A tapered beard is the perfect way to transform your facial hair into a sharp, defined style that suits any modern man. This technique gradually shortens the hair from the chin to the sides, creating a clean and structured look that enhances your features.
In this article, you’ll explore 12 stylish tapered beard variations, plus step-by-step tips on how to achieve and maintain the perfect taper.
We’ll also guide you on which face shapes are ideal for this look and highlight common mistakes to avoid. Ready to take your beard to the next level? Let’s dive in!
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Why Choose a Tapered Beard Style?
If you’re looking for a beard that’s stylish, versatile, and easy to maintain, a tapered beard might be your perfect match. This style works wonders for any face shape—whether you have a round, square, or oval face, it enhances your natural features effortlessly.
Plus, the gradual fade sharpens your jawline, giving you a defined, polished look. Unlike full beards that demand constant upkeep, a tapered beard offers a cleaner, low-maintenance option without sacrificing style.
Whether you’re heading to the office or a night out, this beard strikes the perfect balance between professional and trendy, keeping you sharp and confident.
Here are the top 12 tapered beard styles for men that will enhance your features:
1) Classic Tapered Beard
The classic tapered beard is a timeless, clean style that gives you a sharp, masculine appearance. This beard features a gradual fade from full beard length on the sides to a more defined line near the jawline, highlighting your facial structure.
To create this style, trim the sides shorter while keeping the chin longer, and shape it to follow your natural jawline.
Pair this look with a pompadour hairstyle to exude confidence and masculinity. This beard suits men of all ages, especially those with square or round faces, as it enhances sharpness.
2) Tapered Beard with Stubble
If you’re looking for a beard with a fade but want to keep some roughness, go for a tapered beard with stubble. This style offers a bold, rugged edge by blending short stubble into the tapered beard, creating a striking balance between smooth and sharp.
To achieve this, simply maintain a clean fade around the cheekbones and neck while leaving a bit of length around the chin.
Match it with a crew-cut hairstyle for a no-nonsense, sharp vibe. Perfect for young men or those with an active, adventurous lifestyle, this style fits best on boys in their 20s and early 30s.
3) Faded Tapered Beard with High Fade
For a modern, edgy twist, try the faded tapered beard with a high fade. This bold style involves a sharp fade on the sides with a longer, fuller beard on the chin area.
The transition from skin to beard is a clean, defined fade, creating an eye-catching contrast. Achieve this by using a beard trimmer for the fade and a razor to sharpen the neckline.
Pair this with a buzz cut for the ultimate daring, masculine look. Best suited for mature men or anyone wanting a high-maintenance yet striking look, it works well on men over 30.
4) Long Tapered Beard
For men who love a fuller look, the long tapered beard brings sophistication and masculinity. This style keeps the beard long but tapered at the cheeks and neck for a clean yet wild aesthetic.
To maintain it, trim the sides regularly while allowing the chin area to grow out longer. Wear it with a slicked-back hairstyle for a classy, well-groomed appearance.
This beard style suits mature men who prefer a rugged but polished look, making it a great choice for 40-50-year-old men.
5) Short Tapered Beard with Defined Cheeks
The short tapered beard with defined cheeks is a sleek and sharp style that screams confidence. It involves closely shaved cheeks and a clean line along the jawline, making the beard look sharp and well-groomed.
Keep the length short and the edges well-defined using a razor and a beard brush for perfect results. Pair it with a side-part hairstyle for a clean, stylish appearance.
This is a perfect tapered beard style for black men in their 20s and 30s, especially those with round or heart-shaped faces, as it balances their features beautifully.
6) Tapered Beard with Soul Patch
If you want to add a little personality, try the tapered beard with a soul patch. This unique style combines a classic tapered fade with a small patch of facial hair just below the lower lip, giving you a distinctive yet stylish look.
To get the perfect soul patch, make sure it’s neatly trimmed and doesn’t overpower the rest of your beard.
Pair it with a modern quiff hairstyle for an extra masculine and confident vibe. This look works wonders for men in their late teens to 30s, offering an edgy yet refined look.
7) Tapered Beard with Full Mustache
The tapered beard with a full moustache blends classic and modern looks. It features a tapered fade on the cheeks and a fuller, more pronounced moustache that enhances the overall appearance.
For this style, trim the beard to your preferred length, and keep the moustache bushy and well-defined. Pair this with a vintage hairstyle, like a pompadour or slicked-back style, for a cohesive, masculine look.
Best suited for older men in their 40s and 50s, it offers a refined, vintage appeal that pairs well with a confident attitude.
8) Tapered Fade with Beard and Bald Head
When you combine a tapered fade beard with a bald head, you get a bold and fearless look that commands attention. The beard gradually fades from thick to thin along the neck and sides, creating a masculine silhouette.
To create the look, shave your head to a smooth bald finish and keep the beard fade sharp. A shaved head adds balance to the tapered facial hair, making it look purposeful and strong.
This style works for mature men and bald guys who want to embrace a bold aesthetic and suit all age groups.
9) Tapered Beard with Thick Mustache
A tapered beard with a thick moustache is perfect if you love vintage, masculine styles. The full moustache complements the faded sides of the beard, giving you a timeless, classic appearance.
To achieve this look, ensure the moustache is thicker than the rest of the beard, and create a clean fade along the sides.
Pair with a hard part hairstyle for an extra touch of masculine flair. This style suits men of all ages, especially those with square or diamond faces, giving you a bold, sophisticated look.
10) Tapered Beard with Chin Strap
For men looking for a sharp, clean-cut look, the tapered beard with a chin strap is the ideal choice. The chin strap is carefully trimmed along the jawline to create a sharp contrast with the longer beard, highlighting your face’s structure.
To create this look, shave the sides short and maintain a longer length around the chin. Pair it with a crew cut hairstyle for a masculine, military-inspired aesthetic.
This style works best for men in their 20s to early 30s, especially those who want to add sharp angles to their faces.
11) Tapered Beard with Goatee
The tapered beard with a goatee combines the sharpness of a goatee with the sophistication of a tapered fade. This style highlights the chin area while keeping the sides clean and gradually faded.
To create this look, maintain the goatee’s thickness while trimming the sides shorter for a sharp taper. Pair this with a spiky hairstyle for an edgy and youthful appearance.
This style is ideal for younger men or boys in their 20s who want a modern yet approachable vibe. It works particularly well for those with oval or round faces, as it elongates the face.
12) High Tapered Beard
The high-tapered beard is a bold choice that exudes confidence. This style involves a clean, sharp taper that starts high on the cheeks, creating a polished and masculine appearance.
To achieve this look, fade the beard close to the cheekbones and keep the chin area fuller for balance. Pair it with a high fade haircut for a cohesive, modern look.
This beard style suits males in their 30s and 40s who want a clean yet bold aesthetic. Perfect for formal or business settings, this look radiates sharpness and professionalism.
How to Achieve the Perfect Tapered Beard Style?
Getting that flawless tapered beard is easier than you think!
- Start by gathering your tools—a trimmer with multiple guards, a comb, and scissors are must-haves.
- Decide on your style: do you want a subtle fade or a bold taper?
- Begin trimming from the neckline, working your way up to the cheeks, ensuring smooth transitions between lengths.
- Use shorter guards for the fade and a comb to guide your strokes.
- Don’t forget to blend carefully to avoid harsh lines.
- Finish strong by shaping your moustache, defining edges, and cleaning up stray hairs.
With some patience, you’ll nail the perfect, polished look!
Best Face Shapes for a Tapered Beard Style
Wondering if a tapered beard will suit you? Let’s break it down! If you have a round face, this style works like magic to elongate your features, giving your face a sharper look.
For square-faced men, a tapered beard softens those bold, angular jawlines while still keeping things masculine. Oval faces? Lucky you—this style suits almost every beard look, and the taper enhances your naturally balanced proportions.
If your face is oblong, a tapered beard helps balance things out, creating a harmonious look. Whatever your face shape, the tapered beard adapts to highlight your best features while keeping you looking sharp.
How to Maintain a Tapered Beard?
Keeping your tapered beard sharp and stylish doesn’t have to feel like a chore! Start with a daily care routine: comb your beard to avoid tangles and apply beard oil for hydration and softness.
Once a week, grab your trimmer to sharpen the edges and refresh the fade—this keeps the taper looking clean. For the long haul, use a quality beard shampoo to keep it fresh and healthy.
And don’t forget—you deserve a pro touch! Schedule a barber visit every 2-3 weeks for a flawless refresh. With just a little effort, you’ll keep your beard looking fresh and masculine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with a Tapered Beard
If you’re rocking a tapered beard, avoid these pitfalls to keep your look on point! Uneven fading or poor blending can make your beard look messy, so take your time with the trimmer.
Over-trimming the neckline is another common mistake—keep it natural and avoid cutting too high. Don’t neglect beard hygiene! Skipping beard oil or washing can lead to a rough, unkempt appearance.
Lastly, using the wrong tools, like dull trimmers or scissors, can ruin your precision. Stick to high-quality tools and a steady routine, and you’ll keep your tapered beard sharp, stylish, and effortlessly masculine every single day.
Conclusion
A tapered beard is a timeless choice that combines style, versatility, and masculinity, making it perfect for any man looking to elevate his look.
My personal favourite styles are the bold tapered beard with a thick moustache and the tapered beard with stubble —both offer a sharp, polished finish. Now it’s your turn to find your signature tapered beard style!
FAQs About the Tapered Beard Style
1) How long does it take to grow a tapered beard?
It varies by genetics, but you can expect to achieve a solid, defined taper in about 2-4 weeks with consistent grooming.
2) Can I achieve this style at home?
Absolutely! With the right tools and patience, you can. However, visiting a professional barber ensures a cleaner, sharper fade.
3) Is a tapered beard suitable for patchy facial hair?
Yes! A tapered style blends lengths and helps mask uneven growth, giving the illusion of a fuller, more polished beard.
4) What is a tapered beard?
A tapered beard features a gradual fade in length, transitioning smoothly from longer facial hair to shorter edges for a stylish, sharp look.
5) How do I taper down my beard?
Start with a trimmer, using shorter guards on the sides and neckline. Blend the lengths carefully for a smooth transition, and define edges for a clean finish.
