Guide to High Slope Haircuts 2024: Instructing Your Barber and How to Style | GATSBY
Looking for a modern, edgy style that works with almost any hair texture and is super easy to maintain? We got you. The high slope haircut ticks all these boxes and we’ll show you how to get this cut, what to tell your barber, and how to style it just right. Keep reading.
What Is a Slope Haircut?
Not sure what a Slope Haircut is? It is a haircut that “slopes” down, with a smooth taper from longer hair on top of the head to shorter hair around the sides and back. This technique creates a neat transition between the different hair lengths.
Here’s the subtle difference between the slope haircut and a fade cut. The slope cut emphasises the progression of the haircut, following the natural curve of your head. The fade, on the other hand, uses clippers to blend different hair lengths seamlessly, gradually shortening the hair from the top to the sides and back.
The slope cut is popular in Singapore because it’s perfect for our hot and humid weather, easy to care for, and simple to style.
Different Types of Slope Haircuts For Men
Since the slope haircut is all about the gradient, you’ve got high, medium, and low slope options to choose from. The high slope starts higher up from the temples, running all the way down to the bottom of the neck, giving you a bolder contrast. The low slope is more chill with its subtle taper on the back and sides that starts lower down, closer to the ears. The medium slope? It’s in the middle, with a balanced gradient that’s stylish but not over-the-top.
If you’re aiming for a statement cut, the high slope is the way to go because of the stronger contrast between the longer tops and shorter sides. Check out these high slope styles to find the cut that fits your personality.
High Slope Styles, According to Length
Short High Slope Hairstyles For Men
The 4 By 2
The neat 4 By 2 is the go-to safe hairstyle for full-time National Servicemen (NSF) in Singapore, as well as for students. It’s called a 4 by 2 because it describes the hair length ratio: ½ inch on top and ¼ on the sides. Just let your barber know you want a 4 by 2 and they’ll know what to do. If you’re looking for something similar but with a different ratio, like a 2 by 1, that works too.
The hair on top may be short, but that doesn’t mean you haven’t got any styling options. Want to add some edge? Go for spikes, using a high-hold hair wax for that extra lift. For something more casual, use a smooth styling wax for a tousled look.
Medium High Slope Hairstyles For Men
High Slope Korean Ivy League
The High Slope Ivy League cut is a variation of the Crew Cut – with slightly more length on top. With hair combed to the side, this timeless style suits just about anyone. We love how the high slope gives that sharp contrast that’s totally chic. Tip: use a hard wax with high holding power to lift the hair and add texture for a polished finish.
High Slope Lifted Quiff
The Lifted Quiff is a trendy medium-length hairstyle that’s all about texture. Pair it with a High Slope that kicks off near your temples and you’ve got yourself a suave look. Your go-to styling product to get the perfect lift and enhanced texture for your quiff is matte hair clay, which works with all hair types. Just work it in and style it up as you go for that flawless finish.
High Slope Messy Permed Top
If you’re feeling adventurous, how about a Timothée Chalamet-inspired Messy Permed Top paired with a High Slope? We suggest trying a one-day perm first to see whether this style suits you. All you need is a hair mousse foam like GATSBY Meta Rubber Bubble Perm Style Creator to get that bouncy mess on top. Divide your hair into sections and apply the mousse, gently scrunching until you get those textured curls.
High Slope Bowl Cut
The High Slope Bowl Cut gives the classic Bowl Cut a modern twist. The horizontal top stays high and rounded, sitting well above the ear, while the short sides are sleek and short. It’s a unique look for sure. You have the option of keeping the fringe blunt or getting layered bangs for that extra cool factor.
High Slope Middle Part
The High Slope Middle Part represents the quintessential boy-next-door look. The centre part pairs perfectly with the high faded sides for a contemporary look. For this medium-length men’s hairstyle, you’ll want to keep it natural and flowy. Use a hair balm to get that effortless wave.
Long High Slope Hairstyles For Men
High Slope Mullet
If you’ve been growing out your hair and want to experiment with a rocker vibe, try the High Slope Mullet. The tight high taper on the sides give a sharp finish, creating a bold contrast that stands out. This look is perfect for those with natural waves and adds a touch of retro cool to your look.
High Slope Long Combover
The High Slope Long Combover sweeps your long hair to one side while the high gradient cut on the other side gives off a very clean finish. To nail this look, the right hair product makes all the difference. A hair gloss like GATSBY Meta Rubber Gloss Hard has the strong holding power and smooth grease-like application to give you that sleek, tight finish.
How to Get a High Slope
Before you head to the barber, consider whether you have the right face shape for a High Slope cut. If you have an oval face with well-balanced proportions, go ahead and book that appointment. This style can add height to round faces too. But if you have an angular face, it’s best to skip this cut as it might accentuate your sharp features.
Ready for that High Slope haircut? Just tell your barber to start the taper fade near the temples or above the eyebrow, with a smooth blend from the long top to short sides. Depending on the hairstyle you choose, you may want to discuss the hair’s characteristics such as the length and texture, as well as the aesthetic you’re going for. If you’re not sure how to describe the style you want, pull some hair inspo images off social media to show your barber.
Remember, regular trims are key to keeping your High Slope on point. Oh, and using the right hair products helps to maintain your hairstyle too.
Conclusion
With so many haircuts that vibe well with a High Slope, you’re spoilt for choice. Whether you’re into classic looks for a clean feel or prefer something edgier, the High Slope adds personality to your game. It’s your chance to flex your unique style and stand out from the crowd.