Let’s be honest: picking a haircut can be surprisingly tricky. Especially when it comes to taper styles — they sound similar but look totally different once you’re in the barber chair. Two of the most common you’ll hear about are the low taper and the mid taper.
So what’s the actual difference between them?
In short:
- A low taper starts fading near the base of your hairline, just above your ears.
- A mid taper starts a bit higher, closer to your temples.
Each one gives off a totally different vibe. One says “clean and professional,” and the other says “modern and bold.”
Here’s everything you need to know about low tapers vs mid tapers — plus how to figure out which one fits you best.
What Is a Taper Haircut Anyway?
A taper is a type of haircut where the hair gradually gets shorter as it goes down the sides and back of your head. It doesn’t jump from long to short like a high fade. Instead, it blends smoothly, which gives it that sleek and put-together look.
Think of it as a more relaxed version of a fade — less edgy, more wearable for just about anyone. Guys love it because it’s clean but not too flashy.
What’s a Low Tape
A low taper fade starts its transition from long to short near the bottom of your hairline — right above the ears and around the nape of the neck.
Here’s why people like it:
- It looks super clean and polished.
- It works well for formal jobs or dress codes.
- It doesn’t show too much skin, so it’s low-key.
I’ve actually had a low taper for years without realizing it had a name. My barber would just say, “Clean up the sides?” and that’s what he did. It’s subtle — not loud — and that’s what I liked about it. If you’re the kind of person who wants to look sharp without turning heads at the grocery store, this might be your go-to.
Low Taper: Good for You If…
- You work in a conservative or corporate setting.
- You like haircuts that grow out evenly.
- You don’t want to style your hair every morning.
What’s a Mid Taper?
The mid taper kicks things up a notch. The taper begins higher — around the middle of the sides of your head, closer to the temples.
This makes the fade more visible. It draws the eyes upward and gives the haircut a bit more edge. Some people say it adds more shape to your face, especially if you’ve got a rounder jawline.
I had a mid taper once right before a wedding. My girlfriend thought it made my face look slimmer (which I won’t lie — was a win for the photos). It definitely felt more modern. But it also needed more touch-ups to keep it looking fresh.
Mid Taper: Good for You If…
- You like a trendy, defined look.
- You’ve got thicker or curlier hair that benefits from structure.
- You want a haircut that’s eye-catching without being “too much.”
Low Taper vs Mid Taper: Side-by-Side Breakdown
| Feature | Low Taper | Mid Taper |
|---|---|---|
| Fade Starts | Just above ears | Around temple level |
| Style Vibe | Subtle, clean, professional | Bold, stylish, modern |
| Face Shape | Best for square, heart-shaped faces | Great for round, oval faces |
| Maintenance | Easy upkeep, grows out well | Needs more frequent trims |
| Hair Types | Straight, wavy, or curly | Especially good for thick or curly hair |
| Occasions | Office, formal events, everyday wear | Parties, fashion-forward scenes, casual |
So… Which Taper Should You Choose?
It really comes down to personality and lifestyle.
If you like to keep it simple and don’t want to worry about styling or frequent trims, go with a low taper.
If you’re someone who enjoys a clean, sharp look and doesn’t mind using a bit of product or visiting the barber every couple of weeks, try the mid taper.
Still unsure? Snap a photo of each style and show your barber. They’ll usually give you honest feedback based on your hair type and face shape.
Styling Tips for Both
No matter which taper you go with, a few small things can keep it looking fresh:
- Use a light styling cream or pomade to control the top.
- Brush or comb daily, especially around the sides to keep the taper shape visible.
- Visit your barber every 2–3 weeks if you want to maintain that crisp fade line.
And trust me, once you find the taper that works for you, it becomes your cut. You’ll notice people start saying, “That haircut suits you.”
