How to Cut a Low Taper Fade Haircut at Home

Low Taper Fade Haircut is a stylish or modern cut that gives a clean or sharp look. In this haircut the hair gets shorter from the sides and back of the head down to the skin. It would be challenging to cut a low taper fade haircut at home but with the help of the right tools you can easily achieve this modern look. 

In this blog post, we will learn how to get this haircut at home without wasting money. 

What is a Low Taper Fade? 

Firstly, it’s important to know what a low taper fade is. A taper fade is a type of fade that starts low on the head, usually around the ear and neckline. The hair gradually shortens from longer to shorter as it moves toward the skin. A low taper fade is one of the most subtle types of fades, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more conservative, yet stylish, look. It can suit all types of hair such as curly, wavy, or straight hair. It gives a neat appearance without being too dramatic. 

Tools You’ll Need 

To cut a low taper fade at home, you’ll need the following tools:  

• Clippers with guard attachments: A good quality clipper is essential for a smooth fade. Most clippers come with numbered guard attachments determining how much hair is cut. Common guard sizes range from 1 to 8, with smaller numbers cutting shorter hair.  
• Trimmer: A trimmer helps clean up the edges, especially around the neckline and sideburns. It’s also useful for details.  
• Scissors: You’ll also need a scissor to trim the longer part of your hair. 
• Comb: A comb is useful for keeping the hair in place as you cut, especially when blending different lengths. 
• Handheld mirror: Cutting the back of your head can be tricky, so a handheld mirror will help you see those areas. 
• Hair clips: If you have longer hair on top, clips can help hold the hair out of the way while you work on the fade.  
• Cape or towel: To avoid a mess, place a towel around your neck or wear a cape to catch the loose hair.  

Preparing for the Cut  

Before you start cutting, make sure to prepare your hair and workspace. Here are a few things to do before getting started:  

• Wash and dry your hair: Clean hair is easier to work with, so wash and dry your hair thoroughly. Avoid using any products like gel or wax before the cut as it can make the hair sticky and difficult to cut.  
• Get your tools ready: Place all your tools in a bright area where you can see everything. Make sure your clippers and trimmers are fully charged or plugged in. 
• Find a comfortable position: Standing in front of a mirror with good lighting is important. Use a handheld mirror for the back of your head, or ask someone to assist you.  
• Decide on the length: Firstly, decide the length of the sides and top to be. The most common guard sizes for a low taper fade are:  
  • #1 (1/8 inch) for a very short fade 
  • #2 (1/4 inch) for a standard short fade 
  • #3 (3/8 inch) for a slightly longer fade 

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to get started with the cut!  

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting a Low Taper Fade 

Step 1: Start with the Top 

Although the focus of the low taper fade is on the sides and back, it’s a good idea to start with the top of your head if it needs trimming. Use scissors or a higher clipper guard (like #7 or #8) to trim the top section of your hair. Comb through the hair and cut evenly across, working from the front to the back.  

If you want to leave the top long, you can skip this step and only work on the fade. 

Step 2: Start Fading the Sides 

Now it’s time to create the taper fade on the sides of your head. Follow these steps:  

• Attach the #2 guard: Start with a #2 guard (or the guard size you prefer) on your clippers. Begin at the bottom of your sideburns, just above the ear, and move upward.  
• Use a light flicking motion: As you move the clippers upward, flick them slightly to prevent sharp lines. Stop about halfway up the side of your head, where the fade will blend into the longer hair.  
• Repeat on the other side: Do the same on the opposite side of your head, making sure the length is even on both sides.  

Step 3: Work on the Back 

Now that the sides are tapered, you’ll work on the back of your head:  

• Use the same #2 guard: With the same guard, start at the bottom of your neckline and move the clippers upward in a smooth motion. Use the flicking technique to blend the fade.  
• Check for evenness: Use a handheld mirror to check that the back is even and matches the sides. 

Step 4: Create the Low Taper 

To get that clean low taper effect, follow these steps:  

• Switch to a #1 guard: Now, attach the #1 guard to your clippers. Start at the very bottom of your sideburns and neckline. Fade upward just a little bit, stopping before you reach the area you faded with the #2 guard.
• Blend the fade: To blend the fade between the #1 and #2 guards, use a #1.5 guard or slightly lift the clippers as you fade upward to blend the transition smoothly.  
• Taper around the ears: Be careful around the ears and use a smaller guard if needed to create a neat line. 

Step 5: Line Up the Edges 

Once the fade is complete, use your trimmer to line up the edges:  

• Clean up the neckline: Use the trimmer to define the neckline, creating a straight or slightly rounded line, depending on your preference.  
• Trim the sideburns: Use the trimmer to clean up the sideburns, ensuring they are even on both sides. 
• Detail around the ears: Carefully outline around your ears to cut a sharp, clean look.  

Step 6: Blend the Fade with Scissors (Optional) 

If you see any rough lines or uneven spots, you can use scissors to smooth out the fade more. Comb through the hair and snip any areas where the transition doesn’t look smooth.  

Step 7: Final Touches 

After you’ve finished the fade, check the entire haircut in the mirror to make sure everything is even and balanced. If needed, go over any areas that require touch-ups. Once you’re satisfied with the result, wash off any loose hair, and style your top hair with your favorite product, like gel or pomade, if you prefer.  

Tips for Cutting a Low Taper Fade at Home

• Take your time: Cutting a fade takes practice and patience. Go slow and don’t rush the process. 
• Begin with longer guards: If you’re not sure about the length, use a longer guard first, then slowly switch to shorter ones. You can always cut more hair, but you can’t put it back!  
• Practice improves your skills: Your first try might not be perfect, but the more you practice, the better you’ll get at making smooth fades. 
• Keep your clippers clean: Clean and oil your clippers after each use to ensure they last longer and provide a smooth cut.  

Conclusion: 

Cutting a low taper fade at home is a skill that can save you time and money in the long run. By following this guide step-by-step you can easily achieve the modern look of low taper fade haircut at home. Remember to start slow, take your time, and refine your technique with each cut. With time and practice, you can create a professional-looking low taper fade right at home.