A taper haircut is one of the most versatile, professional, and timeless styles in men’s grooming. Whether you want a clean look for the office or a classic cut that never goes out of style, a well-executed taper delivers results that hold up over time.
With over 15 years of professional experience at our Lone Tree barbershop, we know that the difference between a good taper and a great one comes down to precision blending, understanding your hair type, and attention to detail at every step.
Ready to book? Schedule your appointment online or call (720) 878-7314.
A taper haircut gradually reduces the length of your hair from the top down to the sides and back, ending just above the natural hairline. Unlike a fade, which can go down to the skin, a taper maintains some hair length throughout. The transition is subtle and natural-looking.
The result is a clean, structured cut that works in virtually any setting, from the boardroom to a weekend out.
Custom taper cut tailored to your hair type and head shape
Shampoo and scalp massage
Hot towel neck shave for a clean neckline
Styling tips so you can recreate the look at home
Price: $60 | Duration: 45 minutes
Add a beard trim to complete your look: GQ Haircut + Beard Trim: $80
| Taper Style | Description | Best For | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Taper | Gradual reduction, keeps hair at neckline | All face shapes, traditional/professional | 3-4 weeks |
| Taper Fade | Blends further down toward the skin | Modern style, higher contrast | 2-3 weeks |
| Low Taper | Subtle taper just above the ears | Conservative workplaces, classic style | 3-4 weeks |
| High Taper | Starts higher on sides for more structure | Bold looks, oval & square faces | 2-3 weeks |
| Neckline Taper | Cleans up the neckline only | Maintaining shape between cuts | 2-4 weeks |
Classic Taper
The most traditional and widely requested taper style. Hair on the sides and back is gradually shortened as it approaches the neckline, maintaining natural length throughout. No skin showing, no harsh transitions. This is the clean, reliable cut that looks great in any setting.
Best for: All face shapes, first-time taper clients, conservative and professional environments
Taper Fade
A hybrid style that starts as a taper but blends more aggressively toward the skin at the bottom. You get the structure of a taper with the contrast of a fade. It’s a modern take on a classic that works for guys who want more definition than a standard taper.
Best for: Modern style preferences, guys who want more visual contrast, casual and business casual environments
Low Taper
The fade line sits just above the ears, creating a very subtle, understated look. This is the most conservative taper option and the easiest to maintain. Perfect for environments with strict grooming standards.
Best for: Finance, law, conservative corporate settings, military-adjacent styles
High Taper
The taper starts higher on the sides, creating more structure and contrast. Hair goes from medium-long on top to noticeably shorter on the sides. It’s bolder than a classic taper but still polished and professional.
Best for: Square and oval face shapes, guys who want more visual interest, modern professional environments
A taper shortens the hair gradually down the sides and back but never takes it to the skin, except right at the neckline. A fade blends all the way down to the skin. Both look clean. The difference is how much contrast you want and how often you want to sit in the chair.
| Taper | Fade | |
|---|---|---|
| Transition | Gradual, subtle | Blends down to skin |
| Skin showing on the sides | No | Yes, at the bottom |
| Contrast | Low to medium | Medium to high |
| Looks sharp for | 3 to 4 weeks | 1 to 3 weeks, depending on height |
| Conservative workplaces | Ideal | Low or taper fade works |
| Look | Classic, understated | Modern, sharp |
Choose a taper if
- You work in finance, law, consulting or anywhere that expects a polished, understated look.
- You want to go 3 to 4 weeks between cuts. A taper grows out without an obvious line.
- You want a cut that suits any setting at any age.
- This is your first structured haircut. A taper is less dramatic and easy to build on.
Choose a fade if
- You want strong contrast between the top and sides.
- You will rebook every 2 to 3 weeks. If you tend to go 5 or 6 weeks, a taper holds up better.
- You are after a pompadour, quiff, textured crop or similar modern style, which are built around a faded side.
Taper fade: the middle ground
A taper fade starts as a taper and blends tighter toward the skin at the very bottom. You get the structure of a taper with a sharper finish, and it is one of the most requested cuts in the chair.
What suits your face shape
| Face shape | Taper | Fade |
|---|---|---|
| Oval | Any taper | Any fade |
| Round | High taper, adds height | High fade, adds height and contrast |
| Square | Classic or low taper, softens the jaw | Low or mid fade |
| Long / rectangular | Classic taper, avoids extra height | Low fade with a shorter top |
| Diamond | Classic taper | Mid fade |
| Triangle | Classic taper with a textured top | Low or mid fade |
Switching from a fade to a taper
You can. It usually takes 2 to 3 appointments for the faded sides to grow into a clean taper. Mention it at your next visit and Joni will map out the in-between cuts.
Book Your Taper Haircut Call (720) 878-7314
GQ Haircut, $60, 45 minutes.
15+ Years of Experience
Tapers look deceptively simple but require precise blending technique. We've been cutting tapers for over 15 years and know how to work with different hair textures, growth patterns, and head shapes to get consistent results every time.
Personalized Every Time
No two heads of hair are the same. We'll adjust the taper based on your hairline, growth direction, and how your hair behaves. You'll get a cut that's built for your specific hair, not a generic template.
Complete Grooming Experience
Our GQ Haircut isn't just a haircut. You leave with a clean neckline from a hot towel straight razor shave, a refreshing shampoo and scalp massage, and styling guidance to maintain your look between appointments.
One Client at a Time
Your cut happens in a private suite, one client at a time. Your slot is yours from start to finish.
Step 1: Consultation (5 minutes)
We talk through the style you want, how you manage your hair day-to-day, and what your workplace expects. If you're not sure which taper works for you, we'll make a recommendation based on your face shape and hair type.
Step 2: The Cut (25-30 minutes)
We start with the length on top, then work through the taper on the sides and back. Blending is the key step. We use multiple guards and techniques to make sure the transition is seamless.
Step 3: Neckline and Detailing (5-10 minutes)
Hot towel neck shave with a straight razor, edge cleanup, and symmetry check.
Step 4: Shampoo and Style (5-10 minutes)
Shampoo, scalp massage, styling, and tips for maintaining the cut at home.
Total time: 45 minutes | Price: $60
A taper is one of the lower-maintenance haircut styles. Here’s our general recommendation:
| Taper Style | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Classic Taper | Every 3-4 weeks |
| Low Taper | Every 3-4 weeks |
| Taper Fade | Every 2-3 weeks |
| High Taper | Every 2-3 weeks |
If you’re in a professional environment where you need to look sharp consistently, stick to the shorter end of the range.
Joni cuts for men from Lone Tree, Centennial, Highlands Ranch and nearby. Evenings fill first, so book a few days ahead for a Tuesday or Thursday night slot.
Book Your Appointment Online Call (720) 878-7314
Joni’s Gentleman’s Cuts
8481 S Yosemite St Suite 905
Lone Tree, CO 80124
Inside Spectra Salon Suites
(720) 878-7314
Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 11 am – 7 pm
Tuesday, Thursday: 9 am – 9 pm
Saturday and Sunday: closed
What's the difference between a taper and a fade?
A taper reduces hair length gradually but keeps some hair at the neckline. A fade blends all the way down to the skin. Tapers are more conservative and lower maintenance. Fades are sharper and higher contrast.
Can I get a taper if I have thick hair?
Yes. Thick hair actually holds a taper very well. We’ll adjust the technique to manage the weight and make sure the taper blends cleanly.
Is a taper good for curly hair?
Absolutely. A taper works well with curly hair because it keeps length on top for curl definition while cleaning up the sides and neckline.
How do I maintain a taper between cuts?
Keep the top moisturized and styled. You can touch up the neckline at home with clippers if you’re comfortable, but we recommend leaving the sides to a professional.
Can I add a beard trim to my taper appointment?
Yes. The GQ Haircut + Beard Trim combo is $80 and covers everything: taper cut, beard shaping with straight razor, shampoo, and hot towel service.
Can I ask for a taper fade?
Yes. It starts as a taper and blends closer to the skin at the bottom. It is one of the most popular styles at the shop.
Do tapers work for older men?
Yes. A classic taper is a common choice for men over 40 because it suits any setting and grows out gracefully.
How much is a taper haircut?
$60 for 45 minutes. It includes a shampoo, scalp massage and hot towel neck shave.
Whether it’s your first taper or you’re looking for a barber who will give you consistent results every time, we’d be glad to help.
Schedule Your Taper Haircut Now
Joni’s Gentleman’s Cuts – One location in Lone Tree, serving Centennial, Highlands Ranch, and the surrounding area. 15+ years of experience.