The reason that taper-fade haircuts are some of the most popular options for men is that they can be styled in a wide variety of different ways using this technique. However, not all applications of the taper fade are as universal as others because not every man wants a skin-tight fade climbing halfway up his head.
The fade transitions into a low taper: This is the most classic and timeless interpretation of the taper fade haircut. We discussed the low taper fade with JC Chavez, a barber at Church Barber in San Francisco, to find out why it is such a good option for men with various hair textures.
What is the Distinction Between a Fade and a Taper?
Although they are very similar, a fade and a taper are different. Similarly, neither one of these is a hairstyle on its own. Instead, they are distinct techniques that can be applied to almost any hairstyle to add contrast and a modern look.
A gradual lessening in contrast from one color to another is known as a taper, and it can occur anywhere along a gradient. It is longer at the beginning and gradually gets shorter as it moves down the piece.
The taper eventually disappears (or fades) into an extremely short or naked end, which is what is meant by the term “fade.” It is possible to have a fade without a taper, but it is not possible to have a taper without a fade.
What exactly is meant by a “Low Taper Fade”?
Chavez believes that the low taper fade’s strength lies precisely in the fact that it does not draw attention to itself. He continues by saying, “It is subtle in comparison to other types of fades.” Because of the low taper, it may not immediately be apparent that you have “a fade.”
Because of this, the low taper fade can be found anywhere, even in men with longer styles. Chavez explains that the low taper fade can make any manner look more polished and put together. If you are in the process of growing out your hair and go to the barber for a cleanup, there is a good chance that he will trim away some stray hairs while primarily focusing on cleaning up the perimeter of your head. The low taper fade is a popular method for accomplishing this task.
The Difference Between a Low Taper Fade and a High Taper Fade
The low taper fade is a much “safer” pick than the high taper fade because it is barely a fade at all—perhaps just the last centimeter of the style is disappeared down to the skin. This makes the low taper fade a much more conservative choice. The following is a more detailed explanation of the differences between the two types of taper fade hairstyles:
High to Very High Taper Fade The tall taper fade begins its dissipation much higher up the sides and back of the head than it does lower down.
“A high taper fade is extra fresh and looks amazing,” Chavez says. “But you’ll have to do more.” (At least once every two weeks to maintain its pristine appearance.) “You’re also cutting a larger chunk of hair from your head,” he adds.
“That’s a pretty significant loss.” Therefore, you must consider how the rest of the style comes together before moving forward. They are not merely “perimeter cleanups” like low taper fades; instead, they are more intentionally defined hairstyles. Examples include buzz cuts and undercuts.
Fade-in with a Low Taper: Because it does not define the style to the same extent as other fades, a low taper fade can be applied to virtually any hairstyle. It is a subtle way to keep your hairstyle looking fresh, even if it’s slightly grown out, as was mentioned earlier in the sentence (and still growing).
Chavez describes a low taper fade as having a much more relaxed vibe. When it comes to maintenance, “the low taper fade does not require as much of a commitment.” If you are a stickler for impeccable cleanliness, you will continue to maintain it every two to four weeks, but it should also grow out nicely for as long as eight weeks.
“The best thing about a low taper is that pretty much anyone can get it,” he adds. “This is the best thing about a low taper.” “There aren’t a lot of limitations,” was the response.
The Greatest Men’s Low Taper Fade Haircuts and Styles
You’ll see in the client photos that follow that the low fade sometimes goes all the way around the head, while other times, it’s just there in the front or back to cut some additional style.
Allow their example to serve as a guide for how you should carry out the technique. Just have a conversation with your barber about how you want to style the low taper fade and ask for their advice on incorporating it into your chosen look.
An otherwise medium-length style features a low taper fade on the sides and back, as shown in this excellent technique illustration. Remember. The low taper fade is more of a technique than a specific style all on its own.)
The fade can get lower in some places and slightly higher in others (as in this example, with a low taper in the rear and a more mid-level taper on the sides).
Sometimes the low taper fade will only affect the back of the hairstyle, blending into a clean neckline. This is one of the more subtle effects of the fade.
