Taper
Mid Drop Taper With Coiled Top
- Difficulty
- INTERMEDIATE
- Hair Type
- Tight coily hair with volume
What it is
Tight coils are left full and rounded on top, then the sides drop away in a taper that arcs down behind the ear rather than running level. The heaviest blend sits at the temple and the transition sinks toward the nape, giving the back of the head a curved outline. A hard line-up cuts the front corner square and the sideburn is taken to a fine point. Length on top is kept high enough to hold shape but short enough to stay dense.
Who it suits
Built for coily hair with strong spring, where the top holds volume on its own. The dropped line behind the ear flatters longer head shapes and adds curve where a straight fade would look flat. A good pick for anyone who wants a defined edge without going bald at the sides, and it grows out cleanly over three weeks.
How to ask for it
Ask for a mid drop taper, open at 1 and a half at the temple, dropping in an arc behind the ear to a 0 and a half at the nape. Keep two to three inches of coil on top, untouched by clippers, with a squared hard line at the front and a tapered sideburn.
Upkeep
Refresh the taper every two to three weeks. Wash and condition twice weekly, then pick the top out damp and let it set. A light leave-in keeps the coils from knotting.
