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

It’s not uncommon for people to question whether they should get a fade haircut or a taper. They’re both extremely popular styles and look very clean and sharp. So which one would suit you best? In this guide, we’re going to take you through the differences between a fade vs taper, helping you decide which style is most compatible with your face shape, personality, and lifestyle.

What Is A Fade Haircut? new

Definition and Characters

Sharpness and precision relate directly to fade haircuts, as these elements are one of two defining features. A fade haircut is styled such that the top portion is longer while both sides and the back are short or skinned-close, which creates a clean, modern touch.

Types of Fade Haircuts

1. Low Fade

• A low fade haircut starts to taper below the ears and gradually blends into the skin down the neck. It’s a great choice for men who want a clean, simple, and not too dramatic look.

2. Mid Fade

• The Mid Fade Haircut vs Taper Which Haircut Is Right for You? starts halfway up the sides of the head, allowing for a high-contrast look that’s not as daring or attention-grabbing as the Hi Lo Fade. It’s a nice option if you’re still hesitant to go all out on your first fade, and it’ll suit most face shapes and styles.

3. High Fade

• If you want to go bold, the high fade starts up near your crown and creates a contrasting look between your top and sides. Perfect for anyone who likes an avant-garde, contemporary kind of style.
• And the skin fade goes one step further and completely fades the hair to the skin. It’s a daring look that’s perfect for anyone wanting something dramatic, sharp, and clean.

What Is a Taper Haircut?

A taper haircut is similar to a fade, as it works to gradually transition and blend hair. However, the key difference between these two popular styles is in the subtle gradient effect they create: While a fade helps to expose more skin by lowering hair shortness dramatically down to the skin, a taper doesn’t trim so near. It leaves slightly more length on your head’s sides and back. This can create an illusion of fuller volume as it extends from top to bottom.

Types of Fade Haircuts

1. Classic Taper

• The classic taper naturally follows the shape of your head and hairline. The hair gets a little longer as you go up to the front and top but is still pretty short overall.

2. Temple Taper

• A temple taper is when the fade is around your temples, leaving more of the top with volume. If you would like something soft but structured, this might be a good option for you.

3. Neck Taper

• Neck taper is designed to create a clean neckline. Without excessive fading, it helps you look nice without changing much of your hairstyle.

Fade Haircut vs Taper: The Key Differences

Comparing a fade haircut with a taper, the difference isn’t in how short your hair gets. Here’s what sets each of these two styles apart.

1. Look and Feel

• Fade: A fade haircut offers a contemporary, edgy look with a drastic difference between the longer hair on top and the shorter hair cut on the sides and back of the head. If you want to be remembered, this is your choice. The high contrast that comes with the fade haircut vs taper makes it bolder and more noticeable, perfect for anyone looking to make a statement.

• Taper: A taper haircut is a more delicate and refined. It gives you a clean, stylish, and professional look. If you prefer a clean look that’s not too loud, then the taper cut is your best bet. The gradual fade of the taper is less harsh in comparison to what you get with the fade cut; therefore, it suits those who would rather go for something more traditional and polished in the fade cut vs taper showdown.

2. Barbering Technique

• Fade: There are two main types of fade haircuts: low and high. The low fade starts just an inch above the ear, while the high fade begins a few inches below the top of your head. Both types of fades create a sharp, clean-cut look that showcases the scalp, making them stand out in the fade haircut vs taper debate.
• Taper: The taper haircut is all about precision. It features heavier density at the top before gradually fading down toward the ears and nape of the neck. The taper technique is more subtle than the fade haircut, providing a smoother, more controlled transition, which is why it stands out for those who want a neat, groomed look in the fade haircut vs taper comparison.

3. Maintenance

• Fade: The fade usually requires more maintenance as there is a stark contrast between the top and sides. Typically, a shape up every 2-3 weeks is necessary to keep the fade haircut looking fresh.” – Josh Cooley. However, you will need more regular haircuts at the barbershopto maintain that clean, defined look of the fade.
• Taper: In the fade haircut vs taper discussion, the taper reigns king when it comes to versatility. While both haircuts can be styled in various ways, tapers tend to have more styling options since they feature more hair throughout the length.

4. Styling Options

• Fade: If you’re someone who likes to mix things up and try out a variety of hairstyles, then the fade is for you. Whether you want to style a pompadour, quiff, buzz cut, or textured comb-over, this is the haircut that can do it all. The fade haircut vs taper comparison is simple when it comes to versatility.
• Taper: If you prefer classic hairstyles and aren’t really into bold looks or wild styling products, then the taper might be the right option for you. A side part, slick-back or Ivy League cut all look great with this type of fade hairstyle.

Which Haircut Is Right for Your Face Shape?

The fade haircut vs taper conversation always pops up when a guy wants to get a short haircut. Both kinds of haircuts are great and can look good on you, but here is how they differ.

1. Round Face

• If you have a round face, getting a high fade can give you some height and make your face look more angular. Alternatively, opt for a taper with some volume on top to offset the roundness.

2. Oval Face

• An oval face can pull off either the fade or the taper with ease. Both will work well with your features and help to achieve a balanced appearance.

3. Square Face

• A taper is great on a square face because it softens the strong angles of the jawline. A mid fade will help to tone down the sharpness of a square face and give a softer look.

4. Long Face

• For a long face, a low fade with volume on the sides will create width. A taper with shorter sides can also help to shorten the length of your face.

Fade Haircut vs Taper: Pros and Cons

Fade Haircut Pros

• Bold and trendy.
• Gives you more options for styling.
• Doesn’t work with longer hairstyles

Fade Haircut Cons

• Requires regular trims (every 2-3 weeks)
• Can be too edgy for conservative environments
• May not work for all face shapes

Taper Haircut Pros

• Timeless and professional
• Needs low maintenance
• Grows out evenly without looking messy

Drawbacks of a Taper Haircut

• Not as daring as a fade
• Less styling options
• You be the judge. The clean-shaven long-syners or the fine ruffians.

Which One Works Best with Beards?

• Fade: A fade haircut is perfect for the guy with at least a little bit of edge. A fade haircut gradually lowers your hairline on the sides and back of your head, leaving the hair up top long.
• Taper: A taper haircut is great for guys with more conservative beards. It leaves a clean line around the beard rather than blending it into your hair, creating a more defined, intentional look.

Celebrities Who Rock the Fade and Taper

Celebrities with Fades

• Drake Perhaps best known for his high fade with a line-up, Drake’s haircut certainly gives him a unique, signature look.
• Chris Brown Often seen wearing different types of fades, including low and mid fades, Chris Brown keeps things interesting when it comes to his hairstyle.

Celebrities with Tapers

• Ryan Reynolds Ryan being a classic taper enthusiast, he would often be seen with a neatly tapered cut, which goes well and gives an enhancement with the polished, sophisticated look that Ryan sports most of the time.
• David Beckham’s side-parted taper would look so effortlessly classy with both casuals and formals.
• George Clooney Known for his timeless taper, Clooney has sported this cut for years, keeping it clean and dapper.

What Your Barber Wants You to Know

When it comes to the fade haircut vs the taper, your barber is your best resource. Talk to him or her about your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle, and they should be able to help you figure out which hairstyle will look best on you. If you have a picture of the style you’re going for, bring that in too.

Check out our guide on How to Choose the Right Curly Hair Stylist for Your Hair to tips and tricks for selecting a stylist who understands your unique curly hair needs!

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