How To Do A Taper Fade Like A Pro - Taper Fade Hair (2024)

The taper fade is a modern haircut representing timeless elegance infused with contemporary flair. But are you tired of spending a fortune at the barbershop every few weeks for a simple taper fade? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could taper your hair perfectly by yourself? You’re in luck, then! In this article, we’ll provide professional tactics for cutting taper fades of all kinds in the convenience of your own home.

Now, let’s delve into details to learn how to achieve the perfect taper fades hairstyles.

Table of Contents

How To Do A Taper Fade for Beginners?

Are you a newbie hairstylist and want to learn how to do a taper fade haircut step by step? Follow these steps:

Start with clean, dry hair:

Wash it and ensure it’s dry before the haircut begins. Clean hair is easier to work with.

How To Do A Taper Fade Like A Pro - Taper Fade Hair (1)

Choose the guard length:

Choose the length you want to keep on top and for the fade. Typically, you’d start with a longer guard like #4 or #5 for the top.

Create a guideline:

Start using the longest guard (e.g., #4) and create a guideline around the head. This will act as a reference for blending in the shorter lengths later. Use the clippers to trim the hair around the back and sides of the head up to the guideline.

Switch to a shorter guard:

Change to a shorter guard (e.g., #3 or #2) and trim the hair just above the guideline. Create a new, shorter guide line around the sides and back. Make sure the transition is smooth by keeping a consistent hand movement.

How To Do A Taper Fade Like A Pro - Taper Fade Hair (2)

Repeat the process with shorter guards:

Continue switching to shorter guards (e.g., #2, #1) and trimming the hair progressively shorter as you move down the sides and back of the head. Use an upward motion with the clippers to create a gradual fade.

Blend the fade:

You must blend the fade for a seamless look. Use the blending guard (a guard that gradually adjusts from short to long) or no guard to carefully blend the line between the longer top hair and the shorter faded hair.

How To Do A Taper Fade Like A Pro - Taper Fade Hair (3)

Detailing and finishing touches:

Use the hair trimmer to clean up the edges and define the hairline around the ears and neck. Trim any stray hairs to ensure a neat and polished finish.

Taper the top:

Blend the top length with scissors into the faded sides and back. Work with small sections of hair at a time, cutting at an angle to create a subtle transition.

Style as desired:

Style the hair on top once the taper fade is complete. You can use hair products like pomade, wax, or gel to achieve your desired look.

How To Do A Taper Fade At Home: 6 Styling Tips

How To Do A Taper Fade Like A Pro - Taper Fade Hair (4)

Are you ready to rock a stylish taper fade with your long locks? Follow these simple steps:

Prepare Your Hair:

Wash and condition it, then towel-dry it until slightly damp.

Section Off the Top:

Use a hair clip or tie to gather the top section of your hair.

Choose the Fade Length:

Decide how short you want the fade. Start with a higher guard for a more gradual fade.

Start with the Sides:

Use the clippers with the chosen guard length to trim the sides and back of your head. Keep the hairline natural for a blended look.

Blend the Top:

Take down the clipped hair on top and use scissors to trim any excess length. Blend the top with the faded sides using the clippers.

Refine the Fade:

Gradually decrease the guard length and use upward motions to blend the fade seamlessly.

Check for Evenness:

Ensure both sides are symmetrical and adjust any uneven spots.

Style as Desired:

Apply some hair product to style your taper fade.

How to Do a Taper Fade with Dreads?

How To Do A Taper Fade Like A Pro - Taper Fade Hair (5)

If you have dreads and want to know how to do a taper fade on yourself, follow these steps:

Clean Dreads:

Wash and condition your dreads thoroughly to remove any buildup.

Section Off the Top:

Like the long hair taper fade, use a hair clip or tie to gather the top dreads.

Start the Fade:

Begin fading the sides and back, starting with a higher guard and gradually decreasing it.

Blend with Dreads:

Use scissors to trim any excess hair on top and blend it with the faded sides.

Define the Fade Line:

Create a distinct line where the fade starts for a sharp look.

Refine the Fade:

Use smaller guards to refine the fade until it blends with the dreads smoothly.

Check for Symmetry:

Ensure both sides have a consistent fade.

Neat Finish:

Clean up the hairline and sideburns for a polished finish.

How to Taper Fade Afro Hair?

How To Do A Taper Fade Like A Pro - Taper Fade Hair (6)

Achieve a sharp and stylish taper fade with your afro hair by following these steps:

Wash and Condition:

Cleanse and condition your afro hair, then towel dry it.

Section Off the Top:

Gather the top section of your afro hair with a hair clip or tie.

Begin the Fade:

Start fading the sides and back with a higher guard, working your way down.

Trim the Top:

Use scissors to trim any extra length on top and blend it with the faded sides.

Distinct Fade Line:

Create a clear line where the fade starts for a defined look.

Gradually Decrease Guard:

Decrease the guard length to achieve a seamless fade.

Ensure Symmetry:

Check for evenness on both sides.

Clean Edges:

Clean up the hairline and sideburns for a polished finish.

Style with Afro Products:

Use hair products designed for Afro hair to style your tapered Afro.

How to Do a High Taper Fade Step by Step?

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The high taper fade is a bold and stylish choice. To do it correctly, stick to these steps:

Hair Preparation:

Wash and dry your hair till it’s barely damp.

Choose Your Fade:

Decide how high you want the fade to start and choose the appropriate guard length.

Fade the Sides and Back:

Use the clippers to start the fade, gradually decreasing the guard length.

Trim the Top:

Use scissors to trim the top hair and blend it with the faded sides.

Create a Defined Line:

Establish a clear line where the fade begins for a high-contrast look.

Refine the Fade:

Gradually decrease the guard length to achieve a flawless blend.

Check for Balance:

Ensure both sides are symmetrical and adjust as needed.

Neckline and Sideburns:

Clean up the neckline and sideburns for a clean finish.

How to Do a Bald Taper Fade?

How To Do A Taper Fade Like A Pro - Taper Fade Hair (8)

The bald taper fade is popular for its clean and sharp appearance. Follow these steps to master it:

Clean Scalp:

Wash and cleanse your scalp thoroughly.

Choose Your Guard:

Select the guard length for the fade, starting with a higher one.

Start the Fade:

Begin fading the sides and back, gradually decreasing the guard length.

Blend the Top:

Trim any remaining hair on top with scissors and blend it with the faded sides.

Define the Fade Line:

Create a distinct line where the fade starts for a seamless transition.

Gradual Decrease:

Keep decreasing the guard length for a smooth fade.

Use scalp care:

Use the proper products to hydrate and preserve your scalp.

How To Do A Taper Fade Like A Pro - Taper Fade Hair (9)

Get a neat and polished look by taper fading the back of your head with these steps:

Clean and Dry Hair:

Wash your hair and ensure it’s scorched.

Guard Selection:

Choose a higher guard length to start the fade.

Fade the Back:

Gradually decrease the guard length while working from the bottom up.

Blend the Top:

Trim any excess hair on top and blend it with the faded back.

Distinct Fade Line:

Create a clear line where the fade begins for a crisp look.

Continued Blending:

Keep decreasing the guard length for a smooth fade.

Check for Evenness:

Ensure the fade is even on both sides and clean the sides.

Final Words

Masteringa taper fade haircut opens up a world of style options for men of all ages. Remember, practice is the key to achieving a flawless taper fade, so don’t hesitate to refine your skills and get creative with your hair. Whether you choose a low, medium, high, skin, or burst fade, the confidence of a fresh and stylish haircut will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on everyone around you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Add Color To A Taper Fade?

Yes! Adding color to a taper fade can create a bold and trendy look. Discuss your color preferences with your barber to achieve the desired effect.

How Long Do Taper Fades Last?

On average, a well-done taper fade can last about two to three weeks before it starts losing shape and needs a touch-up. However, some people might find that their hair grows faster, causing the fade to lose its appearance sooner.

How To Do A Taper Fade Like A Pro - Taper Fade Hair (2024)

FAQs

Are taper fades professional? ›

Professional Appearance: Taper fades are favored by professionals for their clean and polished appearance. They exude confidence and are suitable for various workplace environments.

What is the best type of taper fade? ›

Low Fade. The low taper fade is the most popular version of this cut. Your barber will fade the hair above your ears and at you neck, creating an evenly blended style that's extremely understated. Whether you're a college student or a corporate dad, the low fade it entirely appropriate.

What is the difference between a low taper fade and a high taper fade? ›

Low taper – A low taper is where the hair tapers (starts to get shorter) just above the ears. High taper – In contrast, a high taper will start much higher on the head, usually two or three inches above the ears. Mid taper – A mid taper is in between a low and high taper, typically tapering around the temples.

Can all barbers do blowout tapers? ›

To get a great blowout taper haircut, you should choose a barber with extensive training. A well-trained barber will understand your needs and know how to make you feel comfortable.

Do fades look better than tapers? ›

The Difference: While both styles are trendy, the fade offers a more striking contrast, while the taper fade provides a subtler, more flexible look.

What is a blowout taper? ›

But your head shape is pretty important too, especially when a blowout taper is what you want. Just like a mullet, this cut combines an ultra short taper beneath the occipital bone (that lumpy bit halfway up the back of your head) with heavy weight and longer length above.

What head shape is best for a taper fade? ›

Your Face Shape and the Ideal Haircut
Face ShapeIdeal Haircut
SquareTaper
RoundFade
HeartTaper
DiamondFade
2 more rows

What is a number 1 taper haircut? ›

A number 1 fade is a stylish and sleek haircut where the sides and back of the hair are trimmed with a #1 guard (which leaves the hair about 1/8 inch or 3mm long) on the clippers. The hair gradually transitions from this very short length to longer lengths as it moves up the head.

How long will my taper fade last? ›

How Long Does A Taper Fade Last? The shorter the taper fade, the longer you can wait between barber appointments. In most cases, you can expect to revisit the barber every 2-4 weeks if you want to keep your haircut pristine. If you're not too fussy about regrowth, you could hold off for up to 8 weeks.

Can all barbers do tapers? ›

You just need to go through trial & error until you find the perfect barber for you. Then you stick to that barber. But yes, most barbers should know what a taper or a fade is.

What guards to use for a taper fade? ›

Haircut Numbers and Clipper Guard Sizes
Clipper Guard NumberInchesHaircut Options
2¼Buzz cut, fade, Caesar
3Buzz cut, fade, crew cut
4½Buzz cut
5Taper
6 more rows
May 29, 2023

Which taper fade is best? ›

Best Taper Fade Hairstyles at a Glance
  • Best for short hair: High Taper Fade.
  • Best for Afro hair: Afro Taper.
  • Most modern: Taper with Natural Flow.
  • Best low maintenance: Low Taper Fade.
Apr 18, 2024

What is a burst fade? ›

Simply put it's a type of fade. But rather than the traditional fade which goes around the back of head, the fade travels down the side. So think of it as an in between a taper and full fade. What's great about the burst fade is the shape it adds to your head.

What does a high taper fade look like? ›

A high fade haircut leaves a lot of volume on the top section of the head. A high fade haircut leaves enough hair on the side of the head to add drawn-on designs. 3. A high taper: This long taper has a lot of length up top, but the hair is cut about an inch lower along the sides of the head and neck.

Does a fade haircut look professional? ›

There's a fade haircut for every man, and part of the fun is finding the one that suits your style and personality. Here are some popular types: Low Fade: The fade begins low, around the ear, and extends to the nape of the neck. It's subtle and suitable for professional settings.

Are fades business appropriate? ›

Its subtle charm makes it a preferred choice for professional business styles while also pairing well with a beard. Ideally, opting for a low fade works best when accompanied by longer or medium-length hair on top, such as the modern comb-over, quaff, pompadour, slick back, or faux hawk.

What to tell a barber for a taper fade? ›

How to ask your barber for a taper fade
  • Describe what haircut I want (e.g. looking to get a low taper)
  • Show where I want the taper to start or the areas of where the taper fade is (like physically point out the area on my head)
  • Give a photo to make sure they see what you're seeing.

Do hairdressers know what a taper is? ›

A taper usually refers to some one who wears a clipper cut but it is not clippered to the skin around the ears or nape area. Again, haircuts do not have specific names so how each individual barber interprets it (a given name for a cut) can vary.

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