Getting a haircut you love depends a lot on communicating with your hair stylist. There are many ways to describe what you want, and there are many terms your stylist may use to help you decide. However, if you don’t know the difference between a fade and a taper, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise when the cape comes off.

At Refine Men’s Salon in Scottsdale, we start every haircut appointment with a personal consultation so we understand what you want before we even touch a pair of scissors. Understanding some of the common terms used in barbershops and hair salons can make this conversation simple. In today’s blog, as part of an ongoing series, we’re going to introduce you to a few words you can use at your next appointment. Read on to learn more, and contact Refine Men’s Salon today to schedule your next high-class haircut!

Hairstyles

When you have your personal consultation, you’ll likely start by describing the overall style you want. Long or short, smooth or textured — it’s helpful to start with general terms, and then you and your stylist can settle on details in the next step. We’ve defined a few of the most common styles for men below to help you narrow down what you’re looking for.

Buzzcut

A buzzcut is a short, military-style haircut where the hair is buzzed close to the scalp. If you are looking for a buzzcut, you’ll want to name your guard number, which lets your barber know how long you want your hair to be and what guard they should use on their clippers.

Crew Cut

A crew cut is a classic fallback for many men. It includes tapered sides, shorter hair at the back, and longer hair on top. You can decide on the exact details with your stylist.

Fade

A fade refers to a haircut where the hair tapers from longer to shorter lengths, and, in many cases, tapers to nothing. You can determine where the fade starts and stops to create a look personalized to your face shape and style.

Undercut

An undercut refers to a cut where the hair is short from the back and sides and longer on top. In many cases, it includes clean lines and a sharp division between the longer hair and the clipped back and sides.

Fauxhawk

If you choose a fauxhawk, your barber will crop the sides of your hair shorter and leave a wide strip of longer hair on top. It’s similar to a mohawk, except the sides are kept short rather than shaved. There are many interpretations of what a fauxhawk can look like, and you can choose what works best for you.

Find Your Scottsdale Stylist Today

Inspired? Contact Refine Men’s Salon in Scottsdale today to schedule your next appointment. We hope this has helped you feel more confident about what you want from your next haircut. Our stylists are dedicated to helping you achieve the haircut you’ve always wanted, and every appointment from Refine Men’s Salon is made to help you look and feel your best. Come in to enjoy luxurious shampooing services, a scalp massage, a hot towel treatment, and more. We look forward to seeing you!