Embracing the '90s and early 2000s, the rat tail hair style is making a comeback. This bold, edgy look is characterized by a long, thin tail of hair at the nape of the neck, contrasting with a shorter, often buzzed, top. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to achieve this style at home, along with tips for maintenance and inspiration.
Understanding the Rat Tail Hair Style
The rat tail hair style, also known as the 'rat tail fade', originated in the '90s and was popularized by celebrities like Kurt Cobain and Brad Pitt. It's a high-contrast style that combines a short, often buzzed, top with a long tail of hair at the back. The tail can be straight, wavy, or even braided, offering plenty of room for personal expression.
Preparation and Tools
Before you start, gather your tools: hair clippers, combs (fine-tooth and wide-tooth), hair ties, scissors, a rat-tail comb, hair thinning scissors, and hair clips. Also, have a cape or towel ready to protect your clothes. Ensure your hair is clean and dry for the best results.
Choosing the Right Hair Length
The rat tail style works best with medium to long hair at the back. If your hair is short, you'll need to grow it out first. The top can be any length, but buzzing it short creates the most striking contrast.
Creating the Rat Tail Fade
Start by deciding on the fade length. This is the length at which the hair will start to gradually become shorter as it moves up the head. Use a clipper guard that corresponds to your desired length. For a classic rat tail fade, start with a #2 or #3 guard.
- Section the hair: Comb the hair straight and section it off, clipping the top section out of the way.
- Create the fade: Starting at the bottom of the sectioned hair, use the clippers to create the fade, moving upwards and changing guards as needed. Be careful around the ears and hairline.
- Blend the fade: Use a smaller guard or hair thinning scissors to blend the fade into the shorter top hair.
- Trim the top: Unclip the top section and trim it to your desired length. For a classic rat tail, this will be very short.
Shaping the Rat Tail
Now it's time to shape the rat tail. Comb the long hair at the back straight and secure it with a hair tie. Use a rat-tail comb to section off the hair you want to keep long, clipping it away. With the rest of the hair, use scissors to cut it to your desired length, creating a smooth, even line.
Styling and Maintenance
Styling the rat tail is simple. Apply a small amount of pomade or wax to the tail, using your fingers to smooth it out. For a more textured look, use a small amount of mousse or sea salt spray.
Maintenance involves regular trims to keep the fade sharp and the tail neat. Every 4-6 weeks, use clippers to maintain the fade and scissors to trim the tail. Between trims, use hair ties to keep the tail neat and prevent it from getting in the way.
Inspiration and Variations
While the classic rat tail fade is a bold statement, there are plenty of variations to suit different styles and face shapes. Consider a disconnected undercut, where the top is much longer than the fade, or a braided rat tail for a unique twist. For a softer look, try a less severe fade or a longer top.
For more inspiration, look to celebrities like Zayn Malik, who has rocked a rat tail fade, or search social media for #rattaill and #rattailfade for real-life examples.
