Mid Taper Fade Haircut: Classic And Modern look
As you know mid taper haircut has become popular because it has both classic and modern looks. This classic style looks neat and tidy, and you can show your personality by choosing different ways to wear it. The mid taper is a hairstyle where the hair gradually gets shorter from the top to the sides and back. It looks good on many different face shapes and works with various hair types. This article looks at mid taper haircuts, explaining what makes them special and the different types you can get. Readers will learn how to get the right mid taper haircut, with advice on talking to their barber and keeping the style looking good at home. The piece also talks about ways to style a mid taper, whether someone wants a smooth, professional look or a more casual, textured one. By the end, readers will fully understand this classic but modern hairstyle.
The Basics of Mid Taper Haircuts
Definition: A mid taper haircut is a trendy version of the classic taper haircut. In this style, the hair gets shorter from the top of the head down to the neck. This flexible haircut starts to get shorter in the middle, between the ears and temples. This creates a smooth change from longer hair on top to shorter hair on the sides and back. The mid taper stands out as a perfect blend between low and high tapers, offering a defined line that typically starts about half an inch above and behind the ears .
Versatility: Mid tapers are incredibly versatile, suiting a wide range of hair types and face shapes. They work well with:
Straight hair: Creating a sleek, smooth look
Wavy hair: Adding texture and volume, enhancing the taper effect
Curly hair: Managing volume and creating a structured shape
Face Shape Compatibility: The mid taper is particularly flattering for various face shapes.
Oval faces: Balances well with natural proportions
Square faces: Softens angular features, providing a more refined look
Round faces: Adds definition and structure, making the face appear longer
Professional Edge: The clean lines and polished appearance of a mid taper make it a preferred style in professional environments.
Barber's Artistry: Achieving the perfect mid taper requires skill and precision from the barber. It involves:
- Precision cutting techniques
- Understanding of hair texture and growth patterns
- Artistry in blending and fading
Adaptability: The mid taper can be adjusted to complement different hair textures and lengths, making it a highly adaptable style. This adaptability ensures that individuals can personalize the look to suit their preferences and facial features.
Maintenance: While the mid taper offers a clean and polished look, it requires regular maintenance to keep its sharp appearance. The frequency of touch-ups may vary depending on individual hair growth rates and desired neatness.
Distinction from Fades: Although often confused, a mid taper differs from a fade in the gradualness of the transition. Tapers, including the mid taper, are generally considered smarter and more polished than fades, offering a cleaner and more gradual change in length.
How To Get The Perfect Mid Taper?
A nice mid-taper haircut depends on choosing the proper barber. Choosing a barber you get along with is a better idea than visiting large chain salons or barbershops. Over time, haircuts can be greatly enhanced by a great barber who genuinely cares about their client's hair and style.
Communicating Your Desired Look: Clear communication is key to getting the perfect mid taper haircut. To effectively convey the desired look, consider the following steps:
Discuss hair length: Be prepared to communicate how short you want the sides and how long you prefer the top to be. For example, many clients opt for a number two on the sides, which provides a clean look without showing skin.
Bring visual references: Pictures can be extremely helpful in conveying the desired style. Find images of mid taper haircuts that appeal to you and bring them to your appointment.
Discuss the neckline: Ask about the neckline finish – whether you prefer a tapered or blocked look.
Address sideburn length: If you have specific preferences for sideburn length, communicate this to your barber.
Be realistic: Understand that your hair type may not exactly replicate certain styles. Be open to adaptations that work best for your hair.
Styling Your Mid Taper Haircut
The right hair products are essential for maintaining and styling a mid taper haircut. They serve as the foundation for creating various looks and keeping the fade fresh. To start, a clean and healthy scalp is crucial. For styling, a strong hold wax like American Crew Fiber is ideal for defining the fade and providing excellent control and texture.
To combat flyaways and frizz, a matte texturizing hair spray like Harry's Matte Texturizing Hair Spray can be used. It provides flexible hold without weighing the hair down. For those seeking a touch of shine, Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Tones not only absorbs excess oil but also adds a subtle glow, especially suitable for darker hair.
Techniques For Different Looks
Thick hair benefits from products that can manage its density. Styling creams like American Crew Control Cream or waxes like Baxter of California Styling Wax offer strong hold and definition. These products help keep thick hair in check while maintaining the desired style. For those with curly hair, the mid taper fade can be enhanced with curl-defining products. Options like Bumble and bumble Curl Defining Creme or Ouai Curl Cream can help embrace natural texture while maintaining the fade.
Using a blow dryer and styling brush can significantly impact the final look. Set the dryer to medium heat and direct the airflow towards the roots to smooth and add volume to the top section. For a straighter appearance, a flat iron with adjustable heat settings can be used, working in small sections and always applying a heat protectant spray beforehand.
To enhance natural curl patterns and prevent frizz, a diffuser attachment for the blow dryer is recommended. This technique helps maintain the texture while defining the curls. For those looking to extend time between washes, dry shampoo is an excellent option. It refreshes the scalp and absorbs excess oil. Choose formulas suited to your hair color, such as Redken Color Extend Blonde Glam Dry Shampoo for lighter shades or Bumble and bumble Pret-a-Poo Dry Shampoo Deep Cleansing Powder for darker tones.
To achieve a texturized middle part with flow and volume, one effective routine involves using sea salt spray, followed by blow-drying, applying a clay product, and finishing with texturizing powder. This combination of products helps create texture and maintain the desired style throughout the day.
For extra hold and flyaway control, a light mist of hairspray can be beneficial. Opt for formulas offering flexible hold and a natural finish, such as Living Proof Flex Hairspray Strong Hold or Harry's Matte Texturizing Hair Spray. Remember, styling a mid taper haircut is about experimentation and finding what works best for individual hair types and personal preferences. Regular maintenance, including trims every 4-6 weeks, is crucial for keeping the fade crisp and preventing split. By combining the right products with appropriate styling techniques, one can achieve a range of looks with their mid taper haircut, from sleek and polished to textured and relaxed.
Conclusion
The mid taper haircut is a popular and lasting choice for men's grooming. Its mix of old and new styles makes it a popular choice for men of all ages and jobs. The shift from having longer hair on top to shorter hair on the sides and back helps show off your facial features better and works well with different face shapes. To make the best of a mid taper haircut, it's important to pick the right barber and to talk clearly with them. Using the right styling methods and products can create different styles, from smooth and polished to casual and messy. By taking care of it regularly and using the right styling techniques, the mid taper hairstyle looks neat and can be adjusted to fit personal styles and daily life. This flexible haircut is still a popular option. It lets people show their unique style while looking classic and neat.
FAQs
What is a mid-taper haircut?
A mid-taper haircut is a versatile style that provides a balance between the more noticeable high taper and the subtler low taper. It generally begins tapering around the temple area, striking a perfect balance between a bold and understated look.
How should I request a mid taper fade from my barber?
To ensure your barber understands exactly what you want, follow these steps:
- Clearly describe the type of haircut you desire, such as a mid taper fade.
- Indicate where you would like the tapering to start—this can be done by pointing to the specific area on your head.
- Provide a photograph of the style you're aiming for to visually communicate your desired outcome.
What are the various styles of taper haircuts?
Taper haircuts vary primarily in the starting point of the taper:
Low taper: Begins just above the ears.
High taper: Starts significantly higher, usually two or three inches above the ears.
Mid taper: Positioned between the low and high styles, typically starting around the temples.
How often should a mid taper haircut be maintained?
The longevity of a mid taper haircut can vary, but typically, shorter tapers last longer between visits to the barber. Generally, you should plan to return to your barber every 2 to 4 weeks to maintain the sharpness and shape of the haircut.
