30 Best Taper Haircuts for Men: The Ultimate Style Guide

If there is one haircut that never misses, it is the taper haircut. Clean on the sides, natural on top, and sharp from every angle — the taper haircut for men is the kind of style that looks just as good in the boardroom as it does on a night out. It is no wonder the taper has become one of the most requested haircut styles in barbershops everywhere.

What makes the taper so popular? It is simple: a taper haircut gradually shortens the hair from the top down to the neckline, creating a smooth, blended look without harsh lines. Unlike some trends that come and go, the taper is a classic. It works for short hair, medium hair, straight hair, wavy hair, curly hair, and coily hair. It suits round faces, square faces, oval faces, and every face shape in between.

In this guide, we break down the 30 best taper haircuts for men right now — from the timeless classic taper to bold modern takes like the curly top taper and the tapered faux hawk. Whether you are visiting the barber for the first time or you are a regular looking for a fresh take, you will find a taper style here that fits your hair type and your personality. If you want the bigger picture first, check out our complete guide to mens haircuts to see how the taper stacks up against every other top style.

Table of Contents

What Is a Taper Haircut?

A taper haircut is a cut where the hair gradually gets shorter as it moves down the sides and back of the head, blending smoothly into the skin near the ears and neckline. The key word is gradual — there is no sudden jump in length, no harsh line, just a clean fade-out of length that keeps the cut looking natural and polished.

People often confuse the taper with the fade haircut, and it is easy to see why. The difference is simple: a fade usually goes all the way down to the skin and can start high, mid, or low on the head, while a taper is more subtle — it keeps more hair on the sides and focuses the shortest length around the neckline and sideburns. Think of the taper as the fade’s more conservative, office-friendly cousin.

The taper haircut has been around for decades — it was a staple of classic men’s hairstyles long before it became a modern favorite — and its staying power comes from versatility. Keep the top short for a low-maintenance look, grow it out for more styling options, or pair the taper with curls, waves, a quiff, or a pompadour. The sides always look clean, which means the cut grows out gracefully and you can stretch the time between barber visits.

Whatever you call it — a taper haircut, a tapered haircut, or simply a men’s taper haircut — the idea is the same: a gradual blend that keeps the sides clean while the top does the styling. Among short haircuts for men, the tapered cut stands out because it looks deliberate and polished even as it grows, which is why barbers recommend it to everyone from first-timers to guys who have tried every style on the shelf.

30 Best Taper Haircut Styles for Men

Here are the 30 best taper haircuts for men, from timeless classics to fresh modern styles. Each one keeps the signature gradual taper on the sides — all you have to do is pick the top that matches your vibe.

1. Classic Taper Cut

The classic taper cut is where it all started — neat sides that gradually shorten toward the neckline, with enough length on top to part or sweep. It is the definition of a clean men’s haircut: professional, sharp, and flattering on literally every face shape. If you can only pick one taper haircut for men, make it this one. It never looks out of place, and it grows out beautifully.

2. Low Taper Haircut

The low taper keeps the action down low — the taper hugs the ears and neckline while the rest of the sides stay fuller. It is one of the most natural-looking taper haircuts because the blend is so subtle. Pair it with a longer, textured top for contrast, or keep everything neat for a conservative finish. Curious about the fade version? See our guide to the low taper fade for comparison.

3. High Taper Haircut

A high taper starts the gradual shortening well above the temples, which makes the cut look sharper and more dramatic. This is the taper for guys who want contrast — the high taper line draws the eye upward and makes the top look fuller. It works especially well with voluminous tops like quiffs and pompadours, and it is a great pick for men with thick hair who want the sides under control.

4. Mid Taper Haircut

The mid taper splits the difference — the taper begins around the middle of the sides, giving you a balanced look that is neither too bold nor too subtle. It is one of the most versatile taper haircuts for men because it flatters nearly every head shape and works with almost any top length. When in doubt at the barber chair, the mid taper is the safe bet that still looks intentional.

5. Curly Top Taper

Curls and tapers were made for each other. The curly top taper keeps your natural curls long and defined on top while the sides taper down cleanly, so the curls get all the attention. The gradual taper prevents the dreaded triangle shape that curly hair can get with the wrong cut. Use a curl cream and scrunch — the taper does the rest of the work.

6. Textured Taper Crop

The textured taper crop pairs a choppy, layered top with crisp tapered sides for a modern, effortless look. It is one of the best taper haircuts for men with fine or thin hair, because the texture creates the illusion of fullness. A little matte clay, some forward tousling with your fingers, and you are out the door in two minutes.

7. Taper with Quiff

Take the volume of a classic quiff haircut and ground it with clean tapered sides — the result is pure confidence. The taper with quiff gives you height and movement up front while keeping the sides sharp and tidy. Blow-dry the front upward, finish with a medium-hold pomade, and you have a style that turns heads without trying too hard.

8. Side Part Taper

The side part taper is old-school cool done right. A defined part line, hair swept neatly to one side, and a gradual taper that keeps everything crisp — this is the haircut of leading men and sharp dressers. It is especially flattering for men with straight or slightly wavy hair, and it is one of the easiest taper haircuts to maintain day to day.

9. Taper with Pompadour

The taper with pompadour is the boldest classic on this list. Big swept-back volume on top, clean tapered sides below — it is a statement haircut that still looks refined. You will need some length (at least three to four inches on top) and a strong-hold product. The payoff? One of the most striking men’s hairstyles you can wear.

10. Afro Taper

The afro taper shapes natural volume on top into a rounded silhouette while the edges taper down cleanly around the ears and neckline. It is one of the most flattering taper haircuts for men with coily and kinky hair textures — the taper keeps the shape intentional and the neckline sharp. Regular shape-ups keep this style looking fresh.

11. Wavy Taper

Let your natural waves do the talking. The wavy taper keeps the top long enough for waves to form while the tapered sides stay smooth and clean. The contrast between the flowing top and the neat sides is what makes this cut so appealing — it looks relaxed but put-together at the same time. A sea salt spray brings out the wave pattern beautifully.

12. Taper with Comb Over

The taper with comb over is the grown-up version of the side part — hair swept neatly across the top with tapered sides keeping it crisp. It works wonders for men with thinning hair, since the comb-over direction adds coverage, and the taper keeps the overall look modern instead of dated. Comb it damp with a little pomade and you are set.

13. Short Taper Cut

Short all over with a subtle taper at the edges — the short taper cut is the ultimate low-maintenance men’s haircut. It is perfect for athletes, busy professionals, and anyone who wants to look sharp with zero styling effort. The taper is what separates this from a plain short cut: that gradual blend around the ears and neckline keeps it looking like a real haircut, not a DIY job.

14. Taper with Spiky Top

Edgy up top, clean on the sides — the taper with spiky top brings attitude without going overboard. The tapered sides keep the spikes looking intentional rather than chaotic. For more spike inspiration, browse our spiky hairstyles for men collection. Style with a strong matte product, working the spikes upward and slightly forward.

15. Taper with Fringe

The taper with fringe softens the forehead with hair falling forward while the tapered sides add structure. It is a great taper haircut for men with longer foreheads or anyone who wants a more youthful look. Keep the fringe textured rather than blunt — choppy ends blend better with the taper and are easier to style.

16. Tapered Crew Cut

The crew cut was already a classic; the tapered crew cut makes it sharper. The gradual taper on the sides adds polish to this military-inspired style, making it look intentional rather than purely functional. It is one of the best taper haircuts for men who want something timeless, masculine, and completely fuss-free.

17. Long Top Taper

Keep the length on top, keep the sides clean — the long top taper gives you the best of both worlds. With several inches up top, you can slick it back, push it to the side, or let it flow naturally, while the taper keeps the sides from getting bulky. This is the taper haircut for men who are growing their hair out but still want to look groomed.

18. Taper with Slick Back

Sleek, confident, and timeless — the taper with slick back sweeps everything away from the face for a polished finish. The tapered sides keep the slicked look from feeling heavy or dated. Apply pomade to damp hair, comb straight back, and let it set. This is the taper haircut that owns every room it walks into.

19. Taper with Buzzed Top

A buzzed top with tapered sides is the cleanest cut on this list. The short top blends seamlessly into the gradual taper for a sharp, uniform look that needs absolutely no styling. It is also one of the most forgiving taper haircuts for men with receding hairlines. See how it compares to the standalone buzz cut — the taper version looks noticeably more refined.

20. Tapered Ivy League

Think of the Ivy League as the crew cut’s sophisticated older brother — and the tapered version is the sharpest of them all. Longer on top with a side sweep, gradually tapered on the sides, this is the haircut of choice for men who want to look smart without looking stuffy. Our full Ivy League haircut guide has even more variations worth trying.

21. Taper with Messy Top

Clean sides, carefree top — the taper with messy top is the perfect balance of polished and relaxed. The tapered sides do the heavy lifting on neatness, so the tousled top reads as intentional style rather than bedhead. Want more undone looks? Our messy hairstyles for men guide is full of them. A pinch of texture paste and some scrunching is all it takes.

22. Taper with Hard Part

A hard part — a shaved line marking the part — adds serious definition to any taper haircut. The crisp line contrasts beautifully with the gradual taper below it, giving the whole cut a razor-sharp feel. This is a barber-shop specialty, so ask your barber to carve it in; it grows out in a couple of weeks, so it is easy to refresh or let fade.

23. Taper with Temple Fade

The taper with temple fade combines two clean techniques: a sharp fade around the temples that melts into the gradual taper at the back. It is a detail-oriented cut — the temple fade frames the face while the taper keeps the neckline crisp. This pairing is especially popular with shorter tops, where the precision of the blend really shows.

24. Tapered Faux Hawk

The faux hawk gets a wearable upgrade with tapered sides. Instead of shaved sides, the gradual taper softens the contrast, making this edgy style office-appropriate while keeping its rebellious streak. Push the top toward the center with some strong-hold product and you have one of the boldest taper haircuts for men on this list.

25. Taper with Blowout Top

Big volume on top, clean taper below — the blowout top brings the drama while the taper keeps it grounded. Blow-dry the top upward and back with a round brush, finish with a light-hold spray, and the contrast with the tapered sides looks incredible. This is a great taper haircut for men with thick, straight hair that holds volume well.

26. Tapered Caesar Cut

The Caesar cut — short all over with a straight horizontal fringe — gets a modern refresh with tapered sides. The gradual taper replaces the Caesar’s traditionally blunt edges, making the whole cut look softer and more current. It is a strong pick for men with straight hair and a great option if you want a short taper haircut with character.

27. Taper with Coils on Top

Defined coils on top with clean tapered sides is one of the sharpest combinations for coily hair. The taper keeps the sides and neckline crisp, which makes the coils on top stand out even more. Keep the coils moisturized and defined with a curl-defining cream, and get the taper touched up every two to three weeks to maintain the contrast.

28. Taper with Dreads on Top

Dreadlocks paired with a taper is a look that always turns heads. The locs bring the personality up top while the tapered sides and neckline keep everything looking fresh and intentional — especially important between retwists. Whether your locs are short or long, the taper frames them perfectly.

29. Taper with Brush Up

The brush up is like the quiff’s cooler, more relaxed sibling — hair brushed upward and back with natural volume, no stiff structure. Pair it with tapered sides and you get a modern, youthful taper haircut that works for both casual days and dressed-up nights. Blow-dry upward with a vent brush, then set with a medium-hold matte product.

30. Hollywood Taper

The Hollywood taper is the red-carpet version of the classic — immaculate taper, sleek controlled top, not a hair out of place. It is the taper haircut for men who want maximum polish: weddings, big meetings, date nights. The secret is in the finish — a touch of shine pomade and precise edging from your barber make this cut look expensive.

How to Style a Taper Haircut

One of the best things about taper haircuts is how easy they are to style — the clean sides are already doing half the work. Follow these five steps every morning and your taper will look barbershop-fresh:

Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Wash with a quality shampoo and conditioner — healthy hair is the foundation of every great men’s hairstyle. Towel-dry until damp, not dripping. For more on keeping your hair in top shape, read up on proper hair care basics.
Apply product to damp hair. Work a dime-sized amount of product through your hair from roots to ends. Matte clay for texture, pomade for shine and hold, cream for a natural finish — match the product to the top style you chose.
Blow-dry for volume (optional but worth it). If your taper has a quiff, pompadour, or brush-up top, blow-drying upward adds volume that air-drying never will. Use medium heat and direct the hair where you want it to sit.
Shape the top. Use your fingers for a messy, textured finish or a comb for a sharp side part or slick back. The tapered sides need no attention — they already look clean.
Finish and set. A light mist of hairspray locks everything in for the day without stiffness. In the evening, a quick rinse keeps product from building up overnight.

How to Ask Your Barber for a Taper Haircut

Getting the taper you want starts with clear communication. Show your barber a photo of the exact style — it removes all guesswork. Then specify three things: where you want the taper to start (low, mid, or high), how much length to keep on top, and how you want the neckline finished (tapered or blocked). Say something like: “I want a mid taper on the sides, tapered neckline, and about three inches on top with texture.” If you are unsure, start conservative — your barber can always take more off, but they cannot put it back.

Taper Haircut FAQs

What is the difference between a taper and a fade?

A taper gradually shortens the hair down the sides and neckline without going fully to the skin, keeping the look subtle and natural. A fade blends the hair all the way down to bare skin and can be much more dramatic. The taper is the more conservative, versatile option — it suits professional settings and grows out more gracefully.

How often should I get my taper touched up?

Every two to three weeks is the sweet spot for keeping a taper haircut looking sharp. The gradual blend grows out gracefully, so you can stretch it to four weeks if your top is longer. A quick neckline cleanup between full cuts keeps the taper crisp for longer.

Does a taper haircut work for curly hair?

Absolutely — the taper is one of the best haircut styles for curly hair. Keeping curls long on top with tapered sides prevents the bulky triangle shape and gives the curls a clean frame. Styles like the curly top taper and the taper with coils are specifically designed to show off natural curl patterns.

What should I tell my barber to get a taper haircut?

Bring a reference photo, then tell your barber where to start the taper (low, mid, or high), how much length to leave on top, and whether you want a tapered or blocked neckline. Mention the specific style name too — for example, “low taper with a textured crop on top” — so you are both picturing the same cut.

Is a taper haircut good for thinning hair?

Yes. The taper keeps the sides neat and short, which draws attention upward and makes the top look fuller by comparison. Styles like the short taper cut, the taper with comb over, and the taper with buzzed top are all excellent taper haircuts for men dealing with thinning hair or a receding hairline.

How do I style a taper haircut at home?

Start with clean, towel-dried hair, work a small amount of product through the top, and shape it with your fingers or a comb — the tapered sides need no styling. Blow-dry for extra volume on styles like the quiff or pompadour, and finish with a light hairspray. Most taper styles take under five minutes once you know your routine.

Conclusion

The taper haircut has earned its place as a modern classic for one simple reason: it works for everyone. Thirty styles, one clean foundation — whether you go timeless with the classic taper cut, bold with the tapered faux hawk, or natural with the curly top taper, the gradual blend on the sides keeps you looking sharp from every angle.

Ready for your next cut? Save this guide, pick your favorite of these 30 taper haircuts for men, and show it to your barber. And if you are still exploring, our mens haircuts collection has every top style in one place. Your best haircut is one appointment away.