Taper vs. Fade: What’s The Difference Between Taper And Fade?

Are you trying to decide between a taper and a fade haircut? Both are popular styles, but they have different looks. Here's a comparison of the two hairstyles so you can decide which one is right for you.
Taper vs. Fade: 5 Key Differences, Pros & Cons, Examples

Taper vs. Fade are two popular haircuts these days. But both of these terms are used interchangeably by some barbers or hairdressers as they can’t explain the difference between these two. This is because both haircuts have the same concept of getting the hair shorter down the back and sides of the head. But if we talk about taper Vs. fade differences; they are different in their looks and length.

Let’s take a closer look at Fade vs. Taper

CutBoth go from longer to shorter hair to form a gradient
Hair LengthThe hair length changes more gradually in the taper, while in fade
DramaticTapers are more dramatic as compare to fade
Depends onBoth cuts dependent upon the face shape and look

What Is A Taper?

What Is A Taper? If we look at taper meaning: it is a cut which keeps your hair short on the sides and long on the top. In taper cut, the hair gets shorter as you move down to the back and sides of the head. And the hairline will have the shortest hair. This cut provides a clean finish as the hair is cut evenly and gets shorter. Taper works for those who want a classic look and does not leave hair too short. This cut also gives the opportunity to try different styles as your hair grows. There are a lot of hairstyles which have taper haircut styles in them. Some common taper styles are: "Low taper"; in this, the hair gets shorter above the ears. This cut can give a clean look without cutting too much hair length. Or "High taper", in this cut, the hair is shortened an inch above the low taper. This style often mixes with other cuts to create a combo.

If we look at taper meaning: it is a cut which keeps your hair short on the sides and long on the top. In taper cut, the hair gets shorter as you move down to the back and sides of the head. And the hairline will have the shortest hair. This cut provides a clean finish as the hair is cut evenly and gets shorter. Taper works for those who want a classic look and does not leave hair too short. This cut also gives the opportunity to try different styles as your hair grows. There are a lot of hairstyles which have taper haircut styles in them. Some common taper styles are: “Low taper”; in this, the hair gets shorter above the ears. This cut can give a clean look without cutting too much hair length. Or “High taper”, in this cut, the hair is shortened an inch above the low taper. This style often mixes with other cuts to create a combo.

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What Is A Fade?

What Is A Fade? If we look at fade meaning: it is a cut in which hair gets shorter but goes very short towards the bottom and fades into the skin. This cut typically changes the hair length all around the head. This change of hair from long to short looks more dramatic in fade as compared to taper. It is a perfect cut for a person looking for a fresh and clean look. Fades are also joined with many other haircuts; for example, "Skin Fade", also known as bald fade, shaves the hair closer to the skin and stops before the natural hairline. You can also get a skin fade while keeping the hair long at the top. The second one is "Drop fades", which is a perfect cut when you change from a classic fade. It is a type of cut that drops below the ears and follows the head's shape.

If we look at fade meaning: it is a cut in which hair gets shorter but goes very short towards the bottom and fades into the skin. This cut typically changes the hair length all around the head. This change of hair from long to short looks more dramatic in fade as compared to taper. It is a perfect cut for a person looking for a fresh and clean look. Fades are also joined with many other haircuts; for example, “Skin Fade”, also known as bald fade, shaves the hair closer to the skin and stops before the natural hairline. You can also get a skin fade while keeping the hair long at the top. The second one is “Drop fades”, which is a perfect cut when you change from a classic fade. It is a type of cut that drops below the ears and follows the head’s shape.

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5 Key Differences Between Taper and Fade

ComponentsTaperFade
DefinitionIt is a cut which keeps your hair short on the sides and long on the top.It is a cut in which hair gets shorter but goes very short towards the bottom and fades into the skin.
SpecificationIn taper cut, the hair gets shorter as you move down to the back and sides of the head. And the hairline will have the shortest hair.This cut typically changes the hair length all around the head. This change of hair from long to short looks more dramatic in fade as compared to the taper.
Works ForTaper works for those who want a classic look and does not leave hair too short.It is a perfect cut for a person looking for a fresh and clean look with short hair.
StylesThere are a lot of hairstyles which have taper haircut styles in them. For example, Skin Taper, High Taper and Low Taper.Fades are also joined with many other haircuts and form different styles like Drop Fade, Undercut Fade, Skin Fade, and High Fade.
ResultsThis cut provides a clean finish as the hair is cut evenly and gets shorter.This change of hair from long to short looks more dramatic in fade as compared to the taper.

Taper vs. Fade Similarities

  • Whether it is taper or fade, both haircuts reduce the hair length to form a gradient.
  • These haircuts are achieved using the same tools, like scissors and clippers.
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Taper vs. Fade Examples

Taper Examples

  • Low Taper
  • High Taper
  • Skin Taper
  • Tapered Neckline

Fade Examples

  • Skin Fade
  • Drop Fade
  • Undercut Fade
  • Faux Hawk Fade

Taper vs. Fade Pros and Cons

Taper Pros and Cons

Taper Pros and Cons

Pros of Taper

  • Taper is one of the popular haircuts these days, which can provide a clean and even finish to the hair.
  • Taper works best for those who want a classic look and does not leave hair too short.

Cons of Taper

  • Tapers are not as dramatic as fades, and they also leave long hair on the sides and top of the head compared to fades.
  • Most of the barbers got tapers mixed with other haircuts, so if you cannot explain it properly, you may have a different hairstyle.

Fade Pros and Cons

Fade Pros and Cons

Pros of Fade

  • In Fades, the hair changes from long to short and looks more dramatic in fade as compared to taper.
  • It is a perfect cut for a person looking for a fresh and clean look with short hair, and it also goes both with a casual and professional look.

Cons of Fade

  • Fades are not that long lasting. They can last for a maximum of one to two weeks, which means you have to visit your barber twice or thrice a month to maintain them.
  • In some styles of fades, the hair gets shorter and very short towards the bottom, so it is not for the person who doesn’t like short hair.

Comparison Chart

Are you trying to decide between a taper and a fade haircut? Both are popular styles, but they have different looks. Here's a comparison of the two hairstyles so you can decide which one is right for you.

Comparison Video

The Difference Between Taper vs. Fade: Barber & Men’s Haircut Tips

Conclusion

Fade and taper both haircuts reduce the hair length to form a gradient. Both also use the same tool, like scissors and clippers. But the main difference between taper and fade is that taper is a cut which keeps your hair short on the sides and long on the top. While in a fade, hair gets shorter but goes very short towards the bottom and fades into the skin. Taper works for those who want a classic look and does not leave hair too short. And fade is a perfect cut for a person looking for a fresh and clean look with short hair. Moreover, if we talk about taper versus fade looks, there is a more dramatic look in fade as compared to taper.

Alex Stantor
Alex Stantor

Alex Stantor is a Sorbonne University (Paris, France) graduate in Philosophy and Data Analysis. Currently, he is an Author and Researcher at Difference 101, he writes articles/blog posts on topics such as "thinking differently" and "the importance of difference". Alex is a passionate advocate of diversity in the workplace and in companies, and diversity and inclusion in corporate communications. He currently lives in Brooklyn.

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