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How To Go From Sky Top To Taper Fade

How To Go From Sky Top To Taper Fade

2 min read 27-01-2025
How To Go From Sky Top To Taper Fade

The sky top fade, with its voluminous top and tapered sides, is a popular hairstyle, but sometimes you want a change. Transitioning from a sky top to a taper fade requires careful planning and execution. This guide will walk you through the process, offering tips for both DIY attempts and professional assistance.

Understanding the Transition

The key difference between a sky top and a taper fade lies in the sides and back. A sky top typically features longer hair on the sides, often styled with some volume or texture. A taper fade, conversely, gradually shortens the hair from longer at the top to nearly shaved at the bottom, creating a smooth transition. Therefore, transitioning involves significantly shortening the sides and back while maintaining (or adjusting) the length on top.

DIY Approach: A Risky Business

Attempting this transformation at home requires skill and the right tools. Proceed with caution. An uneven cut can be difficult, if not impossible, to fix.

Tools You'll Need

  • Hair clippers: Invest in a good quality set with multiple guard sizes.
  • Hair scissors: For precise trimming and shaping.
  • Mirror: Ideally, a large mirror and a smaller handheld mirror for better visibility of the back of your head.
  • Comb: To section your hair effectively.
  • Hairline razor: For a clean, sharp hairline (optional, but recommended for a professional finish).

Steps (Proceed at your own risk):

  1. Start Long: Begin with a longer guard size on your clippers. This allows for gradual shortening and minimizes the risk of cutting too much hair.
  2. Sectioning is Key: Divide your hair into sections using the comb. Focus on the sides and back, working your way down towards the neckline.
  3. Gradual Shortening: Gradually reduce the clipper guard size as you move down the sides and back to create the fade effect. Remember to be gentle and go slowly.
  4. Blend the Lines: Use shorter guard sizes to create a smooth transition between different lengths. This step requires practice and a steady hand.
  5. Clean Up with Scissors: Use hair scissors to clean up any uneven patches or stray hairs.
  6. Finish with Detailing: Use a hairline razor to create a sharp, well-defined hairline. This is a delicate step, so take your time.

Professional Assistance: The Safer Option

For the best results, and to avoid potential mistakes, consider seeking professional assistance. A skilled barber can precisely create the desired taper fade, maintaining the length and style on top that you prefer. They have the expertise and tools to execute the transition flawlessly, leaving you with a clean, well-defined look.

Advantages of a Professional

  • Expertise and Precision: Barbers are trained to create various fades and seamlessly blend hair lengths.
  • Time Efficiency: A professional can complete the process quicker and more efficiently than a DIY attempt.
  • Avoidance of Mistakes: You eliminate the risk of an uneven or poorly executed cut.
  • Personalized Advice: A professional can offer advice on styling and maintaining the new haircut.

Maintaining Your New Taper Fade

Regardless of whether you DIY or go to a professional, maintaining your new taper fade is crucial. Regular trims (every 2-3 weeks) will keep the lines sharp and the overall style looking its best.

Conclusion

Transitioning from a sky top to a taper fade is possible, but requires careful planning and execution. While a DIY approach is feasible with practice and the right tools, professional assistance offers the safest and most effective route to achieving a sharp, well-defined look. Remember to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision.

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