The Appeal of Low Taper Fades - Men's Popular Hairstyle

Understanding the Low Taper Fade

The low taper fade has become one of the most popular modern men's hairstyles. This stylish and versatile cut is characterized by hair that is tapered short at the nape of the neck, gradually blending up into longer hair near the crown. A faded haircut can be customized in many ways while still maintaining its defining feature: the smooth, gradual taper that creates a sleek look.

The Appeal of Low Tapered Fades

There are several reasons why low taper fades have become a go-to choice for men looking for a contemporary yet classic hairstyle:

• They are very versatile - a low taper fade works well with lots of different hairstyle on top, from short to long looks.
• They suit many face shapes and hair types.
• They require relatively low maintenance compared to some longer styles.
• Fades create the illusion of thicker, more voluminous hair.

The tapered sides also draw attention upwards to the hairstyle on top. This makes faded cuts ideal for accentuating different looks and designs on top while keeping the sides neat and trimmed.

How Low Taper Fades Are Cut

When getting a low taper fade haircut, clippers are used to cut the hair at the nape of the neck very close to the skin. This creates a "low bald fade" effect. From there, the clippers gradually move up the sides and back of the head, tapering the hair to increase in length gradually. This creates a smooth faded look rather than an abrupt line between long and short hair.

Barbers and stylists can customize low taper fades in different ways depending on the desired finish:

• The fade can start higher or lower on the nape of the neck.
• The fade can taper smoothly or more sharply.
• The hair on top can be cut to complement the tapered sides.

This versatility makes low taper fades extremely customizable to suit the individual. The barber will discuss preferences for the finished style before cutting to ensure the perfect fade taper haircut.

Types of Low Faded Tapers

There are many different styles of low taper fades to give men options for their desired finish. Some of the most popular types include:

Low Drop Fade

The low drop fade begins very low at the hairline rather than the nape. This creates an abrupt, sever drop between the long hair on top and the clipped sides. This style has a definite contrast that looks neat, clean, and stylish.

Low Temp Fade

Temp fades blend the long hair on top with the clipped sides smoothly using the styling technique called "temp fading". This involves carefully clipping the sides just lightly enough to taper them for a gradual blend with the longer top hair.

Low Skin Fade

The low skin fade tapers the sides down to the skin for an extra bold, high-contrast look. The skin fade is cut extremely close for maximum impact. It's best suited to very short hairstyles on top.

Low Burst Fade

A burst fade begins with a standard low taper fade but intensifies mid-way up the sides to create a "burst" effect. It tapers tightly near the bottom and then explodes outward higher up the head before smoothly blending again near the crown.

Best Hairstyles to Pair With Low Fades

One of the best aspects of low tapered fades is their versatility to be paired with many stylish hairstyles. Some top recommendations include:

Short Quiffs

A short quiff with longer hair in the front and faded sides is a fashionable combo. The faded sides keep the look tidy while the quiff adds interest and height up top.

Textured Crop

Textured cropped hairstyles work perfectly with taper fades. The textured top contrasts beautifully with the smooth faded sides for added definition.

Comb Overs

A comb over hairstyle swept back or to the side cooperates beautifully with a fade. The tapered sides maintain tidiness and contribute sleek lines.

Spiky Hair

Spiky hair takes on new attitude when coupled with faded sides. The fade tapering close on the sides and nape emphasizes the height and attitude of the spiky hair on top.

Regardless of preferred hairstyle - short, long, textured, spiky, swept up, or combed over - a low taper fade can make it look crisp.

Maintenance Tips

Low taper faded hairstyles require a bit of regular upkeep for the taper to remain looking clean and defined between haircuts. Here are some useful maintenance tips:

• Get the back and sides touched up every 2-3 weeks to keep the fade sharp.
• Use clippers at home to gently tidy up the tapered hairline around the ears and neck.
• Use a beard trimmer to ensure neat hairlines at the base of the fade.
• Apply moisturizing products to prevent flakiness from very short clipped hair.

Properly maintained, a fresh low taper fade will continue looking like a brand new haircut even as the hair on top grows out.

Low taper faded cuts offer today's men an eye-catching yet sophisticated hairstyle option. With so many possible variations, gents can customize a look that expresses personal style while enjoying one of barbering's most popular modern designs.

FAQs

What is the difference between a fade and taper?

A fade uses clippers to taper the hair down very close to the skin, creating a seamless "bald fade" effect. A regular taper involves tapering the hair to gradually decrease in length but does not taper it as close to the skin. Fades create a higher contrast look.

What face shapes look best with low fades?

Low taper faded haircuts tend to suit all face shapes. The sides tapering closer to the head give the illusion of a more oval facial shape. The taper also draws attention upwards to the top hairstyle rather than horizontal lines which can emphasize long or wide faces.

Do you need thick hair for faded styles?

No, tapered faded styles actually create the illusion of thicker hair. The closely clipped sides make the hair on top appear more voluminous by contrast. Men with fine or thinning hair can achieve a look of fuller hair with a faded cut.

Can you do a low fade yourself?>

It's best to have low fades done professionally with barber clippers to achieve the smooth, clean result. You can maintain the crisp taper in between cuts by using home clippers, trimmers, and shavers to gently tidy up hair growth around the tapered hairline areas.