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Are you wondering what the difference is between a taper vs a fade haircut? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Taper and fade haircuts are two of the most popular and stylish men’s haircuts, but knowing the difference between them can be tricky.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the key differences between taper and fade haircuts, explore the various types, and provide tips on choosing the right one for you.
A tapered and faded haircut is both men’s haircuts that gradually shorten the hair length. The main difference between a taper and a fade is that a taper usually involves preserving the natural hairline and leaving the hair longer at the top of the head. In contrast, a fade typically involves fading the hair to the skin at the ears and neckline.
A fade haircut is also more abrupt, while a taper is more gradual. Generally speaking, a taper is a more conservative look, while a fade is more edgy and modern.
When getting the perfect taper vs fade haircut, it’s important to consider your face shape, hair length, and overall look. With the right cut, you’ll be sure to make a statement. Keep reading to learn more about taper vs fade haircuts.
Table Of Contents
What is a Taper Haircut?
The hair on a taper haircut gradually gets shorter as it approaches the neck and temples. Depending on the desired aesthetic, this trim is often made with clippers or scissors, and the hair length can range from long to short. In a taper, the hair length gradually shortens until it ends rather than abruptly terminating. As a result, the transition between the hair and the scalp is more natural.
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The versatility of taper haircuts allows for customization to fit various face shapes and hair lengths. These are fantastic for individuals who like a more traditional appearance. Finally, to create a distinctive appearance, taper haircuts can be coupled with other hairstyles like a high fade or a skin taper.
What is a Fade Haircut?
The hair on a faded haircut gradually gets shorter and shorter until it disappears entirely. The length of the hair can vary from a bald fade to a high fade, and this cut is often made with a clipper. The hair length abruptly decreases and is typically shorter near the neck and temples in a fade.
Each hairdo can benefit from the texture and depth that fade haircuts add. They are also fantastic for people who wish to look edgier.
Also, fade haircuts can be paired with other styles, like a low taper or a long taper to create a distinctive appearance. They can also be adapted to different face shapes and hair lengths.
Taper Vs Fade Haircut: Key Differences
It’s critical to comprehend the primary distinctions between taper and fade haircuts. Here are some of the most important differences between a taper and a fade haircut.
Hair Length
The length of the hair is the key distinction between the taper and fade hairstyles. The hair is typically left longer at the top of the head with a taper haircut and gradually grows shorter as it descends the sides and back of the head. The hair is typically faded down to the skin at the neckline and ears when wearing a faded haircut.
Natural Hairline
The natural hairline is another important distinction between hairstyles with a taper and a fade. The natural hairline is typically retained with a taper haircut; however, with a fade haircut, the hair is typically faded down to the skin at the hairline.
Skin Fade
Around the neckline and ears, the hair is faded to the skin to create a skin fade haircut. This gives the haircut a more contemporary and edgy appearance. Men who want their haircut to stand out often opt for skin fades.
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The length of the hair and the natural hairline are the key distinctions between taper and fade haircuts. While fade haircuts require fading the hair down to the skin at the ears and neckline, taper haircuts often involve maintaining the natural hairline and leaving the hair longer at the top of the head. The right cut can help you convey a message.
Popular Types of Fade Haircuts
Among the most well-liked and fashionable men’s haircuts fade. Here are a few of the most common fade haircut styles.
Low Fade
A low fade is a particular kind of fade haircut in which the hair gradually gets shorter and shorter until it disappears entirely. The length of the hair can range from a bald fade to a mid fade, and this cut is often made with a clipper. The hair length abruptly shortens in a low fade, typically from just above the ear to the nape of the neck.
Low fades offer a sharp contrast between the hair and the scalp, making them ideal for those who seek an edgy appearance. They are also fantastic for people with longer hair since they offer a smoother transition from long hair to short hair. Low fades can be customized to fit various facial shapes and hair lengths. They can also be coupled with other cuts, such a skin taper or a hazy fade, to produce a distinctive appearance.
Drop Fade
A drop fade is a particular kind of fade haircut in which the hair gradually grows shorter and shorter until it disappears entirely. The length of the hair can vary from a bald fade to a high fade, and this cut is often made with a clipper. The hair length abruptly decreases and is typically shorter near the neck and temples in a drop fade.
Drop fades offer structure and depth to any hairstyle, making them ideal for individuals seeking an edgy appearance. Drop fades can also be customized to fit various face shapes and hair lengths.
Skin Fade
An example of a fade haircut is one in which the hair gradually disappears until the scalp is seen. The neck and temple areas of this cut are often shorter than the rest of the head because to the use of a clipper.
The skin fade haircut can be adjusted to different facial shapes and hair lengths and is a terrific method to give texture and depth to any hairdo. The skin fade can also be coupled with other looks, like a low or high taper, to produce a distinctive appearance.
Undercut Fade
An undercut haircut that combines the best of both worlds is the undercut fade. It is distinguished by hair that is shaved shorter at the neckline and temples before fading progressively.
The length of the hair can vary from a bald fade to a high fade, and this cut is often made with a clipper. The undercut fade provides for a more natural transition between the hair and the scalp, making it ideal for people who prefer a more edgy appearance.
Popular Types of Taper Haircuts
Some of the most traditional and fashionable men’s haircuts are taper haircuts. The most popular styles of taper haircuts are listed here.
Low Taper
Hair that progressively gets shorter as it approaches the neck and temples is a characteristic of a low taper haircut. This style is normally shorter near the neck and temples and is frequently created with scissors or clippers. Depending on the intended style, hair length can range from long to short.
High Taper
A variant of the traditional taper haircut is the high taper. It is distinguished by hair that progressively gets shorter and shorter as it approaches the neck and temples but does not abruptly shorten. This haircut is excellent for folks who like a more conservative appearance and is often made with scissors or clippers.
Skin Taper
A skin taper is a type of fade haircut that involves the hair gradually getting shorter and shorter until it fades away completely. This cut is typically achieved by using a hair clipper, and the length of the hair is usually shorter near the neck and temples. Skin tapers are great for those who want a more edgy look and can be combined with other hairstyles, such as a low fade or a long taper, to create a unique look.
Conclusion
Haircuts with a taper or fade have been popular for a while, and both offer a more traditional appearance than other kinds. With a taper haircut, the hair is gradually trimmed shorter as it approaches the neck and temples, but in a faded haircut, the hair is gradually trimmed shorter until it disappears entirely.
Benefits-wise, taper and fade haircuts both provide a more formal appearance than other types, making them ideal for formal settings. These haircuts can also be modified to accommodate various face shapes and hair lengths.
You may be confident that you will look good no matter what style you select. Decide on the ideal taper or fade haircut for your face shape and hair length by taking the time to consider your alternatives.
