What is a Taper Haircut? Types, Styles, Taper vs. Fade

A taper haircut is a smooth, gradual change from long hair to shorter hair around the sides and back. It blends naturally without harsh lines, giving a clean and professional look that suits any face shape.

A good haircut can change your entire look, and one style that has stayed popular for many years is the taper haircut. From athletes and actors to everyday men, the taper is loved for its clean and smart appearance. It works for all hair types—straight, curly, wavy, thick, or thin—and suits all face shapes.

If you are thinking about getting a new haircut but don’t want something too extreme, a taper might be the perfect choice. In this blog, we’ll explain what a taper haircut is, its types, and why it’s a great option for anyone looking for a stylish yet low-maintenance hairstyle.

What Is a Taper Haircut?

A taper haircut is a style where the hair gradually gets shorter from the top of the head to the sides and back. The barber cuts the hair longer at the top and slowly reduces the length around the ears and neckline. This creates a clean, neat look with smooth blending and no sharp lines.

Unlike a fade, which usually goes down very close to the skin, a taper keeps some length on the sides and back. This makes it look natural and classy rather than dramatic.

Why Is a Taper Haircut Popular?

Taper haircuts are loved by men for many reasons:

Professional & Clean Look: Ideal for work, school, and formal events.
Low Maintenance: Easy to manage and style.
Works With Any Hair Type: Curly, straight, thick, or thin.
Fits All Ages: Looks good on boys, teenagers, and men.
Flexible Style Options: Can be worn messy, slick, curly, spiky, and more.

Whether you prefer classic or modern hairstyles, a taper gives you many styling choices without too much effort.

Taper vs. Fade: What’s the Difference?

A taper and a fade look similar, but the difference is simple. A taper slowly gets shorter on the sides and back, keeping some hair so it looks neat and natural. 

A fade gets much shorter and can even go down to the skin, giving a sharper, more modern look. A taper is softer and easier to grow out, while a fade is bolder and needs more touch-ups.

Think of taper as classy and fade as trendy.

Different Types of Taper Haircuts

There are many taper styles to choose from. Here are the most popular types:

1. Low Taper Haircut

A low taper is very subtle. The hair shortens gradually just above the ears and neckline. It gives a clean look without being too noticeable.

Best For: Office workers, students, and people who like simple hairstyles.

2. Mid Taper Haircut

A mid taper starts around the middle of the head. It’s more noticeable than a low taper but still not too bold.

Best For: Anyone who wants a balanced style—not too simple, not too flashy.

3. High Taper Haircut

A high taper starts higher on the sides and back, giving a striking contrast between the top and sides. It makes the face look sharp and slim.

Best For: Men who want a stylish, modern look.

4. Taper Fade Haircut

This is a mix of taper and fade. The sides gradually shorten but fade completely near the skin at the bottom. It’s trendy and fresh.

Best For: Young men, athletes, and people who like modern styles.

5. Curly Taper Haircut

For curly hair, a taper enhances texture on top while keeping the sides neat. It removes bulk and keeps curls defined and attractive.

Best For: Men with wavy or curly hair who want a clean shape.

6. Taper Cut with Beard

A taper blends smoothly into the beard. The transition from head to face looks well-shaped and tidy.

Best For: Men with full or medium-length beards.

7. Classic Taper Haircut

This is the most traditional version. It’s neat, simple, and perfect for suits, business meetings, or weddings.

Best For: Professionals or anyone who likes old-school style.

Which Face Shape Is Best for a Taper Haircut?

A taper haircut suits almost every face shape because it creates a clean and balanced look. For oval faces, it works perfectly since this shape already looks even, so any taper style will match well. For round faces, a taper with more volume on top helps make the face look longer and slimmer. 

Square faces look great with sharp tapers because the clean lines highlight the strong jaw. If you have a heart-shaped face, keeping the sides slightly longer makes the forehead and chin look balanced. 

People with diamond or long faces can choose a taper with less height on top and slightly fuller sides to avoid making the face look too narrow or long. Overall, taper haircuts are flexible and can be adjusted to fit your face shape easily.

Final Thoughts: Is a Taper Haircut Right for You?

A taper haircut is one of the most versatile hairstyles for men. It’s neat, easy to maintain, and looks great on everyone. Whether you love classic looks or modern styles, you can personalize a taper to fit your personality.

If you want a smart haircut that is stylish but not too bold, a taper is your best choice. If you want the best taper haircut for your style, Barberian Barbershop in Encino, Los Angeles is a great choice. 

Our barbers give clean, sharp tapers, smooth fades, beard trims, and relaxing hot towel shaves. We pay attention to small details and choose a style that suits your face and personality, so you walk out looking smart and confident.

Meta Title: What is a Taper Haircut? Types, Styles, Taper vs. Fade

Meta Description: Learn what a taper haircut is, its types, styling tips, and why it’s great for everyday looks. Easy guide with Taper vs. Fade comparison for beginners.