How to Ask Your Barber for an Afro Taper
Learn what an afro taper is, how to ask your barber for one, and how to keep it fresh.
What Is an Afro Taper?
An afro taper is a clean, classic haircut. It keeps your natural afro hair on top while fading the hair down on the sides and the back of your neck.
Unlike an all-around fade, a taper does not cut all the side hair down to the skin. It only fades out the sideburns and the neckline. This leaves plenty of bulk around the ears and keeps the natural round shape of your afro.
Who Does It Look Good On?
This cut looks great on almost everyone with textured or curly hair. It is especially good if you have an oval, square, or round face.
If you have a round face, keeping the afro taller on top helps make your face look longer. If you have a longer face, you can keep the top shorter and wider so your head looks balanced. It gives you a neat look without losing your afro's height.
Exactly What to Say to Your Barber
Sitting in the barber chair can make anyone nervous. You do not need big barber words to get the look right. Just be clear about what you want.
Here are the exact points to tell your barber:
Ask for a taper, not a full fade: Tell them, "I want a low taper on my temples and the back of my neck." Choose your top length: Tell them if you want to keep the top long, pick it out, or trim it down an inch. Talk about your hairline: Say, "Keep my hairline natural," or "Give me a sharp shape-up on the front." Mention your neck: Ask for a clean taper on the nape of your neck that blends into the skin.
Always show a picture if you have one. A photo on your phone helps your barber see the exact height and fade you want.
How to Take Care of It at Home
An afro taper is easy to care for, but you still need to put in a little work each morning and night.
First, do not wash your hair with shampoo every day. That dries out your curls. Use a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to keep your hair soft. Sleep with a satin bonnet or use a silk pillowcase so your hair does not get dry or flat while you sleep.
Use a curl sponge or an afro pick to shape the top each morning. The tapered sides stay short, so you mostly just need to shape the top.
To keep the cut sharp, visit your barber every two to three weeks for a quick touch-up on the edges.
See the Afro Taper on Yourself First
Cutting your hair is a big choice. If you are not sure how an afro taper will look on your head, check out HairMatch AI. You can scan your face shape for free, and then try out realistic hair renders starting at just $0.99 to see the haircut on your own face before you visit the shop.