While males’ cuts are relatively cheap, male clients are remarkably loyal. Averagely, a male client calls, at least, twice monthly.
To attract clients, and keep them, taper and fade mastering is one secret among the pros.
During a Pop-Up Academy organized by Wahl Professions in Chicago, Nieves Almaraz – Wahl Education and Artistic Team Member – recommended some tips for a professional taper and fade.
Besides saving time, these tips will keep your clients coming and, in turn, more money.
Taper and Fade Mastering: 4 things you should know
#1. longer blades first
When starting, prefer a long blade. If you begin with a short blade, you may end up with a hard line that may be difficult to eradicate.
For easy application, some clippers feature four detachable blades. Typically, the blades are used in long-to-short order.
By this, the longer blade creates your harshest lines, which can easily blend out, speeding up the hair cut process.
#2. Softer touch does it
Again, the right handling of your clipper can help prevent unwanted lines. Do not exert so much pressure. Handle the clipper delicately. This will help you get a soft transition line.
#3 Use the side of the blade
While those Instagram-grade fades are widely desirable, it is no cakewalk. That said, you may use the corner of the blade to obtain that top-class fade.
#4 Line up
When you’re done with your clipper, then comes the trimmers for parameter cleanup. Lineup, working along the hairline to remove unwanted hairs around the neck.
Remember that the trimmer’s front blade moves – you may not bring it close to the skin during clean up. Dragging it along your skin may cause skin irritation and unwanted abrasion.
To prevent that, take note of where you wish to begin moving the blade. Flip over the clipper and move across the skin with a strong blade to avoid irritation.
Summarily…
Of course, fades and tapers can be challenging. However, you’ll soon build a sizeable regular fan base with adequate mastering of these highly sought after skills.
4 tips for mastering taper and fading haircuts
Do you wish to scale up your grooming service business? No worries.
Here are four professional tips to give you the desired lift.
1. Close blades’ gap
Precision and details are two keywords in fading. Before you begin haircut, adjust blades, so they are not crooked. Altering the blade setting may give an uneven effect. Ensure you close gaps between blades.
Adjusting blades
For close cuts, ensure the moving blade almost meets the still blade. A screwdriver – every barber’s handy tool – will help balance the blades.
To achieve cleaner lines, the edge up or line up brings a crispy appeal to the lines. This is mostly a function of zero gapped clippers.
2. Handling blends
Too often, common grooming mistakes happen when barbers use the wrong tools to achieve a particular fade. A clipper with an adjustable clipper may be best for fading.
Ensure you work your clipper in a C-motion.
- Hand Positioning
Place your thumb on the top of the clipper and the next two fingers underneath.
- Lever
Whenever you wear a guard, begin from the open lever and gradually close lever as you blend. With an open lever, apply bigger strokes. Reduce strokes as lever closes.
3. Lightings matters
When it comes to men’s fading, lighting can never be overemphasized. Commonly saloons install top-down lightings, and barbershops’ light comes from angles, illuminating the client’s head. Overhead lighting usually creates disturbing shadows.
Pro tip – You may consider moving close to the window for natural lights.
4. Prefer foil shavers
Foil shavers are ideal for creating a razor or bald fade without a straight razor. But you may have to knock down the hair short enough to catch the foils and the same time, avoid tugging. Foil shavers oscillating blades offer superfast close-skin cut.
A Wrap
There are no born-pros. Masters at taper and fade haircut were once noobs. Stepping up your taper and fade game requires the right knowledge.
With the tips taper and fade tips above, welcome to a new level.