Mid Taper Haircut Guide
The mid taper is one of the most requested men's haircuts. The sides and back get gradually shorter starting about halfway up the head, giving a clean, balanced look that works from the office to the weekend.
What is a mid taper?
A mid taper gradually shortens the hair on the sides and back, starting around the middle of the sides, roughly at the temple and above the ear, and ending at the natural hairline. Unlike a fade, a taper keeps some length at the bottom instead of going down to skin. See our main mid taper haircut page for the cut itself.
Mid taper vs other tapers and fades
- Low taper vs mid taper: where the taper starts and who each suits.
- Mid taper vs high taper: how much of the sides stay short.
- Mid taper vs mid fade: length at the bottom vs down to skin.
Popular mid taper styles
- Mid taper with textured fringe
- Mid taper blowout, also see blowout taper
- Mid taper for straight hair
- Mid taper for curly hair
- Mid taper mullet
Ask for it the right way
Style it
Most mid taper looks finish with a light product. A texture powder adds volume and a matte finish to a fringe or crop.
Get a mid taper near you
Book a mid taper at Dandies in Mountain View, Sunnyvale or Campbell. Same-day appointments available online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mid taper?
A haircut where the sides and back gradually get shorter starting about halfway up the head, ending at the natural hairline, with some length kept at the bottom.
Is a mid taper the same as a mid fade?
No. A taper keeps length at the bottom. A fade goes down to skin or very short.
How do I ask for a mid taper?
Tell your barber the length you want on top, that you want a mid taper on the sides and back, the guard at the bottom, and the neckline shape.
How often do I need a trim?
Most people refresh a mid taper every 3 to 4 weeks to keep the lines sharp.