Ever wondered what a “number two” or a “taper” meant? Here, a few key terms you should know to get just the cut you want.
Fade
For short cuts, where the sides and back meet seamlessly with the top. Starts as quite short at the base of the neck, then gradually lengthens while going upward to the temple.
Number One
Refers to the clipper grade, or how short you want the barber to go. The lower the number, the more cropped the cut (ours go from four to zero).
A little off the top
Another way of saying “just a trim.” Bear in mind that said trim will be relative to the rest of your hair’s length. Applies to shorter cuts.
Texturize
A technique used to leave the top of the hair thicker and more layered, rather than flat and thinned out.
Nape
This is the back of your neck, and the hairline there should always be kept tidy, whether that means a defined hairline or natural fade.
Fringe
Also known as bangs, this is that bit of lengthy hair that grows over the forehead, effectively covering it. Fringes are usually swept to one side.
Layer
A technique in which a barber cuts hair such that it appears more voluminous, and layered (hence the term). Our barbers do this by employing impeccable work with their scissors.
Arch
The space behind your ears where your hairline forms an upward curve. This part should be kept as natural as possible — not too high, not too low.
Taper
A taper leaves no visible hair lines at the nape, only a gradual fade that goes from cropped at the top to barely visible at the bottom of your nape.
Disconnected
When the top of your hair is starkly contrasted by the sides and back via a clear line rather than a fade, we call this a “disconnection.”
Choppy
“Choppy” refers to a desired texture, which, when achieved, resembles a nonchalant, messy look.
Crown
Your crown is at the top of your head and near the back, where your hair growth starts out as a slight swirl.
