Before you head to the barber shop, it helps to know what style you’re going for. Learning the correct terminology for men’s haircuts will give your barber a clearer picture of your desired look. The terms below will help you navigate the language of stylists and achieve the cut you want.

What Men’s Haircut Terms You Should Know

What Clipper Guard Numbers Mean

A clipper guard number refers to the size of the guard attached. The scale goes from zero to eight, and the higher the number, the longer your hair will be. For instance, a Number One results in a close shear with 1/8 of an inch of hair left, while a Number Eight leaves one full inch. Telling the barber your number will determine how short your hair will be.

How to Talk About Texture

Texture gives men’s haircuts a dynamic, natural look. It’s important to keep in mind that some consistencies are more suited to certain hair types. If your hair is thin, you may wish for a layered or choppy cut, since this will create depth and volume. For those with thicker hair who want to reduce their volume, request thinning, which involves cutting a few strands shorter to allow others to lay flatter. Curly hair can be razored to make it more manageable. In this process, your barber will use a razor blade on the ends of your hair to create uneven lengths.

How Tapers & Fades Differ

Some use these terms interchangeably, but they produce subtly different results. A taper is when your hair gradually gets shorter the further down your head and neck it goes. Fades are similar to tapers, but typically, you end up with shorter hair. A fade ends by blending with skin, in effect fading in — hence the name. 

How to Choose Your Neckline Shape

Even if you can’t see it, how your hair looks from the back will be just as noticeable to others as the sides and front. There are three main styles to remember: rounded, blocked, and tapered. A rounded neckline cuts a tidy semicircle across the back of your neck. Blocked necklines create a straight, clean cut at your natural neckline. A tapered style gradually merges into your natural neckline.

Once you’ve brushed up on your men’s haircut terminology, schedule a session at Prestige Salon in Fairfield County, CT. Their skilled stylists give you the look you want, down to the last detail. Whether you’re aiming for a simple crew cut or a seamless fade, the staff at this hair salon is well-trained in everything from the classics to the latest trends. Visit the website for information about their services. To set up your appointment, call (203) 372-4116 today.