So, you’re thinking about trying a classic taper haircut? Continue reading to find out what it is, how it looks, and which of these men’s hairstyles are trending right now. The fantastic thing about a taper haircut is that it compliments all face shapes and hair types. All you need is a bit of length on top to make this work. Additionally, a classic tapered haircut grows back evenly, giving you extra time between cuts.
What is a Taper Haircut?
The men’s taper haircut features longer hair on top, while the hair on the sides and nape gradually gets shorter. Your barber will generally use scissors for this haircut instead of clippers. This style is a classic, but recently, it’s been trimmed shorter around the sides and back of the head.
Difference in Taper Haircuts
You have multiple options on how you want to fade this cut down to your neckline. You can choose a low, medium, or high taper.
You’ll also want to think about how you want the back of your neck-length taper cut to look. Instead of having a sharp line where your hair ends, you can ask your barber to create a tapered finish. This blends more smoothly into your skin for a polished, stylish, and contemporary appearance.
Before your next men’s haircut, take a look at these images of some of the top taper haircut ideas this year for inspiration.
#1: Caesar Taper Style with Mid Bald Fade
Tight, straight edges are a great choice for guys with full hairlines considering a taper haircut. This Caesar style with a mid-bald fade is an excellent look for that. The back and sides have been taken down to the skin and blended tightly at the mid point. This gives it a seamless transition onto the length on top. The front of the fringe has been taken short and lined into. This has kept the front uniformed. More length has been left on top to be able to sweep over, a good styling powder will be a great choice for a matte look.
#2: Refined Slicked Back Taper
This slicked-back tapered haircut features neat, clean tapered sides and neckline. Style your hair back and incorporate a longer top for a sharp tapered cut. This taper haircut should be maintained every month to ensure it remains looking refined. For a more rugged style, consider growing some facial hair like the individual in the photo.
#3: Tapered Texture Short Crop Hairstyle
This timeless short back and sides hairstyle continues to be a favorite taper cut. The look features a textured short crop with a higher taper at the back and sides. If your hair has movement and curl, this style will complement your locks beautifully on top. For a natural appearance, I recommend using styling powder for a matte effect.
#4: Stylish Short Dreads with Taper Fade Haircut
The stylish short dreads with a taper fade haircut provide a clean and polished appearance that’s simple to maintain. The hairline edges are shaved for a tidy finish, which requires upkeep at least every two weeks. For those with very curly hair, dreads are a great option to achieve added length, while the taper fade maintains fresh sides. Use specialized afro hair products for styling, and consult your barber for expert advice.
#5: Contemporary Taper Crop Haircut
A contemporary taper haircut for men is incredibly fashionable and iconic. This very fresh icy hair with tapered sides will complement any textured haircut. This hairstyle requires regular maintenance. So if you’re committed, consider this stylish cut.
#6: Iconic High Taper Haircut
You’ll get no rough edges and messy sides with a sharp and refined high-taper haircut like this. The cut features a short yet striking fringe for an added edge. There’s also a wealth of variation when it comes to styling your hair with this type of taper fade.
#7: Drop Skin Fade with Elevated Slicked Top
The dropped skin fade with an elevated slicked top is a polished taper cut that can be styled by most gentlemen. A good hairstyling product to use is pomade to maintain that slick look or you can always switch it up for a more daring appearance by using a curling cream for a textured front. A low skin fade is frequently a solid choice for men who prefer a softer finish.
#8: Timeless Taper Fade Hairstyle
This is a taper fade haircut, sleek, classic, and versatile. I suggest this to guys looking for something enduring. It looks sharp in the office but still has a playful vibe for the weekend. If you need some styling advice, I first recommend consulting with your barber. However, matte clays work best for fine hair, whereas pomades add weight and shine to dry, coarse hair.
#9: Distinctive Long Taper Comb Over Hairstyle
A long hairstyle features a lengthy comb over that’s partnered with long-cut tapers. The distinctive long tapers keep your hair growth to a manageable level. Ask your barber to trim the top of your head if you wish to customize its length. Keep it sleek while having a tidy taper cut!
#10: Stylish Tapered Hair with an Elevated Fringe
Taper fades offer a sharp, polished appearance while maintaining length in the remainder of the hair. This method typically begins with no guard, which means blade to skin. It provides the shortest taper cut achievable, gradually fading from there. Additionally, it can be easily blended into a beard if desired.
#11: Salt and Pepper Tapered Hairstyle
This salt and pepper tapered hairstyle might be for you if you’re looking for a polished and organized look. It has been kept short around the back and sides blending into more length on top for a complete appearance. To give your hair a natural-looking finish I would use Crazy Bull Space Dust styling powder.
#12: Stylish & Contemporary Mid-Taper Haircut
This trendy mid-taper haircut with short tapered sides is a low-maintenance option. It showcases a polished look that enhances thick hair and a beard. Overall, a taper haircut can provide you with an impressive sharp style.
#13: Dimensional Top with a Tapered Cut
A dimensional top on a faded haircut is an excellent way to refresh a timeless tapered style. Consult your barber for recommendations on products to maintain the precision of your taper cut.
#14: Textured Fade Haircut with Messy Curls
Curls can be more challenging to style as they require additional care and attention. If you have messy curls, it’s best to embrace them. This men’s taper cut has been paired with a taper on the ear and neck fading into the top. What we focus on is how defined your curls are and we then recommend the best length for your fade. For all-day styling, you will need some strong hold products like a sea salt spray and a matte paste. However, pomade is also effective for curls.
#15: Classic Taper Pompadour Scissor Cut
A timeless taper and pompadour are scissor cut and easy to style. This distinctive style has been a favorite for many years, retaining its appeal. It features a polished finish and can be rocked by any man seeking a taper haircut. A tapered pompadour scissor cut is refined and will complement your face shape while allowing for easy modifications. Its tidy finish suits a variety of personalities. Expect to invest some time in styling this hairstyle each morning.
#16: Classic Taper for Fine Hair
A taper haircut can work for men with fine hair. Fades and tapers are ideal for individuals who can’t make it to the salon or barbershop every three weeks. Tapers and fades, when executed properly, can maintain their look for 4-6 weeks. This taper fade is adaptable regardless of your head or face shape and texture. When styling the top, consider using Evo Crop Strutters, which is a medium hold styling cream.
#17: Stylish Short Brushed Back Hair with Mid Taper Cut
This haircut is quite trendy as it’s low-maintenance, featuring a short top that’s brushed back and paired with a mid taper cut. Rather than extending the fade to the temple, he has chosen a mid fade that maintains some length to seamlessly blend with the top.
#18: Lengthened Buzz Taper Haircut
Sometimes guys change their minds and want to explore another style, this lengthened buzz cut is a good example. Depending on the style you want to transition to, it always takes time to reach the end goal. There is always a need to keep it tidy in the process. This guy has opted for tapered edges to keep the back and sides tight, while it grows out. You can have it cut higher if it’s only the top you want to lengthen. But, this client desires more length in the back.
#19: Compact Pompadour with Defined Part
This compact pompadour with a defined part is a classic, neat style that can be tailored to most head shapes and hairlines. That’s probably why it’s a favorite tapered haircut among men. It has been trimmed closely around the ears and faded precisely into the top. Tapers can help the cut last a bit longer and they grow out nicely. This stylish look is simple to maintain; you can use a slick pomade or a matte paste to style, depending on your desired finish. I would recommend visiting your barber every 2 weeks to keep your style sharp and tidy.
#20: Striking Wavy Brush Up Taper
Layered wavy tapered hair is an eye-catching haircut that complements all face shapes. The style features a brush-up with a taper side, which provides versatility and is excellent for wavy or curly hair with fine to medium density.
#21: Short Crop Taper Fade with Sharp Line-Up
Short hair is an excellent choice for guys seeking a low-maintenance taper haircut, and this short crop taper fade with a sharp line-up is a fantastic option. The back and sides have been faded low to create the taper fade and smoothly transitioned into the top.
#22: Textured Crop with Blended Sides
This is an excellent taper cut to consider if you prefer it snug around your ears but desire something less extreme than a skin fade. This textured crop with blended sides is a low-maintenance style for men who want something uncomplicated. This tapered men’s haircut is ideal for a natural look, and to best maintain your hair’s shape, apply some sea salt spray and finish with some styling powder for hold.
#23: Textured Fine Hair with a Temple Fade
For fine hair texture, you can always choose a temple fade that drops around your ear, highlighting the shape of your hairline. The cut has been tapered at the ear and into the beard. A men’s tapered haircut is very similar to a fade but it’s maintained very low and taken down to the skin. The top has been cut short, similar to a crew cut; this style works perfectly if your hair grows forward and is quite fine. A powder will provide a natural finish, and you can also apply a paste for a stronger hold.
#24: Adaptable Mid-Length Hair with Tapered Sides
This mid-length taper haircut for men is favored for its versatility. With the contrast the taper fade provides, you can style your hair in various ways. Choose from a classic pompadour to a faded man bun, and it will always be impressive.
#25: Textured Brush Back Hairstyle with a Taper Fade
This textured brush-back hairstyle has been done with a taper fade, and works really well if you want long hair on top and tight at the sides. It’s faded tightly around the ears and blended nicely into the top. Part of the top will be disconnected to keep the length. This taper haircut features a natural finish, and this can be achieved by blowing it back with a holding spray. I would use a sea salt spray and maybe some hairspray to hold it.
#26: Squared Taper Neckline Haircut
This squared taper haircut is perfect for gentlemen. The faded sides can be achieved using a hair clipper, razor, or shears. Blocked or squared necklines create an illusion of thicker and wider necks. Visit your barber regularly for a trim, as your hair can grow out faster than the usual faded necklines.
#27: Timeless & Effortless Taper Haircut
Seeking a timeless taper haircut? This is a fairly straightforward cut featuring a taper on the sides that suits many men. If you have naturally straight and thick hair, style it back with your fingers and allow it to air dry. A taper medium crop like this can be simple but also challenging to style based on your hair texture and growth pattern.
#28: Sleek Undercut Taper
An undercut taper with short sides is ideal for men who prefer a bit more length on top while ensuring it’s easy to manage. The medium taper haircut offers a variety of styling options while maintaining a polished appearance. It can be styled with a refined finish or a textured top.
#29: Slicked Back Taper Hairstyle
Timeless styles remain trendy, this slicked back is a fine illustration of this. This taper haircut has been faded close to the skin around the ears and transitioned heavily into the top. This technique of cutting is a great way of supporting a long and heavy top. The fringe has been disconnected to leave enough length to style the slicked back on this taper cut. The classic product to use will be pomade. It will give you a glossy finish. The guy in the photo has chosen a matte look, so a strong styling paste will be an ideal product to use.
#30: Stylish Medium Crop Featuring Layers and Faded Sides
If you desire a tapered hairstyle, consider a medium crop with layers and faded sides. This classic taper haircut enhances every man’s look.
#31: Stylish Short Tapered Hair Complementing a Beard
A trendy taper haircut paired with a beard is ideal for everyday gentlemen. Observe the seamless transition from that fresh cut to the beard. Short taper styles like this are great if you maintain an active lifestyle.
#32: Textured Layers on Top with Sleek Tapered Sides and Back
This is a great demonstration of how barbering has evolved in recent years, showcasing the creative use of hair patterns and color advancements in the field. The hairlines of the beard and hair have been accentuated with colored sprays and then finely edged with a cut-throat razor. However, it’s best to inquire whether your barber provides this service. This is a taper haircut that complements this style well. The tapered back and sides have been trimmed down to the skin, while a textured layer on top is crafted with a wide-toothed comb.
#33: Stylish Brushed Up Taper Cut with Facial Hair
This is an excellent illustration of a timeless taper cut. The final appearance has been styled upward and combined with facial hair for a rugged yet refined appearance. If your hair is dense or you have hairline growth patterns like cowlicks, this cut is fantastic at concealing them. The cut has been faded to the skin around the ears. I would suggest this for men with denser hair as it maintains a great shape and grows out nicely. A blow dry with a volumizing spray and a small amount of styling paste will assist in keeping your hair in place throughout the day.
#34: Contemporary Wavy Hairstyle with Subtle Taper
This wavy crop featuring a classic taper is a must-try! These hairstyles remain timeless due to their simplicity and ease of maintenance across all hair types and lengths. With a low taper haircut, you should keep the length on top, providing you numerous styling options.
#35: Sleek Tapered Ivy League with Side Part
The side part tapered hairstyle exudes professionalism. This refined look is ideal for any corporate occasion. The prominent side part will handle the style for you. Apply your preferred pomade or gel for a firm hold on this striking Ivy League cut.
#36: Tapered Side Quiff for Sleek Hair
A tapered side quiff for sleek hair is an excellent option for a polished executive appearance. It has been faded tightly around the ears and nape of the neck, with just the right amount of length to transition into the long top. This taper hairstyle is perfect for darker hair as the fade appears exceptionally clean. The front has been styled into place using volume spray. I suggest using a quality paste to provide a strong hold and a subtle sheen.
#37: Timeless Quiff Taper Fade Haircut
A quiff taper fade haircut is for stylish men who enjoy grooming their hair daily. A quiff classic taper cut with fade like this is ideal, as you’ll never run out of inspiration to style it. Textured, messy, straight, or curly – just ensure you’ve got the finest gel or pomade with you and you’ll be set to go.
#38: Choppy Texture on Top with Tapered Cut
The choppy texture on top pairs beautifully with a tapered haircut. This stylish crop can be adapted for any setting, from the workplace to an evening out.
#39: Subtle Low Fade with Shaved Lines Taper Haircut
This is a highly sought-after taper haircut among the youth. Simple shaved lines have taken over entire sides of patterns. The design complements a low fade perfectly, leaving just enough hair to make it pop. For the best results, I recommend shaving it out with a cut throat. The top has been styled and brushed up to achieve the final appearance. You can use various products to maintain it; wax or pomade will provide a glossy finish, while a paste will keep it looking more matte.
#40: Mid Burst Taper Haircut with Beard Grooming
Beards are increasingly trending, especially when paired with a taper hairstyle. This mid burst taper cut alongside a beard grooming is an excellent match. The back and sides have been kept short and transition nicely into the top, providing a polished look. I rely on various beard care products for styling, particularly a UK-based brand called One Society. Their oils are ideal for conditioning, and the beard balm ensures a firm hold throughout the day.
#41: Sleek Long Top with Short Tapered Sides Haircut
If you want to maintain your length, a sleek long top with tapered sides is a great choice. This taper cut has been faded to the skin around the ears, curving down at the temple, and blended into the top at the mid point. This will provide you the chance to preserve more length on top for a variety of styles. This client has chosen a glossy finish. Pomade is an excellent product to use to achieve this.
#42: Stylish Taper Crew Cut
This tapered crew cut is sleek, contemporary, and enduring. This taper cut was buzzed short on the sides and left slightly longer on top. The taper crew cut remains a timeless men’s hairstyle. The best part about this taper haircut is that you can easily get up, apply a little product in your hair, and head out. Due to the taper’s short length, I suggest scheduling your haircut every 2-3 weeks for upkeep. You might want to consider using sunscreen to shield your scalp from the sun. The most flattering face shapes for the crew cut are oval, round, and square.
#43: Classic Combed Back Look with a Beard Fade
This is a taper haircut that suits an oval face shape, as the top is kept at a moderate height and the beard is trimmed neatly. The classic combed back look has been faded closely behind the ear and seamlessly blends into the beard fade. The top is styled short with a slightly longer fringe for a back-comb finish. This style requires minimal maintenance and can be easily styled in the mornings. I would suggest visiting the barber every 2-3 weeks to maintain its appearance.
#44: Stylish Taper Haircut Ideal For Thick Hair
This taper haircut is designed for thick hair by texturizing it. It’s an excellent representation of timeless haircuts. It complements a variety of face shapes and is an outstanding choice for the business professional. Your barber can adjust this cut if you have receding or thinning hair. Products like Living Proof Multi-tasking Styler work effectively with most textures. Pomades by Ruezel provide a wonderful finish for thick, coarse textures.
#45: Asymmetrical Side-Parted Taper Haircut
If you’re looking to maintain length on top while keeping it neat around the ears, an asymmetrical side parted taper haircut might be the optimal selection. For those with darker hair, a low fade works well as it provides a seamless transition into the top and adds a polished touch. This client has chosen to go for a matte and natural look. I suggest using sea salt spray for added hold. Conclude with a quality styling powder for the final touch.
#46: Stylish Long Taper
This is an excellent long taper haircut style for men. The clean-cut perimeter is on the hairline with tapered sides. This layered taper haircut is ideal for men with an oblong or oval face structure and on hair that is thicker. Try out Bumble and Bumble texture creme. Then to achieve the best results, take a paddle brush and a blow dryer and brush it back and off to the side. This will provide your layered taper with the most volume and cleanest cut with shine. Some men allow it to air dry but the results will appear different. So, I suggest you finish it with a tiny bit of Sumotech matte clay pomade. This seals your new style in place.
#47: Disconnected Side-Swept Combover and Tapered Cut
This disconnected side-swept combover scissor cut is a timeless taper style that’s currently in vogue. The extended length on top provides added styling options in this tapered haircut.
#48: Trending Tapered Afro Styles for Black Men
This tapered afro style for black men is classic. It’s a favored short hairstyle for black men across generations. The afro taper haircut is ideal for men in professional settings as it exudes a polished and sharp appearance. Enhance it with a clean line up to elevate your look.
#49: Light Blonde Crew Cut with Burst Fade
A light blonde cut with burst fade works exceptionally well with a natural hairline, as it has been tapered at the front and lined to the temple. This is how I would style a crew cut as I find it grows out much more attractively. The burst fade around the ears keeps it short, leaving a mohawk shape in the back and an edgy style that suits the wearer. I’m a big fan of this taper haircut as it’s easy to keep up and doesn’t require much time to style in the morning.
#50: Chic Tapered Faux Hawk
A tapered faux hawk is an excellent way to express your personality, head shape, and barbering expertise. By tapering the sides closely to your head, the gradual and careful blending of the fade creates a smooth transition in your hair’s density. While anyone can rock the close taper haircut, it’s especially ideal for guys with streamlined head shapes. The faux hawk offers you the edgy features of the mohawk while remaining shorter. It is more appropriate for work, including any styling you or your barber may want to incorporate.
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.