Taper Haircut Ideas For Men

Brother to the fade, the taper haircut is an old school classic. We know every barber and his uncle has a different interpretation of what a taper haircut really is. The way we see it, a taper differs from a fade by keeping clean lines all around your hair, instead of fading into nothing. Seems simple enough. A taper can be added to many different haircuts to suit your style, personality, and lifestyle. Read on to check out 5 different ways to wear a taper haircut.

5 Taper Haircut Ideas

1. Combed Back Pomp

Taper Length: Short

This is a cool, modern take on the #throwback ’50s pomp. Ask your barber to keep the top of your hair at least four inches long so you can get a nice long pomp. Slick it back with some of the Dove Men+Care Defining Pomade for a light shine and hold. Giving the sides a short taper keeps things from looking like your Grandpa’s pompadour.

2. Curly Top

Taper Length: Medium

For naturally curly dudes, this curly top taper is a great choice. Ask your barber to keep the length on top just long enough to show off your natural hair texture, maybe an inch and a half to two inches long. A medium taper on the sides gives a more relaxed look to this cut. To keep your curls in check, run a small amount of Axe Natural Look: Softening Cream through out your hair. It will keep your curls from getting puffy and frizzy.

3. Short Comb Over

Taper Length: Short

The comb over is the most versatile mens haircut. Keeping the top shorter than your average comb over makes this look more like a military haircut than a longer comb over would. This cut is seamlessly blended into a short taper, giving a clean cut, professional look.

4. Slicked Back

Taper Length: Long

Keeping thinner hair at a medium to longer length all around will make your hair look thicker. Also, don’t be afraid to slick back thin hair. It allows your hair to look thicker so long as you don’t leave definite comb marks. Try using Bed Head For Men By TIGI Power Play Firm Finish Gel for a sleek and shiny look. Ask your barber to blend the top section of your hair into a long taper, making sure to give clean lines.

5. Faux Hawk

Taper Length: Short 

The faux hawk and taper haircut always mix well together. Keeping the sides of your hair short with a taper instead of an undercut or full shave gives this haircut a more cohesive look. Style your faux hawk with Bed Head For Men By TIGI Matte Separation Workable Wax for a modern matte finish.

Need more taper haircut information? Check out our complete guide to the fade haircut.