Tapering sideburns is an essential grooming technique that can enhance your overall appearance. Whether you prefer a subtle or dramatic taper, the process is relatively straightforward with the right tools and techniques. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to tapering sideburns, ensuring a precise and professional finish.
To begin, you’ll need a pair of sharp hair clippers with adjustable guards, a fine-tooth comb, and a pair of scissors. Before starting, make sure your hair is clean and dry. Begin by selecting the appropriate guard size for your desired length. Start with a larger guard and gradually decrease the size as you work towards the bottom of the sideburns. Use the clippers to shave along the desired shape, working in small sections to achieve a smooth and even taper. Once the bulk of the hair has been removed, use the scissors to trim any stray hairs or blend the tapered area into the rest of your hair.
Defining Sideburns
Sideburns are the hair that grows on the sides of a man’s face, between the ears and the jawline. They can be any length, from short and trimmed to long and flowing. Sideburns have been in and out of fashion for centuries, but they are currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity.
There are many different ways to style sideburns. Some popular styles include the following:
- Short and trimmed: This is a classic style that is easy to maintain. The sideburns are trimmed to a short length, and they are kept neat and tidy.
- Long and flowing: This style is more relaxed and bohemian. The sideburns are allowed to grow long and flow down the sides of the face. This style is often seen on musicians and artists.
- Curly: Curly sideburns can be a bit more challenging to style, but they can also be very stylish. The key is to keep them trimmed and neat, so that they don’t look unkempt.
The size and density of sideburns is largely determined by the shape of your face. For example, if you have a round face, you will want to avoid sideburns that are too wide or bushy, as this will only make your face look even rounder. Instead, opt for sideburns that are tapered or trimmed to a short length. If you have a long face, on the other hand, you can get away with longer and wider sideburns, as this will help to balance out the length of your face.
Assessing Your Face Shape
The first step to tapering sideburns is to assess your face shape. This will help you determine the best style of sideburns for your face. There are seven basic face shapes: oval, round, square, rectangular, diamond, heart, and triangle.
To determine your face shape, stand in front of a mirror and look at your face. Trace the outline of your face with your finger, and then compare it to the shapes in the table below.
| Face Shape | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Oval | The oval face is the most balanced face shape. It is longer than it is wide, and the cheekbones are the widest part of the face. The forehead and jawline are narrower than the cheekbones. |
| Round | The round face is as wide as it is long. The cheekbones are the widest part of the face, and the forehead and jawline are rounded. |
| Square | The square face is as wide as it is long. The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are all the same width. |
| Rectangular | The rectangular face is longer than it is wide. The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are all the same width. |
| Diamond | The diamond face is narrower at the forehead and jawline than it is at the cheekbones. The cheekbones are the widest part of the face. |
| Heart | The heart face is widest at the forehead and narrower at the jawline. The chin is pointed. |
| Triangle | The triangle face is wider at the jawline than it is at the forehead. The chin is wide and the forehead is narrow. |
Once you have determined your face shape, you can start to taper your sideburns. The goal is to create a style that complements your face shape and highlights your best features.
Trimming Sideburns with Scissors
Step 1: Section the Sideburns
* Determine the desired length of your sideburns by measuring from the top of your earlobe to your jawline.
* Use a comb to create a horizontal part that runs perpendicular to the sideburn, dividing it into two sections: the top section and the bottom section. The bottom section will be the tapered area.
Step 2: Taper the Bottom Section
* Hold the scissors vertically, parallel to the back of your head.
* Starting at the top of the bottom section, gently snipe away small pieces of hair, working your way down towards the jawline.
* As you move down, gradually adjust the scissors angle to create a taper. This means that the hair at the top of the bottom section will be longer than the hair at the bottom.
* Continue snipping and adjusting the angle until you achieve the desired taper.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps for tapering the bottom section:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hold scissors vertically, parallel to the back of your head. |
| 2 | Gently snipe small pieces of hair at the top of the bottom section. |
| 3 | Gradually adjust scissors angle as you move down the bottom section. |
| 4 | Continue snipping and adjusting angle until desired taper is achieved. |
Using a Sideburn Trimmer
If you don’t have the precision or patience for scissors, a sideburn trimmer is an excellent and safe option for you. It’s perfect for beginners who want to keep their sideburns neat and tidy without any hassle. Here’s how to use a sideburn trimmer:
- Choose the right attachment. Most sideburn trimmers come with multiple attachments that allow you to achieve different lengths and tapers. For a tapered sideburn, you’ll need to use the longest attachment first and gradually switch to shorter ones as you move towards the bottom of your sideburn.
- Start at the top. Position the trimmer at the top of your sideburn and slowly move it downwards. Keep the trimmer parallel to your cheek to ensure a clean cut. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can cause the trimmer to slip and create uneven lines.
- Taper the sideburn. Once you’ve reached the middle of your sideburn, switch to a shorter attachment. Continue trimming downwards, gradually reducing the length as you move towards the bottom. This will create a tapered effect that frames your face and complements your overall hairstyle.
- Clean up the edges. Once you’ve finished trimming the main part of your sideburn, use the trimmer to clean up any stray hairs or uneven lines. For a more precise finish, you can also use a small pair of scissors to trim any fine hairs around the edges.
Trimmer Attachment Guide
| Attachment Length | Use |
|---|---|
| Longest | Top of sideburn |
| Medium | Middle of sideburn |
| Shortest | Bottom of sideburn |
Creating a Defined Sideburn Edge with a Razor
Once you’ve trimmed your sideburns to your desired length, you can use a razor to create a clean, defined edge. Here are some tips for using a razor to taper sideburns:
- Start by wetting your sideburns and razor with warm water.
- Apply a shaving cream or gel to the area where you want to taper your sideburns.
- Gently glide the razor over your sideburns, following the natural contours of your face.
- Use short, gentle strokes to avoid cutting yourself.
- Be careful when shaving around the ears, as the skin in this area is thin and delicate.
- Rinse your razor frequently with warm water to remove hair and shaving cream.
- Once you’ve finished shaving, apply a moisturizer to help soothe and hydrate your skin.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps for using a razor to taper sideburns:
| Step | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wet your sideburns and razor with warm water | |
| 2 | Apply a shaving cream or gel to the area where you want to taper your sideburns | |
| 3 | Gently glide the razor over your sideburns, following the natural contours of your face | |
| 4 | Use short, gentle strokes to avoid cutting yourself Be careful when shaving around the ears, as the skin in this area is thin and delicate Rinse your razor frequently with warm water to remove hair and shaving cream |
|
| 5 | Once you’ve finished shaving, apply a moisturizer to help soothe and hydrate your skin |
| Face Shape | Optimal Length | Angle |
|---|---|---|
| Oval | Slightly below earlobe | Natural hairline |
| Round | At or below jawline | Sloping downward |
| Square | Bottom of earlobe | Natural hairline |
| Triangular | At or above jawline | Natural hairline |
Removing Stray Hairs
Once the basic shape of your sideburns is established, it’s time to remove stray hairs that fall outside the desired line. Use a pair of sharp scissors or an electric trimmer to carefully trim away any hairs that extend beyond the tapered outline.
Refining the Shape
To refine the shape of your sideburns, you’ll need to use a combination of trimming and blending techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Trim the edges: Use sharp scissors or an electric trimmer to trim the edges of your sideburns, following the desired tapered shape.
- Blend the fade: Use a hair clipper with a longer guard on one side and a shorter guard on the other side. Gradually blend the two guards into each other to create a seamless fade from the sideburns to the hair on your cheeks.
- Check the symmetry: Stand in front of a mirror and check the symmetry of your sideburns. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure they are even on both sides.
- Use a straight razor (optional): For a clean and precise finish, you can use a straight razor to shave away any remaining stray hairs along the edges and the fade line.
- Touch up regularly: Sideburns require regular touch-ups to maintain their shape. Trim any stray hairs as needed and blend the fade every few days or weeks, depending on your hair growth rate.
- Experiment with different lengths: The length of your sideburns can vary depending on your personal style. Experiment with different lengths to find what suits you best.
- Consider your face shape: The shape of your sideburns should complement the shape of your face. For example, longer sideburns can help balance out a narrow face, while shorter sideburns can complement a round face.
| Face Shape | Recommended Sideburn Length |
|---|---|
| Oval | Medium to long |
| Square | Short to medium |
| Round | Short |
| Triangle | Medium to long |
| Heart | Short to medium |
Grooming and Styling Sideburns
Trimming Sideburns
Use sharp scissors or a beard trimmer to trim your sideburns to your desired length. Hold the scissors or trimmer at a 45-degree angle to the skin and trim away from the face.
Shaping Sideburns
Comb your sideburns straight down and trim the bottom edge to create a clean line. Use a razor or electric shaver to shave any stray hairs outside the desired shape.
Defining Sideburns
Use a small brush or comb to apply a styling gel or wax to your sideburns. This will help hold the hairs in place and enhance their shape.
Styling Options
Experiment with different sideburn styles to find one that complements your facial shape and hairstyle. Consider classic sideburns, short sideburns, or pointed sideburns.
Tapering Sideburns
Tapering sideburns involve gradually reducing the width of the sideburns towards the bottom. This creates a sleek and sophisticated appearance.
To taper sideburns:
1. Determine the desired taper
Decide on the width of your sideburns at the bottom. The taper can be subtle or more dramatic.
2. Comb and trim
Brush your sideburns straight down and trim them to create a clean line at the desired width at the bottom.
3. Blend the taper
Gradually trim the sideburn hairs above the bottom line, making them shorter towards the ears. Use a light touch and blend the transition smoothly.
4. Check symmetry
Compare the sideburns on both sides to ensure they are even. Adjust as needed to achieve symmetry.
5. Refine the shape
Once the taper is established, you can further define the shape by shaving or trimming any stray hairs outside the desired lines.
6. Style and groom
Apply a styling product to hold the sideburns in place and enhance their appearance.
Maintaining Sideburns for a Polished Appearance
Maintaining well-groomed sideburns is essential for a polished and sophisticated appearance. Here are some key tips:
1. Trim Regularly
Regular trimming is crucial to keep sideburns at a desired length. Use sharp scissors or a beard trimmer with a length guide for precision.
2. Taper Gradually
Avoid abrupt transitions by tapering sideburns gradually. Start by trimming the top portion shorter and working your way down, blending into the hair on the cheeks.
3. Use a Template
Consider using a sideburn template to ensure symmetry. Place the template against the side of your face and trim along the indicated lines.
4. Define the Edges
Use a straight razor or a sharp razor blade to define the edges of your sideburns, creating a clean and polished look.
5. Comb Regularly
Combing sideburns daily helps remove tangles and distributes natural oils, keeping them healthy and looking their best.
6. Wash and Condition
Shampoo and condition sideburns regularly as part of your hair care routine. This removes dirt and oils and keeps them soft and manageable.
7. Avoid Overtrimming
Resist the urge to overtrim sideburns, as this can result in a patchy or uneven appearance. It’s better to trim them conservatively and gradually.
8. Moisturize
To prevent dryness, apply a moisturizer or beard oil to sideburns to keep them hydrated and healthy looking.
9. Style with Pomade
For a polished finish, apply a small amount of pomade to sideburns and comb them into place. This will help control flyaways and keep them looking tidy.
10. Consider Hairline Compatibility
The shape and length of sideburns should complement your hairline. Choose a style that frames your face and balances your facial features.
| Sideburn Length | Suitable Hairline Shape |
|---|---|
| Short | Round, square |
| Medium | Oval, diamond |
| Long | Receding, high forehead |
How to Taper Sideburns
Tapering sideburns is a great way to add style and definition to your face. It can also help to balance out your features and make your face look more symmetrical. Here are the steps on how to taper sideburns:
- Start by combing your sideburns down.
- Use a pair of scissors to carefully trim the bottom edge of your sideburns. Start by cutting a small amount off, and then gradually trim more until you reach the desired length.
- Once you have reached the desired length, use a razor to shave the hair on the bottom edge of your sideburns. This will help to create a clean, defined line.
- Finally, use a pair of clippers to trim the top edge of your sideburns. Start by cutting a small amount off, and then gradually trim more until you reach the desired length.
Here are some additional tips for tapering sideburns:
- Use a sharp pair of scissors and a razor to get the best results.
- Take your time and be patient. It is easy to over-trim your sideburns, so it is important to go slowly and carefully.
- If you are not sure how to taper your sideburns, consult with a barber or stylist.
People Also Ask About How to Taper Sideburns
What is the best length for sideburns?
The best length for sideburns depends on your face shape and personal preferences. However, a good rule of thumb is to keep your sideburns no longer than the bottom of your earlobes.
How do I taper sideburns with clippers?
To taper sideburns with clippers, start by attaching a guard to the clippers. The guard will help to prevent you from cutting your sideburns too short. Next, hold the clippers against the bottom edge of your sideburns and start trimming. Gradually move the clippers up towards the top of your sideburns, using shorter guard lengths as you go.
Can I taper my own sideburns?
Yes, you can taper your own sideburns. However, it is important to be patient and careful. If you are not sure how to taper your sideburns, consult with a barber or stylist.
