Temp Fade in Clearwater, FL
A temp fade, short for temple fade, is a haircut where the temples and the front corners of the hairline are cut short and blended up into the length on top. The back and the rest of the sides stay closer to their natural length, so it frames the face without committing to a full fade. It is also called a temple fade or a Brooklyn fade.
Sapia's Barber Shop in Clearwater cuts temp fades: tight, clean temples and a sharp front hairline with the length on top left alone.
What is a temp fade?
A temp fade, short for temple fade, takes the hair down short at the temples and along the front hairline and blends it up into the length on top. The back and the rest of the sides stay closer to their natural length. It is the cut that gives you a crisp frame around the face without committing to a full fade. You will also hear it called a temple fade or a Brooklyn fade.
Temp fade vs a full fade
A standard fade wraps the whole perimeter of your head and carries the gradient down to the nape. A temp fade concentrates all of the contrast at the front corners, so it is a lighter change and it grows out softer. Plenty of clients pair a temp fade with a low taper at the neckline to keep the back tidy without taking the sides down.
Temp fade heights
- Low temp. The blend sits just at the corners. Subtle, easiest to grow out, and the safest first try.
- Mid temp. The most common version. Balanced contrast that suits most face shapes.
- High temp. Takes the temple line further up for a bolder frame and more exposed skin.
Temp fade vs taper
A taper cleans up the sideburns and the neckline, the edges where your hair naturally stops, and blends them into your length. A temp fade works the front instead: the temples and the corners of your hairline. You can get one without the other, but they are often cut together, a temp fade up front and a low taper in the back, so the whole frame looks clean without taking the sides down. People sometimes call that combination a temp taper.
What to ask your barber for
Ask for a temp fade, then pick the height: low, mid, or high. Say whether you want the front edged up with a hard, sharp line or kept softer and more natural. If you want the back cleaned up too, ask for a low taper at the neckline. If you want the top brushed up into the old school New York style, ask for a blowout on a temp fade. Bring a photo if you have one.
Temp Fade at Sapia's
Sapia's cuts temp fades in Clearwater, FL, on waves, curls, coils, afros, crops, and buzz cuts. Your barber sets the height of the temple line and how hard the edge-up is, then blends it into whatever you are wearing on top. Owner Tina Sapia is a certified Wahl Professional Artist. Bring a reference photo or describe what you're after and they will build it from there.
Keeping a temp fade sharp
The line is the whole point of the cut, and it looks sharpest for about two weeks before it softens. Most clients come in every two to three weeks for a quick temple and hairline cleanup between full cuts. That appointment is short and easy to book on Booksy.
The temp fade is also the base of the original New York blowout, where the temples are cut tight and the top is brushed up and out. Sapia's cuts both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a temp fade in Clearwater?
Sapia's Barber Shop cuts temp fades in Clearwater at 1523 Sunset Point Rd. Book online on Booksy, choose your barber and time, and bring a reference photo. The shop is owned by Wahl Pro Artist Tina Sapia.
What is a temp fade?
A temp fade, or temple fade, takes the temples and the front hairline down short and blends them up into the length on top, leaving the back and the rest of the sides longer. It is also called a Brooklyn fade. Sapia's cuts temp fades in Clearwater.
What is the difference between a temp fade and a regular fade?
A regular fade wraps the entire perimeter of the head down to the nape. A temp fade puts all the contrast at the front corners and leaves the rest of your length alone, so it is a lighter change that grows out softer. Sapia's cuts both in Clearwater.
Does a temp fade work on curly or coily hair?
Yes. The temp fade is cut on waves, curls, coils, and afros every day at Sapia's. The clean temple line is what makes textured hair on top read as intentional. Bring a reference photo and your barber will set the height that suits your hairline.
How often does a temp fade need a touch up?
The temple line looks sharpest for about two weeks. Most clients book a quick cleanup every two to three weeks between full haircuts. Book either one on Booksy or call (727) 754-4606.
Is a temp fade the same as a taper?
No. A taper blends the sideburns and the neckline, where your hair naturally ends. A temp fade takes the temples and the front hairline down short. They are often cut together, with a temp fade in front and a low taper in back, which some people call a temp taper. Sapia's cuts both in Clearwater.
What is a Brooklyn fade?
Brooklyn fade is another name for the temp fade: the temples and front hairline are cut short and blended, and the rest of your length is left alone. It is also the base of the original New York blowout, where the top is brushed up. Sapia's cuts both in Clearwater.