WHAT IS A TAPER HAIRCUT?
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TAPERS?
Taper is a broad term that encompasses various styles and lengths.
When you go to your barber or stylist, they'll look at your hair texture and length to determine the most suitable taper for you and your desired look. These trims vary in length and how gradually or quickly they fade into the shorter hair at the sides and back of your head.
Some of the most common types of taper include:
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Low taper – A low taper is where the hair tapers (starts to get shorter) just above the ears.
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High taper – In contrast, a high taper will start much higher on the head, usually two or three inches above the ears.
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Mid taper – A mid taper is in between a low and high taper, typically tapering around the temples.
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Skin taper – A skin taper is where the hair is tapered down to the skin, creating a sharp and clean finish.
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Side-part taper – This is a style where the hair is tapered on one side, creating a distinct parting and asymmetrical look.
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Undercut taper – The undercut taper involves shaving or buzzing the sides and back of the head while leaving longer hair on top.
- Neckline taper – A neckline taper is where the hair is tapered at the back of the neck, creating a clean and well-defined neckline.
WHAT IS A FADE HAIRCUT?
Fades are pretty similar to taper haircuts. Just as a taper goes from long to short, a fade also gradually blends hair to shorter lengths but is cropped much closer to the scalp and creates a more defined contrast. The skin is visible on the sides and back of the head, creating a sharp and clean look.
Fades are also often combined with other hairstyles, such as tapers, undercuts, and even pompadours and modern mullets.
They do require a fair bit of maintenance, though, as the hair needs to be regularly trimmed and shaped to keep its faded length.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FADES?
Fade haircuts can also vary in terms of how high or low the fade is placed and the length of the hair on top.
Some of the most popular include...
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Low fade – This type of fade starts lower on the head, typically around ear level, and gradually tapers down to the neckline.
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High fade – As the name suggests, this fade starts higher on the head, around the temples or even closer to the hairline, and gradually fades into a shorter length at the neckline.
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Skin fade – A skin fade is the shortest type of fade, where the hair is buzzed down to the skin at the bottom.
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Drop fade – Unlike a classic fade that follows a straight line, this type of fade drops down at the back of the head for a trendier look.
- Undercut fade – An undercut fade combines an undercut (where the hair on top is longer and disconnected from the sides) with a fade on the sides. Think Tommy and Arthur Shelby from Peaky Blinders.
SO, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MEN'S TAPER & FADE?
The terms "taper" and "fade" are often used interchangeably. While they both involve cutting the hair shorter at the sides and back, they do differ.
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Taper Haircuts
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Fade Haircuts
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Longer hair length |
Cropped closer to the scalp |
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Looks smarter |
More modern |
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Require less barber trips |
Requires regular trims |
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More styling versatility |
Less styling versatility |
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Can be combined with other haircuts |
Can be combined with other haircuts |
SUMMARY: TAPER VS FADE HAIRCUTS
Tapers and fades are both great options for a clean, stylish haircut.
While they’re pretty similar, they do create a different look. Both trims are very versatile and can suit any hair type or length, so you'll look great no matter what. Just make sure to communicate clearly with your barber about the specific length and style you want, using pictures or descriptive words.