In taper, the hairs change from one length to another, unlike the fade, where the hairs gradually fade or blend into your skin.
Learn the main difference between a taper and a fade haircut.
Table of Contents
Taper vs Fade
| Taper | vs | Fade |
| High, low, mid, and skin | Types | High, low, mid, skin, and drop |
| All face shapes | Ideal Face Shape | Oval and square |
| Even throughout | Length | Abrupt changes in length |
| Causal | Nature | Precise and bold |
| 4 to 6 weeks | Time in Between Cuts | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Prominent edges | Edges | Less defined edges |
| Clippers | Tools Used | Clippers and blade |
What is a Taper?
The taper style means the length of your hair gradually decreases from one length to another. In other words, the top of your head will have the longest hair, and the hairline will have the shortest one.
A tapered hairstyle gives you a finished, neat look.
Being a classic and versatile haircut that can be carried in casual and professional settings, the taper haircut is popular among men in the business world.
Types of Taper Haircuts
Taper haircuts see a lot of variation from their classic look. Here are a few basic types to be aware of the next time it’s haircut time for you.
High Taper
In a high taper haircut, both sides of the hair are trimmed from a few inches above.
Mid Taper
In this type of taper cut, tapering begins halfway down the sides of the head and back.
Low Taper
It is a low taper when hair cuts start to get shorter above the ears.
Skin Taper
When the hair is trimmed so close to the skin that it makes the scalp visible, it is termed a skin taper.
What is a Fade?
The fade haircut is a trendy hairstyle where the hair goes from long to very short and fades in the skin towards the bottom.
In a fade cut, the length of the hair is different all around the head, thus giving a more dramatic look.
The fade cut can also be assumed as a “very short taper.” Therefore, all fades are tapers, but not all tapers are fades.
A faded haircut is more precise and requires attention to detail. It’s worth noting that a fade cut is challenging if you’re trying to do it at home.
The only downside of fade haircuts is that they require regular trimming to maintain that faded-to-skin look. This is not the case with taper.
Types of Fade Haircuts
Fade haircuts have different variations as well. Here are several different types of fades.
High Fade
When the cut begins from the high up on the head, just two inches down the top, it’s termed a high fade. The high fade you’ll likely see on an average person is the pompadour fade.
Mid Fade
A mid-fade cut begins halfway down from the sides and around the head.
Low Fade
In low fade, the fading starts closer to the ear, and the hairs abruptly change hair length.
Skin Fade
In a skin fade haircut, the hair is cut so close to the skin that it makes the scalp visible.
Drop Fade
When the hair abruptly becomes much shorter, it is termed a drop fade.
Talk to your barber about which type of fade will work best for you.
Taper vs Fade Haircut – Key Differences
Taper and fade both have some significant differences, which are listed below.
Types
There are a variety of taper and fade haircuts. For example, the classic taper haircut has four major types – high, low, mid, and skin.
On the other hand, you can choose your favorite fade cut from among its five major types – high, low, mid, skin, and drop.
Ideal Face Shape
A tapered haircut suits all kinds of faces. However, a faded haircut tends to suit oval and square face shapes.
Length
Fades have different lengths, from short to long and suddenly very short. However, tapers always have an even gradient.
Nature
Tapers are a more casual haircut, and fades are more precise and bold.
How Long Does Each Style Last?
A fade cut usually lasts for 2 to 3 weeks. However, a taper haircut lasts for four to six weeks.
Edges
A taper has more visible edges because hair is not trimmed to its base as it meets the natural hairline.
However, the edges of a fade cut are thicker and less defined.
Tools Used
Clippers are the most convenient tool for creating tapers. However, many hair stylists prefer using shears.
In order to achieve a fade haircut, barbers opt for clippers and a blade.
Taper or Fade?
Tapers and fades are the two most popular men’s haircuts. They might seem the same but are quite different in length and style.
Now that you know the difference, it’s time to schedule your next haircut.
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