Looking for info on trendy men's haircuts? Want to show off a killer look? Let me tell you about the hairstyle that's all the rage right now: the Taper haircut!
Welcome to Myciseauxcoiffure. Here we talk about hair, share our passion with you, and today, we're diving into the Taper, that fade haircut that's so popular with modern men.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What exactly is the "Taper haircut"?
- How to achieve a great Taper cut
- The different versions of the Taper
- How to style a Taper to look your best
- Tips to maintain a long-lasting cut
- Celebrities who have adopted this trendy hairstyle
Shall we get started? Let's go!
What is a Taper haircut?
Alright guys, let's get serious. The Taper isn't just a cut, it's a true hair trend. Imagine this: your hair is like a blank canvas, and the barber is the artist who will turn it into a masterpiece.
Basically, the Taper is a cut that plays with contrasts. It starts very short on the sides and back (almost shaved), then gradually gets longer as you move up towards the top of the head. Essentially, it's a type of fade with various length variations.
The cool thing about the Taper is that it's ultra versatile. You can keep the top super short for a clean military look, or leave more length to rock a stylish bad boy vibe.
Where does the "Taper" haircut come from?
Now, a little history lesson. The Taper isn't a hipster invention from Brooklyn, far from it. It dates back to the 1920s-30s when barbers were true grooming artisans. They invented the Taper for a simple reason: to ensure their clients always looked stylish, even as their hair grew out.
Think about it: back then, men didn't visit the barber every two weeks. They needed a hairstyle that would last. And boom, the Taper was born. Clever, right? It's like your haircut has its own self-maintenance system.
An easy-to-maintain men's haircut
And let's be honest, the Taper haircut is also about practicality. With short sides, you spend less time styling in the morning. No more battling with your gel and comb for hours. A quick run through your hair and you're ready to conquer the world (or at least head to work without looking like you just rolled out of bed).
But be warned, don't think this is an easy cut for barbers to achieve. A good Taper haircut requires precision, experience, and a skilled hand. It's no wonder the best barbers are in high demand. They know how to adapt the Taper to your face shape, hair texture, and even your lifestyle.
What's the difference between a Taper and a Fade?
For the Taper, the focus is on the sides of the head and the nape. The transition is gradual, starting very low, often just above the ears and the nape, and the length increases so gradually that it's almost imperceptible from one level to the next.
The result? No visible demarcation line, just a smooth transition. It's a job that takes time and requires significant expertise.
On the other hand, the classic fade is broader and more flexible. It can cover the entire head, not just the sides and nape. The length changes are more pronounced, with clear "levels" of the cut. It's quicker to do than a taper and more forgiving of small imperfections.
Visually, a Taper gives a very neat look, almost shaved on the sides, while a fade offers a fuller appearance. If you want a modern style, go for a good Taper. If you prefer something more classic and versatile, the fade will suit just fine.
How to achieve a Taper haircut?
Alright guys, I'll be honest: unless you're secretly a pro barber, don't try this alone in your bathroom mirror. If you're a barber, here's how to give your clients a Taper cut:
- Start by wetting the hair (it's easier to work with)
- With your clippers and a short guard, fade the lower part of the head.
- Switch to a longer guard and gradually move up.
- Blend the hairline to make it invisible.
- Use scissors for the top of the hair (according to your preference).
- Perfect the entire head for a clean finish.
Pro Tip: The secret to this cut is a sharp transition. Some barbers even use the tips of their hair scissors to blend the hairline. In this cut, the most important thing is the transition. You need to create a smooth and natural fade on the sides of the head.
The different types of Taper
Hold on to your combs, because we're diving into the world of Taper haircut types. Yes, there isn't just one way to do a Taper. Depending on the desired length and style, there's something for every taste and occasion! Let's take a closer look at these different styles.
1. The Low Taper
This is the shorter version of the Taper. The transition starts very low, near the nape and above the ears. It's subtle, it's classy, and it's perfect for men who work in strict environments but still want to look polished.
Imagine this: you walk into the office, your boss looks at you and thinks "He looks different today, but I can't quite figure out why". That's the low Taper effect. You're stylish without being flashy.
What's great about the low Taper is that it grows out very well. Even after a few weeks, it still looks neat. Perfect if you're the type to delay your barber visits until the last minute.
2. The Mid Taper
Now, let's move up a level. This is the middle ground, the reasonable choice. The transition starts in the middle of the sides, giving a more pronounced look than the low Taper, but without screaming "Look at me, I'm so cool!".
It's a hairstyle that fits any occasion. You can wear it to work, to a party, on a date... You can style it in many different ways. A bit of gel for a more formal look, or let it loose for a casual and relaxed style.
And, like the low Taper, it's easy to maintain. The hair grows out smoothly, so no awkward moments in between barber visits.
3. The High Taper
Finally, we have the high Taper, the daring one, the one that catches everyone's eye. Here, the transition starts very high, almost at the temples. It's bold, it's sharp, and it clearly shows that you care about your appearance.
Perfect for men who like to stand out, who are confident in their style, and who don't mind a bit of attention. This cut also pairs very well with a beard. If you have one, ask your barber to blend the sides into your beard for a perfectly unified look.
But be careful: the high Taper requires more frequent maintenance. As soon as it starts to grow out, the contrast fades, and you lose the effect.
Tips to maintain your Taper haircut
Maintaining a Taper haircut isn't rocket science. With a few simple tips, you'll keep your hair looking fresh for weeks:
- Visit your barber regularly. Depending on the Taper type you choose, plan a visit every 2-3 weeks to keep the style intact.
- Use quality hair products. Invest in a good shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
- Trim your neckline. A clean neckline makes all the difference. If you can't visit your barber regularly, learn to touch it up at home.
- Don't forget your styling routine. A bit of gel or wax can help keep your Taper looking sharp all day long.
And above all, remember: a Taper is not just a haircut, it's a lifestyle. Wear it with pride, gentlemen!
Celebrities with a Taper Cut
If you're looking for inspiration on which celebrities sport the Taper cut, here are a few stars who love this style (each with their own twist):
Zayn Malik with his Mid Taper
The former One Direction member often opts for a clean high Taper. He usually combines it with a longer length on top.
Maluma with his Taper Fade
The Colombian singer is known for his unique style, and his hairstyle is no exception! He often sports a high Taper with lots of volume on top.
Lewis Hamilton and his Natural Taper
The Formula 1 champion has experimented with many hairstyles, but he often returns to a clean Taper. He sometimes wears it with braids or curls on top.
Matt Pokora and his Refined Taper
The French singer is a big fan of the Taper! He often wears a well-defined Taper. Matt Pokora likes to play with the length on top, styling his hair back.
Omar Sy with his Close-Cut Taper
The actor from "Intouchables" and the series "Lupin" is a fan of the ultra-short Taper fade. He often combines his Taper with a well-groomed beard, giving him a mature and modern look, perfect for red carpets and business meetings.
These stars show that the Taper can adapt to all styles and personalities. Whether you're a pop star, blockbuster actor, or high-level athlete, there's definitely a Taper style that will suit you!
The Taper, the New Trendy Men's Hairstyle
Alright guys, now you know everything about the Taper hairstyle. It's more than just a haircut, it's a real hair trend. It says "I take care of my look, but without overdoing it".
So, ready to take the plunge? Talk to your barber next time you see him. He'll advise you on the type of Taper that will suit you. And most importantly, have fun with it! Hair is meant for expressing yourself, for playing with your style. And the Taper is a perfect base for that.
And you, have you ever tried the Taper? What do you think about it? Leave a comment, I'd love to know your thoughts!