Request a low fade with a gradual taper and volume on top.

When you sit in the barber’s seat, ask for a low fade at the nape of your neck, and specify that you want plenty of volume on top. Usually, the shortest hair in a low taper fade is only about 0.25 in (0.64 cm) long—ask for the #2 clippers to get this length.

How you treat the hair on top will depend on your personal style and your barber’s recommendation. Often, low taper fades are accompanied by a “fringe” or “textured” cut on top, which provides volume and easy styling.

, and thoroughly dry your hair before your appointment to give your barber a clean and tangle-free canvas to work with.

Low taper with messy fringe

This is perhaps the most balanced and easiest to maintain low taper fade style. Your barber uses special scissors to give you a medium-length, semi-ragged cut on top that provides a fair amount of texture and volume. The best part is that a fringe works with most lengths of hair. It’s chic, youthful, and a great blend of careful grooming and just-got-out-of-bed styling.

The blowout element of this low taper fade maximizes volume on top, while the taper down beneath gradually shortens starting at the ears, providing a balanced sense of structure and exaggerating the fullness of the hair at the front and back of the head. It’s great for masking thinning hair or receding hairlines, and works with most hair textures.

This haircut is for those among us who love the edgy and luxurious look of long hair, but who also want the precision of a taper fade. It keeps plenty of length on top and at the sides, but the hair at the crown of your head is left to dangle and flow, which looks great when paired with a low fade.

Get recommendations from people with the hairstyle you want.

Ask your friends where they go to get their cuts—word of mouth is often the most reliable way to find a skilled stylist. Or, if you notice someone on the street or in public that has a fresh fade, don’t hesitate to ask them where they got it done. That way, you see the barber’s work first-hand, and know what it looks like in person.

Check the barber’s social media and online reviews.

Many barbers and stylists nowadays have social media presences where they showcase their work. Browse Instagram for their profile (or just search “barbershop” with your city name) and scroll through their posts. Also, check Google or Yelp reviews for testimonials from other customers. That way you can get a better grasp of their vibe and customer satisfaction from real people.

Call and ask the barber about their pricing and services.

Once you’ve found a barber who looks good, call their shop and ask about their pricing for the specific cut you want, since this can vary widely. Remember, y…