ways to show off your taper. Ensure that the shape or style suits you by letting your fingers run through your hair quickly. Move from one side to another.
Step 3 – Visit a barber
This is the key to maintaining your chosen taper hairstyle. Avoid using things that may damage your hair too.
As much as possible lessen your use of a hair dryer as the heat may cause damage.
Step 4 – Style and shape
Choose the best hair powders in the market if you intend to use one. Pomade or any matte product is also advisable to secure the style and make it smooth and glossy.
FAQ About Taper Hairstyles
Which is better – taper or fade?
This depends on what fits you the most. In most cases men choose the taper because it is versatile, allowing them to style it in a way that looks clean, polished, relaxed, casual or professional.
What do I tell my barber for a taper?
Determine your preferred taper haircut or style first. As much as possible take a picture of what you want before visiting the barber.
If you prefer a taper fade inform your barber that you prefer the taper not to go beyond the top of your sideburns.
It also helps to let the barber know how short you wish your taper to be.
What do I need for the classic taper haircut?
The classic taper haircut is clean and requires a quick fade at your neck and sideburns. It also features the volume of the classic pompadour.
Anthony Giannotti is a senior writer and editor for Beardoholic and a licensed barber for more than 13 years. He owns 3 barbershops and has his own hair care product line that is sold in barbershops worldwide. Known for his impeccable technique and skills, Anthony is an expert in hair and beard care and he knows the best products and tools to get rid of all beard problems and have an amazing beard.