A taper and a fade both shorten the hair gradually, but they cover different areas. A taper shortens only the sideburns and the neckline. A fade shortens the hair all the way around the sides and back, usually blending down to skin. Here's what you need to know before your next haircut.
Taper vs fade at a glance
- Top: Either works with any length on top
- Sides and back: Taper: mostly natural length. Fade: short all the way around
- Maintenance: Taper: lower. Fade: higher
- Trim every: Taper: 3 to 4 weeks. Fade: 2 to 3 weeks
Why it matters
Barbers and customers often use the two words loosely, which is how people end up with a much shorter haircut than they wanted. Knowing the difference, and showing a photo, avoids that.
Who it suits
Choose a taper if you want something subtle, professional or easy to grow out, or if your face is long and you want to keep width at the sides. Choose a fade if you want strong contrast, a sharper look, or to slim a round face.
Not sure about your face shape? Find it with the free face shape detector, or read our guide to men's face shapes.
What to tell your barber
- Use the exact word: taper for the edges only, fade for all the way around.
- Give the height: low, mid or high.
- Say whether it goes down to skin, and bring a photo of the sides and the back.
- Bring a photo. Barbers use these names differently, and a picture removes the guesswork.
How to style it
Styling is the same for both; the difference is how the sides look and how often you need a trim.
Variations
- Taper fade: a taper that goes down to skin at the edges; the term most people mean by a low taper.
- Skin fade: a fade that ends in bare skin.
- Drop fade: a fade that curves down behind the ear.
- Burst fade: a rounded fade around the ear only.
Try it before you cut
A haircut takes weeks to grow out. Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and see different cuts on your own face, next to up to three other styles.
Related haircuts
FAQ
What is the difference between a taper and a fade?
A taper and a fade both shorten the hair gradually, but they cover different areas.
Which should I choose?
Choose a taper if you want something subtle, professional or easy to grow out, or if your face is long and you want to keep width at the sides. Choose a fade if you want strong contrast, a sharper look, or to slim a round face.
How often does it need a trim?
Taper: 3 to 4 weeks. Fade: 2 to 3 weeks.
Is a taper or a fade better?
Neither is better. A taper is subtler and lower maintenance; a fade is sharper and needs more frequent trims.
Is a taper fade a taper or a fade?
It's a taper: the hair fades to skin only at the sideburns and neckline.
