Taper haircuts are popular because they fit many people. They look tidy and are easy to maintain. This style has stayed popular for years and still trends today. Both young and older people choose taper cuts because they fit many looks and work in all settings.
There are many taper styles. One of the most known is the taper fade. This cut blends the hair from longer on top to shorter at the neck and sides. The fade can be smooth or sharp. It all depends on the style a person wants.
The two main types of taper fades are low taper and high taper. A low taper fades near the ears and neck. A high taper starts fading higher on the head. Each type gives a different shape to the haircut.
This guide is for men who want to know the difference. It helps those picking a new cut or talking to a barber. If you care about how your hair looks or want to try a new style, this guide can help you choose.
What Is a Taper Haircut?
A taper haircut cuts the hair shorter step by step from the top down to the sides and back. The hair on top stays longer while the hair around the edges gets shorter. The change in length happens in a smooth way without sharp lines. The key parts of a taper haircut are:
- Fade gradient: The hair goes from long to short in a slow, smooth way.
- Neckline: The back of the hair fades down to the natural hairline.
- Sideburns: The sides fade into the skin near the ears.
Taper vs. Fade: What’s the Difference?
Many people mix up tapers and fades. A taper is a kind of fade, but not as strong. A taper keeps more hair and fades only at the edges. A fade can cut much shorter and may go all the way to the skin. In short, every taper is a type of fade, but not every fade is a taper.
Low Taper Haircut
A low taper haircut starts the fade just above the ears and at the back of the neck. The fade stays low on the head, blending the hair slowly into the skin or very short hair near the edges. The top and most of the sides keep their full length.
What It Looks Like
- The fade starts low, near the ears and neckline.
- The fade ends just above the natural hairline.
- The sides and top stay longer than the faded area.
How It Can Be Styled
A low taper works with many styles. You can leave the top long or short. It fits curly, straight, or wavy hair. This cut looks neat for work but can also be styled for casual looks.
Who It Works Best For
- Face shapes: Works well for oval, round, and square faces.
- Hair types: Best for straight or wavy hair, but can also suit curly hair if shaped right.
The low taper is a safe choice for men who want a clean look without showing too much skin.
High Taper Haircut
A high taper haircut starts the fade much higher on the head—around the temples or the upper sides. The hair fades faster from long to short, showing more contrast between the top and the faded areas.
What It Looks Like
- The fade starts high near the temples or upper sides.
- The hair blends quickly from long to short.
- The lower sides and back are much shorter than in a low taper.
How It Is Different From a Low Taper
The high taper shows more skin and has a sharper contrast. While the low taper fades near the edges, the high taper cuts deeper into the sides and back. The high taper gives a bolder shape and can make the face look longer or more defined.
Who It Works Best For
- Face shapes: Fits well with round, oval, and heart-shaped faces. It can add height and shape to the head.
- Hair types: Works well with thick or curly hair. Also suits straight hair that needs a strong outline.
A high taper is best for people who want a sharp, bold haircut that still keeps length on top.
Key Differences: Low Taper vs High Taper
Choosing between a low taper and high taper depends on how bold or clean you want your haircut to look. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Low Taper | High Taper |
| Fade Placement | Starts near ears and neckline | Starts near temples or high sides |
| Look | Clean and subtle | Bold and sharp |
| Skin Exposure | Less skin shown | More skin shown |
| Style Impact | Natural and smooth | Strong contrast, high shape |
| Maintenance | Grows out slowly, easy upkeep | Needs more touch-ups to stay sharp |
| Best For | Professional or casual looks | Stylish or edgy looks |
| Face Shape Match | Oval, square, round | Round, oval, heart |
- Low taper looks cleaner and blends well with most haircuts.
- High taper looks sharper and gives the face a clearer shape.
Both styles are popular. Your choice should depend on how much contrast you like and how often you get haircuts.
Pros and Cons of Each Style
Understanding the pros and cons can help you choose the taper style that fits your needs best.
Low Taper: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Subtle and clean look
- Works in both work and casual settings
- Matches many face shapes and hair types
- Needs less maintenance over time
Cons:
- Less bold or dramatic
- Less contrast between top and sides
- May not stand out in trend-heavy styles
High Taper: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sharp and eye-catching shape
- Adds more contrast and edge
- Great for modern and bold styles
- Can make the face look longer
Cons:
- Needs more regular barber visits
- May not fit formal or conservative settings
- Can be too sharp for some face shapes
How to Choose the Right Taper for You
Picking between a low taper and high taper depends on your face shape, hair type, lifestyle, and personal style. Here’s how to make the best choice:
1. Face Shape
- Round face: High taper adds height and shape.
- Oval face: Both styles work well.
- Square face: Low taper keeps the edges smooth.
- Heart-shaped face: High taper adds balance to the upper face.
2. Hair Texture
- Straight hair: Both styles work. Low taper keeps the look even, high taper adds a sharp line.
- Wavy hair: Low taper keeps the waves neat.
- Curly or thick hair: High taper helps control the volume and shape.
3. Lifestyle
- Work setting (formal): Low taper fits clean, safe styles.
- Fashion-forward or creative: High taper adds a bold touch.
- Low-maintenance: Low taper grows out well and needs fewer trims.
- High-maintenance okay: High taper stays fresh with regular visits.
4. Style Goals
- Classic and simple: Low taper blends in easily.
- Modern and sharp: High taper stands out more.
- Versatile for styling: Both offer options, but high taper adds contrast.
Barber Tips
- Show a photo of what you want.
- Ask where the fade will start.
- Tell your barber how often you want to get cuts.
- Mention if you need the cut to fit work or events.
Celebrity Style Inspiration
Looking at celebrities can help you see how taper haircuts work in real life. These well-known names show how both low and high tapers can shape a personal style.
Celebrities with Low Taper Haircuts
- Zayn Malik – Often wears a low taper with textured hair on top. His style shows how a low taper can support creative cuts while staying neat.
- Chris Evans – Keeps a classic low taper with short hair on top. This clean cut works well for formal roles and red carpet looks.
What You Can Learn:
Low tapers can be subtle but stylish. They work for people who want a smart look without too much contrast. You can still add texture, volume, or a part on top to make it more personal.
Celebrities with High Taper Haircuts
- Odell Beckham Jr. – Known for high taper fades combined with curls, color, or patterns.
- Michael B. Jordan – Often wears a high taper with a tight, sharp top. His cut highlights the shape of his face and keeps a strong outline.
What You Can Learn:
High tapers are great if you want your haircut to stand out. They allow for more creative shapes, sharper lines, and bold styling. If you change your look often, this cut lets you try different styles.
Conclusion
Taper haircuts remain popular because they offer a clean, easy-to-manage look for many men. Whether you choose a low taper or a high taper, both styles give you a sharp fade that fits different face shapes and hair types.
The low taper is great if you want a subtle, professional look that is low-maintenance. The high taper works well if you prefer a bold, eye-catching style that stands out.
Remember to think about your lifestyle, hair texture, and personal style when choosing your taper. Don’t hesitate to try both styles over time to see which one suits you best.
Speak with your barber to choose the right taper haircut for you. With the right cut, you can keep your style fresh and sharp every day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taper Haircuts
What is the difference between a taper & a fade?
A taper gradually shortens the hair near the edges, while a fade can go very short or even to the skin for a sharper look.
How often should I get a taper haircut?
Most people get a taper cut every 2 to 4 weeks to keep it fresh and clean.
Can taper haircuts work on curly hair?
Yes, taper haircuts work well on curly hair, especially high tapers that help control volume.
Which taper is better for a professional setting?
A low taper is usually better for professional or formal settings because it looks subtle and neat.
Can I style my hair differently with low taper?
Yes, you can keep your hair long on top and style it in many ways with a low taper.
Is a high taper harder to maintain?
Yes, high tapers need more regular trims to keep the sharp contrast looking good.
What face shapes suit taper haircuts best?
Taper haircuts suit most face shapes. Low tapers work well for square and round faces, while high tapers add height to round and heart-shaped faces.
Can I get a taper haircut if I have thin hair?
Yes, a low taper can add a clean look and blend thin hair well.
Do taper haircuts suit all ages?
Yes, taper haircuts are timeless and work for men of all ages.
Should I bring a photo to the barber for a taper haircut?
Yes, bringing a photo helps your barber understand the exact style you want.