Best Taper Haircuts in Washington D.C.
Looking for the best taper haircut in Washington DC? At The Washington D.C. Barbershop, in the heart of Downtown, steps from Dupont Circle, we specialize in clean, precise taper haircuts and taper fades for every hair type. Whether you want a subtle low taper for the office or a sharp high taper fade, book your next taper haircut with a licensed master barber who takes the time to get it right.
What Is a Taper Haircut?
A taper haircut gradually shortens the hair around the sides and back — longer at the top, shorter as it reaches the neckline and ears. Unlike a full fade, a taper keeps a bit more length and blends more subtly, which makes it one of the most versatile, professional, and low-maintenance men's haircuts. It works with straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair, and pairs cleanly with any style on top.
Taper Haircut Styles We Offer in Washington DC
Low Taper Haircut
The taper starts low, just above the ears and neckline, for a clean, understated look that's perfect for professional settings.
Mid Taper Haircut
A balanced taper that begins around the temples, the most popular choice for a sharp, everyday cut.
High Taper Haircut
The taper starts higher on the sides for a bolder contrast between the top and the sides.
Taper Fade
The taper starts low, just above the ears and neckline, for a clean, understated look that's perfect for professional settings.
Taper vs. Fade: What's the Difference?
A taper leaves a little more length and blends gradually, while a fade takes the hair much shorter, often down to the skin. Tapers are more subtle and grow out cleaner; fades give a bolder, higher-contrast look. Not sure which you want? Your barber will help you choose based on your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle.
Taper Haircut Prices in Washington DC
We specialize in barbershop services, making every cut your favorite.
-
Get 2 Haircuts x 2 Shaves For $85 Per Month (Limited to 50 Subscribers) Learn More.
-
-
All Styled Haircuts require the use of Scissors (Shears), water, and a blow dry. Haircuts include Comb-Overs, Undercuts, and all Long Hair Styles.
-
Get the haircut of your choice with a fresh beard trim or shave (Straight razor shave and Hot Towel Included). The haircut and shave service is perfect for maintaining a clean image on the skin and hair.
-
Indulge in the ultimate VIP grooming session:
Signature Haircut – any style, expertly tailored to your look
Luxury Beard Trim or Hot-Razor Shave – precision lines, silky finish
Revitalizing Skin Ritual – deep-cleansing facial with hot-towel steam to lift impurities, hydrate, and refresh
Zen Shoulder Massage – cordless massager melts away tension while you unwind
Step out polished, re-energized, and boardroom-ready—all in one seamless visit.
-
Keep your beard and face neat and presentable. Enjoy a beard Shave. (Straight razor shave and hot towel included)
Why Get Your Taper Haircut at The Washington D.C. Barbershop
Prime Downtown Location — steps from Dupont Circle and blocks from the White House, easy to reach on foot or by Metro, even on a lunch break.
Precision & Consistency — a licensed master barber with 10+ years of experience who blends every taper by hand.
Private, Relaxed Appointments — no overcrowding, no long waits; the chair is yours.
Open Late — appointments until 9 PM, Tuesday–Sunday, so you can come in after work.
How I do Taper-Haircuts step-by-step
-
First, we'll begin with your hair as it is. If it's been a while since your last wash, no worries, we can start with a quick shampoo. This helps me see your hair's natural texture and fall, which is important for a precise cut.
-
We'll start by outlining your natural hairline, especially around the neck and sideburns. This step is crucial as it sets the boundaries for your taper and ensures everything looks clean and neat.
-
I'll use a longer guard on my clippers to remove the bulk from the sides and back of your head. Don't worry, I won't go too high up – we want to keep the transition of your taper haircut subtle and smooth.
-
Next, I'll switch to a shorter guard to begin the tapering process. This involves gradually shortening the hair around the lower sides and back, blending upwards but keeping it lower than a typical fade.
-
I'll gradually decrease the guard size to blend the hair seamlessly. The idea is to go from slightly longer at the top of the taper to shorter near the neckline and ears.
-
The hair on top will be left longer, and I'll use scissors to trim it to your preferred length. Whether you like it short and neat or a bit longer, I'll make sure it complements the taper perfectly.
-
I'll use the scissor over comb technique to blend the top with the tapered sides. This is where the haircut really comes together, ensuring a smooth transition from the longer hair on top to the tapered sides.
-
I'll clean up the edges around your ears and neckline with a trimmer for a sharp, finished look. I'll also double-check for any uneven areas to ensure your haircut is perfectly balanced.
-
To finish off, I'll style your hair according to your preference. I can also recommend some products and tips for maintaining your new look at home.
Address:1150 18th Street, NW, Suite 130 20036
Neighborhood: Downtown Washington D.C.
Contact: (202) 780-6590
Near By Neighborhoods: Dupont Circle, The White House
Open Hours: Monday-Saturday | 9 A.M.-10 P.M.
Barber Name: Dejon Boyd
FAQ About Taper Haircuts
-
A taper haircut will take approximately 25 to 30 minutes. The higher taper haircut and the shorter the fade, the longer it will generally take. Skin tapers can take up to 45 minutes, simply due to the shaving requirement. However, a skilled barber can get a good taper haircut done in 20 minutes or so.
-
A fade and a taper haircut both transition from longer to shorter hair from the top of the head to the ear, creating a gradient effect. However, in a typical taper haircut, the hair is longer on top (about 2 - 4 inches) and the gradient starts at the temple, ending at the natural hairline. Unlike a fade, the taper doesn't blend down to the skin and is shorter at the hairline.
-
Depending on the taper of your choice (low taper, mid taper, high taper) a good taper can last 6-8 days before grow back is apparent.
-
To choose the right Taper Haircut, consider your face shape, hair type, and personal style. Also, think about how much maintenance you're willing to do. Consulting with a professional barber can help you decide on the best fade for your look.
-
A taper haircut gradually shortens the hair on the sides and back, from longer to shorter as it reaches the neckline and ears, blending subtly while keeping some length.
-
A taper haircut at The Washington D.C. Barbershop is $60 as part of our Clipper Haircut service.
-
To keep a taper looking crisp, most clients come in every 2–3 weeks. Our monthly subscription (2 cuts + 2 shaves) makes it easy and affordable.
Washington D.C. Barbershop Daily
-
Washington D.C. Barbershop Open Late For After Hours Haircuts
The Washington D.C. Barbershop stays open late for after-work haircuts , appointments until 9 PM, Monday–Sunday, in Downtown DC near Dupont Circle and blocks from the white house.
-
Book Skin Fades at The Washington D.C. Barbershop
Book a skin fade haircut at The Washington D.C. Barbershop in the heart of downtown. Located blocks from Dupont circle and The White House, get precision skin fades, tapers and straight-razor shaves, open late.
-
Top 3 Black Barbershops in Washington DC
A guide to the best Black-owned barbershops in Washington DC, plus the story of DC's Black barbershop culture, from U Street's Black Broadway to today.