Temp Fade Locs: Styles, Maintenance, and Guide
The combination of a sharp, clean taper and mature dreadlocks has quickly become one of the most popular hairstyles in modern men's grooming. Among the various cutting techniques, temp fade locs stand out for their ability to add structure, cleanliness, and a modern edge to natural hair. Whether you are starting your loc journey or have had freeform locs for years, adding a temporal fade frames the face and provides a striking contrast against textured hair.
What is a Temp Fade?
A temp fade—short for temporal fade, also commonly known as a Brooklyn fade or low fade—is a haircut where the hair tapers down to the skin around the temples and behind the ear. Unlike a high fade that curves high around the crown, a temp fade stays low, preserving the bulk of the hair while creating a neat, intentional boundary.
When applied to dreadlocks, the fade cleans up the hairline, sideburns, and the area right above the ears. This instantly elevates the look from casual to tailored, making it easier to maintain a polished appearance without sacrificing the length or volume of your locs.
Popular Styles for Temp Fade Locs
The versatility of locs means you can pair a temporary fade with almost any thickness, length, or parting system. Here are the top ways to wear this look:
1. Short Starter Locs with a Temp Fade
If you are in the early stages of your loc journey, starter locs can sometimes look a bit fuzzy or unstructured. Adding a clean temp fade gives an immediate sense of neatness. It defines the hairline and keeps the sides looking sharp while your coils or two-strand twists begin to mature.
2. High-Top Locs with a Taper
For those who prefer a bold contrast, a high-top arrangement where the sides and back are faded down to the skin leaves a thick, dense pad of locs on top. A temp fade helps blend the transition from the bare skin at the temples into the heavier body of the locs sitting higher up on the head.
3. Long Freeform Locs with a Clean Edge
Long, mature freeform locs can sometimes become heavy and unstructured around the face. A crisp temporal fade pulls the hair away from the forehead and ears, offering a neat frame that prevents the style from looking unkempt.
How to Maintain Your Haircut and Locs
Maintaining temp fade locs requires balancing two distinct routines: barber visits for your hairline and proper scalp care for your locs.
- Schedule regular touch-ups: Because a temp fade relies on sharp lines, you will likely need to visit your barber every 2 to 3 weeks to keep the fade looking fresh.
- Protect your hairline: Natural hair and locs can be heavy. Ensure your barber does not push your hairline back too far when cleaning up the fade, as tension from styling can already stress the edges.
- Keep the scalp moisturized: With the skin exposed around your temples, it is easy to spot dry skin or flaking. Apply a lightweight natural oil, such as jojoba or argan oil, to the faded areas and your scalp regularly.
- Wash and dry thoroughly: When washing your locs, make sure to clean the skin around the faded areas and dry your hair completely to prevent irritation or dandruff buildup.
What to Tell Your Barber
Communication is key when getting temp fade locs. If your barber is not experienced with cutting hair around mature dreadlocks, they might accidentally cut into your roots or snip off the wrong strands. Use these tips during your consultation:
- Specify how high or low you want the fade to go around your temples.
- Clearly point out which locs must remain untouched to avoid losing length or thickness around the perimeter.
- Ask for a skin fade or a shadow fade depending on how much contrast you prefer against your skin tone.
- Request that they clip or pin up your locs securely before starting the clippers.
Conclusion
Pairing your dreadlocks with a clean temporal fade is an effective way to upgrade your style. It offers the best of both worlds: the freedom and cultural significance of growing natural locs, combined with the crisp, professional finish of a precision haircut. By maintaining a regular grooming schedule and caring for your scalp, you can keep your temp fade locs looking sharp year-round.
