17 Taper Haircuts That Prove Classics Always Win

A great haircut can do more than just make you look good—it can change the way you feel. And when it comes to timeless, easy-to-wear styles, few can match the versatility and sharpness of the classic taper haircut.

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Classic Taper with Side Part – timeless and sharp

A side part with a classic taper is one of the most polished looks a man can wear. The hair is longer on top, parted cleanly to one side, with the sides gradually faded. It suits professional environments and works well for straight or slightly wavy hair. Best for oval, square, and round faces. Your barber will taper the sides and back while shaping the part. To style, use a light pomade and a comb. Maintenance is easy—just keep the sides trimmed every few weeks.

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Low Taper Fade – subtle, natural fade just above the ears

This low-key version keeps the fade just above the ears, offering a natural and understated finish. It’s perfect for guys who want a clean look without going too dramatic. Best for round and heart-shaped faces and any hair type. The top can be styled as you like—textured, slicked, or messy. Ask your barber for a low taper and keep it maintained every 3–4 weeks.

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Mid Taper Fade – balanced look fading midway up the sides

The mid taper is a balanced blend—not too subtle, not too bold. The fade begins midway between the ear and temple, giving it a sleek, modern edge. Great for oval and diamond-shaped faces. It works with all top styles, from quiffs to slick backs. Ideal for men who want something neat without looking overly styled. This cut usually needs a barber, especially for clean blending.

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High Taper Fade – bolder contrast with shorter sides

This style brings the taper up higher toward the temples, creating strong contrast between the sides and the top. It suits angular faces and works especially well for men with thick or coarse hair. The top can be styled with height or kept short for a sharper effect. It gives a fresh, edgy vibe and needs regular touch-ups to keep the lines crisp.

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Taper with Slick Back – smooth finish with volume on top

Slicking the hair back over a clean taper creates a classy, high-impact look. Ideal for guys with medium to thick hair, this style frames the widow’s peak nicely and works well on oval or square faces. Use a strong pomade or gel and a comb to style. Great for formal settings or a night out. Best done by a barber for the taper, but easy to style at home.

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Curly Hair Taper – keeps curls controlled with clean edges

This version is tailored for men with natural curls. The taper fade around the sides and back keeps the curls neat while letting the texture shine up top. It suits round and oval faces and adds shape without bulk. Your barber will shape the taper and may add slight layering to manage volume. Use a curl cream or leave-in conditioner for daily styling.

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Tapered Afro – great for natural texture with neat taper

The tapered afro is a sharp, clean-cut way to wear natural black hair. The afro is left full on top while the sides and back taper gradually, enhancing shape and symmetry. It’s great for all face shapes and offers a balance of bold and clean. Regular shaping and moisturizing are key. Visit a barber who’s experienced with textured styles for best results.

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Taper with Pompadour – classic height and volume

The pompadour is all about volume, and pairing it with a taper brings structure and balance. The top is blown up and back, while the sides fade down neatly. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces and is perfect for medium to thick hair. You’ll need a blow dryer, round brush, and a strong-hold product. High maintenance, but high reward in style.

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Taper with Quiff – lifted, casual, and versatile

Think of the quiff as the relaxed cousin of the pompadour. It’s a little tousled, a little styled, and works well with a taper for a modern finish. Ideal for square or oval faces and medium-textured hair. Blow-dry the front upward and use matte paste for texture. This one can be done at home if you’re comfortable with light styling and trimming.

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Short Taper Crop – low maintenance, stylish

This is a simple, practical cut that’s still stylish. The top is trimmed short with a bit of texture, and the sides are tapered neatly. It’s great for men who don’t want to fuss with their hair every day. Suitable for all face shapes and hair types. Ask your barber for a short crop with a taper. You’ll only need light styling or none at all.

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Taper with Comb Over – neat and office-friendly

The comb over taper is one of the most business-ready looks. The top is parted and combed cleanly over to one side, while the taper adds a fresh edge. Ideal for men with straight or fine hair and oval or heart-shaped faces. Use a light gel or styling cream and comb through damp hair. A very polished look that’s easy to manage.

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Textured Top with Taper – modern messy look with clean sides

This style lets you keep some creative edge. The top is left slightly longer and styled with a textured, messy finish, while the taper keeps the sides neat. It works well for round or oval faces and medium to thick hair. Use matte clay to define the texture. Great for casual settings or creative jobs. Ask your barber for a light taper and choppy texture on top.

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Taper with Hard Part – defined part line with taper

Adding a hard part (a shaved-in line) to your taper cut brings bold definition. It works best with straight to wavy hair and suits angular face shapes. This cut is precise, so it requires a barber to get the lines right. It’s perfect for a high-contrast, well-groomed look that makes a statement. Use pomade and a comb to style around the part.

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Long Hair Taper – keeps long top manageable

For guys who love longer styles but still want a clean finish, this one’s ideal. The taper fades gently around the ears and neckline while the top is left long and flowing. It suits oval and rectangular faces and works for straight or wavy hair. You can tie it back, wear it loose, or style it with texture. Regular trims will keep the shape neat without sacrificing length.

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Taper with Waves – maintains wave definition and clean neckline

This cut keeps your natural waves intact while tapering the edges for a clean silhouette. Perfect for guys who want to show off texture without looking messy. Works best on wavy hair and all face shapes. Use sea salt spray or wave-enhancing cream to bring out the curl pattern. Regular trips to the barber will keep the neckline and sides tight.

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Taper with Fringe – trendy, casual fringe + classic taper

This hairstyle brings a fringe (bangs) to the classic taper. The front hair is styled forward and slightly down over the forehead, creating a youthful, relaxed look. Best for round and oval faces and straight to wavy hair. Use light wax or mousse to style the fringe. The taper balances the softness of the fringe with sharp edges, making it stylish and clean.

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Ivy League Taper – polished and professional

The Ivy League cut is a refined take on the crew cut, with slightly more length on top and a clean taper on the sides. It’s neat, versatile, and easy to style. Great for business professionals, students, or anyone who wants a smart, clean-cut appearance. Use a small amount of styling cream for a controlled finish. Suitable for almost all face shapes.

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Conclusion

The taper haircut is a classic for a reason—it’s sharp, versatile, and works for almost every guy. Whether you’re into clean lines, natural texture, or modern flair, there’s a taper variation that fits your vibe.

Try one of these 17 styles and see how it transforms your look. You don’t need to stick with one forever—experimenting is how you discover what truly suits you. The best haircut is the one that makes you feel confident and like yourself.