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. We are appointment-only, ensuring you always get our undivided attention without waiting.
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
This is the most common question we get from new clients. Here’s the short answer: with a taper, the hair gradually shortens but always maintains some length, leaving no skin exposed. With a fade, the hair blends all the way down to the skin (or very close to it) at the bottom. If you want a clean, professional look that doesn’t require frequent maintenance, a taper is usually the better choice. If you want maximum contrast and a sharper look, a fade is the right call.
Not sure which one is right for you? We’ll help you decide at your consultation.
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.
Appointment-Only
No waiting, no rushing, no sharing us with a waiting room. Your appointment 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.
We are located in Lone Tree and serve clients from Centennial, Highlands Ranch, and the surrounding area. Our schedule fills up quickly, so we recommend booking a few days in advance.
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday: 9 AM – 9 PM Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 11 AM – 7 PM Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Questions about which taper style is right for you? Reach out and we’ll help you figure it out before your appointment.
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.
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. Appointment-only barbering with 15+ years of experience.