TAPER HAIRCUT

What is a Taper Haircut?


The taper haircut is perfect for you if you want to clean up the hair on your neck and remove your sideburns, while also achieving a stylish and seamless transition from longer to shorter hair that enhances your natural features and offers a polished, modern look.

Taper Haircuts by The San Francisco Barbershop

How to do a Taper-Haircut step-by-step

By Dejon The Barber

  • First, we'll begin with your hair as it is. If it's been a while since your last wash, no worries, we can start with a quick shampoo. This helps me see your hair's natural texture and fall, which is important for a precise cut.

  • We'll start by outlining your natural hairline, especially around the neck and sideburns. This step is crucial as it sets the boundaries for your taper and ensures everything looks clean and neat.

  • I'll use a longer guard on my clippers to remove the bulk from the sides and back of your head. Don't worry, I won't go too high up – we want to keep the transition of your taper haircut subtle and smooth.

  • Next, I'll switch to a shorter guard to begin the tapering process. This involves gradually shortening the hair around the lower sides and back, blending upwards but keeping it lower than a typical fade.

  • I'll gradually decrease the guard size to blend the hair seamlessly. The idea is to go from slightly longer at the top of the taper to shorter near the neckline and ears.

  • The hair on top will be left longer, and I'll use scissors to trim it to your preferred length. Whether you like it short and neat or a bit longer, I'll make sure it complements the taper perfectly.

  • I'll use the scissor over comb technique to blend the top with the tapered sides. This is where the haircut really comes together, ensuring a smooth transition from the longer hair on top to the tapered sides.

  • I'll clean up the edges around your ears and neckline with a trimmer for a sharp, finished look. I'll also double-check for any uneven areas to ensure your haircut is perfectly balanced.

  • To finish off, I'll style your hair according to your preference. I can also recommend some products and tips for maintaining your new look at home.

FAQ ABOUT TAPER HAIRCUTS

  • A taper haircut will take approximately 25 to 30 minutes. The higher taper haircut and the shorter the fade, the longer it will generally take. Skin tapers can take up to 45 minutes, simply due to the shaving requirement. However, a skilled barber can get a good taper haircut done in 20 minutes or so.

  • A fade and a taper haircut both transition from longer to shorter hair from the top of the head to the ear, creating a gradient effect. However, in a typical taper haircut, the hair is longer on top (about 2 - 4 inches) and the gradient starts at the temple, ending at the natural hairline. Unlike a fade, the taper doesn't blend down to the skin and is shorter at the hairline.

  • High Fade. A high fade haircut is a type of fade that starts high up on the head, typically around the temples and ears. This type of fade lasts about two to three weeks.

  • To choose the right Taper Haircut, consider your face shape, hair type, and personal style. Also, think about how much maintenance you're willing to do. Consulting with a professional barber can help you decide on the best fade for your look.