The high taper haircut is a popular and stylish choice for those looking to blend a clean, modern aesthetic with versatility. Characterized by its gradual fade that starts high on the head, the high taper blends seamlessly from longer hair on top to shorter sides and back, creating a crisp and refined look. This style is often paired with various top styles, from pompadours to crew cuts, making it an adaptable choice for any setting, from the office to a night out.
Benefits of a High Taper Haircut
The high taper haircut is more than just a trend; it comes with several advantages that make it a favorite among men who appreciate both style and convenience:
- Versatility: The high taper works well with different hair lengths and types, allowing you to customize the top to suit your personality and lifestyle. Whether you prefer a sleek, combed-back style or a more voluminous, textured top, the high taper can accommodate it all.
- Low Maintenance: Compared to other haircuts, the high taper requires relatively low upkeep. The shorter sides and back reduce the need for frequent trims, while the longer top can be styled easily with a few products. It's an excellent choice for those who prefer a polished look without spending hours in front of the mirror.
- Clean and Professional Look: The high taper haircut gives off a sharp and well-groomed appearance, making it ideal for professional environments. It strikes a perfect balance between a trendy and polished look, fitting in both formal and casual settings.
- Compliments Facial Features: This haircut can enhance facial features by creating a clean line that draws attention to the face. It can add height and length to the face, which is particularly flattering for those with round or square face shapes.
High Taper Haircut Variations
One of the best things about the high taper haircut is its flexibility, with several variations available to suit different tastes and styles:
- High Taper Fade: This is a popular version where the taper fades into the skin. It starts high on the head and quickly blends down to a very short length, creating a stark contrast between the hair on top and the shaved sides. This variation offers a bold, modern look and pairs well with textured crops or longer styles on top.
- High Taper with Side Part: This style adds a classic touch to the high taper by incorporating a side part. It combines the clean lines of a taper with the sophistication of a side part, making it an excellent choice for those who want a timeless look that remains contemporary.
- High Taper Pompadour: For those who like a bit more volume and drama, the high taper pompadour keeps the sides short and faded while leaving a significant amount of length on top. The hair is styled upwards and back, creating a fuller, more prominent appearance that commands attention.
- High Taper Quiff: Similar to the pompadour but with a slightly messier finish, the high taper quiff is perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed and casual style. The top is styled upwards and slightly back, giving a voluminous and textured appearance that pairs well with the clean lines of the taper.
- High Taper Buzz Cut: For a no-nonsense, minimalistic approach, the high taper buzz cut keeps the hair extremely short on top while fading quickly on the sides. This variation is perfect for those who want an easy-to-maintain, rugged look that still feels modern.
Styling a High Taper Haircut
Styling a high taper haircut is relatively straightforward, but the right products and techniques can make a big difference:
- Pomade or Wax: For a sleek, polished look, use a high-hold pomade or wax. Apply a small amount to damp hair and comb it through, focusing on creating a defined part or slicked-back style. This is ideal for a high taper with a side part or pompadour.
- Texturizing Powder or Spray: For a more relaxed, voluminous style, such as a quiff or a textured crop, opt for a texturizing powder or spray. Apply it to dry hair, then use your fingers or a blow dryer to create volume and texture.
- Matte Paste or Clay: For a natural, everyday look, a matte paste or clay works wonders. These products provide a medium hold and a matte finish, perfect for creating a tousled, laid-back style that complements the clean taper.
- Regular Trims: While the high taper itself requires minimal maintenance, keeping the top styled requires regular trims to maintain the desired length and shape.
Maintaining a High Taper Haircut
To keep your high taper looking sharp and fresh, a bit of maintenance goes a long way:
- Frequent Touch-Ups: The taper’s clean lines can lose their sharpness as hair grows, so regular visits to the barber every two to four weeks are essential to keep the fade looking crisp.
- Proper Hair Care Routine: Invest in good quality shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy. The right products can prevent dryness and breakage, especially if you’re using styling products regularly.
- Moisturizing and Conditioning: The shorter sides and back mean more scalp exposure. Moisturizing your scalp can help prevent dryness and irritation, especially if you live in a dry climate.
- Avoid Overusing Products: While styling products can enhance your look, overusing them can weigh down your hair or lead to build-up. Use products sparingly and consider clarifying shampoos to remove any residue.
High Taper Haircut for Different Hair Types
A high taper haircut isn’t a one-size-fits-all style, but it can be adapted to suit different hair types:
- Straight Hair: For those with straight hair, the high taper haircut offers a sleek and polished look. Straight hair benefits from the sharpness of the taper and can be easily styled into a side part, slick back, or pompadour.
- Curly Hair: For men with curly hair, the high taper offers a great way to keep curls in check while still showcasing their natural texture. The fade can reduce bulk on the sides, allowing the curls on top to stand out more prominently.
- Wavy Hair: A high taper works wonderfully with wavy hair, providing a balance between texture and control. The natural wave adds volume and movement, which can be accentuated with a bit of styling product.
- Coarse or Thick Hair: For those with thick or coarse hair, the high taper provides a way to manage volume while still allowing for a longer top. This style can keep the hair from feeling too heavy or unruly.
High Taper Haircut for Different Face Shapes
The high taper haircut can complement a variety of face shapes, enhancing your natural features:
- Round Face Shapes: The high taper adds height and length to the face, which helps to balance out the roundness. Pairing it with a pompadour or a tall quiff can elongate the face further.
- Square Face Shapes: For square faces, the high taper’s clean lines can emphasize the strong jawline. A side part or a soft quiff can soften the angles and create a balanced look.
- Oval Face Shapes: An oval face is versatile and works with most hairstyles, including the high taper. Almost any variation, from the high taper fade to the pompadour, can suit an oval face.
- Heart Face Shapes: With a heart-shaped face, a high taper with more length on top can help balance a wider forehead and a narrower chin. Styles like a textured crop or a loose quiff work well.
- Long Face Shapes: For those with longer faces, a high taper with moderate length on top can add width and create a more balanced look. Avoid styles that add too much height, like a high pompadour.
Conclusion
The high taper haircut is a versatile and stylish option for anyone looking to update their look. With its clean lines, adaptability, and low maintenance, it suits various hair types and face shapes. Whether you're looking for a polished, professional style or a bold, modern statement, the high taper can be tailored to meet your needs. Keep it fresh with regular trims and the right styling products, and you’ll have a haircut that’s as timeless as it is trendy.
