What is tapered hair

If you like this clean-cut look, make sure to ask for the razor trim as well. Next, ask your stylist to trim the hair on top of your head to your desired length. This can be anywhere from half an inch to four inches. Your stylist will most likely use scissors for this. The classic taper haircut can be styled in tons of different ways, so choose a style that suits you. That said, there are a couple of elements that always work well with a classic taper haircut. A part used in conjunction with a classic taper haircut is a winning combination, especially if the part is dramatic.

For shorter hair, any regular wax, paste, pomade, or similar product will work. For longer hair, consider a product with a higher hold. Pomade or paste are ideal if you want your hair to have a glossy shine. It works perfectly with the facial hair, and the swirly part at the top is a much-welcomed addition. This slicked-back quiff uses a classic taper to finish off the sides. The high top and close sides provide a unique, contrasting look that plays on your face shape for a totally new appearance.

This short haircut feels nice and regimented. As you can see, the classic taper works well with facial hair. Here, the hair wraps around the entire face, broken only with a narrow part at the top.

Call it a faux hawk or a brush-up, this masculine cut uses some light brushing to achieve a little ridge along the middle. Looking to stand out a little more? If you grow out your top hair quite a bit, you can slick it back for this 80s-revived look.

For those with a little more time in the morning, you can achieve some really cool effects with your top hair using the tiniest bit of product. This clean, floating sweep works perfectly with the short sides. This cut speaks volumes when paired with a strong jawline and light stubble. If you like textured haircuts, this style is for you. The tousled nature of the cut makes the hair look longer than it really is, so this style will come to the rescue if you want a low maintenance look with a lot of depth.

This twist on the tapered cut is bold and stylish. It features a swooping fringe with a single lock of hair that hangs out of place, adding a unique flair. Sometimes you want a casual, low maintenance style for school or work, and this scissor cut with a taper fits the bill nicely. Tapers work very well with undercuts, and you can get imaginative with the kind of style you want.

The defined edges add sharp style. This bold and fresh version adds a beard fade as well as neckline hair designs. On top, hair is styled with some on trend texture. Just a hint of a taper cleans up these edges for a natural neckline that is even better than what nature gave you.

This is a great looking low taper haircut. Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram separates his waves from his beard with a taper fade. Note how the arch continues behind the ear. Very cool. This cool dreadlocks style takes up the hairline with a higher than usual taper that connects with a shape up and adds a temple fade to the mix.

This short version of the popular blowout haircut features the arch of a taper instead of the usual fade. The beard is fresh too. Like taper haircuts, there are several popular fade styles. A high fade cut starts high up on the head, around two inches down from the top. The high fade tends to be more of a statement look, with the most extreme versions of high fades having the hair on the sides very short and hair on top styled into a quiff or pompadour on the top of the head.

A medium fade is more subtle than a high fade, as the hair gradually changes starting around halfway down the head. A low fade is the fade haircut that most closely resembles a taper. With a low fade, the fading begins just above the ear.

A taper is always gradual and leveled, whereas a fade is more sudden. As the name suggests, a skin fade or bald fade is where the hair is cut so short that the scalp is visible. This gives the effect of the hair stopping before the natural hairline. You can wear a skin or bald fade with high, medium, or low fades. Unlike taper haircuts, fades tend to be more abrupt. A drop fade refers to just that; when the hair suddenly becomes much shorter. Drop fades are not for the faint-hearted and tend to be worn by fashion-forward men.

This wavy crop with classic taper is a must-try! With a low taper haircut, leave the length on top so you have many options for styling. This slicked back tapered haircut has tight, clean tapered sides and neckline. Slick your hair back and add a longer top for a sharp tapered cut. This haircut should be trimmed every month to keep it looking polished. For a more masculine style, grow out some facial hair like this guy in the photo. Layered wavy tapered hair is a stylish haircut that works on all face shapes.

The style is a brush up with taper side, which offers versatility and is great for wavy, or curly hair that has fine to medium density. The striking side part will do all the work. Use your favorite pomade or gel for a lasting hold on this bold Ivy League hairstyle. A modern taper hairstyle is super stylish and legendary. This very clean icy hair with tapered sides will look great on any textured haircuts. This taper hairstyle has high upkeep.

This undercut taper has short sides, perfect for men who want their hair on top a little longer but manageable. This medium taper gives you endless styling options while looking neat at all times. It can be styled with a sleek finish or a textured top. This temple taper works best for younger guys with longer hair. This short taper haircut with a beard is cool for everyday guys. Check out the smooth transition from that fresh cut to the beard.

Short taper cuts like this are perfect for a guy who has an active lifestyle. The longer length on top gives the bonus of more styling versatility in this side-swept taper. This tapered afro for black men is old school. The afro taper suits men in the business world as it has that professional, yet sharp feel. You can style it with a neat line up to add some edge.