In the world of men’s hairstyles, the low taper fade has become the ideal cleaner-upper. We’re just kidding… kinda. The low taper isn’t known as the cleaner-upper, but it does a good job of cleaning up around the edges of the hairline to give you a clean cut polished look. But, there is so much more under the surface of the low taper to be dug up.
So, that said, let’s jump right in and start digging deeper to uncover all the great hidden pros (and the few cons) of low taper haircuts!
What is a Low Taper Haircut?
Before we get into the fun part of the article, aka all the different low taper fade styles, we figured we maybe tell you a bit about what a low taper haircut is. A taper refers to the gradual decrease in hair length along the sides and back of the head, resulting in a faded effect. The low taper refers explicitly to a taper that begins just above the ear and extends down to the neckline.
To better understand the low taper haircut let’s talk about the pros and cons of a low taper haircut in the table below.
| Cons Of A Low Taper Cut | Pros Of A Low Taper Cut |
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Low Taper Mullet
If you like the mullet style but find your hair looks a bit shaggy and disheveled – there’s a way to fix that, aka the low taper. The low taper will just clean around the edges of your hairline helping to accentuate the mullet and give it a cleaner aesthetic.
Low Taper Curly Hair
If you have curly hair, the low taper fade can accentuate your natural texture while keeping your hair manageable and looking good. The gradual fade blends the curly hair with the shorter sides, creating a seamless and well-groomed look.
If you care about the bounce of your curls enough to get a haircut that accentuates them, you might be interested in some tips that’ll help highlight your luscious twirls and swirls, such as:
- Conditioning: Keep your curls hydrated and defined by using a leave-in conditioner or a curl-enhancing cream. This helps to reduce frizz and maintain the shape of your curls.
- Diffusing: Use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to gently dry your hair. This helps to maintain the natural shape of your curls and prevents them from becoming frizzy.
- Curl Enhancing Products: Use styling products specifically designed for curly hair, such as curl-defining gels, mousses, or creams, to enhance your curls’ natural shape and texture.
- Sleeping on Silk: Sleeping on a silk pillowcase or using a silk hair wrap can help to reduce friction on your hair, preventing frizz and preserving your curls’ shape.
- Protective Hairstyles: Consider wearing protective hairstyles, such as braids or twists, to give your curls a break and protect them from damage.
Low Taper with Design
A fun way to add an element of uniqueness to your hair is a low taper with designs. This entails a skilled barber and a sharp razor, resulting in a design etched into the hairline/ the low taper fade. There are so many different approaches you can take to this look.
We have a few favorite design ideas for a low taper with designs, such as:
- Stars
- Geometric lines
- Hearts
- Lightening
- A name
Low Taper Edgar
The low taper Edgar involves a low fade that dramatically tapers towards the neckline, creating a distinctive look. With its clean lines and sharp appearance, the low taper Edgar is a popular choice among those who can appreciate a refined haircut. One of the key elements that set the low taper Edgar apart is the precision involved in creating the taper toward the neckline. Barbers skilled in this technique carefully blend the hair lengths to seamlessly transition from the longer hair on top to the shorter length at the nape of the neck.
Low Taper Straight Hair
If you have straight hair, the low taper fade can bring life to your hair’s natural texture, as we all know that straight hair can be super flat sometimes. The gradual fade along the sides and back highlights the contrast between the longer top and the shorter sides, resulting in a clean-cut look.
Zohna Tip
If you are hunting for a new barber, start by asking friends, family, or colleagues with hairstyles you admire for recommendations. Word of mouth of often the best way to find a reliable barber.
Low Taper Middle Part
If you are one of the many with a middle part, you have probably wondered what options you have for haircuts other than what you’re currently rocking. Well, we are here to tell you that the low taper middle part hairstyle is a great option. It’s a perfect option to help clean up the sides a bit and accentuate that middle part you rock so well. If middle and mid are your thing, you might also be intrigued by a mid taper fade where the fade just starts a bit higher on the scalp.
Flow With Low Taper
Got flow? The flow, also known as the hockey haircut, features longer hair at the top that flows back and creates a natural wave. This hairstyle is the epitome of a laid-back vibe, especially when paired with a low taper fade. It gradually transitions from longer to shorter hair, allowing for a seamless blend that suits various hair lengths and textures. This makes it a popular choice among men looking for a stylish yet low-maintenance haircut.
Textured Low Taper
If adding a little extra something to your strands is what you are on the hunt for, we can confidently say you’ve caught your prey – aka textured low taper. This haircut is all about longer hair that has choppy layers incorporated for that textured look with a low taper fade to keep things clean.
If adding texture is something you strive for beyond a haircut, there are a few different products you can use, such as:
- Sea Salt Spray: This adds texture and volume to hair, particularly for those with straight or wavy hair.
- Texturizing Cream: Provides a light hold and adds definition to hair while keeping it soft and flexible.
- Pomade: Offers a medium to strong hold with a shiny finish, great for creating structured styles or slicked-back looks.
- Hair Mousse: Adds volume and texture to hair, perfect for creating voluminous, bouncy styles or adding grip to updos.
- Hair Wax: Offers a stronghold with a low shine, suitable for creating defined, textured styles or adding volume to hair.
Low Skin Taper
The low skin taper is a cut for those who don’t like lengthy hair. This style involves trimming the hair extremely short along the sides and back, almost to the point of the scalp being visible. We like pairing the low skin taper with a buzz cut or really short hair on the top for the most gradual and natural transition. If you like this look, it also reminds us of a shadow fade!
Zohna Tip
When you visit your barber next, make sure to show them a picture of what you want. This allows less room for error and ensures you'll be getting a result as close to what you want.
Buzz Cut Low Taper
A buzz cut is a trustworthy haircut that keeps everything in check. You probably think that there is one way and one way only to do it. But that’s where you are wrong – you have options like the buzz-cut low taper hairstyle. It involves a buzzed head with even shorted sides for that low tapered look. This is the perfect haircut if all you want is a super low-maintenance cut that needs zero styling.
Low Taper Afro
If you have an afro that you love, why not show it some love with the low-taper afro hairstyle? By incorporating a low taper cut into your strands, you will clean up the edges, accentuate the fro, and feel fresh as hell. There really is no way you could hate this look.
Low Taper Fringe
Incorporating fringe into your hair is the oldest trick in the book! Just kidding, kinda. A fringe, also known as bangs, involves longer hair at the front that is styled to fall over the forehead. The low taper fade with a fringe creates a fashionable look that complements various face shapes and hair types. It’s a great way to add a little bit of texture and dimension to your strands as well.
Low Taper Blowout
The low taper blowout combines the low taper fade with a blowout hairstyle; it’s as simple as that. All you need is a good blow dryer, some styling products, and a low-taper hairstyle, and boom, you have the low-taper blowout. The blowout involves blow-drying the hair upward to create height and texture.
Zohna Tip
Any time you use heat on your hair, you must use a heat protectant. Your strands will thank you.
Low Taper Slick Back
Slick things back with this low taper slick-back hairstyle. The hair is combed back with a suitable styling the product to create a sleek and glossy appearance. This haircut is ideal for those formal occasions but also great in a practical sense as it keeps the hair out of the face.
Low Burst Taper
The low burst taper is a variation of the low taper fade that adds an extra element of pizzaz. This style involves creating a burst fade at the back of the head, where the hair gradually fades from shorter to longer in a circular motion. It’s simple yet impactful, which, in our opinion, makes a great hairstyle.
Short Hair Low Taper
Some of us prefer the short hair don’t care kinda vibe of life. If that’s you, the short hair low taper fade is perfect for you as it’s a practical yet also stylish choice. This haircut involves keeping the hair relatively short all over, with a low taper fade along the sides and back. The result is a clean, tidy look requiring minimal styling and maintenance.
Low Taper Wavy Hair
The low taper fade is a fabulous way to enhance the natural wave pattern while maintaining a neat and groomed look. The gradual fade along the sides and back blends the waves seamlessly, helping to structure out and tame your waves.
Low Taper Asian
Asian hair often has unique characteristics and requires a specific approach when it comes to styling. The low taper fade with Asian hair can accentuate the texture and volume while keeping a clean appearance. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly Asian hair, the low taper fade can be customized to suit your style and preferences.
Low Taper Fluffy Hair
If you have thick and fluffy hair, the low taper fade can help manage and control your unruly locks. The gradual fade along the sides and back will provide structure and balance to your hairstyle, making it more manageable and presentable.
Low Taper Long Hair
For those with longer hair, the low taper haircut can still be a great option. This style involves keeping the length on top while gradually shortening the sides and back. To style this haircut, simply apply some hair product to the top and comb it back for a clean and sophisticated look.
Low Taper Dreads
If you have dreads and want to give them a bit of structure and clean up around the edges, the low taper dreads hairstyle is here to save the day. This style involves shaving the sides and back while leaving the length on top to form the dreads. To maintain this style, regular maintenance and grooming of the dreads are necessary.
Low Taper Messy Top
If a more relaxed and casual look is on your radar, the low taper with a messy top is a great option. This look keeps the length on top while adding texture and volume for a tousled, effortless appearance. To achieve this look, you can use a texturizing product and run your fingers through your hair for a messy and undone look – it’s that simple.
Grown Out Low Taper
Honestly, getting to the barber can be hard with a busy life schedule. That said, you might be experiencing some growth. But there are ways to work with that. As the low taper haircut grows out, it can still look stylish and intentional. The grown-out low taper lets the hair on the sides and back grow longer while keeping the top relatively short. This creates a natural and slightly disheveled look that is effortless.
Low Taper Line Up
A lineup is a technique used to create clean and sharp hairlines. When combined with a low taper, it adds a precise touch to the haircut. The lineup involves shaping the hairline and the edges of the haircut with a razor or trimmer for a crisp and defined look. This style works well for those who want a well-groomed appearance that stands out.
Low Taper With Braids
Braids can add a dynamic element to the low taper haircut. This look involves braiding the hair on top while keeping the sides and back tapered. This is a great place to incorporate protective hairstyles. The contrast between the braids and the short sides creates a visually striking look. Regular braiding and moisturizing of the hair are necessary to maintain this style.
If braids and protective hairstyles interest you or you already dabble in, we have some tips and tricks to share.
| Tips To Maintain Low Taper With Braids | Info |
| Wash Your Scalp Regularly | Even though your hair is braided, keeping your scalp clean is essential. Use a diluted shampoo or cleansing spray to gently clean your scalp. Avoid using heavy oils or products that can cause buildup. |
| Moisturize Your Scalp | Apply a lightweight moisturizer or oil to your scalp to keep it hydrated. Use a bottle with a narrow nozzle to apply the moisturizer directly to your scalp without disturbing the braids. |
| Avoid Over-Manipulation | Refrain from pulling, tugging, or excessively touching your braids, which can cause them to unravel or become frizzy. Be gentle when styling or adjusting your braids. |
| Protect Your Hair at Night | Wear a satin or silk scarf or bonnet while sleeping to protect your braids from friction and to help maintain their shape. |
| Retouch Your Roots | If your natural hair starts to grow out, consider retouching your roots with a similar-colored extension or hairpiece to maintain a uniform look. |
| Refresh Your Edges | If your edges start to look frizzy or loose, use a small amount of edge control or styling gel to smooth them down. |
Low Taper Perm
The low taper perm involves perming the top portion of the hair while keeping the sides and back tapered. The result is a voluminous look that adds texture and dimension to the haircut. To maintain this style, regular conditioning and styling are necessary. A perm is a great way to add curls when you have none to start with.
Low Taper Undercut
An undercut is a statement-making hairstyle that involves shaving the hair on the sides and back very short while leaving the top longer. Combined with a low taper creates a dramatic contrast between the two lengths.
Low Taper With Bulk
If you have thick hair, the low taper with bulk is perfect for showing love to your natural texture. This style is all about keeping the hair on top long and adding volume for a full-bodied and textured look. The tapered sides and back highlight the thickness of the hair on top and create a balanced look. To style this haircut, use a volumizing product and a wide-tooth comb to add volume and texture.
Low Taper Sides
For a clean look that you can never go wrong with, the low taper with short sides is a fantastic option. This style involves shaving the hair on the sides and back very short while keeping the top longer. The contrast between the short sides and the longer top creates a sleek appearance. To maintain this style, regular trims are necessary to keep the sides and back neatly tapered.
Low Taper Man Bun
If keeping the hair out of your face and looking good doing it is your M.O. then the low-taper man bun is ideal for you. This style involves tying the longer hair on top into a bun while keeping the sides and back tapered. The result is a masculine look that is stylish and practical. To achieve this look, you will need to have enough length on top to create a bun and use a hair tie to secure it in place.
Low Taper Side Part
If you have a side part, don’t worry the low taper won’t discriminate. The low taper with a side part involves creating a clean and defined part on one side of the head while keeping the sides and back tapered. To style this look, you can use a comb and some hair products to create a polished and well-groomed appearance.
Low Taper Crop Top
The low taper with a crop top is a trendy look popular among men. This style involves keeping the hair on top short and textured while tapering the sides and back. The contrast between the short and textured top and the tapered sides creates a modern appearance. Use a texturizing product and run your fingers through your hair for a messy and textured look.
FAQ
How Often Should I Get A Touch-Up For My Low Taper Haircut?
It is recommended to get a touch-up for your low taper haircut every 2-4 weeks. This will ensure that the haircut remains clean and well-maintained.
Can I Style My Low Taper Haircut With A Hairdryer and Styling Tools?
Yes, you can style your low taper haircut using a hairdryer, brush, and styling products. These tools can help you achieve different looks and textures.
Can I Switch Between Different Variations Of The Low Taper Haircut?
Yes, the low taper haircut is versatile and can be customized to fit your personal style. You can experiment with different lengths and styles to find the one that suits you best.
How Low Can You Go
Wow, you made it, congrats. We just did a deep dive into all things low-taper hairstyles and then some. We hope you found at last one style that suits your preferences and that you’ll feel confident suits you perfectly! So, call up your barber and book your appointment for a low taper!
