Low Taper with Textured Top

What it is

The taper stays low and tight to the neckline so the silhouette keeps its width at the temples, while 5-7 cm of textured length on top can be pushed up or swept over. A safe, flattering cut on almost every face shape, which is why barbers default to it.

Who it suits

• Oval

  Slightly longer than wide, with the cheekbones as the widest point and a gently rounded jaw. The most forgiving shape — most cuts work, so the decision comes down to hair texture and how much effort you want to spend.

• Round

  Face length and width are close, with a soft jaw angle and full cheeks. Styles that add height on top and keep the sides tight will make the face read longer and more angular.

• Square

  Jaw, cheekbones and forehead are close in width, with a pronounced jaw angle. The structure is already strong, so the job is either to show it off or to soften its corners.

• Heart

  A wide forehead narrowing to a smaller chin. Fringe and side weight balance the top, while beard length adds the width the lower face lacks.

• Diamond

  Cheekbones dominate, with a narrower forehead and a narrow chin. Width at the brow and along the jaw evens the outline out.

• Triangle

  A jaw wider than the forehead. Volume and width on top restore the balance; anything that adds bulk at the jaw works against it.

Show this to your barber

Low taper starting at the occipital bone, #0.5 to #2. Top scissor-cut to 6 cm, texturised 30%. Leave the temple corners soft rather than squared.

Related styles

• Textured Crop

  Short, choppy top with a tight taper — the modern default.

• Mid Fade Pompadour

  Serious height at the front, tight at the sides.

• Classic Side Part

  A hard-line part, combed over, nothing to argue with.

• Buzz Cut

  One guard, everywhere. Total honesty about bone structure.