3 Simple Steps to Taper Sideburns Perfectly

Man tapering his sideburns with a trimmer
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Tapering sideburns is a relatively simple grooming task that can have a significant impact on your overall look. It’s a great way to add definition to your face and create a more polished appearance. If you’ve never tapered your sideburns before, don’t worry. It’s a relatively easy process that can be done with a few simple tools.

First, you’ll need to gather your tools. You’ll need a pair of scissors, a comb, and a mirror. If you have a beard trimmer, you can also use that to help you shape your sideburns. Once you have your tools, you’re ready to start tapering your sideburns.

Start by combing your sideburns down. This will help you see the natural shape of your sideburns and make it easier to taper them evenly. Once you’ve combed your sideburns, use your scissors to trim them to the desired length. Be sure to hold the scissors at a 45-degree angle to create a tapered effect. If you’re using a beard trimmer, you can use the adjustable comb to help you achieve the desired length. Once you’ve trimmed your sideburns to the desired length, use the comb to blend the trimmed area with the rest of your sideburns. This will help to create a smooth, natural look.

Determining the Desired Shape

As with any hairstyle, determining the desired shape is the first step in tapering sideburns. Consider your facial features, hair type, and personal style when making this decision. Here are some common shapes to consider:

Straight Taper:

This classic shape gradually tapers from the top of the sideburn to the bottom, creating a clean and sharp line. It complements a variety of face shapes and hairstyles.

Curved Taper:

Similar to the straight taper, the curved taper also gradually tapers down but follows the natural curve of the face. This shape can help balance a round face and soften angular features.

Faded Taper:

For a more subtle transition, consider a faded taper. This technique uses clippers with different blade sizes to create a smooth gradation from the sideburn to the cheek, fading into the shorter hair below.

Wide Taper:

A wide taper maintains a wider appearance throughout the sideburn, gradually narrowing towards the bottom. This shape can be flattering for individuals with a wide or square face.

Natural Taper:

For a more natural look, leave the sideburns slightly longer and blend them into the surrounding hair using texturizing shears. This method can help reduce the appearance of tapering while maintaining a polished finish.

To make the best decision, consider the following additional factors:

Face Shape: A straight taper suits oval and square faces, while a curved taper complements round and heart-shaped faces.
Hair Type: Coarse or thick hair requires more frequent tapering to maintain the desired shape.
Personal Style: Ultimately, the desired shape should align with your personal style and desired look.

Once you have determined the desired shape, you can proceed with the actual tapering process.

Gathering Necessary Tools

Electric Razor

* Provides precise tapering for a clean, professional finish.
* Choose a razor with adjustable cutting lengths for versatility.
* Ensure the battery is fully charged or the cord is connected before use.

T-Outliner

* Specifically designed for trimming sideburns and creating sharp lines.
* Allows for intricate detailing and crisp edges.
* Opt for a cordless t-outliner for ease of maneuverability.

Comb Attachment

* Essential for creating different lengths of taper.
* Choose a set of combs with varying sizes to achieve the desired gradient.
* Use a comb with fine teeth for a more gradual taper.

Scissors

* For removing stray hairs and shaping the overall shape.
* Select scissors with sharp blades for precision cutting.
* Avoid using barber shears designed for bulk hair removal.

Mirror

* Allows you to visualize the progress of the taper.
* Choose a large mirror with good lighting for clear visibility.
* Position the mirror at an angle to view the sideburns from all angles.

Other Essential Tools

* Razor blades (replace when dull)
* Towel for cleanup
* Shaving cream or gel (optional)

Preparation: Washing and Combing

Properly preparing your hair before tapering your sideburns is crucial for achieving a clean and precise finish. Follow these steps to prepare your hair:

Wash your hair: Begin by thoroughly washing your hair with a shampoo and conditioner that suit your hair type. This will remove any dirt, oils, or styling products that may interfere with the tapering process.

Detangle your hair: Once your hair is washed, use a wide-toothed comb or brush to detangle any knots or tangles. This will make it easier to work with your hair and prevent any breakage during tapering.

Section your hair: For precise tapering, it’s helpful to section your hair into three parts: the top, the sides, and the back. Use hairpins or clips to hold the sections in place.

Determine the desired length: Before starting to taper, it’s important to have a clear idea of the desired length for your sideburns. Consider the shape of your face and the overall style you want to achieve.

Choose the right tools: For tapering sideburns, you’ll need a sharp pair of hairdressing scissors, a fine-toothed comb, and possibly an electric trimmer for blending purposes.

Sectioning the Sideburns

Sectioning the sideburns is essential for creating a clean and even taper. To do this, use a comb to divide the sideburns into three sections: the top, middle, and bottom.

Top Section

The top section of the sideburns begins at the top of the ear and extends downward to the cheekbone. This section should be the shortest, as it will blend into the hair on the top of the head.

Middle Section

The middle section of the sideburns extends from the cheekbone to the bottom of the sideburns. This section should be slightly longer than the top section, but still shorter than the bottom section.

Bottom Section

The bottom section of the sideburns begins at the bottom of the ear and extends downward to the jawline. This section should be the longest of the three sections, and its length will determine the final tapered look. It’s important to gradually increase the length of the hair as you move downward from the cheekbone to the jawline to create a smooth transition.

Here’s a table summarizing the length guidelines for each section:

Section	Length
Top	Shortest
Middle	Slightly longer than top
Bottom	Longest

Trimming the Outline

5. Refining the Taper

To achieve a refined taper, follow these detailed steps:

**Establish a steady hand:** Hold the trimmers firmly with both hands, ensuring a stable grip.
**Go with the grain:** Trim against the direction of hair growth to avoid tugging and uneven results.
**Small adjustments:** Make tiny, incremental trims along the outline, gradually blending the sideburns into the desired shape.
**Check progress regularly:** Periodically step back and assess the taper from a distance to ensure symmetry and balance.
**Alternate trimmers:** For finer control, switch between different trimmer attachments, such as a narrower head for precision or a wider one for blending.
**Blur the transition:** To eliminate any harsh lines, gently taper the outer edges of the sideburns using a brush or comb to blend them subtly into the rest of the hair.

Before	After

Refining the Angle

Achieving the perfect tapered sideburn angle requires meticulous attention to detail. Consider these additional factors to enhance your technique:

1. Hair Growth Pattern

Observe the natural growth pattern of your facial hair. Sideburns typically grow in an arc, so follow this curvature to create a harmonious taper.

2. Face Shape

The ideal sideburn angle will complement your face shape. For round faces, a steeper angle can elongate the face, while a less angled taper suits oval faces.

3. Personal Preference

Ultimately, the best angle for your sideburns is a matter of personal taste. Experiment with different angles and choose the one that feels most flattering.

4. Taper Ratio

The taper ratio refers to the gradual reduction in hair length from the top to the bottom of the sideburn. A 3:1 ratio (top:bottom) creates a balanced taper, while a 2:1 ratio results in a more dramatic effect.

5. Blending

Ensure a seamless transition between the sideburn and the rest of the facial hair. Blend the edges using clippers with different guard sizes or scissors with a feathering technique.

6. Table: Sideburn Angle Considerations

For further guidance, refer to the following table summarizing the key factors to consider when refining the sideburn angle:

Factor	Considerations
Face Shape	Round: steeper angle; Oval: less angled taper
Hair Growth Pattern	Follow the natural curvature of facial hair growth
Taper Ratio	3:1 for balanced taper; 2:1 for dramatic effect
Personal Preference	Choose the angle that feels most flattering
Blending	Create a seamless transition between sideburn and facial hair

Blending the Lengths

Once you have established the desired shape for your sideburns, it’s time to blend the lengths between the temples and the back of the ears. This step requires careful attention to detail and a steady hand to achieve a smooth transition.

Trimming by Degree

Divide the area between the temple and the back of the ear into manageable sections. Start by trimming the lower section of the sideburn to your desired length. Using a smaller clipper guard or scissors, gradually increase the length of the remaining sections as you move towards the temple.

To guide your trimming, imagine a line connecting the top of the ear to the temple. Trim at a slight angle, following the natural contour of your face. The closer you get to the temple, the shorter the hair should be.

Follow this trimming pattern on both sides of your face, ensuring that the lengths blend seamlessly.

Using Clippers with Barber Combs

If you prefer using clippers, attach a barber comb to the clipper. Barber combs have adjustable lengths, allowing you to trim your sideburns to the desired length while creating a gradual transition.

Start by attaching a shorter comb and trim the lower section of the sideburn. Gradually switch to longer combs as you move towards the temple, overlapping the trimmed areas to create a smooth blend.

Clipper Guard Size	Area
1-2	Lower sideburn (near ear)
3-4	Middle section
5-6	Upper section (near temple)

Finalizing the Shape

Once you have established the basic shape of your sideburns, it’s time to refine and finalize it. This involves gradually tapering the sideburns towards the bottom to create a clean and defined look.

8. Gradual Tapering

Use your trimmer with the adjustable guide comb set to the shortest length you want the sideburns to be at the bottom. Start trimming from the bottom of the sideburn and gradually move upwards with each pass, increasing the length of the guide comb as you go. This will create a smooth and gradual transition from the shorter length at the bottom to the longer length at the top.

Here’s a table summarizing the gradual tapering process:

Section	Guide Comb Length	Starting Point	End Point
Bottom	Shortest length	Bottom of sideburn	Mid-point
Upper Bottom	Medium-short length	Mid-point	Upper third
Upper	Long length	Upper third	Top of sideburn

Trim both sideburns in this manner to create a symmetrical and balanced shape.

Touch-Ups and Maintenance

Once you’ve achieved your desired sideburn taper, regular touch-ups are essential to maintain its sharpness. Here’s how:

Set a Regular Trimming Schedule: Determine how quickly your sideburns grow and establish a trimming schedule accordingly. This may range from every 1-2 weeks to once a month.
Use Sharp Trimmers or Scissors: Dull blades can cause ragged edges and uneven cuts. Ensure your tools are in good condition before using them.
Clean Your Sideburns: Wash your sideburns with warm water and a mild cleanser to remove any dirt or oil before trimming.
Use a Guide Comb: For consistent results, consider using a guide comb on your trimmer. This allows you to gradually remove hair and avoid over-cutting.
Follow the Taper Lines: Remember the taper lines you established during your initial trim. Stick to them during touch-ups to maintain the desired shape.
Check Both Sides: Compare your sideburns regularly to ensure they are symmetrical. Adjustments may be necessary to achieve an even appearance.
Use a Magnifying Mirror: A magnifying mirror can help you spot any stray hairs or areas that need additional attention.
Moisturize: After trimming, apply a moisturizer to your sideburns to keep them healthy and prevent irritation.
Regularly Inspect and Adjust: Periodically check your sideburns in natural light to identify any imperfections. Make minor adjustments as needed to maintain a sharp and defined taper.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Sideburns are too short: If you accidentally trim your sideburns too short, the best solution is to wait for them to grow back. You can use a beard growth oil or serum to help speed up the process. In the meantime, you can try shaping your sideburns with a beard trimmer or razor to create the illusion of a longer length.

2. Sideburns are uneven: To fix uneven sideburns, start by trimming the longer side to match the shorter side. Then, use a razor or beard trimmer to gradually shape the sideburns into the desired shape.

3. Sideburns are too wide: If your sideburns are too wide, you can narrow them down by trimming the sides with a beard trimmer or razor. Be careful not to trim too much at once, as you can always take more off later.

4. Sideburns are too high: To lower your sideburns, start by trimming the top of the sideburns with a beard trimmer or razor. Then, use your fingers to feel for the natural contour of your cheekbone. Trim the sideburns to follow the contour of your cheekbone.

5. Sideburns are too thick: To thin out your sideburns, you can use a beard trimmer or razor to trim away some of the excess hair. Be careful not to trim too much at once, as you can always take more off later.

6. Sideburns are too thin: If your sideburns are too thin, you can try using a beard growth oil or serum to help them grow thicker. You can also use a beard brush or comb to stimulate hair growth.

7. Sideburns are too curly: To tame curly sideburns, you can use a beard oil or serum to help keep them in place. You can also use a beard brush or comb to style your sideburns into the desired shape.

8. Sideburns are growing in patches: If your sideburns are growing in patches, you can try using a beard growth oil or serum to help stimulate hair growth. You can also use a beard brush or comb to help distribute the natural oils from your scalp to your sideburns.

9. Sideburns are itchy: If your sideburns are itchy, you can try using a beard oil or serum to help soothe the skin. You can also use a cold compress to help reduce inflammation.

10. Sideburns are ingrown: To prevent ingrown sideburns, you should always shave in the direction of hair growth. You should also use a sharp razor and avoid shaving too closely. If you do get an ingrown hair, you can try using a warm compress to help bring it to the surface. You can also use a tweezers to gently remove the hair.

How to Taper Sideburns

Tapering sideburns is a versatile technique that can enhance various facial structures and hairstyles. This guide will provide a step-by-step approach to achieve a tapered sideburn look tailored to your preferences.

Materials you will need:

Electric trimmer with adjustable guard
Small scissors
Comb

Steps:

Determine the starting point: Decide where you want the sideburns to begin on your cheeks. Typically, the starting point aligns with the top of your earlobe.
Trim the top of the sideburns: Using the electric trimmer with the appropriate guard size, trim the top of the sideburns to the desired length. Start from the starting point and gradually trim towards the back of the head.
Taper the sideburns: Switch to a shorter guard size and begin trimming the sideburns at an angle, gradually reducing the length towards the bottom. Use the comb as a guide to ensure a smooth transition.
Refine the shape: Use the small scissors to trim any stray hairs and shape the sideburns to your desired contour. For example, you can create a curved or angled shape.
Blend the sideburns: Using the electric trimmer with a blend guard, gently blend the sideburns into the hair on your cheeks and neck. This will create a seamless transition.

Tips:

Use a mirror to check your progress and ensure symmetry.
Start with a longer guard size and gradually reduce it to avoid over-trimming.
Take your time and trim in small increments to achieve a precise taper.