The high taper haircut is a powerful grooming style that combines sharp lines, clean fades, and maximum contrast. It starts high on the sides and blends downward with precision, creating a striking frame for the face while emphasizing the hairstyle on top. Ideal for men who want a bold yet clean appearance, the high taper offers both versatility and impact. From athletes to professionals, it’s a go-to haircut that fits any occasion and complements various hair types.
What Is a High Taper Haircut?
A high taper haircut begins higher up on the head—typically around the temples or above—and gradually fades down the sides and back of the neck. The top remains longer, allowing for personalized styling like curls, waves, comb overs, or afros.
Unlike a traditional taper which starts lower near the ears, the high taper creates more contrast and a defined silhouette. The dramatic blend makes it a statement haircut that sharpens facial features and draws attention to the top of the head.
Why the High Taper Is So Popular
Clean and Structured Look
The high taper is known for its neatness. It maintains tight, short sides while giving room on top to express personality through different hair textures or styles. This makes it suitable for both casual and formal settings.
Complements All Hair Types
Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coiled, the high taper adapts. The faded sides can be shaped according to your texture, while the top offers room to show off natural volume or precise styling.
Works With Facial Hair
This haircut blends well with beards, goatees, or clean-shaven looks. You can even add a beard fade to complement the taper for an all-around polished finish.
Popular Among Trendsetters
Celebrities, athletes, and influencers often wear the high taper haircut because it stands out while remaining sharp. Its rise in popularity is driven by its adaptability and clean presentation.
Variations of the High Taper Haircut
High Taper with Curly Top
Curly hair combined with a high taper gives a great balance of volume and precision. The curls provide texture and movement, while the taper shapes the face cleanly.
High Taper with Waves
For those with wavy or 360 wave hair patterns, the high taper creates a sleek contrast. This combination is often used in urban fashion scenes and is easy to maintain.
High Taper with Textured Crop
A textured crop top with a high taper is modern and stylish. The top is usually short with lots of movement, and the taper keeps the sides and back tight.
High Taper with Pompadour
A high taper works exceptionally well with a pompadour, where volume and height are focused on the front of the head. This gives a classic-meets-contemporary vibe.
High Taper with Buzz Cut
Even with a short top, the high taper can add character. A buzz cut with a high taper gives a clean, military-inspired look that’s easy to maintain.
How to Ask Your Barber for a High Taper
Be Precise About Fade Height
Make it clear that you want a high taper—not a low or mid taper. Mention that you want the fade to start near or above the temple.
Indicate Top Length Preference
Let the barber know how long you want the top. If you prefer volume or specific styling, the length on top should match your lifestyle and hair texture.
Discuss Hairline and Edge Options
High tapers often include sharp line-ups or shape-ups at the hairline. Ask if you’d like clean edges, curved temples, or squared fronts depending on your face shape.
Consider Beard Integration
If you have facial hair, ask for a beard taper or fade that blends with the high taper cut. This adds harmony to the overall look and defines your jawline.
How to Maintain a High Taper
Schedule Frequent Barber Visits
A high taper needs upkeep to stay sharp. Plan a trim every 2–3 weeks to maintain the fade and prevent overgrowth on the sides.
Keep the Top Moisturized
Depending on your hair type, use curl creams, pomades, or lightweight gels to style the top. For curly or coiled hair, hydration is key.
Brush or Comb Regularly
Straight or wavy hair types benefit from daily brushing to maintain the structure of the top. For tighter curls, finger-styling or wide-tooth combs work best.
Clean Up the Neckline
Even if you can’t visit your barber often, keeping your neckline clean helps preserve the overall neatness of the taper.
Styling Tips for a High Taper Haircut
Use Matte Products
For a natural look, matte styling creams or clays work well with most hair types. They provide hold without making the hair look greasy.
Try Parting Styles
Add a hard part or side part to your high taper for extra sharpness. This adds detail and helps control direction in styled tops.
Play With Volume
High tapers let you experiment with volume. Blow-dry your hair with a round brush or diffuser to lift the roots and add height.
Use Leave-In Conditioner
For curly or textured hair, use leave-in conditioners to keep the curls defined and prevent frizz throughout the day.
Face Shapes Best Suited for a High Taper
Oval Face
A high taper enhances the natural symmetry of oval faces, offering the freedom to try multiple top styles.
Round Face
The height created by a high taper adds length to the face, making it appear slimmer and more structured.
Square Face
This haircut sharpens the strong jawline and balances out wider cheekbones, resulting in a powerful, masculine look.
When to Choose a High Taper
You Want Bold Definition
If you’re aiming for a noticeable haircut that frames the face, the high taper offers clean angles and a strong visual impression.
You Prefer Low-Side Volume
The high taper removes bulk from the sides while allowing you to keep the top long or styled. This is great for summer weather or active lifestyles.
You Enjoy Trying New Styles
This haircut is versatile and works as a base for different trends. You can switch up the top style—go from curls to twists or pompadours—while keeping the same tapered sides.
FAQs
What is a high taper haircut?
A high taper haircut features a gradual fade that starts near the temples and moves down the sides and back, offering a clean contrast with a longer top.
How is a high taper different from a low taper?
A high taper starts higher on the head, near the temples, and creates more contrast compared to a low taper, which starts near the ears and blends more gradually.
How often should I trim a high taper?
Visit your barber every 2 to 3 weeks to keep the fade sharp and the overall style well-maintained.
Does a high taper work with curly or coiled hair?
Yes, a high taper complements all hair types. It shapes curly and coiled hair beautifully by reducing volume on the sides while emphasizing the texture on top.
Can I combine a high taper with a beard?
Absolutely. Many people combine a high taper with a tapered or faded beard for a seamless, stylish finish.