Men’s Guide to Barber Terminology

When you go to the barber there is one question that always need to be answered. What kind of haircut should I get? And, how should I ask for it? Going to the barber should be an enjoyable, relaxing experience. You should feel confident about the haircut that your getting. Here is some common barber terminology that will help you communicate better with your barber. 

Taper vs. Fade

There isn’t much of a difference between a taper and a fade. A taper is when the hair starts out short around the perimeter of the haircut and becomes longer up the head. A taper is usually longer and covers the scalp. A fade is when the hair starts out very short, usually exposing the scalp, around the perimeter of the hair and becomes longer up the head. 

Undercut

When the hair is long on the top of the head and the sides and back are cut very short and are not connected or blended to the top. You can also say that this type of hairstyle is disconnected.

Neckline

The hairline at the back/base of the head. The neckline can be blocked off or tapered. 

Texture vs. Layers

Texture is created by cutting within the primary shape to force the hair to move a certain way. You can texturize by point cutting, slide cutting, or razor cutting the hair. You can use texture to thin out the hair, to make the hair lay better, to create movement, or to create volume. Layering is created by cutting the primary shape of the hair so that the hairs are different lengths. Think about a hair style that is all one length. It looks really thick and doesn’t have much movement. Layers break up the bulkiness and thickness and create shape and movement. 

Thinning

Thinning the hair is the process of removing weight so that the hair lays better and is more manageable. This can be done with shears, thinning shears, or a razor. 

Buzz Cut

When the hair is cut one length all the way around the head. This is usually done with a clippers and a guard. 

Pompadour

When the hair is long on top and is styled straight back with volume. For example, the Elvis look. There can be different variations of the modern pompadour. 

Side Part

When the hair is parted on the side of the top of the head and is pushed to the side, over the top of the head. 

Center Part

When the hair is parted down the center of the top of the head and is pushed to each side. 

Spiked Hair

When the hair is styled up and messy 

Man Bun

When the hair is long and styled into a bun. 

Slicked Back

When the hair is styled straight back and away from the face. 

Next time you go to the barber you should feel confident telling them exactly what you’re looking for! Also, a picture is worth a thousand words! If you show your barber a picture of what you want, then you can be 100% sure that you’re on the same page. Between a picture and your new terminology you can’t go wrong!