I simply tape with classic black cloth tape from the bottom. Easy to unwrap, move the brake levers and rewrap. (Is hockey tape now better than the sticky mess we used to tape our sticks with 50 years ago? I cannot imagine that stuff on handlebars.)

My new handlebar/stem/lever routine is to ride the bike with bare bars except enough electrical tape to keep cables in place. I bring the wrenches for all three (allen and 6" crescent for the levers) and stop whenever I feel an improvement can be made. Only then do I tape the bars - with cloth. When that wears out I can go the nice stuff (but often don't - I've always liked cloth tape, now doubled.)