No one likes a bad haircut, and finding a good barbershop is the first step toward ensuring your next cut turns out exactly how you want it. Once you find the right barber, one step remains: making sure that you and your barber can communicate clearly about what you want. How can you make sure that your next haircut is a success? Learning standard barber terms for haircuts can help you understand the services they offer and better communicate exactly what you want.
Barber Terms for Haircuts You Should Know
Clear communication with your barber is critical to ensuring you leave your appointment feeling and looking good. The more detailed you can be, the better. “Short on the sides, long on the top” could describe countless cuts or styles. It’s better to be specific. Bring some reference photos of what you’re going for if you have any in mind. Otherwise, brush up on some standard barber terms for haircuts so you and your barber can co-create your desired haircut.
Terms for Common Haircut Techniques
Fade
The fade is a versatile haircutting technique that involves cutting the hair shorter as it goes down the head, with a noticeable shift between the short hair and the long hair. Fades are incredibly versatile and can be customized to virtually any haircut style. Most fades fall into one of four variations:
- Zero/Skin Fade: This type of fade is the shortest. The hair blends directly into the skin, giving a sharp, clean look. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer a very close-cropped appearance.
- Low Fade: The low fade usually starts about one finger’s depth above the ears and then curves around the hairline and extends down to the neckline. This style works well with all hair types, particularly those seeking a more conservative yet stylish look. It’s a perfect cut for those who want a little more coverage on the sides of their head.
- Mid Fade: Less subtle than a low fade, and less drastic than a high fade, the mid fade offers the best of both worlds. It’s a popular choice because it provides a balanced, modern look without being too bold. It’s also the most versatile of all fades, as it’s neither too high nor too low. The shortest point starts about two fingers above the ear.
- High Fade: The high fade starts near the top of the head (about three fingers above the ear) and creates a dramatic contrast between the long hair on top and the shaved sides. A high fade is suitable for those who want very little hair on the sides. It’s also a military fave!
Taper
“Fade” and “taper” are two barber terms for haircuts that are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing. While the two techniques are similar, knowing the differences can help you better communicate with your barber.
Like a fade, a taper involves reducing the length of the hair from the top down to the neckline. However, tapers only fade out the temples and nape, while fades have a continuous blend all around the head. In addition, a tapered cut changes length gradually and less dramatically than a fade.
A taper can complement a wide variety of hairstyles. It’s a great option if you want to stay looking fresh but don’t like getting a full cut very often. Tapers actually used to be referred to as “temp fades,” short for temporary fades.
Terms for Texturing Techniques
Understanding different cutting techniques that add texture to your hairstyle can also help you get the cut you want. The following are some standard terms your barber might use:
- Layering: This technique involves removing hair in a specific way to reduce heaviness and create the desired shape. Layering adds volume and movement and can help thin out your hair.
- Thinning: Thinning is used to reduce bulk in thick hair. Special thinning shears remove some of the hair strands, making the hair more manageable without changing the overall length. This technique makes your hair feel lighter and easier to move around. It’s a good option for those with thick hair, but it should be avoided by those with super coarse or wiry hair.
- Texturizing: Texturizing involves cutting the hair in a way that adds dimension and visual interest. It can make shorter styles look intentionally — and attractively — messy. Your barber can add texture to your hair with scissors or a razor.
- Blending: Blending is a technique used to ensure a smooth transition between different hair lengths, such as in a fade or taper. It removes any unwanted imperfections, such as lines, dark spots, and uneven lengths, creating a seamless look. Barbers use a variety of tools to blend the hair.
- Line Up/Shape Up: A line-up or shape-up involves creating sharp lines around the hairline, often at the forehead, temples, and nape. It’s popular in more structured styles and provides a crisp, clean finish.
Terms for Neckline Shapes
Your barber might ask if you want your neckline tapered, rounded, or squared:
- Tapered: A tapered neckline seamlessly blends the haircut to the skin at the nape of the neck only. Your barber may recommend it for a longer-lasting haircut, as it helps the haircut grow out well between appointments.
- Squared: A squared neckline, or block neckline, cuts straight across.
- Rounded: A rounded neckline is similar to a squared neckline but with rounded corners to achieve a softer look.
Terms to Describe Your Unique Hair
Your barber will take many factors into consideration when recommending certain cuts and styles to you, including your hair texture, density, and type.
- Hair Texture: Your hair’s texture is defined by the thickness of individual strands of hair. If you have fine hair, a strand of your hair will have a smaller diameter. If you have coarse hair, a strand will have a wider diameter.
- Hair Density: Many people confuse the terms used to define texture and density. Hair density refers to the number of hairs per square inch of scalp, and it’s considered thin, thick, or somewhere in between. Sometimes this can be confusing because the terms can seem contradictory. For example, it’s possible to have thinning coarse hair (less hair per square inch but thick strands) or thick fine hair (a lot of hair per square inch but smaller strands).
- Hair Type: Hair type refers to the natural pattern of your hair. Generally, there are four main categories: straight, wavy, curly, and coily. If you don’t know your hair type, simply ask your barber.
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If you’re still feeling a bit aimless, the barber’s website might provide some direction. For example, the Hudson / Hawk services page provides a wealth of information about the haircuts we offer. You might be a good fit for the “Stay Sharp Cut,” which gives your barber enough time to use their experience and expertise to provide guidance, ensuring that you get a haircut that suits your hair texture and thickness, your aesthetic preferences, and your lifestyle.
Looking for a barber shop that promises good vibes and a quality cut? If you live in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, or Oklahoma, stop by your neighborhood Hudson / Hawk. In our modern, comfortable spaces, people of all ages enjoy stylish haircuts and good conversation. We offer a variety of cuts — from zero fades to shear cuts and everything in between — as well as shaves, beard grooming, and waxing. Book your next haircut today.