The Art Behind the Iconic Taper Fade Haircut | Men's Hairstyle Tips

The Art of the Taper Fade Haircut

The taper fade haircut, often shortened to just "fade", has become one of the most popular modern men's hairstyles. You've likely seen it sported by athletes, actors, musicians, and the guy down the street. But where did this iconic cut come from and what makes it so great?

The Origins of Taper Fading

Like many styling techniques in the world of hair, the fade haircut has its beginnings rooted in African American barbershops. During the 1970s, barbers developed a method of cutting hair extremely close to the skin that allowed hair on top to be longer while "fading" shorter down the sides and back. This created a clean, sharp contrast that became the foundation of the modern fade.

Why Opt for a Fade?

There are many reasons why the fade has exploded in popularity over recent years:

• It's very versatile - different fade lengths and heights allow for customization.
• Fades contour well to the shape of one's head and facial features.
• The dramatic transition from long to short hair provides great visual interest.
• Fades are low maintenance between haircuts yet remain neat and clean.
• The edgy aesthetic suits contemporary styles and fashion trends.

Establishing the Fade

When getting a fade haircut, it's pivotal that the longer hair on top be blended smoothly into the shorter sides and back. This transition zone where the hair tapers shorter and shorter is exactly what's referred to as the "fade" itself. Executing a proper fade requires precision with specialized hair clippers to cut the hair to varying lengths gradually.

Types of Fade Haircuts

There are several common types and lengths of taper fades, including:

• High Fade - The fade starts very high up the sides and back towards the top of the head.
• Mid Fade - The fade occurs through the middle portion of the hair's length.
• Low Fade - Only the hair at the very bottom of the sides and back is tapered short.
• Bald Fade - Hair at the bottom of the sides and back is shaved completely bald with no visible stubble.

Pairing Fades with Other Cuts

The taper fade is commonly incorporated into other popular men’s cuts like the pompadour, faux hawk, comb over, buzz cut, crew cut, and side part. Fades seamlessly blend with straight, curly, wavy, coiled, as well as ethnic hair types. This adaptability makes the fade an ideal choice for men regardless of personal style.

How to Get and Maintain a Taper Fade

If you’re sold on getting a fresh fade for your next cut, here’s what you need to know beforehand as well as tips for keeping it looking sharp post-haircut:

Finding the Right Barber

Not all haircutters are fade specialists. Because fades require advanced techniques, seek out an experienced barber skilled specifically in men’s cuts and fades. The right barber will consult with you to determine the exact style and fade length that will work best for you before snippng away.

Come With Clean Hair

Arrive to your haircut with freshly-shampooed hair that’s free of styling products. This allows the barber to see your hair’s natural texture and growth pattern, making it easier to envision the end result.

Get a Fresh Fade Regularly

Maintenance is key! The crispness of a fade won’t last long as the shorter hair on the sides and back grows out quickly. Most men need to get their fade touched up every 2-4 weeks to prevent it from losing its shape.

Use Products Sparingly

After the initial haircut, limit use of gels, waxes, pomades, and sprays. Let the precision of the fade speak for itself instead of hiding it beneath products.

Rock Your New Taper Fade

When performed by a skilled barber, a flawlessly-blended fade is a work of art. The taper fade haircut requires mastery of angle, length, and shape to create those iconic crisp lines and dramatic contrast. Trust the process and you’ll see why this iconic modern cut shows no signs of fading out of style anytime soon.

FAQs

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

A regular fade blends the hair from longer on top to shorter on the sides and back. A taper fade is a more extreme variant where the hair goes from longer to cut extremely short and tight to the skin, creating more contrast.

Do I have the right hair type for a fade haircut?

Fades work well with all hair types including straight, wavy, curly, coiled, and ethnic hair. The key is having enough length on top to blend with the closely-tapered sides.

Will a fade look good with my face shape?

Fades contour nicely to complement all face shapes. A skilled barber will cut and shape the fade lines to flatter your unique facial structure.

How often do I need to get my fade touched up?

Expect to visit your barber every 2-4 weeks for a fade touch-up. The closely-cut sides and back grow out quickly, causing the crisp fade effect to diminish over time.