Is it possible for a single haircut to embody both timeless class and modern edge? Could you single haircut clean-cut sweep with confidence, versatility, and a sharp fashion sense with a modern look? The answer is hidden in the enduring appeal of the taper haircut which has been a trend for decades as a grooming style. Another question comes to mind How one particular hairstyle can manage to maintain its popularity from generation to generation? Read on for versatile haircuts as a transformative revolution in men’s fashion and you can explore the reason behind it, you can explore the answer of why.
Contents
Understanding the taper haircut
Definition and characteristics
A taper haircut is a men’s hairstyle. It is a short hairstyle with progressively shortened from the top of the head to the nape of the neck. It is the most precise and easily managed hairstyle.
Difference Between Taper and Fader
Taper and Fader are two different haircuts but these two often need clarification. In fade haircuts, skin is exposed near the ear and neck while in taper haircuts consistent layer of hair is maintained.
Benefits of Taper Haircut
Versatility for different hair types and lengths
Taper can be tailored to every type of hair texture whether it’s curly, straight, or wavy, it is easily managed to suit your personality. As it is versatile, you can experiment with different hair lengths.
Ease of maintenance and styling
The key benefits of this haircut are minimal upkeeping and easy styling. Anyone can practice these to move with the modern world with his busy routine.
Tools and Techniques for Achieving the Perfect Taper
Essential Tools for Barbers and Stylists
The essential tools used by barbers and stylists to taper haircuts included hair clippers of different sizes, shear for precise cutting, and razor for marking the edge properly to create a neat and clean look.
Techniques to ensure a clean and even Taper
You should start with a longer guard setting. First, decide the length you want on top of the head. After achieving the desired hair length at the top of the head you can move to the shorter one towards the back and sides. You can maintain uniformity in cutting by using a comb. You should consult a trained barber who can give you a proper tapered haircut with your desired hair length which suits your personality.
Classic Taper Haircut
Features and Style Notes
The most common feature of a taper haircut is a longer top with a gradual transition to shorter hairs at the back and sides.
Best Suited Face Shape and Hair Types
The classic taper cut has a specialty in that it is universally flattering in all shaped faces but especially complements oval and round-shaped faces.
Variation of the taper haircut
The taper haircut is a classic style that offers a range of variations to suit different tastes and lifestyles. Following are some popular variations of taper,
- The NO.2 Back and Sides
This style is designed by the clipper grade 2 for sides and back. It offers a short hair look offering uniformity throughout. Those who want a clean, easy-maintenance hairstyle should choose this haircut without making hair length too short.
- The Tapered Pompadour
This style is classic tapered including the sides and back are tapered with top lengthy hairs. The hair is styled into a classic pompadour. This look is attractive due to the contrast between the sides and back.
- Mid-length scissor cut with a taper
This haircut is done with the scissors on top to create a textured look. This haircut has sides and back tapered with mid-length hairs on top providing a natural finish to the hairstyle.
- Hight taper with a textured Quiff
This haircut involves a taper high up on the sides and back. It styled the top into a textured quaff. This hairstyle is an attractive haircut and provides a dramatic look to men by adding volume and texture on top.
- Tapered Skin Fade
In this variation of taper haircut, the side and back are tapered to a skin level or very close to it. It offers a sharp and contemporary look by blending the traditional taper and skin fade haircut.
- Tapered Hard Part
This variation in tapered haircut adds a hard part to the hairstyle. This hard part is a shaved line to separate the top from the sides. The sides and back are tapered to achieve a clean and crisp finish in the hairstyle to groom the personality of men.
- Tapered Top Knot
This variation of tapered haircut adds lengthy hairs on top with tapered sides and back. The hair on top is kept long enough to pull backward and tie the knot like a “man bun” while tapered sides and back is for providing a clean transition to the hairstyle by adding a modern twist like a man bun to an ancient hairstyle.
- Slicked Back Undercut
This variation of tapered hairstyle has a long and slicked back for creating a sleek look. The sides and back are tapered, this haircut diverts the traditional haircut towards the drastic transition. It provides noticeable contrast.
- Wavy Crop with Classic Taper
For men who have wavy or curly hair and want a tapered haircut then this variation is for them. The sides and back are tapered and keep the top hairs with their natural waves shine
- Braided Taper fade
A tapered hair cut when added on a bad-in hairstyle this type of variation in tapered hairstyle is called a braid taper fade. The hairs on top can be braided and twisted and the sides are gradually tapered down and faded at the bottom.
Taper Haircut Trends
Current Trends and Popular Styles
Currently, the most trendy haircut is undercut taper and high taper with textured top. These have a special popularity right now.
Celebrity Inspirations
Celebrities like David Beckham and Chris Hemsworth have supported different variations of taper haircuts by adding their unique twists.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a taper haircut?
A taper haircut gradually changes the hair length from the top of the head to the sides and back. This haircut varies in style depending on the length of hair at the top of the head.
- What is a classic taper haircut?
A classic taper haircut is having hairs at the top about 2.4 inches in length. It usually starts with a bit of length on top and gradually tapers down the side and black of the head. It is a versatile haircut within timeless styles that varies according to the setting of top lengthy hair depending on the look you want to achieve i.e. casual, professional, etc.
- Which is better: taper or fade?
The question of whether to taper or fade is better is a large debate. Both have their characteristical importance, all depend on personal style and preferences. Taper is generally a longer smoother transition from long to short hair while fade is a sharp more abrupt transition usually going down to skin level. Taper is considered a traditional haircut and it is easy to maintain while fade is more modern and requires frequent maintenance to keep the sharp fade look. Now it is up to you to categorize which style is better for you according to your need and personality.
- How short is a taper?
The length of the taper can be varied according to personal preference. Mainly the hairs are longer on top approx 2 to 4 inches or more and gradually shortened towards the neck from the sides and back. Its uniformity is maintained by clipper grade.
- Does a taper last longer than a fade?
Generally tapers last longer as compared to fade because of the lengthy hairs at the top in traders while fade requires frequent touch-ups to maintain the sharp look. The longevity of a haircut depends upon the hair growth you have and how perfectly the haircut was executed.
- How many types of tapers are there?
There are several types of taper, The following are basics but not limited to:
- Classic Taper
- Low Taper
- Mid-Taper
- High Taper
- Neck Taper
- Temple Taper
- How long does a taper haircut last?
There are several factors responsible for the longevity of taper haircuts i.e. growth rate of hair and the initial length of the cut especially the hair on top. However, the best-executed taper haircut lasts for 3 to 6 weeks and its regular maintenance can extend its life.
Conclusion
The taper haircut is a timeless classic, easy to adapt and practice easily by following the fashion. If you want to refresh your existing look then consider your first taper cut and enjoy the different look with many variations with modern and classic twists.
