The Science Behind the Low Taper Fade: Understanding Barber Techniques

Low Taper Fade is a stylish or modern haircut famous for its cool or clean look. It’s often seen in athletes, celebrities, and everyday people because of its sharp appearance and versatility. Have you ever thought about how barbers create this perfect haircut? There’s more to it than just trimming hair. It involves specific barber techniques, an understanding of head shapes, and the right use of tools. In this blog post, we will explore the science behind the low taper fade and break down how barbers master this look.  

The Science of Hair Growth and Texture 

To fully understand how barbers achieve a taper fade, it’s important first to recognize the basic science of hair growth and texture. Human hair grows at an average rate of about half an inch per month, and its texture and thickness vary from person to person. Some people have thin, straight hair, while others have thick, curly hair. These differences affect how a fade will look on each individual and also impact the barber’s approach to the cut.  

The direction of hair growth also matters. Hair tends to grow in specific patterns, such as swirls (cowlicks) or different growth directions at the crown or near the nape of the neck. Barbers must consider these growth patterns to ensure an even cut and a smooth fade.  

Tools of the Trade  

Barbers use various tools to create a low taper fade, including:

• Clippers: The main tool for achieving fades, clippers come with different guard sizes that control how much hair is cut. Guards are numbered based on the length of the cut they provide (e.g., a number 1 guard leaves hair about 1/8 of an inch long).  
• Trimmers: Used for precise detailing around the edges and the hairline. Trimmers are important for creating sharp, clean lines.  
• Scissors: Used to blend and shape the longer hair on top, scissors help create a smooth change from the top to the faded sides. 
• Comb: Barbers use a comb to lift hair while cutting, which helps create a consistent fade. The “clipper-over-comb” technique is often used for blending different hair lengths.  
• Straight Razor: Some barbers use a straight razor for detailing, especially around the neckline and sideburns. This adds sharpness to the fade.  

Step-by-Step Process of a Low Taper Fade

Let’s break down the general steps a barber follows to achieve a low taper fade.  

1. Consultation and Preparation 

Barbers start by talking with the client about the haircut they want. For a low taper fade, they must decide how low the fade will start, how long the hair on top should remain, and what style the client prefers. After this, the hair is washed and dried, so the barber can work on clean, tangle-free hair. 

2. Sectioning the Hair  

Once the hair is clean, the barber divides the head into sections. They often start with the top section, clipping it out of the way if necessary, so they can focus on the sides and back. This allows them to see the area where the fade will begin.  

3. Starting the Fade 

Using clippers with a larger guard (like a number 3 or 4), the barber begins cutting the sides and back of the head. They make sure to start at the top of the area they want to fade, gradually reducing the guard size as they work their way down. For a low taper fade, the haircut begins lower on the head. It usually starts near the ears and the neckline. The key to a good fade is keeping a steady hand and consistent motion to create a smooth, gradual blend.  

4. Blending the Fade  

Once the initial fade is created, the barber switches to smaller guards (such as a number 1 or 2) and continues blending the hair at the lower points of the fade. This step requires precision, as it’s important to ensure that the fade transitions seamlessly from longer hair to shorter hair. Many barbers use the “clipper-over-comb” technique during this step. This method helps to blend any visible lines or inconsistencies between different lengths of hair. The barber places the comb against the head at an angle, lifts the hair, and runs the clippers over the comb to cut it evenly.  

5. Detailing the Hairline and Neckline  

With the main fade completed, the barber uses trimmers or a straight razor to clean up the edges around the hairline, sideburns, and neckline. This step is crucial for giving the haircut its polished, sharp look. In a low taper fade, the neckline is often kept natural but cleaned up neatly, creating a soft yet defined line that complements the gradual fade.  

6. Cutting the Top 

The final step is shaping the top of the hair. The barber cuts the top based on the client’s preference, whether they want it to be short, textured, or left longer for styling. Barbers usually use scissors to shape and blend the top with the sides. After cutting, the barber might use thinning shears to remove excess bulk and further blend the hair.  

Understanding Head Shapes

The structure of a person’s head plays a role in how a fade looks. Barbers consider head shape when deciding where to place the fade and how high or low to start it. Some common head shapes include: 

• Round: For round heads, barbers may start the fade slightly higher to elongate the appearance of the face.  
• Oval: This is considered the ideal head shape, and a low taper fade works well with it, as the balanced proportions can handle various styles. 
• Square: Barbers might soften the edges and go for a more gradual fade to avoid emphasizing the squareness.  
• Oblong: For longer faces, the barber might add more volume on the sides to balance the length of the face. 

Maintaining Your Low Taper Fade Haircut 

This haircut requires proper care and regular maintenance. Hair grows back quickly, so clients usually need to visit the barber every two to three weeks for a touch-up. Using a good quality hair product, like pomade or styling cream, can help maintain the style of the top, while regular washing ensures the fade stays neat. 

Conclusion: 

The low taper fade is a simple haircut but requires precision, skill, and a deep understanding of barber techniques. Barbers must consider hair texture, growth patterns, head shape, and the right tools to create a smooth, gradual fade that complements their client’s look. This careful attention to detail makes the low taper fade one of the most popular and lasting haircuts. Whether you’re looking for a casual, everyday style or something sharper for a formal occasion, the low taper fade offers versatility and style that’s hard to beat.  

Understanding the science and techniques behind it will give you a greater appreciation for the skill involved, and maybe even help you communicate better with your barber to get the exact look you want.