The Taper Slick Back: A Timeless Hairstyle for the Ages

The taper slick back is a hairstyle that has been a staple of men's grooming for decades. It's a versatile and timeless look that suits a wide range of face shapes, hair types, and personal styles. Whether you're a professional looking to make a good impression or a casual guy just trying to look sharp, the taper slick back is a great option. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of this classic hairstyle, how to style it, and provide tips for achieving the perfect look.

The taper slick back has its roots in the 1950s and 60s, when it was popularized by icons like James Dean and Marlon Brando. The style was characterized by a closely trimmed fade at the temples, with a longer length on top. The hair was often slicked back with a small amount of pomade or hair grease to create a sleek, polished look. Over the years, the taper slick back has evolved and been adapted by various subcultures, from the hip-hop scene to the indie rock world.

One of the key benefits of the taper slick back is its versatility. It can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. On a formal event, the style can be dressed up with a slim tie and a fitted suit. On a casual outing, it can be paired with a simple T-shirt and jeans. The taper slick back also suits a wide range of face shapes, from oval to square.

History of the Taper Slick Back

The taper slick back has a rich history that spans several decades. In the 1950s and 60s, it was popularized by icons like James Dean and Marlon Brando. The style was characterized by a closely trimmed fade at the temples, with a longer length on top. The hair was often slicked back with a small amount of pomade or hair grease to create a sleek, polished look.

• Key characteristics of the 1950s and 60s taper slick back:
  • Closely trimmed fade at the temples
  • Longer length on top
  • Slicked back with pomade or hair grease
  • Often paired with a slim tie and a fitted suit

In the 1970s and 80s, the taper slick back fell out of favor, but it experienced a resurgence in the 1990s and 2000s. Today, it's more popular than ever, with many celebrities and influencers sporting the style.

How to Style the Taper Slick Back

Styling the taper slick back requires a few key products and techniques. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect look:

Products Needed

• A close-cut trimmer or razor
• A comb
• A small amount of pomade or hair grease
• A hair serum or oil

Basic Steps

1. Use a close-cut trimmer or razor to achieve a closely trimmed fade at the temples.
2. Use a comb to style the hair on top, working from the center outwards.
3. Apply a small amount of pomade or hair grease to the hair on top, and use a comb to style it.
4. Use a hair serum or oil to add shine and texture to the hair.

Advanced Techniques

• To add texture and volume to the hair on top, use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo.
• To add shine and moisture to the hair, use a hair serum or oil.
• To style the hair in a more sleek and polished look, use a hair cream or pomade.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Look

• Use a mirror to check your progress as you style the hair.
• Work slowly and carefully, as the taper slick back requires precise styling.
• Use a comb to guide the hair, rather than your fingers.
• Practice makes perfect - don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of it.

Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

• Uneven length: Use a comb to guide the hair, and work slowly and carefully to achieve a uniform length.
• Lack of texture: Use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add volume and texture to the hair.
• Greasy-looking hair: Use a small amount of pomade or hair grease, and avoid over-styling the hair.

Variations of the Taper Slick Back

The taper slick back is a versatile style that can be adapted to suit different face shapes, hair types, and personal styles. Here are a few variations to try:

• Undercut taper: Use a close-cut trimmer or razor to create an undercut, and then style the hair on top with a small amount of pomade or hair grease.
• Fade taper: Use a close-cut trimmer or razor to create a fade at the temples, and then style the hair on top with a small amount of pomade or hair grease.
• Messy taper: Use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add volume and texture to the hair, and then style the hair with a small amount of pomade or hair grease.

Tips for Different Face Shapes

• Oval face shape: Use a comb to guide the hair, and work slowly and carefully to achieve a uniform length.
• Square face shape: Use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add volume and texture to the hair, and then style the hair with a small amount of pomade or hair grease.
• Round face shape: Use a small amount of pomade or hair grease, and avoid over-styling the hair.

Conclusion

The taper slick back is a timeless hairstyle that suits a wide range of face shapes, hair types, and personal styles. Whether you're looking for a classic, polished look or a more