Difference between Taper and Fade

Taper and fade are two types of hairstyles. For most people, there is no difference between the two cuts. While taper and fade may seem very similar, there are differences between the two.

Definition of taper and fade

Taper

To taper hair is to reduce its length from longer to shorter. Almost all types of haircut for men have a tapering effect at the very least. However, to be considered an actual taper haircut, the hair at the top of the head should be about 2 to 4 inches long. The tapering happens in the area around the temple and ends at the natural hairline of the individual.

The taper hairstyle is a great way for men to have a relatively long hair while looking neat and well groomed.

Fade

A fade is similar to a taper hairstyle, but the major difference is in the length of the hair at the top of the head. In a fade cut, the hair is much shorter than in a taper cut. The difference is usually about 2 inches.

Additionally, unlike in a taper cut, the fading effect also starts immediately and ends at about the individual’s natural hairline. The term “fade” is used because the hair appears to fade into the skin, leaving no trace of the hairline.

Types of Taper and Fade

Tapers

Classic – A classic taper features hair that is longer at the top of the head and at the crown. The hair gradually tapers as it goes down to the sides as well as the back of the head.

Short – A short taper is typically an inch of hair or even lower, hence the name. There is no substantial amount of hair on top of the head and the cut often tapers down toward the ear.

Long – A long taper refers to a cut that is longer at the top. It is shorter on the sides, although not short enough for the scalp to be visible.

Long crown – Like a long taper, a long crown features hair that is long at the top, particularly on the crown. The sides remain short as with other taper cuts.

Side part – As the name suggests, a side part taper refers to a cut where the hair is thick at a prominent side part. The hair thins out gradually as it extends toward the ears.

Faint – A faint taper seems as if the hair is the same length until you see the area around the ears and the temples, which displays the faint tapered effect of the hairstyle.

Fades

Bald – A bald fade cut features a shaved back of the head. The hair tapers down from the top as well as around the sides.

Side part taper – A side part taper fade cut refers to a cut that has an extremely prominent side part that eventually tapers into a fade.

Temp – As the name suggests, a temp fade features hair that is thinned out only around the temples.

High top – This hairstyle refers to a box cut at the top of the head, which then fades down around the whole perimeter of the head. As a variation, the hair around the perimeter can taper either bit by bit or significantly.

Faux hawk – Like a Mohawk, a faux hawk fade is a style where the hair in the middle of the head is longer while the sides gradually taper down into a fade. This is different from the classic Mohawk where the sides are shaven.

Disconnected undercut – This cut features hair that is longer at the top. Instead of a gradual fade, however, there is an immediate disconnect. There is a shorter amount of tapering since the sides are often dramatically shorter in length compared to the top.

Ideal for?

Taper hairstyles are ideal for people who love to change their look regularly since tapers are quite versatile.

Fade hairstyles require almost no touch-up or maintenance, which make them ideal for people who are either too busy or too lazy to worry about their hair.

Face shape

Choosing between fade and taper styles also depends on the face shape. While taper works on most face shapes, fade is ideal for people whose face shapes are oval and square.

Summary of differences:

Taper and fade cuts are very similar, which makes it understandable why many people mix up the two. However, they are not the same. The biggest difference is in the length of the hair on top of the head, which is longer for a taper cut. The other difference lies in the appearance of the hairline, which is almost impossible to detect in a fade cut.

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