How to Get the Perfect Low Taper Fade Haircut

Understanding the Low Taper Fade

The low taper fade has become an immensely popular modern hairstyle for men. By "tapering" the hair at the back and sides from zero up to longer hair on top, it creates a stylish and masculine look that frames the face well. But before requesting this cut at the barbershop, it's important to understand exactly what a low taper fade is and how it is cut.

What is a Taper Fade?

A taper fade is a type of fade haircut where the hair gradually transitions from very short at the neckline to longer hair on top. It follows the shape of the head for a smooth look. The "low taper fade" specifically refers to a cut where this tapering starts very low at the hairline behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. This makes for a bold, yet neat style.

Why Choose a Low Taper Fade?

There are several reasons why low taper fades make great men's haircuts:

• It puts emphasis on the actual hairstyle/haircut on top. Whether that's a pompadour, comb over, slick back, faux hawk, crew cut, or spiky hair, the low fade shows it off.
• It has an elegant, polished look for business or formal events.
• The harsh transition between very short and longer hair on top looks striking and eye-catching.
• It is appropriate for men of all ages and hair types.
• Fades in general are on trend and stylish right now.

How Low Should You Go?

When getting a low taper fade, you'll need to decide exactly how low you want the tapering to start. Common types of low fades include:

• Temple fade - Starts fading around the temples
• Ear fade - Starts right at the top of the ears
• Edge up - Fade comes down to your hairline behind the ears
• Bald fade - Goes down to the skin on the neck and hairline for an extreme look

This decision will depend on your personal style preference, face shape, and hair type. Talk to your barber about what low fade variation makes the most sense for the look you're after.

Asking Your Barber for a Low Taper Fade

Getting the perfect low taper fade requires clearly communicating exactly what you want to the barber or stylist. Here are some tips for asking for this cut:

Bring Reference Images

Find photos online of low taper fades similar to the style you prefer. Print or download them to your phone and show your barber exactly the finish you’re aiming for. This visual reference makes a big difference compared to just a verbal description of the haircut. They’ll see details like where the fade starts, how short to go, angles, and styling.

Know the Clipper Guard Numbers

Barbers use clipper guard lengths to measure and blend the fade smoothly. Common lengths are:

• #0.5 blade - Leaves 0.5mm of hair
• #1 guard - Leaves 2mm hair
• #2 guard - Leaves 4mm hair
• #3 guard - Leaves 6mm hair
• #4 guard - Leaves 8mm hair

The lowest guard leaves hair very short, almost bald. #1 is the typical shortest for the nape of the neck. State that you want clippers starting from a #0.5 or #1 length up to longer hair on top. This gives the barber the exact measurements for best results.

Decide on the Fade Height

As mentioned earlier, tell your stylist whether you want a temple, ear, edge up level, or bald fade haircut. Specifying the point behind your ears where the taper starts sets clear expectations.

Describe the Top Style

Low fades put all eyes on the longer hairstyle left on top, so discuss how long you want the hair upstairs. Common options include short crew cuts, medium-length slick backs, or longer comb overs. Let them know if you style your hair straight up, to the side, messy, neat, etc. Your barber can then cut the top accordingly to complement the fade.

Ask for a Line Up

To further sharpen fades, many clients get a straight-line hairline trimmed with trimmers or a straight razor (this is also called an edge up). This gives extra contrast for a sculpted finish. Tell your barber if you’d like one!

Styling & Maintaining Your Low Taper Fade

A key advantage of faded hairstyles is they are very low maintenance compared to longer styles. But to keep your cut looking fresh to perfection between trips to the barber shop, you’ll need to fine tune it at home:

Use the Right Products

Apply hair wax, clay, pomade, paste, or cream when styling. These products will hold the top hair in place better than gels or sprays, and leave a natural matte finish that complements the faded sides.

Trim Rogue Hairs

Use hair clippers (with the same guard attachments as your barber used) every 2-4 weeks to sharpen up the fade and outlines around your hairline/sideburns.

Shampoo Regularly

While faded hair doesn’t need washing as frequently, shampoo every 2-3 days to keep your scalp and strands healthy and dandruff-free.

Now that you understand what a low taper fade is and how to properly communicate it to your barber, you can get this popular cut tailored perfectly to your style!

FAQs

What's the difference between a taper fade and low fade?

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Technically, a taper fade blends the hair from short to long gradually, while just a "low fade" transitions sharply. But a low taper fade combines both elements - hair tapers up from very short at the bottom, and it starts low on the head.

Do low fades look good on older men?

Definitely. Taper fades can refine and mature the look of men of any age. Keeping the sides/back short helps balance thinning hair or a receding hairline in older guys. It's an ageless style.

How long does a low fade haircut last?

Expect your faded sides to stay sharp for 2-4 weeks before growing out. Book appointments with your barber accordingly. Use clippers to sharpen edges between cuts.

What face shapes work best for low fades?

The tapered look tends to suit all face shapes. Square faces are framed nicely while rounded faces seem more angular. Cleaning up hairlines can also minimize large foreheads. It's versatile.

How short should I go on top?

That's personal preference! Common lengths are a short crew cut, medium slick back, or longer comb over/pompadour on top. Discuss options with your barber - the length should balance your face shape and style goals.