The Stylish Impact of Taper Fade
The taper fade is a popular and versatile hairstyle that has stood the test of time. Its unique blend of classic sophistication and modern flair allows it to adapt effortlessly to various hair textures, face shapes, and personal styles. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of the taper fade, exploring its history, variations, and styling tips. Upon concluding this article, your admiration for this quintessential hairstyle will significantly deepen. You may even be inspired to try it out for yourself.
1. The Origin and Evolution of the Taper Fade
The taper fade had its roots in the 1940s and 1950s when it emerged as a staple in African-American communities. The hairstyle was a stylish alternative to the traditional buzz cut. Jazz musicians and trendsetters of the era favored it. As time progressed, the taper fade gained mainstream popularity. It evolved into various styles catering to different preferences and hair types.
The 1980s and 1990s saw the taper fade to become a hallmark of hip-hop culture, with celebrities like Will Smith and Tupac Shakur sporting the style. Today, the taper fade remains popular for people of all backgrounds, thanks to its timeless appeal and adaptability.
2. Exploring the Different Types of Taper Fades
The beauty of the taper fades lies in its versatility. There are several types of taper fades, each with unique characteristics, allowing you to choose the perfect style to match your personality and taste.
- Low Taper Fade: The low taper fade starts just above the ears and gradually fades the hair down to the neckline. This subtle fade is perfect for those who prefer a more understated look.
- Mid-Taper Fade: A popular choice, the mid-taper fade begins around the temple area and blends seamlessly into the shorter hair at the back and sides. It’s a stylish option with various hair types and lengths.
- High Taper Fade: The high taper fade is a bold statement, with the fade starting high on the head and quickly transitioning to a skin fade. This style suits those who want a dramatic and eye-catching look.
- Skin Taper Fade: Also known as the bald taper fade, the skin taper fade involves shaving the hair down to the skin at the lowest point of the fade. It creates a striking contrast between the long hair on top and the clean-cut sides.
3. Benefits of the Taper Fade Hairstyle
The taper fade offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for men of all ages:
1.Versatility: The taper fade complements various hair types, textures, and lengths, allowing you to experiment with different looks.
2. Low Maintenance: With its clean lines and short length, the taper fade is easy to maintain and requires minimal styling.
3.Timeless Appeal: The taper fade has remained fashionable throughout the decades, making it a classic style unlikely to go out of vogue.
4.Customizable: The taper fade can be tailored to your preferences, with the option to choose
between a low, mid, high, or skin fade.
4. Choosing the Right Taper Fade for Your Face Shape
To ensure your taper fade is flattering, it’s essential to consider your face shape when selecting a style. Explore these helpful suggestions to guide you in selecting the ideal taper fade that complements your distinct characteristics:
1.Oval Face Shape: If you have an oval face shape, you’re lucky, as most taper fade styles suit you well. Feel free to experiment with various fades and hair lengths on top.
2. Round Face Shape: Opt for a higher taper fade with long hair on top to elongate a round face. It will create the illusion of a more oval-shaped face.
3.Square Face Shape: A low or mid taper fade with a slightly longer top can help soften the strong angles of a square face. Avoid high fades, as they can accentuate the width of the face.
4. Heart Face Shape: Balance a heart-shaped face with a low or mid taper fade and a fuller top. That will help to counteract the narrower chin and create a more balanced appearance.
5. Diamond Face Shape: Opt for a low taper fade and keep some length on the sides to add width to your face. That will help minimize your cheekbones’ prominence and create a more harmonious look.
5. Tips for Maintaining and Styling Your Taper Fade
To keep your taper fade looking fresh and stylish, follow these essential maintenance and styling tips:
1.Regular Trims: Visit your barber every 2-4 weeks for a trim to maintain the sharpness of your fade and keep your hair looking clean and polished.
2.Invest in Quality Hair Products: Use high-quality hair products such as pomades, clays, or creams to achieve your desired style and hold without damaging your hair.
3.Shampoo and Condition Properly: Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner to maintain health and prevent dryness or damage.
4.Master Your Styling Technique: Learn how to style your taper fade by experimenting with different techniques and products. You can create various looks, from a sleek, combed-back style to a textured, messy finish.
5.Protect Your Hair: Wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection when sun exposure to prevent hair damage and color fading.
Conclusion
The taper fade is a timeless and versatile hairstyle that enhances your appearance and makes a bold statement. Its adaptability to different hair types, textures, and face shapes makes it a popular choice for people of all ages and backgrounds.
By understanding the various types of taper fades and choosing the right one for your face shape, you can achieve a flattering and stylish look that reflects your unique personality. With proper maintenance and styling, your taper fades will remain fresh and fashionable, allowing you to embrace it as your signature style.
FAQs:
What does a taper fade do?
A taper fade haircut keeps the hair long on top while tapering it down the sides and back. The hair gets progressively shorter as it goes down the head until it blends in with the skin. This gradual fade looks sharp and neat, with no messy or unsightly edges or rough spots.
What is a taper vs fade?
A fade, like a taper, is all about taking hair from long to short in a stylish way. Unlike a taper, though, a fade can be dramatic, abrupt, and super short. Tapers are all about a natural decrease in length for a more conservative look–a fade can just disappear before it reaches the natural hairline.
What is a high taper fade?
A high taper fade is a men’s haircut with the sides trimmed gradually shorter, starting at 2 inches maximum from the top of the hair down to the sides of the head. Guys everywhere are hooked on this versatile fade because of the incredible contrast it creates when combined with any hairstyle!
Is taper or skin fade better?
This cut allows for more length on the sides and back. The main difference in a taper vs fade is that with the latter, the length doesn’t have to reduce gradually. Instead, the length can instantly go from long to short. They also tend to be shorter, going right down to the skin, minimizing the hairline.
What face shape suits a taper fade?
For the same reason, a taper fade lends itself particularly well to a rounder face. The short, closely cropped length at the sides has a slimming effect and, combined with some length through top, can drastically improve overall balance.
Which fade should I get?
Opt for a high fade, a medium fade, or a low fade, with each offering its own look. In essence, the lower the fade, the more coverage you’re left with. So, while a high fade leaves you with a mop-top and little else, a low fade will taper subtly down your head, with the absolute shortest cut just around your ears.
Do taper fades suit everyone?
Today, the skin fade remains an extremely popular haircut and is highly requested in barbershops all around the world. A precise skin fade is flattering, suits almost everyone and can immediately elevate your client’s look to one that is stylish, sharp and well-groomed.
How long does a taper last?
A taper fade is a type of fade haircut where just the sideburns and the nape of the neck is faded. This type of fade is great for someone wanting to grow their hair out but remain neat and tidy. A taper fade can last from one to two weeks.
Which fade is best for oval face?
Mohawk Fade
This style is perfect for oval face shapes because the hair on the top makes the face appear more elongated, and the short sides help emphasizes your jaw.
What are the rules of taper?
Tapering properly means cutting your weekly mileage volume by 20 to 30 percent each week from your highest volume week, for three weeks. For example, if your highest mileage week was 40 miles, you would cut your mileage by 8 to 12 miles. For example, Week 1 of your taper would then be 28 to 32 miles.
