14 Taper Comb Over Haircuts That Will Help Revive Your Style
Lost count of the number of times you’ve asked your barber for “the same as usual, please mate” and feel like it might be time to try a new hairstyle? Well, if you’re looking for a fresh style that’s classic and easy to style, the taper comb over haircut might be just the ‘do you’ve been looking for.
The taper comb over haircut is a short men’s cut which features a side parting where the hair is ‘combed over’ to one side, paired with a modern tapered fade for added shape. From workwear-worthy cuts to more relaxed, casual styles, it’s the haircut that doesn’t stop giving. For the best examples of the comb over taper on different hair types, just keep scrolling…
Curly Comb Over
Have a naturally curly mop? Luckily for you, curly hair for men has never been as coveted as it is right now and it just so happens that the taper comb over haircut caters to wavy and curled textures really well. Credit: @dario_d_bordon
Hard Part
The comb over is a classic men’s look but if conventional isn’t really your thing and you’re after something with more of an edge, why not combine old and new by adding in a shaved detail?
You can keep it minimal but impactful with a defined shaved parting like this guy, or go all out with a design of your choice. Zigzags, anyone? Credit: @brett.drouin
Modern Quiff
Like to look dapper at all times? In that case, turn to the hair icons of days gone by and try styling your comb over into a peaked quiff or pompadour. Are we fans? Uh-huh-huh! Credit: @anthony_huerta88
Editor’s tip: Want to take on the quiff? Starting on damp hair, squeeze some of the VO5 Mega Hold Styling Gel into your fingertips and work it through your hair, making sure it’s well distributed throughout.
Next, use a fine-toothed comb to define your parting and create your comb over, then finish up by using your hairdryer to dry the hair and style it into your desired shape.
Shadow Fade
The shadow fade effect is a really popular option for guys, but to make the most of it you’ll need to keep on top of your trims.
To make the shadow effect last as long as possible, ask your barber to take it a little shorter than you usually would. This way you’ll be able to leave it longer before having to get it cut again and as it grows out it’ll look even better. Credit: @worldstarofbarbers
Skin Fade
A more extreme version of a taper fade, the skin fade (AKA a bald fade) is exactly what it sounds like; it’s a cut that fades from your longest length to a super short or, sometimes, an entirely bald skin look.
Have naturally thin hair or suffering with hair loss? Asking your barber to add in a fade like this is a great hair hack to make the most of your remaining hair and give the illusion of fuller-looking locks. Credit: @hubbard_14
Neat Comb Over
A sleek, slick take on the taper comb over haircut, this smart look is ideal for when you want to look professional in a business setting or for more formal events. This style is the hair equivalent of putting on your best suit and tie, so you’re sure to look like a total boss.
Keep your fade short on the sides for a precise look and you’ll never have a hair out of place. Credit: @hairstylistmarialeal
Editor’s tip: The VO5 Styling Wax will help to neaten up any style, so if you’re worried about flyaways or uncooperative strands, it’s your best bet.
You only need a small amount to shape and mould your hair into position, and once it’s in place, it won’t budge an inch.
Grown out Taper Fade
Considering keeping the length a little bit longer than usual? Or going through the process of growing out a shorter cut? A grown out taper fade is just as impactful and gives the look a whole new, more hipster vibe.
Stars like Adam Levine and David Gandy have both rocked looks like this, so there’s plenty of inspo out there and, honestly, if those guys say it’s cool, what more convincing do you need really? Credit: @kochifaraj
Editor’s tip: Never used a hairspray before? Well, turns out they’re not just for girls.
Hairsprays like the VO5 Mega Hold Hairspray are better for guys with mid-long length hair as while it still provides a firm hold, the fine mist won’t weigh your hair down like a thicker, waxy product might do.
Taper Beard Combo
In the progress of growing out a beard but not sure how you’re going to pair the hair on your face with the hair on your head?
As the taper fade already graduates to a shorter length around ear level, why not just keep the fade going right through your sideburns into your beard? This will make it all flow together as one cohesive look, for a well-groomed and maintained effect. Credit: @los_coker
Editor’s tip: It’s not just the hair on your head that needs your grooming attention. Take care of your beard by using the TONI&GUY Frizz Taming Beard Balm to keep it moisturised and frizz-free.
Extreme Taper
Trying to be more daring with your style? Then you have to give this extreme tapered combover a try with its bold, contrasting skin fade.
Precise Taper Comb over Haircut
This precise, well-defined cut is for the man who likes to look well-groomed whatever the occasion. Be sure to style your hair into a side-swept pompadour to accentuate your defined parting and sharp hairline. Credit: @nickbarford
Subtle Taper
The versatility of this style means that you can easily incorporate a subtle taper into your style without departing too drastically from your usual ‘do.
Side-Swept Taper
Thanks to its casual, undone style, this relaxed side-swept style is great for those who don’t like their hair to look too ‘done’. All you need to do is ask your barber to keep your top layers long, then when it comes to styling just take a matt look wax and rake your fingers through to create a swooped effect.
Taper Comb over on Thick Hair
The taper comb over haircut is a good option for those with thick hair, as it allows you to accentuate your luscious locks while bringing shape and control to the look. One of the major pros of the tapered fade is that it takes away some of the weight from the sides, so it’s particularly worth bearing in mind if you’ve got thick or curly hair. Credit: @troyargones
Brushed Back Taper
We may traditionally think of comb overs being worn to the side, but that’s not the only way. Shake things up by brushing your hair back rather than to one side to give the look a different vibe.
