How Taper Fade BeCAMe Popular and TurnEd Into Iconic Statement
A taper fade is a versatile barbering technique that has recently gone viral, thanks to fashion influencers pairing it with various other haircuts. This head-turning hairstyle is highly adaptable to individual needs and accommodates both formal and casual looks
How did this style make its way into the fashion industry, and how has it evolved over time? In this article, we explore the history and cultural significance of this iconic statement haircut. We’ve also highlighted some celebrity-inspired styles that are setting new trends. Stay tuned!
The History of the Taper Fade: From Barber Shops to Runways
Leo J. Wahl invented electric clippers in 1921, which significantly revolutionized barbering techniques. Instead of relying on radiation tools, barbers started using this device for transformational haircuts. During that time period, the concept of fade was introduced and gained popularity quickly.
In 1940, this short-length haircut was taken by The U.S. military for its fine and clean appearance; it was then associated with formal outfits for its minimum maintenance and professional look. In that era, it was not widely adopted by common people and was often termed as a military haircut.
Later, in the 1980s, it was turned into a fashion statement by black men. At that point, black barbers termed it an afro haircut, which is still practiced as a modern style. Within a decade, it became trendy as many celebrities and fashion influencers carried it with modern touches. Hip Hop artists and rappers were behind this haircut’s massive popularity. Soon, worldwide, barbers embraced it with other variations, which gave rise to the idea of taper fade.
Now, this style is an essential part of model runways, and top fashion influencers transform their appearance with subtle or bold transitions. It is not just famous in the entertainment industry but also common in public for its low maintenance and high customization.
Celebrity-Inspired Taper Fades: Get the Look
Let’s have a look at some of the famous celebrities-inspired variations of a taper fade:
Cristiano Ronaldo- Low Fade Taper Comb Over
Cristiano Ronaldo is the heartthrob of every football fanatic. He has millions of followers on social media platforms worldwide. As an impactful influencer, he is reshaping the fashion industry, particularly hairstyling trends, with his innovative and bold haircuts.
Expoacilly, his low taper fade comb-over became viral both in men and boys for an energetic and sophisticated appeal. You can carry it with style for both formal and casual cousins. Moreover, many other haircuts associated with this legend of soccer revolutionize men’s grooming practices every year.
Bryce Harper-Modern Mullet with Low Taper Fade
This American professional baseball first baseman also confidently carried a tapering fade with a mullet and inspired young boys. Bryce Harper is not just famous for their sports capabilities; he is the talk of the town for unique haircuts every year. His fans love to copy his style, and he is continuously setting new hairstyling trends in the fashion industry.
Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders- Undercut
On Netflix, Peaky Blinders has record-breaking views, and this drama series gained popularity for its unique storyline. The main protagonist of the show is Thomas Michael Shelby, and Cillian Murphy is behind this character.
Along with exceptional acting and charisma, this character got attention with a unique hairstyle. Long-length hair is only on the head top, while sides and backs with short hair length set new trends in the hairstyling industry. Similar to a taper fade, this undercut gives a jaw-dropping look with a drastic change in hair length.
Taper Fades Around the World: How Different Cultures Style It
How black men carry this style varies from white men because of the difference in hair texture and facial features. Afro or curly hair has a list of suitable styling techniques, while straight hair has its own. Curly hair in black men is not so dense, just like dreadlocks in Africans. The flexibility of a taper fade in terms of customization makes it suitable for different cultures.
You often see Asian taper fade with other styles like textured fringe, quiff, side-part, etc. Likewise, other famous styles include curly loose curl taper fade, side part taper fade, and low taper burst fade.
African men prefer unique techniques like blowout afro taper fade and black taper mohawk fades as these haircuts offer a neat appearance and make their hair manageable. Some styles are equally famous irrespective of culture, race, and color; some are taper beard fade, low taper fade buzz cut, slick back taper fade, etc.
