So, you’ve probably heard the term “low taper” thrown around if you hang out in barbershop circles or scroll through haircut pics on Insta. But what exactly is a low taper? And how’s it different from other fades or tapers? I’m just gonna talk through it like I would with a client while cutting hair, no fancy words or perfect sentences. Just the real deal.
What’s a Low Taper?
Alright, first off, a taper means the hair gets shorter as it goes down the sides and back. The “low” part means the fade starts low like right near the ears or just above them. It doesn’t jump up high like a high fade would. So, the sides stay fuller a bit longer and only start blending out closer to the neckline.
You get a really chill, clean look that’s not super dramatic. It’s subtle and classic in its own way. Keeps the top hair longer so you can style it however you want.
Why Choose a Low Taper?
This one’s great if you want a clean haircut but without it looking too flashy or fresh-from-the-barber sharp every single day. It’s kinda like that guy who’s dressed sharp but not screaming about it.
Plus, if you’re rocking some volume on top — like a quiff or a pompadour — the low taper doesn’t mess with your length. It keeps things balanced. It’s especially good if you have thick hair because it holds weight up top while cleaning up the sides.
How’s It Different From Other Tapers?
So, there’s high tapers, medium tapers, and low tapers. High starts high on the side, near the crown or temples, giving a more noticeable contrast. Medium is somewhere in the middle.
Low taper is the slow burner. It starts low and keeps it subtle. You might hear about a burst fade — that’s a specific fade around the ear that looks like a “burst” shape. You can have a burst fade blended into a low taper, but they aren’t exactly the same thing.
How Do You Ask Your Barber?
Honestly, just say “low taper fade” when you sit down. Bring a picture if you have one, it makes life easier for both of you. Tell them you want the fade to start low, near the ears, and keep length on top.
You can also specify how clean you want the neckline. Some want it faded close to skin, others want a softer edge. And whether you want skin fade or a short clipper length fade — these little details help get what you want.
Is Low Taper Hard to Maintain?
NO. Low taper’s pretty chill on maintenance. Because the fade starts low and isn’t super aggressive, you don’t have to rush back every week. Every 2-3 weeks is cool if you want it fresh.
Top can be styled any way — pomade, wax, or just air-dried. The low taper keeps the sides clean while you do your thing on top.
Who’s Low Taper Good For?
Really, anyone. Works with curly, straight, thick, thin hair. It’s a low-key sharp look, good for work or casual days. If you want to add designs or mix in a burst fade, low taper’s a good base.
So yeah, low taper is just a clean, easy style that suits lots of people and grows out nicely. It’s not flashy but definitely keeps you looking good. Let it taper off here.
FAQs
- How often should I get a low taper touched up?
Usually every 2-3 weeks if you want it sharp, but you can wait longer if you don’t mind a little grown out fade. - Can I get a low taper with curly hair?
For sure. It keeps curls neat on the sides while you keep length on top. - Is a low taper the same as a fade?
Sort of. A taper is a type of fade, but usually more subtle. Low taper means it starts low. - Can I mix a burst fade with a low taper?
Yep. Burst fades around the ear can blend nicely into a low taper. - What products work best with a low taper?
Pomades, waxes, whatever you like for holding your top style. The sides stay clean on their own.
Kamran Shahzad is an expert in men’s grooming and hair fashion, dedicated to helping modern gents refine their style. At Refine Gents, he shares timeless tips, sharp cuts, and fresh trends to keep your look polished and confident.