25 Trendy High Taper Haircuts for Men

The High Taper Fade is a bold, fresh edge to modern men’s style. This cut blends tight, skin-close fades up the sides with voluminous texture on top, creating contrast and movement. Blow-dry the top for lift, then shape it with the Texture Clay for strong hold and a matte finish. Use finger-styling to enhance definition. The High Taper Fade speaks confidence, sharp, clean, and perfectly on-trend for Gen Z swagger.

High Taper Haircut

The High Taper Haircut delivers a clean, sharp look with high contrast and bold structure. It features neatly tapered sides that rise high, balancing the top’s natural flow and volume. Style it by blow-drying upward for lift and shaping with Styling Cream to add flexible texture without stiffness. Ideal for thick or wavy hair, the High Taper Haircut turns heads and suits oval, round, and diamond-shaped faces perfectly.

High Taper Black Male

The High Taper for Black Male blends clean lines with natural texture, creating a sharp and fresh look. The sides taper high above the ears, while the top keeps its coiled shape full of character and movement. Use Styling Cream to define curls and reduce frizz without weighing hair down. Blow-dry with a diffuser for shape. This cut looks great on oval, round, and square face shapes.

High Taper Curly Hair

The Curly Hair with High Taper blends clean, high-contrast sides with naturally voluminous curls on top, giving you movement, shape, and edge. The taper climbs above the temple, highlighting sharp facial features while letting curls stay full and bouncy. Use Curl Enhancing Cream to define texture and finish with a light Texture Spray for flexible hold. Blow-dry with a diffuser and finger-shape to maintain that soft, touchable volume all day.

High Taper Mullet

The Mullet with High Taper brings a retro attitude into the present with a modern twist. This cut keeps the sides short with a high taper while leaving length at the back and texture through the top. Blow-dry with volume and define shape using Molding Paste to maintain that layered movement. The taper tightens the sides, making the mullet more wearable for teens. Best suited for oval and square face shapes.

High Taper Buzz Cut

The Buzz Cut with High Taper delivers sharp definition with low effort, perfect for guys who want a clean, athletic vibe. This cut features tightly cropped sides that taper high above the ear and a uniform buzzed top. To keep the taper fresh and the top looking healthy, apply a small amount of Texture Clay for a soft hold and natural finish. It’s a go-to choice for a cool, confident appearance.

High Taper Slick Back

The High Taper with Slick Back fuses classic cool with modern precision, featuring neatly tapered sides that rise high into a slicked-back top full of control and flow. Use Molding Paste on damp hair, then blow-dry while combing backward to lock in the sleek direction without stiffness. This style adds confidence to any outfit and works great for oval, square, or diamond face shapes.

High Taper Fringe

The High Taper with Fringe blends sharp edges with textured movement for a bold, youthful finish. This style features a cropped, choppy fringe paired with a high taper that lifts the sides and emphasizes the top’s tousled volume. Use Texture Clay to define the strands and blow-dry with finger-shaping for a loose, natural effect. Ideal for oval, round, or heart-shaped faces seeking an edgy, trend-forward statement.

High Taper with Straight Hair

The High Taper with Straight Hair delivers a clean yet expressive silhouette, tapering the sides high while keeping the top sleek and controlled. This cut works best with naturally straight strands, allowing smooth movement and direction. Blow-dry using a brush for lift, then apply Styling Cream to boost shape and manageability without weighing it down. Ideal for oval and diamond face shapes craving sharp contrast and effortless control.

High Taper Afro

The Afro with High Taper brings volume and edge together, tapering the sides tightly while letting the top showcase natural curls in full form. This style highlights dense texture and height, making it a favorite for expressive, low-maintenance looks. Shape curls using your fingers and enhance definition with Texture Clay for long-lasting hold and softness. Best suited for round, square, or oval face shapes looking to amplify natural hair personality.

High Taper Blowout

The High Taper with Blowout turns heads with its bold lift and airy finish. This style blends a tight taper on the sides with high-volume texture on top, creating movement and height that feels effortless. Use a blow dryer and Volumizing Mousse to sculpt the top, then finish with Styling Cream to control frizz. Ideal for round and oval face shapes seeking elevated structure with minimal fuss.

High Taper Edgar

The High Taper with Edgar delivers a bold attitude with a clean edge, making it a standout for trendsetting teens. This cut features a sharply defined front fringe, paired with a high taper that tapers smoothly above the ears. Use Molding Paste for definition and Matte Clay for volume and hold. Blow-dry while finger-shaping the top to add natural texture and movement that keeps the style fresh all day.

High Taper Textured Fringe

The High Taper with Textured Fringe blends effortless flow with a bold taper finish, making it perfect for teens chasing an expressive look. The top stays messy and voluminous with layered texture, while the sides taper gradually to keep things tidy. Use Texture Clay to sculpt movement and boost grip. Finger-shape during blow-drying for a relaxed fringe that adds character. Best suited for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces.

High Taper Comb Over

The Comb Over with High Taper delivers a polished profile with effortless side-swept structure and a gradual taper around the ears and neckline. This style blends volume and direction, giving the top lift and movement while keeping the sides crisp. Apply Molding Paste to damp hair and blow-dry while combing over for hold and definition. Ideal for oval, square, and diamond face shapes seeking a sharp, versatile look.

High Taper Short Hair

The High Taper Short Hair blends tight sides with short, textured layers on top, offering a crisp look with tons of edge. This style gives you movement and shape without needing too much length. Blow-dry the top forward using your fingers, then apply Texture Clay to lock in volume and grip. It’s the perfect option for guys who want a simple cut that’s bold and low-maintenance.

High Taper Design

The High Taper with Design adds bold personality to your look with custom razor-shaved patterns blended into a clean taper. This cut combines sharp edges on the neckline and sides with short, textured top layers. To style, blow-dry upward and shape with your fingers for lift. Use Molding Paste for flexible hold and detail definition. The High Taper Design turns a regular cut into a head-turning statement.

High Taper with Long Hair

The High Taper with Long Hair mixes clean taper sides with long, voluminous locks for a bold and balanced look. The contrast makes the top stand out, while the tapered edges keep it fresh. Use the Styling Cream to control flyaways and define the flow. Blow-dry for added lift and natural motion. This hairstyle works especially well on guys with oval or diamond face shapes.

High Taper Skin Fade

The Skin Fade haircut with High Taper blends a clean skin fade with short, evenly trimmed hair for a sleek and powerful style. The sharp lines around the temple give it an edge, while the taper keeps it smooth around the ears and neckline. For a polished finish, use a touch of Molding Paste to enhance natural texture. This cut works best for square, round, and heart-shaped faces.

High Taper Burst Fade

The Burst Fade with High Taper showcases a tight, rounded fade around the ear that bursts into voluminous curls up top and in the back. The contrast draws attention to texture and movement, making it a bold pick for curly-haired guys. Blow-dry with a diffuser and use Styling Cream to shape the curls without stiffness. This look fits best on oval, triangle, or oblong face shapes.

High Taper with Braids

The High Taper with Braids delivers a fresh, edgy contrast between tight side fades and thick, structured braids on top. This look amplifies texture and personality, allowing braids to fall back with movement and clean lines at the temples. Use Hydrating Argan Oil to keep the scalp nourished and braids smooth. Best suited for square, round, or oval face shapes for a well-balanced silhouette.

High Taper Dreads

The High Taper with Dreads combine clean sides with thick, full dreadlocks for a bold and fresh look. The taper makes the dreads stand out while keeping the cut looking neat. Use Hydrating Argan Oil to keep your hair soft and healthy. You can finger-shape the dreads for a natural finish. This hairstyle looks best on guys with oval, diamond, or triangle face shapes.

High Taper Waves

The High Taper with Waves blends sharp tapering on the sides with soft, defined waves up top for a smooth, eye-catching style. The waves add flow and texture, while the taper keeps the edges tight. Use Styling Cream to add control and shine without weighing your hair down. Keep your waves fresh with regular brushing. This look works best for round, oval, and square face shapes.

High Taper Mohawk

The Mohawk with High Taper is bold and full of attitude, combining tapered sides with a lifted center strip that runs from front to back. This cut gives your hair height and shape while keeping the edges sharp and clean. Use Texture Clay to add volume and grip for all-day hold. Blow-dry upward for extra lift. This style looks best on oval, square, and round face shapes.

High Taper Undercut

The High Taper Undercut blends short tapered sides with a longer, slicked-back top that shows off volume and flow. This style gives a clean contrast that feels both trendy and put-together. Use Molding Paste to shape and keep the top in place while adding natural shine. Blow-dry with a round brush for smoother texture. Best suited for oval, square, or diamond-shaped faces.

High Taper Middle Part

The High Taper of the Middle Part haircut is a fresh and balanced look that blends soft volume with clean sides. The center part adds symmetry, while the high taper keeps it sharp and neat around the ears and neckline. Use Texture Clay to add grip and natural hold without stiffness. Blow-dry for added shape and movement. This style works best for oval, heart, and round face shapes.

 

High Taper vs Other Tapers: Key Differences

High Taper vs Low Taper

When comparing High Taper vs Low Taper, the difference lies in where the tapers begin. A High Taper starts closer to the temples for a bold, edgy contrast, while a Low Taper just above the neckline for a more subtle, polished look. Both work great with textured styles. High Tapers suit round faces, while Low Tapers suits oval shapes.

High Taper vs Mid Taper

High Taper vs Mid Taper is all about how high the tapers start on your head. High Taper begins near the temples, creating a bold and sharp finish. Mid Taper starts at the middle of the sides for a more balanced and relaxed look. High Taper suits round faces, while Mid Taper works well for square and oval face shapes.

 

How to Choose the Right High Taper Haircut

To get the best high taper haircut, consider your hair’s natural texture and your face shape. Here's how to match the style to both.

By Hair Type

Find the best taper for your hair type. Straight and fine hair benefits from styles with volume and texture. Wavy or curly hair pairs well with high tapers that define natural shape. Coily textures look sharp with tightly faded tapers that reduce bulk.

By Face Shape

Choose a taper that flatters your face shape. Add height and angles for round faces. Keep it balanced and clean for oval shapes. Soften sharp jawlines on square faces. For long faces, reduce fade height and keep volume low to avoid elongating the silhouette.

 

How to Ask Your Barber for a High Taper

Asking for a high taper haircut the right way ensures perfect results. Learn the terms, tools, and visuals that help barbers deliver your style.

Show a Reference Image

Always bring a clear, high-resolution reference image when asking for a high taper haircut. Visual guides reduce confusion and help your barber match taper height, neckline, and texture. Use “high taper photo” or “high taper haircut example” to show your exact style.

Key Terms to Mention

Use precise terms like “high taper,” “taper height,” and “clipper guard number” to describe your haircut. Mention whether you want a skin taper, tapered neckline, or textured top. Clear barber language prevents confusion and ensures your cut meets expectations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid vague instructions like “just a taper.” Always explain your desired taper height, top length, and neckline. Without specifics, barbers may guess, leading to unsatisfying results. Say “high taper with defined edges” to guide them with confidence.

 

How to Style a High Taper Haircut

Want to style your high taper haircut like a pro? Use this easy, step-by-step routine for clean structure, volume, and long-lasting shape.

Wash and Prep the Hair

Start by cleansing your hair with a shampoo and hydrating conditioner. Clean, damp hair sets the foundation for styling a high taper haircut with better volume, smoother texture, and improved product absorption based on your hair type.

Apply Pre-Styler

Apply a lightweight pre-styler like sea salt spray or volumizing mousse to damp hair. This adds grip, protects from heat, and gives your high taper structure before blow-drying especially useful for fine or straight hair types.

Blow-Dry with Direction

Blow-dry using medium heat and a brush or fingers, directing hair upward or backward depending on the desired style. This technique builds lift, shape, and control, essential for maintaining structure in high taper haircuts with longer tops.

Use Finishing Product

Finish with a styling product tailored to your hair type. Use clay for matte texture, pomade for shine, or cream for natural flow. This step defines your haircut and locks the style in place all day.

 

Maintenance Tips for a High Taper Haircut

Keeping your high taper haircut fresh takes routine care. Follow these maintenance tips to preserve sharp lines, healthy hair, and long-lasting style.

Barber Visits

Visit your barber every 2-4 weeks to keep your high taper sharp and well-blended. Clearly communicate your preferred taper height and neckline style. Between visits, use a detail trimmer to clean up your edges and extend the life of your fresh cut.

Hair Routine

Stick to a consistent daily hair care routine. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a hydrating conditioner to maintain softness and scalp health. Apply pomade or wax for styling. For curly hair, hydrating creams help define texture and reduce frizz. Healthy hair holds shape better and makes your taper look polished and clean.

 

Best Hair Products for a High Taper

Choosing the best products for a high taper haircut helps define shape, enhance texture, and maintain a polished, long-lasting style every day.

Texture Clay

Use texture clay to sculpt high taper styles with a matte finish and firm hold. Ideal for thick hair and modern, voluminous cuts.

Molding Paste

Apply molding paste to add flexible hold and separation to high taper hairstyles. Perfect for natural movement and layered, textured top styling.

Pomade

Pomade adds sleek shine and strong hold, making it ideal for high taper slick backs, side parts, or structured, professional styles.

Texture Powder

Use texture powder to boost lift and root volume. It creates lightweight, defined styles without weighing the hair down.

Styling Cream

Styling cream gives soft control and natural flow to high taper hairstyles. Best for wavy or fine hair needing moisture and lightweight shaping.

Sea Salt Spray

Spray sea salt mist to enhance texture and build a natural body. Ideal for high taper haircuts needing casual, beach-inspired movement and volume.

Hydrating Argan Oil

Argan oil hydrates and smooths high taper haircuts, controlling frizz while enhancing shine especially effective for curly or dry hair types.

Clarifying Shampoo

Clarifying shampoo removes buildup from styling products, helping maintain scalp health and clean lines in high taper grooming routines.

Hydrating Conditioner

Hydrating conditioner strengthens strands, improves softness, and keeps high taper styles smooth, moisturized, and easy to manage between cuts.

 

FAQs

What is a high taper?

A high taper haircut starts fading just above the temples, creating a sharp contrast between the sides and top for a clean, modern look.

Which is better, taper or fade?

A taper looks more natural and low-maintenance, while a fade offers sharper contrast. Choose based on your style preference, face shape, and lifestyle needs.

Is a high taper a fade?

Yes, a high taper is a specific type of fade. While a general fade refers to any gradual shortening of hair, a high taper distinguishes itself by starting the fade higher on the head, creating a clean but often less aggressive transition than a skin fade.

How do I ask my barber for a high taper?

Tell your barber you want a high taper that fades above the temples. Mention top length and show a photo for reference.

What face shape suits a high taper?

High tapers flatter oval, square, and round face shapes by elongating the head and sharpening the jawline with a structured, balanced look.

How long does a high taper haircut last?

A high taper haircut stays sharp for 2-3 weeks, depending on your hair growth. Regular touch-ups help maintain its clean fade line.

What’s the difference between a high taper and a low taper?

A high taper starts above the temples for stronger contrast. A low taper begins near the neckline, offering a softer, more subtle transition.