Thanks to its neat look and adaptable nature, taper fade haircut has quickly become a core aspect of men’s grooming. Let’s face it, every man at some point gets faced with a need to have a classical yet up-to-date hairstyle that can be worn at work and on the weekend, without any mercy. Taper fade gradually decreases the hair in an upward direction from the hairline on the crown to the sides and nape accentuating the shape of the head. So, with so many styles of playing around with modern taper fade and endless creative styles, how does one choose the right style for them?
In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about taper fades including its background, various types of taper fades, how it is done, and care tips. The taper fade hairstyle has sparked your interest and most probably you want to have it done for the first time or you are already having it done, however, you would like to improve on the present style.
What Is a Taper Fade?
In simple terms, a taper fade refers to a haircut whose hair on the top of the head gradually diminishes in length as one goes to the sides of the head then down the back of the head, until meeting blank or shaved areas around the neck and ears. It always has defined tapering. It is also known as fade. It is the procedure of blending the outline of a hair or beard with a clipper, imparting a seamless end.
The taper fade accentuates any of the hair types and textures in sharp clean spectral angles. Further this haircut is very stylized and allows for various interpretations including the customer’s face type, personal characteristics and style as well as the appropriate hair decoration.
History of the Taper Fade
The taper fade is a cut that resembles many military cuts because of its distinctiveness in enabling the soldiers to keep their hair in neat order and within the military regulations. This hairstyle practical over the ages was adopted in modern society transforming into a fashionable trending haircut that most celebrities, sports people to ordinary people use.
In the 1980s and ‘90s, the African American community and more specifically the hip-hop culture saw the rise of the taper fade that had been introduced some years back. It is one of the renowned as well as the most trustworthy haircuts that can be worn in any place.
Types of Taper Fades
There are three types of taper fading styles, and each of them has a different level. Each of these possibly would make the hair cut questions which may be appealing to your aesthetic.
Low Taper Fade
The low taper fade starts closer to the back of the head down to the nape and ears in which the fading is very gradual and less apparent. This version is good for those people who just want a very corporate-looking clean face cut. The low taper fade gives in a more natural semblance and this form is very appropriate even during business or formal occasions.
Best for: For people with personalities who like to keep their looks understated and low upkeep.
Works well with: Short to medium length of the top hair.
Mid Taper Fade
A mid taper fade falls squarely between the low and high fade ranges where the commencement of the fade is roughly located at the middle part of the head. This approach is calm and straight balanced, which gives good brightness contrast yet is very smooth when transitioned. For those who desire a mid taper fade this is also the best approach for them too since it gives more definition than the low taper fade yet does not look aggressive.
Best for: For those who would want a little bit of a haircut but not extravagant at the same time.
Works well with: Fairly short medium hair on most shapes of the face.
High Taper Fade
The high taper fade starts higher up on the head around the temples and adds more drama because it creates a more distinct difference between the long hair at the top and the hair cut shorter on the sides. It is a bold style, perfect for attention-seeking men in search of a beautiful and distinctive hairstyle.
Best for: Who would want everybody’s attention with a bold style?
Works well with: Short hair on top or textured styles usually cut as a buzz cut or quiff.
Skin Taper Fade
The skin taper fade can also be referred skin bald taper fade moves a notch higher to the taper fade and allows for blending of the hair down to the skin. This gives the wearer a neat base and sharp edges at the top and bread very maximum contrast with the tops and sides. The skin taper fade is very suited for those who are seeking to achieving a very clean uniform highlighted appearance.
Best for: Who will desire in others engagements with extremely precision haircut collar cases.
Works well with: Buzz cuts, textured tops or very much short hair styling
Sleek Taper Fade Haircuts with Curls Taper Fade curls
Notice, even, the tapered skirt has a soft variation for men with natural curls or wavy hair. While the fade conceals the back and sides, it allows the curls on the head to be exposed. This appearance is particularly effective for men who prefer to wear their natural hair texture as it is but wish to have it stylishly cut.
Best for: Men with pleating or wavy hair who desire a smart style with well-defined edges.
Works well with: Curly hair in the medium size section at the center.
How to Get The Perfect Taper Fade Step-By-Step Guide
A perfect taper fade is not just an easy word that is used by any agile hair cutter, it involves art along with a methodical approach. The following is a practical Step-by-step procedure on how to create this look no matter whether one has gone to the barber’s or done it at home.
Step 1: Choose Your Fade
Choose a style of fade that you want to use on your just-about-to-be-tapered hair. For example, do you use skin fade and with what because there are low, mid, or high there are, and they all work differently? If there are children at home or it’s your first time cutting hair then inform your barber or take it on yourself.
Step 2: Cut the Top
First, cut the hair on top of the head to the desired length. Depending on the style, the stylist may decide to keep the top longer if it is for volume and texture or may be kept short if it is for a more neat look.
Step 3: Start Fading
With clippers, determine what level (low/mid/high) you want your fade to begin from. Taking the use of clipper guards commence bringing the hair down until towards the bottom where downward strokes are made or blended without guards from that point through using a clipper. As you work your way down the hair, be sure to smooth out any bumpy transitions where you blend various lengths together.
Step 4: Focus on the Back and Side C Cut
Once the fading is done on the sides, I will turn over to the end and back of the head. The same procedures and methods will be used and the hair brought down in stages toward the nape of the body. Skin taper fades require the use of razors or very short clipper guards if you want the tapers to finish with smoothness.
Step 5: Final Blend and Finish
Like with other fades, once it is done check if the cut has one or more lines that are too sharp compared to the rest or places that are out of its intended structure. Take blending shears or clippers and blend them into the areas that need them. Depending on how the remains look and the sideburns and neckline are finished, they can be discarded or short-trimmed.
Styling a Taper Fade
Taper fade beauty is its elegant and stylish cut that can suit almost anyone. Based on the hair type and length, one can work on the top of the hair in different ways. Here are some popular styling options:
Textured Quiff
Textured quiff goes well with other taper fades hence is great for men with medium-length hair. Groom the top with a matte past that adds volume and texture for a plumped contemporary hairdo.
Slicked-Back
One can also consider a slicked-back taper fade as a great alternative in professional settings. Spread pomade or gel on the upper portion of the hair after cutting or trimming, then use the comb and push the hair to the back.
Buzz Cut
If you would like to be more basic, taper fade can be worn together with a buzz cut. The contrast from the very short top to the faded sides is clean-cut and neat yet low maintenance.
Curly Fade
Men with natural curls will have the sides as the fade while the curls are let loose on top thanks to the taper fade. Use a curl-defining cream or mousse to add more definition and control any frizz.
Pompadour
In case you want to be head-turning, try to style a high teak taper fade with a voluminous pompadour. Pile on the hair with a strong hold pomade and sweep backward in an exaggerated retro style.
Maintenance Tips for a Taper Fade
Even though the taper fades cut may not require a lot of effort in upkeep as other haircuts do, it has been established that it requires one to dedicate time to ensure it looks fresh. Here are a few maintenance tips for your fade.
Regular Trims
Cutting the hair after every couple of months will make it easier for the barber to deal with the faded hair. A photograph of someone with one or two degrees of fading and who has the hair cut properly should be used every two to four weeks to avoid growing of faint more on banal lines.
Use the Right Products
Choose the appropriate hair products in accordance with what hairstyle you wish to sport to help you guide your styling tendencies. Matte pastes, waxes or pomades work well when styling for textures, while gels or pomades will assist in taming down the hair for a slicked-back/formal appearance.
Moisturize the Scalp
People who have skin fades must ensure that they do oily scalps to reduce the chances of skin shrinkage or flakiness. By using light and hydrating skincare, the skin can remain supple and protected from moisture loss.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, the taper fade haircut for men is appealing and highly fashionable due to how convertible it is. Hair taper fade suits all hair types and hair lengths because there are no limits to how dramatic or flashy any cut can be. This classic style works well whether you want a low taper fade or a high skin fade in one word, this is always fresh and easy to upkeep. Being aware of how many types of taper fades there are and what they look like, you can select the proper fade that will level up your grooming routine and bring out your best features.
FAQ’S ABOUT THE TAPER FADE
What is the distinction between a taper and a fade?
A taper reduces the amount of hair worn around the nape of the neck and sideburns, while a fade goes all the way to the skin or to very short hair on the sides and back. A taper fade is a style that combines both faders.
How long can I go with a taper fade?
Usually, a taper fade lasts for a period of two to four weeks before one needs to get it done again, which is determined by how long hairy you grow again.
Is it possible to get a taper fade on for curly hair?
Yes! The taper fade looks best and works well on curly or waved hair where the curls are kept together and the sides and the back look tidy.
What are the face shapes that work best with a taper fade?
The taper fades cut hair is not a complex cut that suits only a handful of face shapes, but a cut that flatters all even jumbo-faced ones as well. The only thing that one must consider is how low or high the fade should sit on the head.
How do I keep myself clean in between the rest and the middle barber cut?
Only clippers should be used to nip off the neck area and the sideburns and other areas that join the main body in between the sessions with the barber who is a member of the same tribe and style. The upper portions of the hair or whatever should be styled as the person wants using hair.
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