Many barbers offer taper and fade cuts to their clients. The names are often used interchangeably, even by barbers. At first glance, both cuts involve shaving the hair off the sides and back of the head short.
Communication with your barber and getting the look you want requires an understanding of the differences between these cuts. We’ll discuss the differences between the taper vs. fade and demonstrate each.
What’s The Difference Between a Taper vs. Fade?
Hair length changes more gradually with a tapered cut than with a fade. As opposed to fades, taper haircuts are less dramatic, are evenly cut, and leave hair longer on top and sides. You should choose the right cut based on your face shape, style, and desired look. To show you some examples, we’ll go into detail about both cuts below.
What Is a Taper?
In a taper cut, the top of the hair is long and the sides are short. On the sides and back of your head, hair gradually gets shorter. It is your hairline that has the shortest length. Getting shorter hair gives your hair a clean finish because it’s evenly cut.
For a classic look without leaving your hair too short, tapers are a great option. In addition, you can experiment with different hairstyles as your hair grows. You may also end up with one without asking, since many hairstyles include a taper. A few examples of tapered cuts are provided below.
Low Taper
Above the ears, a low taper begins to get short. You can achieve a clean hairline without cutting off too much length with this cut. Also, it covers your scalp so you don’t have to worry about it being exposed. Make your haircut posh and everyday with a low taper.
High Taper
Hair is shortened a couple of inches above the ears when a high taper is used. Low taper cuts create fewer contrasts than high taper cuts. A comb-over and high top are also commonly paired with it to add visual contrast.
Tapered Neckline
It is possible to have a tapered neckline with a taper or fade. You can add even more personality to your hair by cutting your neckline. You can choose from a design neckline, a disconnect neckline, or a classic neckline. When the tapered neckline grows out, it will look the most natural. It is necessary to maintain rounded or blocked necklines in order to keep their shape.
Skin Taper
A Shaving close to the skin creates a skin taper, in which the scalp is visible. It is possible to get a skin taper with other cuts and taper types as well. There are high taper models that taper into the skin, for example. Whenever the weather starts to warm up, it’s practical to keep your hair off your face. You can also spice up any cut with a skin taper.
What Is a Fade?
Fades also have hair going from long to short, but the ends are usually very short and fade into the skin. The hair length on your head gradually changes as the fade progresses. A fade is more dramatic than a taper when going from long to short. In addition to fades, there are many other haircut styles that incorporate them. If you want to look fresh and clean, fades are perfect for you.
Low Fade
Because both start above the hairline, a low fade is similar to a low taper. An abrupt change in hair length is what sets a fade apart from other haircuts. A crew cut or buzz cut with low fades adds extra flair.
Drop Fade
The drop fade is a great alternative to the classic fade when you want a different look. A drop fade follows the shape of your head and drops below your ears. In order to maintain the contrast of this cut as it grows out, some maintenance is required. While you’re between appointments, you can perform some fade maintenance at home.
Skin Fade
The term bald fade is also used to describe a skin fade. In the same way as the skin taper, the skin fade shaves hair close to the skin and stops before the natural hair line. With a skin fade, you can still wear a quiff or pompadour on top of your hair. In addition to short cuts, skin fades look great on people who don’t love to style their hair every day.
Undercut Fade
In undercut fades, the fade is blurry and usually cut high above the ear. Long hair looks especially good with this style since it allows you to show off the length difference. Classic looks, like the ivy league cut, get a modern edge with a hard part or disconnected cut.
Faux Hawk Fade
Hair length on the sides of the head determines whether a faux hawk or mohawk is worn. Mohawks have completely shaved sides, while faux hawks keep some hair on the sides. Unlike other fades, a faux hawk fade stands out for its subtle height and length contrasts. If you want something subtle but still stylish, go for this style with a tapered cut.
High Fade
Any style can benefit from a high fade. A high fade begins a few inches above the ear and gets shorter as it goes down. Additionally, it allows your barber to add a lot of designs. You can opt for a short top if you want to keep things simple.
What Is a Taper Fade?
The term taper fade originated when people began mixing up tapers and fades. There is no specific haircut or style here. In this case, it’s best to bring a few pictures to your appointment so your barber knows what you’re looking for.
Fade Comb Over
People used to wear comb overs to cover up thinning hair in the past. Nowadays, comb overs are fashionable and flattering for everyone. Various lengths and shapes are available in different variations. Fade comb overs look great with facial hair because of their clean appearance.
Your next haircut should include both tapers and fades. See what you like in photos and decide what you want to try. Find a barber in your area to get their opinion once you’ve narrowed down your options. They can help you determine which cut is best for your face shape by looking at your picks.
Choosing Your Style: Fade or Taper Fade?
What is the difference between a fade and a taper fade? The type of hair you have, your lifestyle, and your personal style all play a factor. For thick hair and an easy-to-manage style, a fade may be your best option. You might want to try a taper fade if you’re looking for a classic, versatile look. Don’t forget that your barber can assist you in finding the best style for you.
How to Keep Your Fade or Taper Fade Fresh
It’s a disadvantage of wearing a fresh cut, such as a fade or taper fade.
The blurriness is gone within 2-3 weeks once your hair grows back, so it’s clear again.
It is recommended to come in at this point in 2-3 weeks to maintain the look!
Read: Best Mid Taper Fade Haircut for Men
Conclusion
Whether you choose a fade or a taper fade, your look is sure to turn heads. The crew at Mancave Barbershop will take care of you.
Let’s talk about what’s best for you, and we’ll figure it out together.
FAQs
Is a fade or a taper fade better for thick hair?
In order to achieve a dramatic look, a fade is better on thick hair.
Can a taper fade be combined with a pompadour hairstyle? Y
What’s the point? Due to the sides being grown out longer than a fade, it’ll give a more slick ‘old-money’ look.
Can a fade or a taper fade be done at home?
I believe it’s achievable, but you’d have to practice a lot and be willing to take your friends’ roasting.
How often should I get a fade or a taper fade haircut?
A fade or taper fade should be done every 2-4 weeks to keep the style looking good.
