When it comes to modern men’s hairstyles, few styles offer the balance between professionalism and casual cool like the mid-taper. This versatile haircut has taken the grooming world by storm, blending a clean, polished look with just the right amount of edge. If you’re searching for a haircut that works for both boardrooms and bars, the mid-taper might just be your new go-to style.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes the mid-taper so popular, how it differs from other taper styles, and tips for maintaining the perfect look.
What is a Mid-Taper?
The mid-taper is a type of fade haircut where the hair gradually shortens from the middle of the sides and back down toward the ears and neckline. Unlike a low taper, which fades close to the hairline, or a high taper, which fades near the crown, the mid-taper strikes a perfect balance—offering a clean but noticeable transition.
This style is ideal for those who want something sharp and stylish without looking too edgy or extreme. The mid-taper works well with a variety of hair types and lengths, whether you prefer a short crop, textured top, or longer waves.
Why the Mid-Taper is So Popular
There are a few reasons why the mid-taper has surged in popularity:
- Versatility: The mid-taper complements almost any haircut on top, making it easy to personalize.
- Professional Look: It’s polished enough for formal settings yet stylish for casual events.
- Low Maintenance: Compared to more intricate fades, a mid-taper is easier to maintain.
- Face Framing: The gradual fade helps in contouring the face, highlighting your natural features.
- Universality: Regardless of hair type—straight, curly, wavy, or coiled—the mid-taper can be tailored to suit.
How the Mid-Taper Differs From Other Taper Styles
While the differences between tapers may seem subtle at first glance, they have a significant impact on your overall look:
- Low Taper: Fades just above the ears, offering a more understated appearance.
- High Taper: Starts fading near the temple or crown, creating a bolder, edgier style.
- Mid-Taper: Begins in the middle of the sides and back, balancing sharpness and subtlety.
In simple terms, the mid-taper offers the “Goldilocks zone” of haircuts—not too high, not too low, but just right.
How to Ask Your Barber for a Mid-Taper
Communication is key when visiting your barber. Here’s how you can confidently ask for a mid-taper:
- Specify you want a mid-taper fade, beginning midway between your temple and your ear.
- Mention if you want a skin fade (down to the bare skin) or a more subtle fade with a bit of hair left.
- Discuss the style you want on top—whether it’s longer for styling options or shorter for a neat look.
- Bring reference photos if possible to make it crystal clear.
A good barber will appreciate the clarity and will tailor the mid-taper to suit your head shape and hair texture.
Best Hairstyles to Pair with a Mid-Taper
The mid-taper works well with numerous hairstyles, giving you endless options to express your personality. Here are a few ideas:
1. Textured Crop with Mid-Taper
A slightly messy, textured top combined with a neat mid-taper creates a fashionable, low-effort style perfect for daily wear.
2. Pompadour with Mid-Taper
For those wanting a classic yet bold style, the voluminous pompadour pairs elegantly with a clean mid-taper.
3. Curly Top with Mid-Taper
Men with curly hair can let their natural texture shine while the mid-taper keeps the sides sharp and clean.
4. Slicked Back Mid-Taper
Use a strong-hold pomade to slick your hair back neatly; the mid-taper adds a modern edge to this timeless look.
5. Afro with Mid-Taper
A mid-taper allows Afro hair to maintain its volume on top while creating a smooth gradient along the sides.
Maintenance Tips for Your Mid-Taper
To keep your mid-taper looking fresh, consider the following tips:
- Regular Trims: Visit your barber every 2–3 weeks to maintain the clean gradient.
- Use Quality Hair Products: Depending on your hair type and desired style, invest in good pomades, clays, or texturizing sprays.
- Moisturize Your Scalp: A neat mid-taper exposes more scalp area, so keep it hydrated to avoid flakiness.
- Brush and Style Daily: Light brushing helps maintain the flow of the haircut, especially if you’re wearing textured or longer styles.
DIY Mid-Taper: Is It Possible?
While getting a professional barber to do your mid-taper is highly recommended, it is possible to achieve a basic version at home if you have the right tools. You’ll need:
- Good quality clippers with adjustable guards
- A hand mirror
- Steady hands and a lot of patience!
Start with a larger clipper guard on top and gradually work your way down with smaller guards as you move toward the neckline. Blending is crucial to a good mid-taper, so take your time and go slow.
Mid-Taper for Different Face Shapes
One of the best features of the mid-taper is its adaptability to different face shapes:
- Round Faces: The mid-taper adds structure and length to your appearance.
- Square Faces: It softens strong jawlines while keeping the look masculine.
- Oval Faces: Almost any style, including the mid-taper, looks great on an oval face.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: Balances the width of the forehead with the narrowness of the chin.
Whatever your face shape, a skilled barber can customize the mid-taper to enhance your best features.
Final Thoughts
The mid-taper haircut offers the best of both worlds—neat, stylish, and endlessly versatile. Whether you want a clean professional look or a casual street-style vibe, the mid-taper is flexible enough to meet your needs. It’s no wonder this haircut continues to rise in popularity among men of all ages and hair types.
If you haven’t tried the mid-taper yet, now might be the perfect time to level up your hairstyle. Trust us—once you experience the sharp, clean look of a great mid-taper, you’ll never want to go back.
