The taper and fade are common haircuts that seamlessly blend the sides and back short to complement the longer hair on top. While similar at a glance, these cool barbering techniques involve cutting the hair down to different lengths to create a stylish look. Although some people use these terms interchangeably, fades and tapers feature specific differences that make each cut unique.
When talking to your barber, you’ll need to learn the difference between a taper, fade and taper fade to get the haircut you want. Keep reading to discover what sets these styles apart.
What’s The Difference Between A Taper and Fade?
The difference between a taper and fade is a tapered cut seamlessly transitions hair from one length to another using clippers while the fade blends shorter and into the skin using a foil shaver at the end for a bald finish. Bold and fashionable, a faded haircut is a more aggressive style on the sides and back that creates an edgy look. Also known as a taper fade, tapered cuts are timeless, clean and more suitable for business professional men who need a work-appropriate look.
Generally, tapers are paired with longer hairstyles to add a subtle flair, whereas fades are often used to complement shorter cuts for a balanced look.
What Is A Taper?
A taper is a haircut that gradually blends hair from long to short for a seamless change in length. A tapered cut can be a stylish, classy, and conservative choice for modern gentlemen who want a versatile look that pairs well with any men’s hairstyle.
In most cases, tapers are not as dramatic as fades and provide a seamless graduation in length. Below, you can find the most common taper haircuts that will elevate your style:
Low Taper
The low taper is an elegant haircut for men who want to take a subtle approach that will make their hair appear fuller. Classically flattering, low tapered cuts start just above the ears on the sides and transition smoothly into the nape for a clean, blended finish. This taper works well with timeless hairstyles such as the side part, pompadour, crew cut and comb over because these styles put a strong emphasis on a longer top.
Mid Taper
The mid taper is a balanced haircut that starts at the temple and gradually blends the sides and back shorter for a fresh, classy look. Short to medium-length hairstyles like the quiff, faux hawk and longer French crop pair nicely with a mid-tapered cut, which offers the right amount of contrast between the top and sides.
High Taper
The high taper is a short haircut that starts near the top of the head and aggressively blends the hair shorter for a dramatic finish. A tapered cut would suit medium to short styles such as the French crop, crew cut, shag and side-swept Ivy League. In a way, the high taper could be a good introduction to stronger fades, especially if you’re trying to keep the back and sides much shorter than you’re accustomed to.
What Is A Fade?
A fade is a trendy haircut that tapers the hair shorter so it gradually blends into the scalp. Short faded haircuts are often associated with modern styles, require little-to-no maintenance and show off more skin on the sides.
While this type of technique can be paired with professional looks, you’ll find them more common among youthful and edgy styles. Below you can find three common types of fades:
Low Fade
The low fade is a classy, universally flattering fade that is more appropriate for a business professional who needs an elegant work-appropriate look. A low faded cut can be combined with any men’s hairstyle like the quiff, side part, crew cut, mohawk, mullet or pompadour, providing some subtle edge and intrigue.
Mid Fade
The mid fade is a balanced and cool haircut that offers a middle ground between a high and low cut. The fade line starts right at the temple, blends quickly and features greater contrast for a daring yet classy look. If you’re new to fades, this is where you’ll want to start. You can try out hairstyles like the brush forward, French crop, crew cut, textured quiff and messy looks.
High Fade
The high fade is an edgy haircut for guys who like bold, low-maintenance and trendy styles. This faded cut starts near the top of the sides, tapers the hair quickly and is often paired with shorter styles such as the buzz cut, high and tight, faux hawk and mohawk. Ask your barber for a high skin fade to create extreme contrast with the longer hair on top.
What Is A Taper Fade?
A taper fade is a modern term referring to a haircut on the sides and back that blends the hair shorter like a fade. The name was created when people started to confuse tapers and fades. Technically, a taper haircut is a type of fade, but a fade is not a form of taper. If you ask your barber for a taper fade, you will likely get a tapered cut.
Fades are sleek, smooth and clean cuts, transitioning effortlessly for a neat finish, whereas tapers are timeless and conservative styles that gradually blend shorter but leave something extra at the end.
Popular Taper Fade Haircut Ideas
Buzz Cut with Low Taper Fade
The buzz cut with a low taper fade is a classic military-inspired men’s haircut that will create a low-maintenance and ruggedly handsome look. The taper faded sides are short, easy to maintain and draw focus to the thicker buzzed hair on top. Ask your barber to use clippers with a number two guard for a fuller finish. Apply a styling product to add texture or shine.
Classic Taper with Thick Tousled Hair and Beard
The classic taper can be combined with thick, tousled hair for a stylish, sexy look any active gentleman will like. The longer crew cut is easy to manage and will keep the hair out of your face while the taper balances the masculine style for a cool, modern aesthetic. Show your barber this example for the perfect men’s haircut.
Comb Over Fade
The comb over fade is a classic men’s hairstyle that has been updated with a shaved part to add sharp separation between the sides and the top. The mid fade keeps the sides narrow and sharp while leaving the top looking voluminous and perky.
Crew Cut with Taper
If you want a low-maintenance hairstyle, the modern crew cut with a classy taper will revamp your look and offer a masculine vibe. Simply put, the thicker hair on top leans on the short side, between an inch and two inches, while the sides are tapered to square out the overall look and give it structure. The taper subtly brings the sides in, keeping it from appearing too bulky.
Faux Hawk with Burst Taper Fade
For a less extreme version, the modern faux hawk with a burst fade can be a fantastic look that offers much the same vibe with extra versatility. The taper faded sides curve around the ears and down the back to keep things skin tight without cutting into the corners, and more hair is left in the back for the hawk’s V-shape neckline.
Hard Side Part with Low Fade
The hard side part is an excellent cut for the dapper gentleman among us. The low fade allows for a neat finish on the sides and back, while still keeping enough weight to give the hairstyle a strong structure. To achieve the sleek and suave finish, you’ll want to find a pomade with high shine and hold.
High Skin Fade with Crew Cut and Brushed Up Fringe
The crew cut is a simple men’s hairstyle that is as classic as it is fashionable. Try asking your barber for a high skin fade to keep your style short and close to the bone. Brushing up the fringe at the front with a bit of pomade or clay will seal the deal as a trendsetting look.
Ivy League with Low Fade
The Ivy League haircut was popularized in the 1950s by men who went to ivy league schools. A conservative cut, the hair is trimmed neatly on the back and sides and the top is left long enough to style with a bit of product. Try it out with a low fade to keep the sides short and subtle.
Low Skin Fade with Short Hair
Short hair is always a favorable choice for men looking to keep their look easy to tame. Take this simple look one step further and add on a low skin fade to keep your look crisp and fashionable.
Messy Off-Center Part with Low Taper
This messy off-center part hairstyle is the perfect example of when a taper would be the ideal option. In this case, a low taper would work wonders at keeping the hair around the ears tidy, allowing for the style on top to reign supreme.
Mid-Skin Fade with Longer Hair on Top
The mid skin fade is a stylish and cool choice that will pair well with a longer hairstyle on top, balancing edge and elegance for a handsome finish. With a side-swept fringe, the contrast in length provides a fashionable foundation that lets the hair on top drape over the sides for a dapper look. Use a medium-hold matte pomade to style your hair and lock the fashion-forward look.
Short Afro with High Taper Fade
A short Afro can be a burden to style at times, especially in the hotter months. When the time comes to pass, have your barber hook you up with a high taper fade and a shape up to keep cool. The taper fade will be high enough to show some skin but won’t be so severe that you’ll look like you were discharged from the military.
Short Brush Up with Tapered Sides
The short brush-up is an easy hairstyle for guys who prefer a low-maintenance look with some edge and tapered sides. Keep your hair on top long enough to brush up with some product, but nothing longer than an inch. Talk to your barber about adding a taper to keep the length short and classically handsome.
Short High and Tight with Skin Fade
The high and tight is a military-inspired haircut that can be achieved using clippers and will make styling effortless. To stand out, the sides and back must be noticeably shorter than the top, which is left relatively longer but still very cropped. A skin fade will provide a clean and smooth look that will complement your very short hairstyle.
Short Waves with High Skin Fade
A buzz cut with waves is a popular and cool haircut for black men who want to feature texture and dimension for visual interest. The high bald fade will keep the look sleek for a high-contrast touch. You’ll want to get a good wave brush and pomade to maintain a stylish vibe.
Slicked Back Hair and Mid Taper Fade
The slick back hairstyle is a traditionally classy look for professional men who like some volume and height. You’ll need longer hair on top and short sides to fully create this style. Choosing a mid taper fade can sharpen up the cut while slimming down your face, and using a texturizing pomade will achieve a fuller finish. This option works even better when faded into a trimmed beard.
Textured Quiff with Low Taper Fade
A textured quiff is a sexy cut for the modern man. The height of the style is enhanced by adding texture on top and opting for a low taper fade keeps the look neat without going too short or too high. A medium-hold styling cream can produce a lasting, natural hold and a tapered beard adds an extra layer of masculinity.
