By Nyla rose, Hair Stylist with over 10 years of experience in men’s grooming.
Kevin Durant, the NBA superstar, is not just known for his impeccable basketball skills but also for his distinct style off the court. One of the standout elements of his style is his haircut. If you’ve been aiming to replicate KD’s iconic look, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into how you can “shoot” for that style!
Tools Needed
- Hair Clippers: A good set of hair clippers is essential. During my years at The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, I learned the importance of quality tools. Invest in a reputable brand with various guard sizes.
- Scissors: For finer details and adjustments. I’ve personally used Matsui scissors for years and can vouch for their precision.
- Hair Comb: To ensure even cutting and to set the hair in place.
- Mirror: A large mirror and a handheld one to check the back of your head.
Techniques Used
- Fade: KD often sports a fade. Mastering the fade requires practice and understanding of hair dynamics. During my training, I spent countless hours perfecting this technique. Mastering the fade requires practice. Start with a larger guard and work your way down for a seamless transition.
- Top Styling: Kevin keeps it slightly longer on top. Depending on your preference, you can either keep it uniformly long or go for a textured look. I once went for a more textured look for a friend’s wedding, and the compliments didn’t stop!
- Line-Up: This is the technique to get those sharp edges and clean lines, especially around the forehead and temples. A steady hand is crucial here. My personal anecdote? Let’s just say my first line-up attempt made me wear a hat for a week.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preparation: Start with clean, slightly damp hair. This makes it easier to cut and style. From my experience working at Erikas Beauty, I’ve found that damp hair gives the best results. This makes it easier to cut and style. Comb your hair to remove any tangles.
- Begin with the Sides: Attach a larger guard to your clippers (e.g., #4 or #5). Start from the top and move downwards, ensuring you’re moving in the direction against the hair growth.
- Initiate the Fade: Switch to a smaller guard (e.g., #3) as you move down the sides. Continue this process, decreasing the guard size as you approach the bottom. Remember my cousin’s wedding where I was the best man? I had perfected the fade by then, and it was a hit!
- Top Styling: Using scissors, trim the top to your desired length. You can keep it even or add some texture by cutting at different angles.
- Line-Up: This is where precision is key. Carefully create sharp lines around the temples and forehead. Trust me, it’s worth taking your time here.
- Back of the Head: Use the handheld mirror to check and ensure the fade is even at the back. Adjust as necessary.
Tips for Maintenance
- Regular Trims: To maintain the sharpness of the look, consider getting trims every 3-4 weeks. I’ve set a reminder on my phone, so I don’t forget!
- Hair Products: Use a good quality pomade or hair gel to style the top. It not only gives a neat look but also provides a gentle shine reminiscent of KD’s style.
- Washing: Don’t over-wash your hair. 2-3 times a week is sufficient. Over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils.
- Protection: If you’re into sports like KD, consider wearing a headband or a cap to protect your hair from sweat and dirt.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while getting a Kevin Durant haircut might seem challenging at first, with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of patience, you can definitely achieve that iconic look. And who knows? With your new haircut, you might just shoot some hoops with added confidence! Remember, it’s not just about the style; it’s about how it makes you feel. So, shoot for style, and score big!
