The tapered haircut is sometimes known as a tapered fade haircut. Like the classic tapered haircut, the tapered fade haircut works with all hair types and face shapes. This cut is a bit longer on top, and the sides are left a bit longer too. Another iteration of the tapered haircut is the quiff. That’s when the hair on top is left long, so it can be styled high and back. Tapered haircuts can be worn by any face shape and hair type. Best of all, they’re low-maintenance and are a classic look that works on a myriad of hair types. Here are some tapered haircuts for you to try if you want to get the look:
10 Tapered Haircut Looks for Men
1. Classic Tapered Haircut
The classic tapered haircut is a clean looking cut. Have your barber cut the hair on your head about one to two inches long, and the sides and back shorter. The sides and back should be tapered (or layered) short and clean. Having the length on top allows you to style it in different ways.
2. The Quiff
If you’re dealing with thinning hair, say hello to the quiff. It’s a cut that’s rockabilly and a bit retro cool, but can also be worn to work. The secret is the height of the hair in front: Tell your barber that you want a tapered haircut where the top is two to three inches long on top. That way you can play with the front, making it high as you want, or slicking it back for a different look altogether. To style, blow-dry hair until damp. Then take a small amount of Dove Men+Care Defining Pomade and rub it between your fingertips and the palms of your hands, and then gently finger-comb the product on your hair, styling it as you go.
3. Amped-Up Quiff
This tapered haircut is a Hollywood and runway favorite. You can style the front high, you can style it messy or you can slick it back. If you have your barber make the top four to five inches long, you can even create a man bun and keep your tapered haircut neat on the sides and back. To create a messy-looking amped quiff that stays in place, use AXE Urban Messy Look: Flexible Paste. Finger-comb the paste into your hair and style it with your fingers.
4. Tapered Haircut with Fringe
For guys who want to minimize a wide forehead or prefer an edgier look, try getting a tapered haircut with a fringe. The fringe, or bangs, should not go straight across the forehead, as it turns a tapered haircut into a bowl cut. Naturally wavy hair would look great with fringe that shows off their waves. Try AXE Natural Look: Understated Cream on damp hair to create a natural-looking style.
5. Curly Haircut
Release the curls! Guys with curly hair opt for a classic taper that’s a bit long on top, so curls can be easily styled. Think neat on back and sides, and sexy bedhead on top.
6. Wet-Look Tapered Haircut
Match a classic cut with classic products. The wet-look tapered haircut, sometimes called the slicked-back hairstyle, is a combination of the ’90s and what’s hot now. It’s a look that says you’re in command of everything (yes, even your cowlicks). Using TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Firm Control Gel gives you a controlled hairstyle that shines.
7. Side-Combed Tapered Haircut
Not into a swoop, but like a good ol’ side part? Try the classic tapered haircut and wear the front combed to one side. Simply brush hair like you would in a comb-over (but not straight across, maybe more at a softer angle), and voilà: You’re done.
8. Short Dreads
The classic style meets edgy hipster in this combo look. The sides and back follow the lines of the classic tapered haircut, and the top is done in small dreadlocks.
9. Long in Front Tapered Haircut
It’s sporty, it’s edgy and it’s fun. Guys who have pin straight hair, this look is for you. Tell your barber that you want the classic taper on the sides and back. For the top (front), you want five to six inches in length. Part hair slightly off-center for a modern look.
10. Tapered and Spiked
Feeling dangerous? Simply style the top of your hair into spikes. You can go mild, or wild and create a fauxhawk. How much you spike it is up to you! Our weapon of choice is Bed Head for Men by TIGI Matte Separation Workable Wax. With this hair wax, you can create spikes and get hair to stay in place all day and night.
