Tapers: Why They Will Change Your Life
Why Tapered Necklines and Sideburns Make All the Difference
Let’s talk about a detail most guys overlook—but every good barber obsesses over: the neckline and the sideburns. These two areas are the foundation of a clean, professional, and polished look. Whether you’re rocking a fade, side part, or a classic scissor cut, how your nape (the hairline on the back of your neck) and sideburns are finished can be the difference between a cut that looks great for one day only and one that looks sharp for weeks.
What Does "Tapered" Even Mean?
Tapering means gradually blending the hair from longer to shorter, especially where your haircut ends—like the neckline (nape) and sideburns. Instead of having a hard, abrupt line where the haircut stops (what’s called a "blocked" or “squared” neckline), a taper fades the hair naturally into the skin. I personally think blocked necklines make you look like a LEGO, and unless that’s what you’re going for… taper it up, baby!
Why You Should Taper Your Neckline
Longer-Lasting Style – A blocked neckline grows out fast and starts to look messy within days. A tapered neck grows in clean and naturally, keeping your cut looking intentional.
Better Shape for Your Head – Tapering helps balance out your head shape, making your neck appear longer and cleaner.
No Harsh Lines – A blunt neck line can look awkward as soon as the hair grows out because there will be 2 different lengths growing in. A taper is forgiving and grows in with your neck hair (if you have it) all together.
Why You Should Taper Your Sideburns
Seamless Beard-to-Hair Blend – Tapered sideburns help bridge the gap between facial hair and your haircut.
More Sculpted Face Shape – Tapering can emphasize your jawline and cheekbones, especially if you have fuller sideburns.
Clean Growth Between Cuts – Just like with the neckline, tapered sideburns grow in naturally without looking abrupt or bulky.
*Exception: If you clean shave everyday, an edged off sideburn can be helpful so you have a guideline and don’t make them uneven.
Blocked vs. Tapered: What’s the Difference?
A blocked neckline is cut straight across the back of your neck. It looks clean for about 48 hours, then the regrowth becomes painfully obvious. Tapering, on the other hand, softens the edge. It follows your natural growth pattern, which means less maintenance and a more modern finish.
When Should You Ask for a Taper?
You want a haircut that looks good longer than a few days.
You don’t want to visit the barber every week for a cleanup.
You like a subtle, natural look—especially around the beard or neck.
You want a cleaner look with low effort.
Final Thoughts
Tapering your neckline and sideburns is the cherry on top of an great cut—it’s the finishing touch that makes everything else work. It shows attention to detail, makes your cut last longer, and works with your hair’s natural growth instead of fighting it. Next time you're in the chair, ask for a tapered neck and sideburns. Trust me, the back of your head and side of your face are more important than you think.
Quick Story Time
I went to barber school in NYC and started my career there. My FAVORITE thing to do was stare at people in the subway (their hair mostly). I know staring can be rude, but I was learning so much about hair and what looked good and what didn’t. I remember taking mental notes about necklines and sideburns and holy moly… tapers ALWAYS won. Every time I saw a blocked off neckline I just wanted to slip someone my card. Thank you to all of those strangers in the train for inspiring me to make every human in my chair seamless and perfect. :)
Currently, I’m in the process of developing a game changer to help you even further and create a one stop shop for all of your skin, hair, and scalp needs. If you want the latest and greatest updates on this secret project of mine as well as first dibs on these blog posts, be sure to subscribe to my mailing list by clicking the link below. Talk soon!
XOXO,
Andy Fischer
