Taper Style Fringe Haircut for Men Tutorial by Experts

The taper style fringe haircut is a popular and modern look for men, mixing a clean taper fade with a longer fringe. It’s flexible, suitable for many hair types, and easy to style. 

This tutorial will walk you through how to achieve this haircut step-by-step, ensuring you get top-quality results for your clients in the barber chair.

What is a Taper Style Fringe Haircut?

A fringe haircut (also known as bangs) features longer hair at the front, which can be styled forward or to the side. When paired with a taper, the sides and back of the head gradually shorten, creating a fade effect that adds a sharp contrast to the longer fringe on top.

This haircut works great for men looking to balance length at the top with a clean, professional look on the sides. It’s trendy, adaptable for different face shapes, and provides plenty of styling options, whether you prefer a messy, textured finish or a sleek, polished appearance.

Step-by-Step Tutorial – How to Do a Taper Style Fringe Haircut

Step 1 – Wash and Prepare the Hair

Start with clean, damp hair. You can either wash the hair before the cut or use a water spray bottle to moisten it. Wet hair allows for more precise cutting and sectioning.

Step 2 – Section the Hair

Use a comb to divide the hair into sections. Separate the top of the head (where the fringe will be) from the sides and back, clipping the top section away to focus on tapering the sides first. This keeps the work area clean and helps maintain control over the haircut.

Step 3 – Start Tapering

Using clippers, begin tapering the sides and back. Start at the bottom (near the neck) with a longer guard setting, like a #3, and work your way up. As you move up toward the crown, switch to shorter guard lengths, like a #2 or #1, for a smoother fade.

Make sure to blend the taper evenly, moving the clippers in an upward motion and maintaining a steady hand

Step 4 – Focus on the Fringe

After tapering, move to the fringe. Unclip the top section of the hair and comb it forward. Decide on the desired length. For a classic look, cut the fringe to rest just above the eyebrows. If the client prefers a more textured style, the fringe can be cut slightly longer.

Step 5 – Add Texture and Layers

You can also add layers to the top section by cutting vertically into the fringe at different angles. This step helps create a more dynamic look, especially for men with thicker hair.

Step 6 – Blend the Fringe with the Sides

After cutting the fringe, it’s important to blend it with the tapered sides. Use scissors over comb to soften the transition between the fringe and the sides, ensuring there are no harsh lines. This step ensures the haircut looks professional and balanced.

Step 7 – Style the Hair

Once the cutting is complete, it’s time to style the fringe. For a textured and messy look, apply a small amount of matte styling paste or wax to the hair. Tousle the fringe with your fingers for a relaxed, casual finish.

If a sleek, polished look is preferred, use a small amount of pomade or gel and comb the fringe forward or to the side. This style works well for more formal occasions or if you want a neat, controlled look

Tools You’ll Need for a Professional Taper Style Fringe Haircut

Before we begin, let’s look at the essential tools required to achieve a perfect taper style fringe haircut. Using professional tools will give the best results, and for this haircut, it’s important to invest in high-quality shears and clippers.

Here are the tools recommended by experts:

HH6 Kime Shear – Versatile for general cutting and blending.

HH8 Talon Shear – Perfect for detailed cutting and shaping the fringe.

HH3 Ayako Shear – Suitable for precision cuts, especially when working with taper fades.

How to Style a Taper Style Fringe Haircut

Once the cut is complete, it’s time to style the hair. The fringe haircut can be styled in multiple ways:

• Textured and Messy: Apply a lightweight styling cream or mousse to damp hair. Use your fingers to tousle the fringe, giving it a relaxed, textured look.
• Sleek and Neat: Use a small amount of pomade or gel to slick the fringe forward for a clean and polished look. This style works best for formal occasions or if the client prefers a sharper appearance.
• Wavy Fringe: If the client has naturally wavy or curly hair, use a curl-enhancing cream to define the waves in the fringe, adding more volume and dimension.

How to Maintain a Taper Style Fringe Haircut

A taper style fringe haircut requires regular maintenance to stay sharp and fresh. Here’s how to keep it looking great:

1. Trim Every 4-6 Weeks: The fringe grows quickly, so frequent trims are needed to maintain the desired length and shape.
2. Use Quality Products: To keep the fringe soft and manageable, use a lightweight conditioner during your hair care routine.
3. Style Daily: Invest in a good styling product, like a matte paste for texture or a pomade for a sleek finish, to keep your fringe looking its best throughout the day.

The taper style fringe haircut for men is a stylish and versatile choice that can be customized to suit any look. By following this expert tutorial and using the right tools, like Hanzo shears, you’ll be able to create a professional-looking cut that is sure to impress.

Benefits of a Taper Style Fringe Haircut

• Versatile Styling: Whether you prefer a polished, formal look or a relaxed, messy style, this haircut adapts to different occasions.
• Compliments All Face Shapes: The longer fringe works well to balance various face shapes, making it a flattering option for most men.
• Low Maintenance: Once cut, the taper style fringe haircut is relatively easy to maintain and style daily.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cutting Taper Style Fringe

1. Cutting the Fringe Too Short: Always err on the side of caution when trimming the fringe. You can always go shorter, but you can’t add length back if you cut too much.
2. Uneven Taper: Ensure that the taper is even on both sides. A good technique is to move in short, controlled strokes with the clippers.
3. Skipping Blending: Failing to blend the fringe with the tapered sides can make the haircut look disjointed. Always take time to soften the transition between different hair lengths.