Fade, Taper, or Buzz: Picking Your Cut

Most guys walk in knowing they want it shorter. That is not enough. Knowing the name of the cut saves everyone time.

A fade blends the hair from skin to length over a short distance. It looks sharp and modern. It also grows out fast, so plan to come back every two to three weeks if you want it to stay clean.

A taper keeps length on top and only drops down at the neck and ears. It grows out softer, so you can stretch it to four or five weeks. If you sit at a desk all day and want a low-maintenance cut, this is the safer call.

A buzz is one length all over. It is the most honest cut there is. It takes ten minutes and needs almost no styling at home. The catch is that it shows every shape of your head, so it is not for everyone.

Tell your barber what you do for work and how much time you spend on your hair in the morning. A good barber picks the cut from that, not from a photo on your phone.