There are many different ways to style your hair, and a taper fade is one of the most popular. A taper fade can give you a sharp, clean look perfect for any occasion. But achieving the ideal taper fade can be tricky – it takes skill and practice to get it right. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect taper fade.
1. Know Your Hair Type
Contrary to popular belief, not all hair types are created equal. The secret to getting a perfect taper fade is knowing your hair type and cutting accordingly. The Book of Barbering shows different ways to cut different hair types – so be sure to consult it (or another professional barbering guide) before you start cutting. For instance, coarse or curly hair can be more challenging to work with because it tends to grow out quickly and be less malleable than straight hair. If you have thick or curly hair, you’ll want to make sure that you’re using sharp clippers and cutting in small sections to make the fade as seamless as possible.
2. Choose the Right Clippers
Before you start cutting, you need to ensure that you have the right tools. Choosing the right clippers is essential for getting a good taper fade – using inadequate or blunt clippers can mess up your hair and leave you with an uneven cut. Ideally, it would help if you got a professional-grade clipper with adjustable blades to control how close to your skin they cut easily. The best clipper choices for a taper fade include the Andis Fade Master, the Oster Fast Feed, and the Wahl Professional 5-Star Balding. Make sure to do your research before you buy to get clippers that are high quality and will give you a great cut every time.
3. Use Quality Hair Products
Another critical factor in achieving a perfect taper fade is using good-quality hair products. Whether trying to achieve low or high fades, having the right styling product can make a difference. For starters, invest in a good pomade – this will help keep your hair sleek and shiny while still allowing it to move freely. It would help if you also used some mousse or stronghold gel at the roots to keep your hair in place and prevent it from slipping around as you cut.
4. Use the Right Technique
The key to achieving a perfect taper fade is mastering the technique. The trick here is to use long, smooth strokes when cutting, always ensuring that your clippers are laying flat against your scalp. It would help if you also used small sections – about 2 inches wide – for the most accuracy and control. For low fades, start cutting at the bottom of the hairline and work your way up. Start at the top of the head for high fades and work your way down. In both cases, you’ll want to slowly increase the length of your strokes as you move away from the hairline for a gradual and even fade.
Finally, remember that achieving a perfect taper fade takes time and practice. Like anything else, it’s going to take some trial and error before you get the hang of things – but once you do, you’ll be able to create perfect fades every time. So take your time, stay patient, and use these tips to help you.