The Beard Taper Explained (What It Is & Who It Works For)

The best beards make a smooth exit. As more men opt for shaved sides or even a full-on bald look, the beard taper stops your beard from ending abruptly. Instead, it fades out naturally at the edges. Think less sudden Batman disappearance, more slow walk into the sunset.

The problem? Most men never even consider a beard taper — and when they do, they often confuse it with a fade. There’s also plenty of uncertainty around how to taper a beard at home. Isn’t that something best left to a professional barber?

We’re answering all your questions below — from what a beard taper actually is, to how it differs from a fade, and whether you can taper a beard yourself.

What is a Beard Taper?

A beard taper is a gradual reduction in length until it blends softly into the skin. You’ll see a beard taper wherever the beard begins and ends: sideburns, cheeks, and neckline. It’s how you lead into the main event.

Tapers are increasingly popular today. Why? Well, achieving the perfect taper just wasn’t possible in past generations; at least, not without some serious skill with a razor. But with an electric trimmer, it’s now the gold standard for beards. 

The beard taper leaves your beard looking sharper and cleaner, without sacrificing the ruggedness. It’s the sign of a man who values good grooming but isn’t overly preened.

Beard Taper vs Fade: What’s the Difference?

You might be thinking: This sounds a lot like a beard fade.

The confusion is understandable. The difference is the severity. A taper is a soft, subtle, and conservative blending of the beard into the skin. The fade, on the other hand, is bold, high contrast, with a much sharper gradient. 

In short: the fade is a statement; the taper is just good grooming.

The two styles also speak different languages. Fades are a lot more trend-driven. They’re harder to maintain due to the sharp gradient and can look quite harsh on some men. The beard taper, in contrast, is more professional and suits most men with full or boxed beards. 

Who Does a Beard Taper Work Best For?

Face Shapes That Suit a Beard Taper

The beard taper is one of the most versatile parts of a beard. It suits almost everyone. From round faces to long faces, it adds that missing ingredient. 

• Round faces. A taper adds angles and structure, which helps slim the face and stop the beard from looking too soft around the edges.
• Square faces. You already have a strong jaw. A taper keeps the sides controlled so the beard looks sharp rather than blocky.
• Oval faces. Most styles work on oval faces. A taper simply adds a cleaner finish and a bit more intention to the overall shape.
• Long faces. A taper keeps the sides neat without pulling everything downward, which helps maintain better balance.

Where doesn’t it work? The answer is triangle and diamond faces. Due to their angles and width, the taper is higher risk. That’s not to say it can’t work. Just that it can exaggerate the “bottom-heavy” look or accentuate cheekbones too much. A low, very subtle taper can still work if done right, however. 

Hair Styles & Beard Density

The taper works best on a full beard and on men with short hair and shaven or cropped sides. If you’ve got a big shaggy mane up top, or even medium-length hair, a taper blends into an odd patch of skin before your hair. Better to let the beard and hair connect.

Here’s a solid guide:

• Patchy beards. A taper blends lighter growth into thicker areas so the patches are far less noticeable.
• Thick beards. Prevents the sides from ballooning out and keeps the profile looking controlled and structured.
• Curly vs straight beard hair. Both work well with a taper. Curly beards just need softer blending to avoid obvious lines.

Lifestyle Fit

What about lifestyle? Beards are popular with office workers and tradesmen. For the former, it’s clean and intentional, giving you the perks of a full beard without feeling too wild and woolly, while for tradesmen, it’s tidy and practical. 

Athletes also favour the beard taper. The reduced bulk at the sides helps with comfort, sweat, and hygiene. 

Beard Taper Styles (Low, Mid, & High)

Not all tapers are created equal. The height of your taper changes how clean, bold, or subtle the end result feels. Here’s how to pick your lane.

Low Beard Taper

This is the classic, understated choice.

The taper starts just above the neckline and fades softly into the jawline. It keeps your beard looking neat without shouting about it. Perfect if you want your beard to look naturally sharp — like you just woke up tidy.

Mid Beard Taper

Right in the sweet spot.

The fade begins around the middle of the cheek, giving a nice, balanced blend that looks intentional but not dramatic. It suits most face shapes and works whether you’re in a suit, work gear, or gym clothes. If in doubt, start here.

High Beard Taper

The bold one.

The taper starts higher up near the sideburns, creating a stronger contrast between beard and hair (or scalp). It’s modern, eye-catching, and great if you like crisp lines. Just don’t take it too high, or you’ll drift into “barber experiment gone wrong” territory.

How to Taper a Beard (Step-by-Step Guide)

What You’ll Need:

• A trimmer with adjustable guards
• A detailer or edging tool
• A handheld mirror (for those awkward angles)
• A beard brush or comb
• Beard oil or beard balm for finishing up

What To Do:

1. Set your base length. Trim your beard evenly first. This gives you a clean starting point before blending anything in.
2. Pick your taper zone. Usually around the sideburns, jawline, and neckline. Don’t rush this — a good taper is all about placement.
3. Drop a guard size. Use a slightly shorter guard where you want the taper to start. Blend upward or downward depending on the area.
4. Feather the edges. Move the trimmer in short, light strokes so the transition looks natural, not like a step change.
5. Clean the neckline. Keep the neckline crisp but natural. Shave any strays below the taper to keep it looking intentional.
6. Check from every angle. Use your mirror to spot uneven spots or harsh lines. If it looks too sharp, go over it again lightly.

Pro Beardcraft Secrets

The secret to the beard taper is to think of it in layers. You start by setting the longest starting point: around the length of your full beard. Then you work shorter sequentially. 

Most guards come with preset lengths, giving you an easy sequence. But the best results come from trimmers that give you greater control over length.

The hardest part is always the final blending into the skin. If you struggle with this, avoid it completely. Give yourself a narrow band of stubble leading into your hair. 

Beard Taper Maintenance: How Long Does It Last?

Let’s not pretend: beard tapers require a bit more maintenance than some beard styles. They’re not quite as intensive as the fade. However, you’ll still need to stay on top of the look.

Generally, you’ll want to refresh your taper every 3-5 days for a clean look. At most, leave it 7-10 days. 

Where you can’t miss a day is with beard oil and brushing. Most beard tapers go with a full (or boxed) beard. A healthy dose of beard oil keeps the beard looking shiny and thick. 

Should You Taper Your Beard at Home or Go to a Barber?

If you’re new to all things beardcraft, going to the barber is probably a good idea. They’ll at least be able to create the taper, and then you can maintain at home. A beard taper is probably one of the hardest beard styles to master. Not for beginners.

That being said, if you know your way around a razor, a taper is realistic. Take your time. Plan it out. And work your way through the steps. Just don’t be too adventurous. You’re probably not achieving a full fade without the right equipment. 

The Last Word on the Beard Taper

A beard taper isn’t about showing off. It’s about looking like you’ve got your act together without trying too hard. Whether you go low, mid, or high, the goal is simple: keep it clean, keep it balanced, and make it look effortless.

Give your beard the care it deserves. The right tools and a touch of oil can make all the difference. You’ll find everything you need to keep your taper looking sharp at Beard Sorcery.

Check out next:

• Beard Fade Mastery: Step-by-Step Blending Techniques
• Men's Hairstyle and Beard Combos That Always Work Together
• Beard Length Chart: Best Beard Styles for Every Length & Face Shape