
The taper fade is a popular hairstyle among men. This type of fade is necessary if you’re giving a high-and-tight, military-type haircut. Taper fades require precision — if you’re not used to giving this type of cut, you’ll have to be patient until you get more used to it. Taper fades work with many hairstyles, so mastering this technique will help you be able to give several other types of haircuts as well.
Place the highest clipper guard on your clippers, and cut the sides and back of the hair. It’s possible that the highest guard may not actually cut any hair — if this is the case, switch to the next highest guard, and continue until you are able to cut the hair. You can also switch to a lower guard if you want a shorter haircut.
Comb the hair in order to get rid of excess hair that’s been trimmed. At this point, you can also cut the hair, if necessary.
Change your clipper guard to the next lowest guard. Trim the hair using the clippers, making sure to stop at the area where you want to start the taper. To make sure you get a straight haircut and taper, follow the imaginary line around the sides of the head at the spot where you want to start the taper. Then comb the hair downward.
Switch the clipper guard to the next lowest and trim the hair again. This time, end your stroke one-eighth of an inch from where you ended your first cut. Follow this line around the head, then comb the hair downward.
Repeat the above step until you have finished tapering the hair. Each time, remember to switch clippers to the next lowest guard, and comb hair between trims.
Comb and rinse the hair in order to get rid of excess hair and clearly see the taper fade.
Related Articles
How to Do a Bald Fade

How to Cut Curly Bangs
How to Make Thin Sideburns

How to Do a Shingle Haircut Step-by-Step

How to Texturize Bangs With Scissors

How to Cut Piecey Hair

How to Fade Sideburns Into a Beard

How to Cut a Long Synthetic Wig Short

How to Groom Curly Eyebrows

What Do the Numbers on Hair Clipper ...

How Do I Blunt Cut My Hair?

How to Cut Bangs Into a Bob Wig
How to Straighten Hair Without Blow ...
How to Do an English Braid

How to Cut Bangs With a Cow Lick

How to Curl Eyelashes Without Pinching ...

How to Use a Conair Eyebrow Trimmer

What Do the Numbers on Hair Clipper ...

How to Trim a Beard With an Electric ...

How to Taper Sideburns
References
Writer Bio
As a full-time writer in New York's Hudson Valley, Lindsay Pietroluongo's nightlife column and photos have appeared regularly in the "Poughkeepsie Journal" since 2007. Additional publications include "Chronogram," the "New Paltz Sojourn," "About Town" newspaper and "Outsider" magazine. Pietroluongo graduated from Marist College with a B.A. in English.
Photo Credits
Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images