Tapers and fades are very similar haircuts. In fact, they’re so similar that many people confuse them and think they’re exactly the same. To discern the differences between the two cuts, we spoke to our styling experts for the low-down on these classic hairstyles for men.
We found that although the differences are subtle, they’re worth knowing, given that they can help you achieve different styling goals. To write this article, we’ve decided to begin with an explanation of what tapers and fades are before drawing your attention to the key differences between each style.
What is a taper?
A taper is a classic haircut for men that features a gradually shortening hairstyle. As the name suggests, this cut “tapers” meaning there is a subtle, shortening length in your hair when you work down from the top of the head to the nape of the neck.
In a classic taper, the hair is longest on top of the head, reducing gradually as you go down the back and sides until reaching the neck. The classic taper is typically a short to medium length, but in recent times, we’ve seen a significant increase in the variety of tapers, with some guys favoring shaggy and tousled looks, rather than clean-cut and smart styles.
What is a fade?
The main difference between a taper and a fade is that the latter is usually much shorter than a taper, with many guys going for a super short “skin fade.” Like tapers, fades go from long to short as they work their way down your head, but rather than gradually tapering, they tend to be more dramatic, with many guys going from long to super short without the gradual progression.
Fades are also less confined by styling rules and can be applied to so many different haircuts. In fact, you commonly see guys request various haircuts on top with a skin fade on the side. Make sure you task a talented barber to work on your fade, as it requires a high degree of skill to get right.
Taper vs fade – the main differences
So, what are the main differences between tapers and fades? Here are some key points to bear in mind as you decide which style to go for:
✔️ Length: The main difference is the length between the two cuts. Most of the time, tapers are longer than fades, with the latter often requiring the barber to use a number one or zero to cut the hair super short to create the desired contrast.
✔️ Contrast: Another notable difference when comparing the taper vs fade haircut is the contrast created by each style. In a taper, the contrast is less notable, with the hair gradually tapering in length from top to bottom. In a fade, the contrast is more pronounced.
✔️ Versatility: For most guys, the fade is more versatile than the taper, and it can be combined with various other cuts and styles to achieve different looks. For instance, one of the most popular styles this year is the French crop with a fade, highlighting the excellent versatility of this look.
Taper vs taper fade: Which is better?
It’s difficult to say whether the taper or fade is a better cut, as it depends on your style preferences. If you’re keen for a classic cut that gradually tapers from long to short, the taper is the best choice. It’s more conservative than a fade, so it’s probably a good choice for young professional men looking for a go-to haircut for the office.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a little more daring that can be styled in different ways, the fade is a good choice. The stark contrast between the longer hair on top and the shorter hair on the back and sides is the main characteristic of the fade and the main reason to ask your barber for this style.
You can take things further by asking for lines in your fade or by pairing it with facial hair, which is an easy way to create another contrasting dimension.
Taper and fade styling options for guys
Still can’t decide whether a taper or a fade is the better option for you? Check out some of these awesome haircuts for inspiration to take to your barber:
Classic high fade
Adjusting the height of your fade is a great way to mix things up and the classic high fade is one of the trendiest looks right now. Ask your barber to take the sides significantly shorter than you’re used to, and keep the length on top to a few inches for easy styling.
Skin fade with a beard
If you’re keen on a super short hairstyle, the skin fade with a beard is the way to go. The skin fade is a daring style among guys, but it’s a trendier option than the classic military buzz cut, which is similar in length. Leaving your facial hair unkempt and bushy is an excellent way to contrast the sharp angles of this iconic cut.
Tapered French crop
We can’t get enough of the French crop right now, and pairing it with a tapered cut is a great look this year. While you can go for a super short fade with the French crop, choosing to leave the hair slightly longer on the sides is a smart move, particularly if you’re going for a smart casual style.
Our verdict: Taper vs fade haircut
There’s no question that tapers and fades are very similar haircuts. But the main thing to remember is that fades are usually slightly shorter than tapers, and the contrast between the layers in fades is usually much more striking.
So, if you’re keen for a short cut with a notable contrast, the fade is right for you. If you prefer a classic, tapered look that gives off smart casual vibes, the taper haircut is the better option.
