Top 10 Taper Cut: A Step-by-Step Guide

Habib ur Rehman

Brief overview of the taper cut hairstyle

The taper cut has become an evergreen hairstyle for those yearning for a sleek, well-groomed look. What sets the taper cut apart is the gradual shortening of hair length from the top of the head down the sides and back, giving it a nice, gradient effect that’s sophisticated and modern. Unlike a traditional haircut, the taper allows for a more subtle transition, eliminating any harsh lines. It’s versatile, catering to both casual and formal occasions effortlessly.

Whether you’re a young adult or someone with a few more years under their belt, the taper cut can be tailored to suit individual style preferences, making it a timeless choice for a fresh appearance. It’s no wonder the taper cut has maintained its popularity – it’s a hairstyle that truly has something for everyone.

Importance of a well-executed taper cut

A taper cut is a classic hairstyle that gradually decreases the hair length from the top of the head down the sides and back. The seamless transition from long to short hair makes it a versatile and appealing choice for many. Not only does a well-executed taper cut look professional and clean, but it also offers the ease of maintenance and styling flexibility. Whether for a formal event or daily work, a well-done taper cut can enhance your overall appearance. Furthermore, it suits various hair types and face shapes, making it an inclusive style option. Investing time in finding a skilled barber to perfect this technique is crucial as it can significantly affect your personal style and confidence.

The taper cut is a timeless hairstyle that transcends generations, offering a sleek and sophisticated look while maintaining a touch of modern edginess. For those looking to refresh their aesthetic with this versatile haircut, we present a step-by-step guide to the top 10 taper cuts.

1. Classic Taper Cut

Starting with the most traditional style, the classic taper cut features a subtle graduation from more length at the top to shorter sides. To achieve this look:  

– Begin with clean, damp hair for easier cutting.  

– Use a comb and scissors to trim the top to the desired length.  

– Gradually shorten the sides using clippers set to a longer guard number, blending as you move downwards.  

– Clean up the edges with a lower guard number for a sharp finish.

2. Taper Fade

This cut takes the taper to new heights with an even more pronounced graduation to bare skin. For a taper fade:  

– Trim the hair on top according to personal preference – longer for more styling options.  

– Use a clipper with a variety of guards, starting high and working down, to achieve the low taper faded effect.  

– Blend the hair meticulously to prevent abrupt lines.  

– Sharpen the edges and neckline with the closest guard or a straight razor.

3. Textured Taper Cut

Textured hair generates a playful, dynamic look. To create this style:  

– Maintain length on top for texturing.  

– Use thinning scissors or a razor to trim the top and create a textured look.  

– Proceed with a standard taper on the sides, blending carefully.  

– Style the top with a product that enhances texture for a full, lively appearance.

4. Side Part Taper Cut

The side part adds a touch of elegance to the classic taper. Crafting a side part taper involves:  

– Deciding which side to part your hair on, based on the hair’s natural flow.  

– Cutting the hair with a side part in mind to ensure it lays correctly.  

– Tapering the sides with a more dramatic difference towards the parts.  

– Using a bit of pomade to sharpen the side parting.

5. Curly Taper Cut

For those with natural curls, a tapered cut helps manage the hair while highlighting the curls. To achieve a curly taper cut:  

– Cut the hair on top to the desired length, allowing for curl shrinkage.  

– Taper the sides more cautiously to enhance the natural curl pattern.  

– Leave some weight on the edges to prevent a puffy appearance.  

– Use a curl-defining product to style the top.

6. Tapered Undercut

This modern twist to the taper involves a more dramatic contrast between the top and the sides. To fashion a tapered undercut:  

– Leave a significant length on top for the undercut aspect.  

– Clip the sides close to the scalp, tapering slightly, but not as gradually as a fade.  

– Style the top hair in a slick back or pompadour for a commanding look.

7. The Tapered Pompadour  

The pompadour infuses volume and flair into the taper style. For this voluminous cut:  

– Keep a good amount of length on top to create the pompadour.  

– Taper the sides while still leaving some length for blending.  

– Use a blow dryer and rounded brush to create height and volume at the front.  

– Fix the pomp in place with a strong-hold pomade.

8. Businessman Taper Cut  

Perfect for professional settings, the businessman taper cut is understated yet polished. To style this cut:  

– Trim the top conservatively, keeping the front slightly longer for styling.  

– Taper the sides neatly with a modest fade.  

– Use a fine-tooth comb and lightweight gel for a sleek, business-appropriate look.

9. Taper Cut with a Hard Part

A hard part gives the taper a trendy edge. To incorporate a hard part:  

– Decide on the placement of the part – commonly on one side.  

– Use trimmers to etch the part cleanly after cutting the hair.  

– Execute the taper around the part, ensuring a sharp distinction.  

– Style as desired, often with the hair combed away from the part.

10. The Messy Man Bun Taper 

Combining the taper cut with the popular ‘messy man bun’ offers an intriguing blend of refinement and relaxation. To get this look:  

– Keep substantial length on top to form the bun.  

– Taper the sides while creating more blur between lengths for that casual feel.  

– To form the bun, gather the hair at the crown and tie it loosely, allowing some strands to fall naturally.  

– Ensure the sides are tidy but not overly done, showcasing an effortlessly cool vibe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top 10 taper cut styles provide a versatile and fashionable choice for anyone looking to update their hairstyle. Our step-by-step guide is designed to help individuals of all ages understand the process of achieving the perfect taper cut at home or in the salon. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle decrease in length or a more dramatic difference, the taper cut is a timeless trend that adds a sleek and polished look to any hair type. By following our easy guide, each step is made clear and is effortlessly achievable, ensuring that your taper cut is executed with professional precision.

People Also Asked

1.What is a number 1 taper haircut?

Here’s a general guide to the clipper guard numbers for taper haircuts: No Guard (0): This is the shortest length, leaving the hair extremely close to the scalp. No. 1 Guard: Leaves the hair slightly longer than a no guard, offering a very short and neat appearance.

2.How do I order a taper cut?

How to ask your barber for a taper fade

  • Describe what haircut I want (e.g. looking to get a low taper)
  • Show where I want the taper to start or the areas of where the taper fade is (like physically point out the area on my head)

3.How does a taper cut look?

A taper haircut is a popular and versatile hairstyle that gradually shortens the hair from the top to the neckline. The resulting look is a smooth and blended transition with no sharp lines. Tapered haircuts can be adjusted to various lengths and styles, but the timelessness of a taper haircut lies in its simplicity.

4.Which taper fade is best?

The high taper fade offers up the greatest contrast between the hair on top of your head and the sides (naturally) so provides a perfect playground to play around with styling longer hairstyles such as pompadours and afros, but can look equally as good with short hairstyles such as crew cuts and the Caesar haircut.

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