In the world of men’s grooming, haircuts are as essential as the clothes you wear. They shape your style, define your persona, and boost your confidence. One haircut that has been gaining momentum recently is the temple fade. While not as widely known as the taper fade or the low fade, the temple fade offers a modern twist on classic styles, making it a versatile choice for any man looking to update his look.
This article will delve deep into the temple fade, exploring its origins, the various styles it can be paired with, and why it might be the perfect haircut for you. Whether you’re new to fades or a seasoned pro looking for something fresh, this guide has got you covered.
Contents
What Is a Temple Fade?
The temple fade is a unique and subtle variation of the traditional fade haircut. Unlike a full fade that gradually shortens the hair from the top of the head down to the neckline, a temple fade focuses specifically on the temple area and the nape of the neck. The hair around these areas is faded out to a shorter length, usually below a grade two, creating a sharp and clean look that can complement a variety of hairstyles.
Characteristics of a Temple Fade
- Precision: The fade is concentrated around the temples and nape, leaving the sides and top at a longer length.
- Versatility: Works well with both short and long hairstyles, from cropped cuts to pompadours.
- Subtlety: Offers a modern edge without being overly dramatic, making it a great option for men who want a refined yet contemporary look.
The History and Rise of the Temple Fade
The temple fade may seem like a recent trend, but it has been quietly evolving in barber shops for years. While it never reached the mainstream popularity of other fade styles, it has steadily gained a dedicated following among those who appreciate its nuanced style.
Early Beginnings
The temple fade’s roots can be traced back to the early 2000s when barbers began experimenting with more precise and localized fades. Initially popular among men with afro-textured hair, the temple fade offered a way to control the volume and shape of the hair while maintaining a stylish edge.
Celebrity Influence
The temple fade gained a bit of mainstream attention thanks to celebrities like DJ Pauly D from Jersey Shore. His signature blowout hairstyle, which featured a temple fade, brought this haircut into the spotlight. Although his version was bold and eye-catching, it demonstrated the fade’s potential for versatility and adaptability.
The Temple Fade Today
Today, the temple fade is being embraced by men of all hair types and styles. Its ability to enhance various hairstyles has made it a favorite among those looking for a haircut that is both modern and adaptable.
Is a Temple Fade Right for You?
Before you rush to your barber for a temple fade, it’s important to consider whether this style suits your face shape, hair type, and personal style.
Face Shapes and Temple Fades
- Round Faces: A temple fade can help elongate the face by removing weight from the sides. Pairing it with longer hair on top can further enhance this effect.
- Square Faces: The angular features of a square face can be softened with a temple fade, particularly if the top hair is styled with some volume.
- Oval Faces: Almost any haircut works with an oval face, and the temple fade is no exception. It provides a clean and balanced look that can highlight your facial structure.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: A temple fade can balance a wider forehead by drawing attention to the lower part of the face, especially if combined with a longer hairstyle.
Hair Types and Temple Fades
- Straight Hair: A temple fade can add definition and a modern edge to straight hair, especially when paired with styles like a slick back or pompadour.
- Curly Hair: The fade can help manage the volume and shape of curly hair, providing a cleaner and more controlled look.
- Afro-Textured Hair: Originally popular among men with afro hair, the temple fade continues to be a great way to sculpt and define this hair type.
Lifestyle Considerations
If you’re a busy dad like me, with three kids and a packed schedule, you might appreciate the low-maintenance aspect of a temple fade. It’s a haircut that can be styled quickly in the morning, leaving you more time for the important things, like getting the kids ready for school or spending quality time with your family.
Key Temple Fade Styles and How to Get Them
The temple fade is a highly adaptable haircut that can be paired with a variety of styles. Whether you prefer a short, cropped look or something with a bit more length, there’s a temple fade style for you.
Temple Fade blend with Short Crop
Short crops have been making a strong comeback, thanks in part to popular TV shows like Peaky Blinders. The short, no-nonsense style is perfect for men who prefer a straightforward look. Adding a temple fade to a short crop brings a modern twist to this classic style.
How to Get the Look:
- Ask your barber for a front-facing crop with a temple fade.
- Specify the length you want on the sides and how short you want the fade to go (e.g., #0, #0.5, or skin fade).
- For styling, simply towel-dry your hair and apply a matte paste, raking your hair forward for a structured or messy finish.
Temple Fade blend with Pompadour
The pompadour is a timeless hairstyle that dates back to the 1950s, but it’s never really gone out of style. Combining it with a temple fade gives it a fresh, modern edge while maintaining its classic appeal.
How to Get the Look:
- Tell your barber you want a pompadour with a temple fade.
- The sides should be cut with scissors to at least one inch in length, or clippered down to a grade two or three.
- Apply a sea salt spray before blow-drying to build volume, then finish with a pomade to slick the hair back.
Temple Fade blend with Short Afro
For those with afro-textured hair, a temple fade can add structure and shape without going for a full blowout. It’s a great way to keep your look fresh and clean without sacrificing style.
How to Get the Look:
- Ask for a skin taper or fade in front of the ears, blending into the hair on top.
- Keep the afro close to the scalp to maintain shape and structure.
- Regular visits to the barber will be needed to keep the fade looking sharp.
Temple Fade blend with Slick Back
A slicked-back hairstyle is the epitome of classic elegance. When combined with a temple fade, it adds a modern twist that keeps the look fresh and contemporary.
How to Get the Look:
- Request that your barber contain the fade to the temple area, blending into the top and back.
- Leave enough length on top to slick back, tapering down towards the nape.
- Use a salt spray or volume powder on wet hair before blow-drying and finishing with a matte paste.
Maintenance and Styling Tips for Temple Fades
Once you’ve got your temple fade, keeping it sharp and stylish is key. Here are some tips to maintain your haircut and ensure it always looks its best.
Regular Barber Visits
Temple fades, like most fades, require regular maintenance. The fade can lose its sharpness as your hair grows out, so plan on visiting your barber every 3-4 weeks for a touch-up.
Home Styling Products
Invest in good-quality styling products. For a slick back or pompadour, you’ll need a strong-hold pomade or gel. For more textured looks, a matte paste or clay will give you the desired finish.
Morning Routine
As a dad, mornings can be hectic. Thankfully, temple fades are relatively low-maintenance. Most styles can be quickly refreshed with a bit of water, a blow-dryer, and your favorite styling product.
Personal Recommendation
The temple fade is more than just a haircut—it’s a versatile style statement that can be tailored to suit a variety of looks. Whether you’re aiming for something classic with a modern twist or a bold and edgy cut, the temple fade offers the flexibility and refinement you need.
By understanding the different styles and knowing how to maintain them, you can confidently walk into your barber’s shop and leave with a haircut that not only suits your face shape and hair type but also fits your lifestyle. With the right care and attention, a temple fade can keep you looking sharp, stylish, and ready for whatever life throws your way.
Whether you’re a busy dad, a professional, or someone just looking to upgrade their look, the temple fade is a haircut worth considering. So next time you’re in the barber’s chair, remember: your body is a temple, but so is your head—make the most of it.