When it comes to men’s hairstyles, the skin taper fade combined with a messy haircut stands out as a modern, versatile, and stylish choice. This guide is designed for beginners who are keen to learn the art of achieving this look. Whether you’re trying this at home or want to better understand the process before visiting a barber, this post will provide you with the essentials.
Contents
Understanding the Skin Taper Fade
The skin taper fade is a popular haircut where the hair gradually decreases in length from the top to the bottom. It’s called “skin” because the hair is faded until it blends into the skin. Here’s a breakdown:
1. What You Need:
- Hair clippers with guard sizes ranging from #1 to #4.
- A trimmer for detailing.
- A mirror to check your progress.
- A comb and scissors for the top part of your hair.
2. Step-by-Step Process:
- Start with Clean, Dry Hair: Wash and dry your hair. This makes it easier to cut and style.
- Choose Your Fade Line: This is where the shortest part of your fade will begin. Commonly, it’s set around the temples.
- Begin with a Longer Guard Size: Start with a #3 or #4 guard to remove bulk. Work your way around the head.
- Switch to Shorter Guards: Gradually change to shorter guards (#2, then #1) as you move down the sides and back of your head.
- Blend the Fade: Use the clipper-over-comb technique to blend the different lengths smoothly.
- Detail with a Trimmer: Use a trimmer to clean up the edges and make the fade more pronounced.
Crafting the Messy Haircut
The messy haircut is about creating a relaxed, effortless look. It works best with a bit of length on top.
1. Preparation:
- Get the Right Tools: A good pair of scissors and a comb.
- Decide on the Length: The top hair should be longer than the faded sides to get that messy look.
2. Cutting Technique:
- Start at the Front: Begin by trimming the front to the desired length.
- Work Your Way Back: Cut in uneven, jagged sections to create a natural, messy look.
- Texturize: Use the point cutting technique by holding the scissors vertically and snipping into the ends of your hair.
Styling Your Haircut
Once the cut is done, styling is key to achieving the perfect look.
1. Products for Styling:
- Use a Light Pomade or Wax: This will help in maintaining the messy look without weighing your hair down.
- Sea Salt Spray: Great for adding texture and volume.
2. Styling Steps:
- Apply the Product: Start with a small amount and apply it evenly through damp hair.
- Create the Messy Look: Use your fingers to tousle your hair, creating a relaxed, messy style.
- Finish with a Blast of Cold Air: Use a hairdryer to set the style in place.
Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your skin taper fade and messy haircut is crucial for keeping it looking sharp.
- Regular Touch-Ups: The fade will need to be touched up every few weeks to keep it looking fresh.
- Keep the Top Tamed: Trim the top part of your hair regularly to maintain the messy look without letting it grow too long.
- Shampoo Sparingly: Over-washing can strip your hair of natural oils. Shampoo every two to three days.
Conclusion
Achieving the perfect men’s skin taper fade and messy haircut might seem daunting for beginners, but with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of practice, it’s definitely attainable. Remember, the key to a great haircut is not just in the cutting, but also in the styling and maintenance. So, grab your tools, and let’s get styling!