The taper fade creates a gradual blend of the lengths, and the clean faded look is sleek yet versatile enough for any formal or casual occasion. Whether you want to look professional or prefer a modern, street-style look, the skin fade taper is a solid pick. In this ultimate guide, we will cover what a skin fade taper is, the various types, how to maintain it, and how to get the best results with your haircut.
What Is A Skin Fade Taper?
An automatic skin fade taper is a force hair cut that delicately merges between a more drawn-out and a shaved or practically naked top and sides. A fade starts higher up, in the middle, or lower down the head and gradually fades into the skin. The taper, in contrast, is all about slowly decreasing the hair length at the neckline and ears, creating a clean, polished edge.
The beauty of this cut is its versatility. It can be worn with various styles from pompadours to quiffs, buzz cuts to long curly hair. And the skin fade taper gives you a clean line up with plenty of room for personal expression.
Skin Fade Taper: The Different Types
The fade starts on the top of the ears and becomes seamless with the skin.
Provides a clean and professional look, best for formal environments.
A good choice for short and medium-length hair on top
This fade begins halfway between your temples and ears.
This is a perfect mix of bold and subtle.
Great if you want to have a nice fade without being too over the top.
High Skin Fade Taper
This is the high fade, which actually starts right up high on the head and close to the temples.
Produces a clean, bold contrast between the faded sides and longer top.
Perfect for those who like a contemporary, rock-and-roll vibe.
The fade trails in a rounded arc around the head, lowering toward the back of the ears.
Provides angle to the design, adds depth to head shape
Great For: Textured or curly hair
Bald Skin Fade Taper
The hair is faded all the way down to the skin for a completely bald appearance.
Gives an ultra-clean, modern appearance.
Fantastic for anyone looking for a super low-maintenance style.
How to Keep Up a Skin Fade Taper
Preserving a skin fade taper will take proper upkeep and care to maintain the cut so it looks clean. So, we asked: How can you keep your style fresh?
Frequent Trims
Because the fade grows quickly, it is advised to visit the barber every two to three weeks.
If you’re feeling brave, you can touch up the fade at home using clippers.
Proper Hair Washing Routine
Well, you can maintain the health of your hair even when using temporary hair dyes by applying a sulfate-free shampoo.
Overwashing is to be avoided, as this will remove natural oils, which will dry out your hair.
Moisturizing and Styling
Once you have dried your hair, apply a light pomade/wax/styling cream {available at local stores} to add some texture and hold.
If you have coarse or curly hair, try a beard or hair oil to keep it moisturized.
Regular Neckline Cleanup
A nice collar just upgrades the whole appearance.
Between trips to the barber, you can use a trimmer to tidy the edges.
Protecting Against Irritation
Skin fades, however, sometimes cause irritation or razor bumps.
The alcohol in aftershave can irritate the skin, so avoid those products and stick to a soothing balm instead.
How to Get the Perfect Skin Fade Taper
Here are some key suggestions to help you get the best skin fade taper.
Choose the Right Barber
Not all barbers are experienced at fading; make sure you find one that is.
Research their online reviews and portfolio before scheduling an appointment.
Communicate Clearly
Don’t be vague about how high or low you want the fade;
Step 1: Bring reference pictures to train your desired style.
Consider Your Face Shape
Ideal for a round or oval face shape as a high fade elongates the face.
With more angular features, a low fade offers a balanced appearance.
Experiment With Different Styles
Experimentations need to be done to figure out what works for you.
A textured top with a side part or waves adds a unique touch to a fade.
The Bottom Lines
The skin fade taper is a great hairstyle option for men looking for a clean, stylish, and versatile hairstyle. This trend can work as subtly or over-the-top as you like. Maintaining and grooming a fade is important so you can strut out there always looking sharp.