Want a haircut that looks sharp, clean, and never goes out of style? The high taper haircut is one of the best choices you can make.
It’s short on the sides. It’s neat around the ears. And it works with almost any hair type, face shape, or style you like.
In this guide, we will show you 27 trendy high taper haircuts for men. You will also learn how to ask your barber for the right cut, and how to keep it looking fresh.
Let’s understand this step by step.
What Is a High Taper Haircut?
A high taper haircut is a cut where the hair gets shorter as it goes down toward the ears and neck. The “high” part means the tapering starts higher up on the head, close to the temples.
This is different from a low taper, where the fade starts near the ears only.
Why do so many men love this cut? Simple. It’s:
- Clean and sharp looking
- Easy to maintain
- Good for work, school, or casual days
- A great match for beards, curls, and straight hair alike
Think of it like a well-ironed shirt. It just makes you look put together, without much effort.
How to Ask Your Barber for a High Taper
Barber language can be confusing. Here’s a simple way to explain it:
- Say “high taper” and point to your temple area
- Show a photo (very important, trust us)
- Tell your barber how short you want the top
A good tip: bring a picture from this list. Barbers work faster and better when they can see what you want.
27 Trendy High Taper Haircuts for Men
Now let’s get to the main part. Here are 27 styles you can try, grouped by hair type and vibe.
Classic and Clean Styles
1. High Taper with Side Part A sharp line on the side. Simple, sharp, and works in any office.
2. High Taper Crew Cut Short top, tapered sides. This one screams “low maintenance, high style.”
3. High Taper with Comb Over Longer hair on top, swept to one side. Great for a formal look.
4. Slick Back High Taper Hair pushed back with gel or cream. Bold and confident.
5. High Taper Buzz Cut Very short all over, with a tight taper. Fast to style. Zero fuss.
Textured and Curly Styles
6. High Taper with Curls on Top Let your curls shine on top while the sides stay tight. Great contrast.
7. High Taper Afro Full volume on top, high taper on the sides. Bold and full of character.
8. Twist Out High Taper Defined twists on top with a sharp taper below. Popular among men with coily hair.
9. High Taper with Waves Also called “360 waves.” The waves flow on top, and the taper keeps it sharp.
10. Textured Crop High Taper Messy, choppy top with a clean taper underneath. Looks effortless, but it takes skill to cut right.
Fade Combinations
11. High Taper Fade This is the taper’s close cousin. The fade blends even shorter, almost skin level, before rising into the taper.
12. High Taper with Skin Fade Extra sharp. The sides go down to bare skin before blending into the top.
13. Drop Fade High Taper The fade line drops behind the ear. Adds a stylish curve to your look.
If you enjoy fades, you might also like our full guide on 33 Top Burst Fade Haircut Styles for Men. Burst fades and high tapers pair really well for men who like variety.
Business and Professional Looks
14. High Taper with Pompadour Volume in the front, taper on the sides. Confident and stylish for meetings.
15. High Taper Quiff A short, swept-up front. Modern and sharp for office days.
16. High Taper with Hard Part A shaved line separates the taper from the top hair. Adds a crisp finish.
17. High Taper Undercut Short sides, longer top. A modern twist on an old classic.
Bold and Modern Cuts
18. High Taper Mohawk Sides tapered tight, with a strip of longer hair on top. Great for men who like to stand out.
19. High Taper with Design Add a line, star, or pattern shaved into the side. Fun and personal.
20. Spiky High Taper Top hair spiked up with gel. Sides tapered clean. Youthful and energetic.
21. High Taper Mullet Short on the sides, longer at the back. This retro cut is making a comeback.
Short and Simple Styles
22. High Taper Caesar Cut Short, straight fringe on top. Simple and timeless.
23. High Taper French Crop Textured fringe with a tight taper. Popular with younger guys.
24. Ivy League High Taper Slightly longer top than a crew cut, styled to the side. Preppy and neat.
Styles with Beards
25. High Taper with Full Beard The taper keeps your head sharp while your beard adds character. A strong combo.
26. High Taper with Stubble Light stubble pairs well with a clean taper. Balanced and masculine.
Unique and Edgy Choice
27. High Taper with Edgar Cut The Edgar cut has a straight fringe and rounded sides. Mixing it with a high taper gives a bold, trendy look. Want more ideas like this? Check out our post on 33 Trending Edgar Haircuts for Men for more styles in this trend.
How to Choose the Right High Taper for You
Not sure which one fits you best? Ask yourself these questions:
- What is your hair type? Curly hair looks great with styles like the Afro taper. Straight hair works well with slick backs and side parts.
- What is your face shape? Round faces often look sharper with more height on top. Square faces suit almost every taper style.
- What is your daily routine? Busy mornings? Pick a buzz cut or crew cut. More time to style? Try a pompadour or quiff.
There’s no wrong answer here. It’s your hair, your style, your rules.
Tips to Maintain Your High Taper Haircut
A great haircut needs a little care to stay sharp. Here’s what helps:
- Visit your barber every 2 to 3 weeks to keep the taper clean
- Use a light pomade or cream for daily styling
- Wash your hair 2 to 3 times a week to keep it healthy
- Sleep with a silk or satin pillowcase if you have curly or wavy hair
- Trim your beard along with your haircut for a matching look
Small habits like these keep your cut looking fresh, even between barber visits.
Final Thoughts
The high taper haircut is a smart pick for any man who wants a clean, sharp, and stylish look. It’s simple to maintain, works with every hair type, and suits both casual and formal settings.
From classic crew cuts to bold mohawks, there’s a style on this list for everyone. Pick one that matches your face shape and lifestyle, show it to your barber, and you’re good to go.
Your next great haircut is just one barber visit away. Go get it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a high taper good for thin hair?
Yes. It actually helps thin hair look fuller, since the shorter sides create contrast with the top.
Can I get a high taper with long hair on top?
Absolutely. Many men keep 3 to 4 inches on top and taper the sides tight.
How is a high taper different from a fade?
A taper blends gradually and never goes fully bare. A fade often goes down to the skin. Many barbers mix both for a custom look.
Does a high taper work for older men?
Yes, it works at any age. Classic styles like the crew cut or Ivy League taper look neat and professional for men of all ages.
