Shadow taper haircuts: Instagram's best looks

All the shadow taper inspiration you need.

A shadow taper haircut has fast become one of the most popular men’s hairstyles of 2017 — right up there with man buns and undercut styles. But if you aren’t quite sure what a shadow taper haircut is, you will be surprised to know that almost everyone is rocking the style, you just didn’t know it…

With Instagram being one of the main sources for hair inspiration, we’ve rounded up all the best shadow taper styles from the social media site for a collection of show-stopping styles to suit everyone. Regardless of hair type or length, there is a shadow taper style waiting for you to discover, below.

Instagram’s best shadow taper haircuts

side view of quiff hairstyle with shadow taper finish — Give your quiff a unique spin with a shadow taper finish. Credit: Instagram.com/javi_thebarber_

1. Quiff shadow taper

The classic men’s hairstyle has been given a 2017 update with this tapered finish. If you’re thinking of trying the much-loved haircut (like John Meyer, Harry Styles and Orlando Bloom already have), give your quiff haircut a unique twist by adding a contrasting tapered finish. Credit: @javi_thebarber_

Editor’s tip: For a long-lasting hold in your quiff, we suggest using the Lynx Signature Clean Cut Look Definition Wax. Remember: a little goes a long way!

short brown hair with wavy finish and shadow taper cut — Team your shadow taper with a wavy finish. Credit: Instagram.com/q.thebarber.7

2. Shadow taper wave

If you’re a lover of 360 wave styles, you will know how much hard work and patience it takes to perfect the style — so once you have it, you will hardly want to cut it all off for a new style. Which is why we love how this Instagrammer has opted to upgrade their waves, choosing a shadow tapered finish. Credit: @q.thebarber.7

shadow taper undercut on male with light brown hair — This Instagrammer mixed two of the hottest men’s hairstyles together. Credit: Instagram.com/chrischampagne

3. Undercut + taper fade

Get ultimate styling points from your pals with this undercut and shadow taper combo. Whether you wear your undercut in a top knot or leave it loose, there is no denying how cool you will look. Credit: @chrischampagne

back view of curly brown hair with shadow taper from nape of neck — The best thing about a shadow taper is that it works for all hair types. Credit: Instagram.com/tyzcutz

4. Curly taper

We all know how popular curly hair for men has become recently. From fashion bloggers to your favourite sports stars (Chamberlain, we’re looking at you) it seems like everyone who’s anyone is embracing their curly strands. Team yours with a shadow taper at the nape of the neck for a curly high-top finish. Credit: @tyzcutz

Dove Advanced Hair Series Shine Revived Treatment

Editor’s tip: To help stop your curls from drying out and to bring out the best of your natural hair texture, apply a few pumps of the Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Nourishing Treatment, before you step out of the house.

side view of swept back brown hair with shadow taper finish — Even a smart swept back style can rock a shadow taper. Credit: Instagram.com/rpb_nq

5. Swept back shadow taper

If you need a hairstyle that is smart enough for the office yet still has an added extra touch of personality, we couldn’t recommend this swept back look enough. Complete with a soft shadow taper finish, it’ll carry you from office hour to happy hour in a pinch! Credit: @rpb_nq

If you liked our round-up of shadow taper looks, head on over to our Men’s Hair Trends page for bucket loads of further hair inspiration to take your look to the next level!