Step-by-Step Guide: How to Do a Low Taper Fade Haircut for Kids at Home

Giving your kid a stylish haircut at home can be fun, budget-friendly, and rewarding. Low Taper Fade haircut is the perfect choice for kids. This look is trendy, clean, and ideal for boys and girls alike. It gradually shortens the hair at the sides and back, leaving the top longer for a cool contrast. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to create a perfect low-taper fade haircut for your child, even if you’re new to cutting hair.   

What is a Low-Taper Fade Haircut? 

A low taper fade is a haircut in which the hair gets shorter from the top to the sides and back. The fade begins lower on the head, usually just above the ears, making it look softer than high fades. This style blends well with various top lengths and works for different hair textures.  

Tools You’ll Need 

Before starting, make sure you have the following tools on hand:  

• Clippers: You’ll need electric clippers with guard attachments of different lengths.  
• Scissors: Sharp haircutting scissors are used to trim longer hair on top. 
• Comb: A comb helps in sectioning and guiding the hair while cutting.
• Cape or Towel: Use a haircutting cape or towel to catch loose hair and keep your child clean. 
• Spray Bottle: Filled with water to dampen hair if necessary. 
• Mirror: A small mirror you can hold or one that hangs on the wall to help you see the back of the head. 
• Clips: Hair clips to section off parts of the hair, especially if your child has longer hair on top. 

Step 1: Prepare Your Space and Child 

It’s important to get both your space and your child ready for the haircut so everything goes smoothly.  

• Pick a bright area where you can plug in the clippers. 
• Put a towel or sheet on the floor to catch the hair and make cleaning up easier.  
• Explain to your child what will happen, and you can even show them a picture of the haircut. 
• If it’s their first time, explain each step to ease any anxiety. Playing music or letting them watch a show can help distract them. 

Step 2: Section Off the Hair 

• Use your comb to part the hair where you want the fade to start. Usually, this is just above the ears. 
• Use a clip to hold the longer hair on top out of the way, so it doesn’t interfere with the fade. 
• Wet the hair slightly if it’s long or unruly, as damp hair is easier to work with when sectioning. 

Step 3: Start with the Longest Guard 

Put the biggest guard on your clippers. This guard will determine the longest length of the faded area.  

• Tip: If you’re not sure, start with a bigger guard (like #4 or #5) and switch to a shorter one if needed. 

Begin at the bottom of the hairline near the neck and move upwards toward the fade line (the section you parted earlier). Make sure to:  

• Hold the clippers flat against the head and move in an upward, smooth motion. 
• Always run the clippers opposite to the way the hair grows to get an even cut. 
• Repeat this process around the entire head, focusing on the lower sides and back. 

Step 4: Work with Shorter Guards for the Fade  

Once you’ve created the base layer with the longest guard, it’s time to start fading the hair with shorter guards. 

• Switch to a shorter guard (e.g., #3) and begin tapering the hair a little lower than where you stopped with the longest guard.  
• Move the clippers upwards but stop before reaching the part line. Use light, flicking motions to blend the hair so the transition is smooth.
• Change to an even shorter guard (e.g., #2 or #1) to create a tighter fade near the bottom of the hairline. Again, use flicking motions to blend it into the slightly longer sections above. 

This gradual change in length is what creates the fade effect. Take your time and check your work in the mirror to ensure a smooth transition. 

Step 5: Clean Up the Edges  

Now that the fade is mostly complete, it’s time to clean up the edges and add some sharpness. 

• Use the trimmer without a guard to shape the edges around the ears and the back of the neck. 
• Be gentle and precise, especially around the ears. You want to create a neat, straight line but avoid cutting too high.  
• For a sharper look, you can also define the hairline around the forehead and temples, but this step is optional for younger kids. 

Step 6: Trim the Top  

Once the sides and back are faded, it’s time to work on the longer hair at the top.  

• Let down the clipped hair and comb it to get rid of any tangles. 
• Depending on the style you’re aiming for, use scissors to trim the top hair to the desired length.  

• For a clean, uniform look, trim small sections of hair by holding them between your fingers and cutting straight across. 
• If you want a textured or messy look, you can use point-cutting (snipping into the hair at an angle) to add more layers and movement.  

Always check for balance by combing the hair into place and making any final adjustments.  

Step 7: Final Check and Touch-Ups  

Once the haircut is almost complete, step back and take a good look. Look for any uneven areas in the fade or on top. Run your fingers through the hair to check if it feels smooth and even.

•  If any areas look uneven, go over them lightly with the clippers or scissors.  
• Use a small mirror to check the back of the head and neck. 

Step 8: Clean Up 

After finishing the haircut, remove the cape or towel and shake off any loose hair from your child’s neck and shoulders. You can use a soft brush or towel to wipe off the small hair pieces. Finally, help your child wash their hair to remove any leftover clippings, and style the top with gel or leave it natural.  

Bonus Tips 

• Practice makes perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first taper fade isn’t perfect. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel. 
• Use the right tools: Buying a good set of clippers can improve the outcome. 
• Be patient with kids: Kids can be wiggly or anxious during haircuts. Taking breaks, talking them through it, or giving them a small reward afterward can make the experience more enjoyable for both of you.  

Conclusion: 

Giving your child a low-taper fade haircut at home may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and a little patience, it can be a rewarding experience. Not only will you save time and money, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of creating a stylish, fresh haircut. Follow this guide step by step, and soon, you’ll be cutting like a pro!