High Taper’s quietly become the haircut for guys who want something clean but not boring. It’s sharp where it needs to be, relaxed on top, and honestly? It works for almost every age and style vibe.
You’ll see it on students, professionals, guys on TikTok, uncles at family BBQs you name it. But if you’re not totally sure what it is, or how it’s different from a fade or a low taper, don’t worry. This isn’t one of those blog posts that throws a bunch of terms at you and dips. We’re keeping it clear, casual, and useful.
What Even Is a High Taper?
A high taper is a style where the hair fades out near the temples and the upper part of the neck. It doesn’t shave everything down it just smooths the sides so your haircut looks cleaner without feeling super aggressive. That high starting point for the taper? Yeah, that’s what gives it that sharp, lifted look.
Unlike a full fade, this one keeps some length and blends everything neatly without going all the way to the skin. It’s that middle ground between bold and chill, which is why people love it.
Image Prompt: “High Taper Fade Haircut for Men – Side View”
Alt text: Side view of a man showing a high taper with a clean fade near the temples.
Low Taper vs High Taper (Quick Breakdown)
Okay, here’s the quick and dirty:
- High Taper: Starts blending higher, around temples. Bold, noticeable.
- Low Taper: Starts blending lower, near the neck. Softer, subtle.
High tapers are great when you want that “just got a haircut” look to last longer. It gives more structure, more shape.
Image Prompt: “High Taper vs Low Taper Comparison Chart”
Alt text: Visual side-by-side comparison of high taper and low taper styles on two men.
Why the High Taper Fade is Everywhere Right Now
Seriously, scroll your feed. Everyone’s rocking some version of a taper fade. The high taper fade haircut is blowing up right now, and here’s why:
- It fits all hair types (yep, curls, waves, or pin-straight)
- Keeps your edges sharp without needing a full fade
- Grows out clean—so it doesn’t suddenly look wild after a week
- You can wear it with any top style: twists, curls, slick backs, even a mini fro
Image Prompt: “Barber giving a high taper fade to a client”
Alt text: Barber using clippers to shape a high taper fade on a client’s head.
How to Ask for a High Taper at the Barbershop
Barber chairs can feel like confession booths sometimes. You sit down, and then… you blank. “Just a fade?” Nah, let’s get specific.
Try this:
“Can I get a high taper fade? Keep the top as is—just clean the sides and neckline. Start the taper high, like temple height.”
Or, if you want it skin-tight:
“High taper fade down to the skin, and line up the front.”
Real tip? Bring a photo. You don’t need to explain when the picture says it all.
Image Prompt: “Client showing barber a photo of high taper haircut”
Alt text: Man at the barbershop showing his barber a high taper style reference photo.
Style Combos That Work with a High Taper
Depending on your hair type or what vibe you’re going for, here are a few popular high taper styles that are killing it right now:
1. High Taper + Curls
Keep those curls poppin’ up top while the taper adds shape.
Image Prompt: “High Taper with Curly Top Hair”
Alt text: Man with a curly top and sharp taper on the sides.
2. High Taper for Black Men
Pairs amazingly with waves, twists, or a cropped afro.
Image Prompt: “High Taper Black Men Style with Afro”
Alt text: Black man with clean high taper and natural texture on top.
3. Taper with Line-Up
The edges are lined up straight, almost geometric super clean, especially with a beard.
Image Prompt: “High Taper with Line-Up and Beard Fade”
Alt text: Crisp hairline with high taper and faded beard blend.
4. Messy Fringe + High Taper
A little more relaxed. Let the front fall slightly with texture, but keep the sides super tidy.
Image Prompt: “High Taper with Textured Fringe”
Alt text: Guy with wavy fringe on top and a high taper fade on the sides.
Taper vs Fade: Let’s Clear This Up
It’s easy to confuse these by taper vs fade. Here’s a super quick cheat sheet:
- Taper = Fades just at the neckline and sideburns.
- Fade = More extreme. Can go down to the skin, and usually covers the whole side.
A high taper is kind of a hybrid, it blends just enough to give structure, without the full fade drama.
TL;DR: All fades are tapers, but not all tapers are fades.
How to Keep Your High Taper Fresh
Your haircut looks great today. But what about next week? Here’s how to stretch that fresh-cut vibe:
- ✂️ Touch up edges every 7–10 days
- 🌿 Use curl cream or matte paste if your hair needs texture
- 🔄 Brush daily (especially for waves or coils)
- 🧼 Clean up the neckline—it’s the first thing that looks messy
Image Prompt: “High Taper Haircut Maintenance Tools”
Alt text: Clippers, brush, and styling cream on a counter.
Should You Try a High Taper?
Yes. Unless you hate clean haircuts, the high taper is pretty much made for you. It works if you:
- Don’t want to deal with daily hair stress
- Like looking sharp without being flashy
- Want a cut that adapts as it grows out
What Real People Are Saying
“It fades out clean and doesn’t feel too military.” – Ray, 27
“I like that I don’t have to touch it up constantly, but it still looks good.” – Zain, 32
“Curls on top, clean taper on the sides. That’s my thing now.” – Jaiden, 21
FAQ
Q: How often do I need to get a high taper redone?
A: Around 1 to 2 weeks for touch-ups, especially on the edges. It depends how sharp you like it.
Q: Can a high taper work with thick hair?
A: Yep. It actually helps manage thicker sides by fading them out clean.
Q: Is it better than a full fade?
A: Depends on your vibe. High tapers are a bit more laid-back. Fades are bolder.
Q: Will it still look good if I skip a week at the barber?
A: That’s the beauty of it. A high taper grows out better than most styles.
Q: Can I keep my beard with a high taper?
A: Definitely. Just ask for a beard fade or blended line.
