Men’s haircut: Tapered Curls

Tapered Curls

Tapered Curls creates a combination of volume on top and a narrowing on the sides and back. Unlike classic fades, it allows for more length on the crown, which adds texture and volume. The transition from elongated curls to shorter sides looks natural, creating an interesting visual effect.

This haircut looks great on men with curly or wavy hair of medium length. Tapered Curls is especially ideal for those who want to highlight the texture of their hair but prefer to avoid excessive length and volume on the sides. The style effectively accentuates facial features, suits men with thick hair, and is perfect for those who want to emphasize their curls while maintaining a neat appearance.

The history of the Tapered Curls Haircut

TheTapered Curls haircut traces its roots to styles popular among African Americans in the mid-20th century. In the 1960s and 70s, curly hairstyles with volume became a cultural symbol of freedom and identity. At that time, the popularity of natural curls grew, and styles like the afro became a symbol of embracing one’s natural texture. In the 21st century, this style has evolved with a neat transition that softens the contours, making the haircut more versatile. Today, Tapered Curls is a style that can easily be adapted to different types of curls and wavy hair, whether dense curls or soft waves. Its popularity is due to its ability to highlight natural curls while maintaining a polished look.

Read also: Men’s haircut: curly undercut.

How the Tapered Curls Haircut is done: step by step

Steps to create the Tapered Curls haircut:

  1. Preparing the hair: The hair should be thoroughly washed and dried, leaving it slightly damp. This allows the barber to see its natural texture and curl pattern, which is especially important when working with curls.
  2. Tapering the sides and back: The haircut begins with the sides and back, where a smooth, graduated transition is created using clippers and scissors. The barber must be particularly careful to ensure the transition looks natural and harmonious. Gradual shortening towards the bottom maintains the stylish appearance without harsh length changes.
  3. Working with the crown: The hair on the crown remains longer to preserve volume and texture. The barber can trim it layer by layer to create shape. Curls are shaped to achieve a natural look and volume.
  4. Final styling and curl enhancement: A diffuser is used for the final styling — a tool that helps maintain the curl shape while drying. A fixing product, typically a light mousse or curl cream, is applied to enhance the texture and prevent frizz.

Essential tools and products for Tapered Curls

Barbers use specialized tools and products to maintain the volume and texture of curls while giving the haircut a neat appearance.
Tools:

  • Clippers with attachments: for precise tapering.
  • Thinning shears: help create smoother transitions.
  • Diffuser: used for drying and shaping curls.
    Styling products:
  • Mousse, cream, or curl gel to emphasize texture and prevent frizz.
    Styling tools:
  • Leave-in conditioner: adds moisture and gives the hair a healthy shine.
  • Curl cream: defines curls and helps shape them.
  • Texturizing spray: helps create a more natural, “messy” look.

Caring for Tapered Curls: tips for maintaining shape and style

Caring for Tapered Curls requires regular moisturizing and styling to keep curls soft and maintain shape.
Care recommendations:

  • Use moisturizing shampoo and conditioner: this helps prevent dryness, which is often a problem for curls. Avoid washing hair daily to maintain natural oils.
  • Leave-in conditioner: helps maintain softness and elasticity in curls.
  • Style curls during drying: apply mousse to damp hair and dry with a diffuser to keep the shape.
  • Regular trims: it’s recommended to visit the barber every 4–6 weeks to maintain a clear transition and neat shape.

Modern variations of Tapered Curls: how to adapt the style

There are several variations of the Tapered Curls haircut, each emphasizing different features and textures of the curls.
Popular variations:

  • Low Taper Fade Curls: with a smooth, low gradient transition, creating a soft, less sharp effect.
  • High Taper Fade Curls: with a higher, more noticeable transition, giving the look a bold and stylish accent.
  • Textured Tapered Curls: emphasizes hair texture, ideal for curls with natural volume.

Benefits of Tapered Curls: style, convenience, and adaptability

Tapered Curls accentuate the natural beauty of curls, creating a natural yet stylish appearance. This haircut is versatile and requires minimal effort for daily styling. Thanks to the smooth transition, it suits men with different curl types. Benefits of Tapered Curls:

  • Suitable for men with various curl textures.
  • The look doesn’t require complicated styling.
  • Highlights facial features with contrasting lines and volume.

The Tapered Curls haircut is an ideal choice for men with curly hair who want to emphasize their natural texture while looking stylish and well-groomed. Was the article interesting and informative? Subscribe to updates from the best barbershop rating in the USA and get notified about our latest blog posts.

The tapered curls haircut is a style that keeps the curls on top longer while gradually shortening the sides and back. This technique enhances the natural texture of curly hair while maintaining a neat and stylish appearance. It’s a versatile option that suits different curl types and provides a balanced look.

Unlike a fade, which blends hair down to the skin, a tapered curls cut maintains a gradual transition while keeping some length on the sides. This gives the haircut a softer, more natural look while still adding structure. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a well-groomed style without an extreme contrast.

This haircut is great for men with naturally curly or wavy hair who want a polished but relaxed look. It works well for those who prefer to maintain volume on top while keeping the sides neatly trimmed. The style suits different face shapes and enhances facial features with its structured yet natural appearance.

To keep this style looking fresh, regular trims every 4-6 weeks are recommended. Moisturizing shampoos, leave-in conditioners, and curl creams help maintain the curls’ shape and prevent frizz. Using a diffuser when drying hair ensures curls stay defined and voluminous. 

Products like curl-enhancing creams, mousses, and light gels help define the curls without making them stiff. A leave-in conditioner adds moisture and prevents frizz, while a texturizing spray can enhance volume. It’s best to avoid heavy waxes or pomades that might weigh down the curls.

Yes, this style can be adapted to different preferences, such as a low or high taper. Some variations emphasize texture with layering techniques, while others create a more polished look with controlled shaping. The cut can be tailored to match the natural curl pattern and personal style.

It is relatively easy to maintain compared to other curly hairstyles. Since the sides are shorter, they require minimal styling, while the curls on top only need regular moisturizing and light shaping. With the right products, it remains effortless and stylish.

Yes, this haircut suits a wide range of curl patterns, from loose waves to tight coils. The tapering technique enhances the natural structure of the curls, making them more defined and manageable. It’s a great way to showcase natural texture while maintaining a clean and polished look.