Taper vs. Fade Haircut: Which One Is Right for You?

taper vs fade

We often say that haircuts play a major role in men’s grooming. Thus, choosing the right haircut is very important for men. The taper and fade haircuts are the two most popular haircuts for men, and there is a high chance of getting confused between them. In this article, we will compare taper vs fade and resolve your confusion. By comparing these two haircuts, you will be able to choose the one that is right for you.

What is a Taper Haircut?

The taper haircut leaves the hair long at the top, and on the sides, it is kept short. As you walk down the back and sides of your head, your hair gradually gets shorter. The shortest area of your hair is along your hairline. As hair gets shorter, it is chopped evenly, giving your hair a tidy appearance.

If you want a classic look, then tapers are a great choice. Also, when your hair grows, then you will get a lot of styling options. 

We will also like to share about the taper fade haircut, which is not a haircut in the literal sense. Taper fade is a word that people use to combine taper and fade hairstyles because they are so close. Taper fade vs. fade is basically taper vs. fade only; many people confuse it a lot when it comes to this. 

Fresh Styles Of The Taper Haircut

High Taper

High Taper

The hair slowly gets more limited with a high shape hairstyle as it moves higher on the sides and back of the head. The hair is continuously decreased long, managed, or even cleaved off near the neck area. Featuring the differentiation between the long hair on top and the more limited hair on the sides and back brings about an intense and sensational appearance.

Low Taper

Low Taper

As opposed to the high shape, the low shape begins the blurring or tightening process lower on the sides and back of the head, frequently near the ear region. However, it begins lower than the high, and the change from longer to more limited hair is as yet moderate. The hair is tightened to a more limited length or can be totally shaved close to the neck area.

Mid Taper

Mid Taper

A flexible hairdo that finds some kind of harmony between the high and low shapes is the mid-tighten. The sides and back of the head are where the tightening system starts, neither too high nor excessively low. Generally, it begins at the crossing point between the ears and the sanctuaries. A consistent and very much mixed change from longer to more limited hair is accomplished by logically mixing or blurring the hair.

Skin Taper

Skin Taper

A popular hairstyle that impeccably consolidates the hair to the skin is skin tightening. By dynamically changing from longer hair on top to a shaved or bare neck area, it gives a perfect, tense stylish.

What is a Fade Haircut?

A fading haircut is a popular and adaptable hairstyle for guys. It entails progressively growing the hair out from shorter lengths on the sides and along the neck to larger lengths on top. This method produces a seamless transition that gives the haircut its characteristic appearance. 

Fades can range from low fades, where the hair is tapered just above the ears, to high fades, where the hair is tapered closer to the temples or even higher. Fade haircuts offer a clean and polished appearance while allowing for various styling options, making them popular among men of all ages and hair types.

Types of Fade Haircuts

1. High Fade

High Fade

A high fade is a haircut where the hair is tapered or faded very short, starting from a high point on the sides and back of the head. The fade begins around the temple area or above the ears and progresses into shorter hair or bare skin. This creates a bold and dramatic contrast between the long hair on top and the shaved or closely trimmed sides and back.

2. Medium Fade

Medium Fade

The medium fade features a gradual taper or fade that starts at a medium point on the sides and back of the head. It typically begins around the halfway point between the temples and the ears. The hair is blended from longer lengths on top to shorter lengths as it approaches the neckline. This style offers a balanced look, providing a noticeable but not extreme transition between the different hair lengths.

3. Low Fade 

Low Fade 

A low fade is a haircut where the hair is tapered or faded short, starting at a lower point on the sides and back of the head. The fade begins around the ear area or just above it. 

It gradually blends the hair from longer lengths on top to shorter lengths near the neckline. The low fade creates a more subtle and conservative appearance while maintaining a clean and well-groomed look. Many people get confused between the low fade vs taper choice a lot. 

4. Skin Fade

Skin Fade

A skin fade, also known as a bald fade, is a haircut where the hair is tapered down to the skin, creating a seamless transition from hair to bare skin. The fade is achieved by using clippers or trimmers to gradually blend the hair lengths until there is no hair left at the neckline. 

5. Drop Fade

Drop Fade

A drop fade is a variation of the fade haircut where the fade is shaped in a curved or “dropped” pattern around the back of the head. The fade typically starts high around the temples or above the ears and drops down lower at the back of the head, following the natural hairline. This creates a unique and stylish look that accentuates the contours of the head.

Difference between Taper vs. Fade Haircut

Difference between Taper Haircut and Fade Haircut?

Here are the points of comparison between these two haircuts. We will see fade vs taper.

1. Transition

The primary distinction between the two haircuts lies in the transition of hair length. A tapered haircut involves a gradual change from longer to shorter hair, usually from the top to the sides and back, with a smooth and blended transition. 

On the other hand, a faded haircut features a more abrupt transition, creating a noticeable contrast between the long hair on top and the shorter hair on the sides and back.

2. Blending Technique

Let’s see taper vs fade for the blending technique. 

Taper haircuts are achieved using various cutting techniques, such as scissors or clippers with different guard lengths, to blend the hair lengths seamlessly. The goal is to create a gradual change without distinct lines or harsh contrasts. 

In contrast, fade haircuts employ a fading technique where the hair is gradually tapered or faded down to the skin. Clippers or trimmers are used to achieve a seamless blend from longer hair to shorter lengths or even a shaved look.

3. Length Variation

If we talk about taper vs fade for the length variation, then taper haircuts typically offer more variation in hair length. The hair on top can be styled with different lengths, allowing for versatility in styling options, texture, and volume.

On the other hand, fade haircuts, especially those with shorter lengths, have less variation as they involve a more uniform tapering or fading of the hair to a shorter length or even to the skin.

4. Visual Impact

Taper haircuts generally have a softer and more natural appearance due to the gradual transition and blended effect. They create a polished and well-groomed look.

In contrast, faded haircuts often make a bolder statement. The distinct contrast between the long hair and the shorter sides and back creates a sharp, edgy look that stands out.

5. Styling Versatility

Taper haircuts provide greater versatility in terms of styling options. The longer hair on top allows various styling techniques, making it adaptable to different looks and occasions. 

Fade haircuts, particularly those with shorter lengths or skin fades, may have more limited styling options due to the shorter hair length. Let’s see taper fade vs fade.

FAQs

What Type of Fade Is Best?

If you have thick hair, then a high fade may be the right choice for you, and if you have thin or straight hair, then a low fade can be a better fade.

Which Face Shape Is Best for Males?

Square shape face is considered best for males.

Is Taper Fade Well for a Chubby Face?

Yes, it can literally look very good on the chubby faces.

Final Thoughts

So, this is all about taper vs. fade haircut. We have mentioned everything regarding taper and fade haircuts, and we have presented a comparison of both. You can see the comparison and decide which can be a good haircut

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