How to Give a Tight Taper Haircut

A tight tapered haircut is similar to a crew cut except the hair is much shorter on top.

A taper cut is a cross between a crew cut, a buzz cut and a fade. A true taper cut will have longer hair forward on the head that it will slowly taper to be shorter as you move to the back of the head. It is a common short haircut for both men and women and is fashionable in any situation. Some taper haircuts are left longer in the front so that styling products can be applied to slighty alter the person's look. A tight taper haircut can be achieved using electric hair clippers and other common styling tools.

Things You'll Need

• Brush (optional)
• Electric hair clipper with medium and small clipper gates
• Cutting comb
• Mousse or styling gel (optional)

Instructions

1. Determine the shape and the length that the haircut needs to be. Brush or comb the hair along the direction of growth.

2. Select the medium-size clipper gate for the electric hair clippers. Properly secure the gate to the clippers.

3. Begin lightly cutting at the front hairline, cutting backward to the base of the head. Progressively cut closer as you move toward the back of the head.

4. Repeat the cut on the sides of the head moving back past the ears until you reach the center of the back of the head. The cut should get progressively closer (or tapered) as you move back.

5. Go over the cut on the top edges of the head. There should be no line visible showing a transition between the top of the head and the sides of the head. Switch to a smaller clipper gate if the trim needs to be tighter.

6. Remove the gate from the clippers and shave the hair on the back of the neck. Use the clippers to trim any hair behind the ears.

7. Use the fine teeth of a cutting comb and sharp scissors to trim the hair in front and around the ears and anywhere that you see an uneven hairline. Style as desired with mousse or styling gel.

References

• # Laura E. Carlson; Cosmetology Student: Rudy & Kelly Academy; Virginia Beach, Va.; August 2011
• * Hudson's FTM Resource Guide: Men's Short Haircuts and the Barber Shop
• CoolMensHair.com: How to Give A Taper Haircut