What is a Taper? Different Types of Taper Cuts

Samantha Long

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What is a taper

What is a taper? A taper haircut makes the transition from long to short hair look smooth and stylish. With its polished finish and natural curves, this cut suits all hair types and lengths and looks great in any situation, from casual to business. Read on to learn more about the taper haircut.

What Is a Taper?

A taper is a haircut that leaves your hair long at the top and short on the sides. Your hair gets shorter as you move down the back and sides of your head. The thinnest part of your hair is near your forehead. You get clean, uniformly trimmed hair as it becomes shorter. Keep reading to learn about What is a taper?

Taper cuts are great if you like basic styles and want your hair to be a manageable length. You can also try different styles as your hair comes with this cut. You might get one without asking, as a taper is part of many haircuts. 

Different types of Taper Cuts

Different types of Taper Cuts

A smooth, blended taper haircut gradually shortens hair from the top to the neckline. This style suits all hair types and lengths and looks clean and polished. Here are some images of varying kinds of tapered cuts.

Low Taper

This type of haircut starts to get short above the ears. The clean line of this cut only takes away a little length from your hair. You can also wear it if you don’t want to show your head. Choose a simple low curve for a fancy look that you can wear every day.

High Taper

A high taper cuts hair a few inches above the ears short. This cut makes the hair stand out more than a low curve. To make things look different, it’s also often worn with other cuts, like comb-overs and current high tops. 

Tapered Neckline

A curved collar can be part of a taper or a fade. Your collar cut gives your hair even more flair. You can get a pattern, a disconnect, or a more traditional collar shape. The collar that looks the most natural as it grows out is the one that tapers. Necklines that are rounded or blocked need some care to keep their shape. 

Skin Taper

The scalp can be seen when hair is cut close to the skin. This is called a skin taper. Some different cuts and tapers can give you a skin taper. You can get a high curve that gets shorter near the skin. This cut will help keep your hair out of your face when it gets warmer. 

Distinction Between a Fade and a Taper

Distinction Between a Fade and a Taper

Even though they look the same, taper and fade haircuts are different. What you need to know about the two haircuts: 

Tapers are less dramatic 

The biggest difference between a fade and a taper is that a standard taper cuts the hair off slowly. When you fade your hair, the long and short parts can look very different. There are different kinds of taper, and not all are fades. When you taper your hair, it gets thinner; when you fade it, it disappears into your natural hairline. Both of these hairstyles are popular. 

Both styles suit curly hair

Both styles look good on tightly curled hair. But if your curls aren’t tight, you should opt for medium-length thinning to show them off. 

Style a taper differently from a fade

If you pick a fade or taper that leaves more hair on the back or along the neck, you’ll need to brush it or use hair products. You must take care of fades because they often have designs along the head. It’s easy to take care of if you choose a fade that leaves short sides. 

Tapers reduce barbershop visits

Fades usually need a lot of regular care. If you choose a faded haircut, you must go to the barbershop often. 

Taper haircut 

A taper haircut might be the best choice if you want a classic look that can easily transition from a business meeting to a casual trip. People who want to look more formal or work in business should wear tapers. The slow, even loss of hair length makes it a low-maintenance choice since you won’t have to go to the barber as often for touch-ups. 

Conclusion

So, what is a taper? With this haircut, you can wear your hair in many different ways and styles. After gradually cutting the hair from the top to the neckline, it looks clean and finished, allowing for many style possibilities. This classic method makes facial features look better and gives any hairdo a current touch, so many people like it.

FAQ

What is a taper cut? 

A taper haircut gradually shortens hair from the crown to the nape of the neck and ears. This leaves the hair longer on top and shorter on the sides and back for a neat, natural gradient. 

What makes a fade different from a taper? 

Both the taper and fade haircuts gradually cut the hair shorter, but the taper is more modest and often leaves a bit more length. On the other hand, a fade can be as short as the skin, making the difference between the two styles stand out more. 

Who should get a taper haircut? 

This style is popular for both business and social events because it looks good on men who want to look neat without having too much difference between their hair lengths. 

How often should I get a close cut? 

Trim a taper haircut every 3-4 weeks to keep it looking good. With regular care, the style’s clean lines and steady length change can last long. 

Can I change how a taper haircut looks? 

You can change the look of a taper haircut to fit your needs. You can pick the level of taper, which ranges from a small length loss to a more noticeable slope. 

Sources:

https://www.styleseat.com/blog/taper-vs-fade/

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-taper

https://www.barberindustries.com.au/richmond-barbershop/better-understanding-of-the-taper-hairstyle