The Taper Haircut: How to Get the Perfect Fade for Your Style
When it comes to men’s haircuts, the taper haircut is one of the most popular styles. It not only looks great but is easy to style and maintain. Also known as a fade, the taper haircut is characterized by shorter hair around the sides and back that “tapers” into a longer length on top. This classic look has been sported by everyone from Elvis Presley to Brad Pitt. If you’re looking for a fresh and stylish cut, the taper is definitely worth considering.
What Is a Taper Haircut?
A taper haircut is a type of fade haircut in which the length of the hair becomes gradually shorter as it goes down the sides and back of your head. Typically, the longer lengths are at the top and are tapered down to bald, medium, or short lengths at the neckline. This style is popular with men of all ages, and with celebrities such as David Beckham and Justin Timberlake regularly sporting the look, it is easy to see why.
The Benefits of Getting a Taper Haircut
The taper haircut offers a range of benefits, from making a bold fashion statement to keeping hair easy to style. Here are some of the main benefits of getting a taper haircut:
• Easy to style – Taper haircuts are relatively low-maintenance, making them ideal for men who don’t want to spend too much time in the bathroom.
• Versatile – The taper haircut looks great with a variety of styles, from classic to modern, so you can express your own personal style.
• Makes a statement – The taper is a classic men’s style, making it perfect for the modern man who wants to look his best.
Types of Taper Haircut
There are a variety of taper haircuts, depending on the length of the sides and back of your head, and the length of hair on top. Here are some of the most popular types of taper haircuts:
• Regular Taper – The regular taper is the classic taper haircut, with a longer length on top that tapers into shorter lengths at the back and sides.
• High Taper – A high taper has shorter sides and back, with a longer length on top. This look is great for those wanting a more dramatic, yet stylish, look.
• Skin Fade – A skin fade is a more aggressive version of a traditional fade. It has a very short, almost bald, effect at the sides and back, whilst keeping the length on top.
• Curly Taper – If you have curly hair, the taper is still a great choice. This style is perfect for keeping curls controlled and giving them shape.
• Taper Fade – A taper fade is similar to a regular taper but is more blending of the lengths. This look is perfect for those wanting a softer, “faded” effect.
How to Get the Perfect Taper Haircut
The taper haircut is a timeless classic that can be easily adapted to suit any individual style. Here are some tips on how to get the perfect taper:
• Choose your stylist – As with any haircut, investing in a skilled stylist is essential for achieving the look you want. Be sure to ask for feedback from previous customers, and opt for a stylist with experience in tapers.
• Pick your style – Before going to the salon, ensure you know the style of taper haircut you want. Have some pictures to hand of the look you’re hoping to achieve.
• Speak to your stylist – Once in the chair, explain your style and share the pictures you have with your stylist. This will help them to create the taper you’re after and give them an understanding of the length and shape you’re hoping to achieve.
• Enjoy the process – Since the taper haircut is such an easy style to maintain, you don’t need to worry about how often you need a trim. Instead, just enjoy the process and let the stylist work their magic.
How to Style a Taper Haircut
Once you have achieved the perfect taper haircut, the next step is styling it. The best way to do this will depend on the length of your hair, but there are some general tips for styling a taper haircut:
• Use hair products – Styling products such as mousse and wax are great for adding texture and definition to your taper. Use according to the length of your hair – lighter products are ideal for shorter lengths, and heavier products are great for longer lengths.
• Try a messy quiff – For those with longer hair, the quiff style is perfect for creating a messy, textured look. Apply a small amount of product and then use your hands to tousle the hair and create texture.
• Blow dry – For those with shorter lengths, blow drying your taper can help to give your hair movement and definition. Use a round brush to help shape your locks whilst blow drying.
• Use salt spray – To add extra texture and volume to the taper, salt sprays are a great option. Spray lightly over the top of the hair and then use your fingers to tousle it into place.
• Keep it natural – Ultimately, the beauty of the taper is that it looks great when kept natural. Don’t overdo it and keep things simple to achieve the best look.
The taper haircut is a classic style that has been popular with men of all ages for many years. It is an incredibly versatile style that can be adapted to suit any individual look. From regular to high tapers, skin fades to curly tapers, there really is something for everyone. To get the perfect taper, it is important to find the right stylist and to communicate the look you are hoping to achieve. Finally, use the right products and keep your taper natural for the best results.
