The low taper haircut has gained immense popularity due to its versatile, clean, and modern appearance. With its subtle fade that starts low on the sides, the low taper strikes a perfect balance between a classic and contemporary look. Whether you prefer a short, neat style or want to add some volume to the top, the low taper haircut can be tailored to suit your personal style and hair texture. However, like any sharp and well-defined look, the low taper requires some maintenance and styling knowledge to keep it looking fresh and polished. This guide will cover how to style and maintain a low taper haircut to achieve that sharp, crisp finish that stands out.
Understanding the Low Taper Haircut
The low taper haircut features a gradual fade on the sides and back, starting just above the ears and blending into shorter hair near the neckline. This fade gives the haircut a clean, sophisticated look without being too extreme like the high fade. The length on top can vary, ranging from short and structured to longer, more voluminous styles. The low taper is a versatile haircut that works well with various face shapes and hair types, making it a popular choice among men looking for a contemporary yet manageable style.
Why the Low Taper Requires Maintenance
One of the reasons the low taper haircut is so appealing is its sharp, clean look. However, maintaining that defined appearance requires regular upkeep. As the hair on the sides grows out, the fade starts to lose its distinct lines and sharpness, which can make the cut look untidy. To keep your low taper looking fresh, you’ll need to regularly trim the sides and manage the length on top.
Additionally, the hair on the top of your head, regardless of its length, requires some styling to ensure it remains polished throughout the day. Whether you opt for a textured crop, a pompadour, or a simple comb-over, using the right products and tools is essential to keeping the style looking sharp.
Step--Step Guide to Styling the Low Taper Haircut
Styling your low taper haircut is fairly easy once you know the right products to use and the techniques to apply. Here’s a step--step guide to ensure you can style your low taper haircut for a sharp finish.
Step 1: Start with Clean Hair
The first step in styling any haircut is to start with clean hair. Use a good-quality shampoo and conditioner to ensure your hair is free from dirt, oil, and product buildup. Clean hair will allow styling products to work better and make it easier to manage the hair’s texture.
If your hair tends to get greasy quickly, consider using a dry shampoo between washes to absorb excess oil and add volume. This is particularly helpful for maintaining the structure of your low taper haircut throughout the day.
Step 2: Towel Dry or Air Dry Hair
After washing your hair, towel dry it to remove excess moisture. You can also let your hair air dry for a few minutes if you want more texture or volume. Avoid rubbing your hair aggressively, as this can cause frizz and lead to an uneven texture. For longer hair on top, you might want to leave it slightly damp before you begin styling.
Step 3: Apply Styling Product
The right styling product is essential to achieving a sharp finish with your low taper haircut. Depending on the look you’re going for, here are some options:
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Pomade: For a sleek and polished look, apply a small amount of pomade to your damp hair. Pomade offers a strong hold and adds shine, making it ideal for comb-overs, slicked-back looks, and pompadours. For a more natural look, use a matte pomade or a lightweight styling cream.
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Mousse or Volumizing Cream: If you want to add volume to the top of your low taper haircut, consider using a mousse or volumizing cream. Apply the product to the damp hair, focusing on the roots to create lift. This is perfect for a textured crop or a pompadour-style low taper.
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Hair Wax or Clay: For a matte finish and more texture, wax or hair clay is a great choice. These products provide a flexible hold without adding shine, giving you a more natural, rugged appearance. Hair clay is particularly good for creating a tousled, messy style with a low taper.
When applying your chosen product, start with a small amount. It’s always easier to add more than to take away if you over-apply. Work the product through your hair evenly from the roots to the tips.
Step 4: Style the Hair on Top
Now that you have the product in your hair, it’s time to style the top to your desired shape. How you style the top depends on the length of your hair and the look you want to achieve. Here are a few popular ways to style your low taper:
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Textured Crop: If you have shorter hair on top, use your fingers to create a messy, textured style. Simply lift sections of the hair and separate them with your fingers for a casual yet stylish finish. You can use a comb or brush to define specific areas or leave the style more relaxed and natural.
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Pompadour: For a more formal, sleek look, use a fine-tooth comb to lift the front of your hair and comb it back. The low taper will help create contrast emphasizing the volume at the front while keeping the sides neat and tidy. You can blow-dry your hair on low heat while using a round brush to add more volume.
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Comb-Over: If you prefer a neat and polished look, a comb-over works perfectly with the low taper haircut. Simply use a fine-tooth comb to comb the hair to one side, and make sure the fade on the sides stays clean and sharp. You can use a little hairspray or a light pomade to keep everything in place.
Step 5: Blow Dry (Optional)
If you want to add volume or shape to the top of your low taper haircut, blow-drying is an excellent option. Use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment for curly hair or a concentrator nozzle for straight or wavy hair. Always blow-dry your hair in the direction you want it to go, whether it’s straight back, to the side, or lifted at the front for a pompadour.
Blow-drying the hair can help lock in the style and ensure that your low taper haircut holds up throughout the day. Be sure to use a heat protectant spray if you’re using high heat to prevent hair damage.
Step 6: Finish with Hairspray or Styling Gel
To lock in your style and ensure that it lasts, finish with a light mist of hairspray or a light-hold gel. This is particularly important for more structured styles, such as the comb-over or pompadour, as these require extra hold to maintain their shape. A medium-hold hairspray will help maintain the shape without making your hair look stiff or greasy.
Maintaining the Low Taper Haircut
To keep your low taper haircut looking sharp and fresh, regular maintenance is key. Here are a few maintenance tips:
1. Frequent Trims
The most important aspect of maintaining the low taper haircut is regular trims. As the hair on the sides grows out, the fade will start to lose its sharpness. To keep the fade looking clean and precise, schedule a trim every 3 to 4 weeks. This will ensure that the sides are always tapered and that the hairline remains sharp.
2. Trim the Top Regularly
While the low taper focuses primarily on the fade, the hair on top also needs regular attention. If you’re keeping the hair longer, ensure that it doesn’t grow too long, as it can become difficult to style. Trim the top every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain a well-groomed look.
3. Hydration and Hair Health
Healthy hair is easier to style and holds products better. Make sure you’re using moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to keep your hair hydrated. If your hair feels dry or brittle, consider incorporating hair oils or leave-in conditioners to restore moisture.
4. Touch Up the Fade at Home
If you prefer to maintain your low taper at home in between barber visits, you can use clippers with different guard sizes to clean up the sides. Use a mirror to check the fade’s progress and make sure you’re blending the sides correctly for a smooth transition.
Conclusion
The low taper haircut is a sleek, modern, and versatile style that works for a variety of face shapes and hair types. By following the right steps to style and maintain it, you can ensure that your low taper looks sharp, clean, and polished every day. From choosing the right products to regular trims and styling techniques, mastering the low taper will elevate your grooming game and keep you looking fresh with minimal effort. Whether you prefer a textured crop, a voluminous pompadour, or a simple comb-over, the low taper haircut is an excellent choice for any man looking for a timeless and sophisticated look.