curly hair · mens hair
Curly Taper Haircut for Men: Types and Howto Ask
A curly taper keeps curls on top and shortens the sides gradually. Here are the main types, who each suits, and how to ask your barber for one.
Hairover Team
A curly taper is a men’s haircut that keeps curls on top while the sides and back gradually shorten toward the neck and ears. It looks cleaner than untouched curls but softer than a skin fade, and it grows out gracefully. The most common types are the low taper, mid taper, curly fringe taper, and temple taper. A low taper is the easiest place to start, because it keeps the most hair and is easy to adjust later.
If you’re still working out the terminology, read fade vs. taper first. The rest of this guide assumes you want a taper on curly hair.
Why a taper works so well on curls
Curly hair grows outward as well as downward, so the sides can quickly look wide and rounded. A taper trims only the bottom of that shape, and the curls on top stay long. Your head keeps a defined shape without needing the frequent barber visits that a high skin fade does.
There’s also less contrast, so a taper can pass in more conservative workplaces. It’s a useful middle ground if you want something neat but aren’t ready for a dramatic fade.
Low curly taper
The shortening happens only near the neck and sideburns. The sides stay curly above that point. This is the most natural version and suits nearly every face shape and curl type.
Best for: first-timers, long curly tops, and anyone growing out a fade. Ask for “a low taper around the ears and neck, keeping curls on the sides above that.”
Mid curly taper
The shortening starts around the temple, so the sides are noticeably tighter. It helps if your curls are very thick and the sides puff out, or if your face is round, as it removes some width.
Best for: thick curls and rounder faces. Ask for “a mid taper with the top left full, blended into the curls with no hard line.”
Curly fringe taper
Here the curls fall forward over the forehead while the sides are tapered. This is the shape many younger men ask for, and it can be a good way to cover a high forehead. For details on the front section, see our curly fringe haircut guide. The broccoli haircut is a bolder version with a rounder top.
Ask for: “curls left long and falling forward, low to mid taper on the sides, shaped dry.”
Temple taper
Just the temples and sideburns get tightened, and everything else stays long. It’s a small change that makes long curls look intentional. It also pairs well with medium-length hair. Names for this vary between shops, so bring a photo.
Taper with a neat beard
A taper can blend directly into a beard for a clean, continuous line. Tell your barber you want the sideburns to connect to the beard smoothly. See our beard styles for 2027 for shapes that pair well.
Curl type changes the result
| Curl type | What to expect | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Loose waves | The taper can look like a regular short-sides cut | Leave more length on top so waves can form |
| Defined curls | Good balance of shape and definition | Ask for the top to be shaped dry |
| Tight curls and coils | Holds a crisp, sculpted line | Find a barber used to coily hair; ask how the line will grow out |
If you don’t know your type, our hair type chart can help.
Styling a curly taper
The routine is short:
- Apply a little curl cream or leave-in conditioner to damp hair.
- Scrunch, don’t rub. Use a soft T-shirt or microfiber towel.
- Air-dry or use a diffuser on low. Our diffuser guide explains how.
- Finish with a small amount of matte product only if needed. Avoid heavy waxes that clump curls together.
For dryness and frizz, see how to fix frizzy hair.
How to ask your barber
Use these four points:
- Where it starts: low, mid, or temple.
- How short it gets: natural hair at the neck, or down to skin.
- How much stays on top: in inches, and say that it should be measured with curls stretched and dry.
- Line-up: natural or sharp. A sharp line-up looks great at first, but it needs more frequent touch-ups.
If you have thick, curly hair and want more shapes than tapers alone, check our guide to thick, curly haircuts for men and curly haircuts for men in 2027.
How long the top should be
Leave about two to four inches if you want defined curls on top. Much shorter and curls may not fully form, though tighter curl patterns need less length. Your barber can show you by stretching a curl and letting it spring back.
See the shape on your photo
The same taper can look very different depending on your head shape and curl size. Hairover lets you upload a photo and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio, so you can see a curly top and shorter sides before you sit down.
FAQ
What is a curly taper?
A haircut that keeps curls longer on top while the sides and back get gradually shorter toward the neckline and around the ears. Unlike a high fade, it usually keeps some hair at the temples.
Is a taper or a fade better for curly hair?
A taper is usually lower upkeep and grows out more softly. A fade is a sharper contrast. If your curls are thick and you want a cleaner look, a fade works well. For a softer style, go with a taper.
How often should I get a curly taper touched up?
Most people go every three to five weeks to keep the neckline and temples clean. The top can often wait longer.
Should a curly taper be cut wet or dry?
Ideally the top is shaped dry, or at least checked dry, since curls shrink and wet shaping can leave them shorter than you expected.
