Final answer:
A 'tapered appearance' in male haircuts is a graduated style that gets shorter from the top of the head to the neck and sides. It has been culturally associated with a masculine and groomed appearance without signaling excessive vanity, aligning with historical attitudes towards men's grooming.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term tapered appearance in the context of male haircuts refers to a style where the hair gradually shortens in length from the top of the head down to the nape of the neck and sides. It means that the haircut is gradually less voluminous as it moves downwards, which can give a clean and tailored look. This style creates a transition from longer to shorter hair which can be blended or distinct depending on the preference.
Historically and culturally, hair has played a significant role in expressing identity. The Roman attitudes towards hairstyles, as mentioned by Juvenal and Seneca, reflect societal views about masculinity and grooming. Too much attention to hairstyles was considered effeminate. However, the quality and styling of hair has also traditionally been an indicator of social status and cultural identity, with different cultures having unique practices related to hair grooming.
In modern times, concepts such as Burbank's barber shops emphasize the gendered spaces where styles like tapered haircuts are often crafted. A tapered haircut can range from very subtle to very dramatic, but the key characteristic is that it is a graduated cut that represents a certain level of grooming and style without excessive attention, aligning with cultural views of a masculine appearance.