What is a Fade vs. Taper
Any guy knows that haircut styles play a crucial role in not only his appearance but overall confidence. Among the most popular choices for men today are fades and tapers, both offering unique aesthetics and versatility.
But, what's the difference? If you're looking to compliment your face shape, update your grooming routine, and boost your confidence, you might want to know. Let's look into what sets fades apart from tapers, helping you make an informed decision for your next haircut.
Defining the Terms
What is a Fade?
Fade haircuts are characterized by a smooth transition from longer hair on top to shorter hair on the sides and back. This style creates a gradual blend, resulting in a sleek and polished appearance. Fades are highly versatile and can be tailored to suit various lengths and styles on top.
The Blending Technique Used in Fades
The defining feature of a fade haircut is the blending technique employed by barbers. This involves using clippers to gradually shorten the hair, resulting in a seamless transition between different hair lengths. The blending is typically achieved by using various guard lengths, creating a cohesive look that enhances the overall hairstyle.
Different Types of Fades
Fades can be categorized into four primary types:
- Low Fade: This style starts blending just above the ear, creating a subtle transition that maintains more length on the sides.
- Mid Fade: The blend begins at the temple, striking a balance between a low and high fade. This option is versatile and works well with various hairstyles.
- High Fade: The blending starts high on the head, often above the temple, resulting in a more dramatic look. This fade emphasizes the shorter sides and works well with bold hairstyles on top.
- Drop Fade: The drop fade features a unique curve that dips down behind the ear, creating an eye-catching silhouette. This fade style adds dimension and can be combined with various top styles for a fresh look.
What is a Taper?
In a taper haircut, the hair gradually shortens from the top down to the sides and back. Unlike fades, which create a more dramatic contrast, tapers offer a subtle, polished look that maintains more length overall. Tapers can be paired with different hairstyles on top for a refined appearance.
The Gradual Shortening of Hair on the Sides and Back
In a taper, the hair is gradually shortened, typically starting from the top and tapering down toward the neckline. This technique ensures that the hair remains longer than it would in a fade, giving a more traditional look. The result is a clean, sophisticated style that frames the face without the drastic length change seen in fades.
Common Taper Variations
- Classic Taper: Features a slow decrease in length with a natural finish at the neckline.
- Tapered Undercut: A sharper contrast between the top and sides, but still maintains the gradual transition.
- Temple Taper: Focuses on a subtle taper around the temples for a minimalistic look.
Distinction Between a Taper and a Fade
The primary difference between a taper and a fade lies in the blending and length of the hair. While a fade features a more dramatic transition from short to long, a taper maintains more length on the sides and offers a subtle, understated look. Fades are often more modern and edgy, whereas tapers are classic and versatile, suitable for various occasions.
What About Taper Fades?
Taper fades are a popular haircut choice that combines the sleekness of a fade with the subtlety of a taper, creating a versatile style that works for various looks. Here are a few different types of taper fades:
- Low Taper Fade: This style begins just above the ears and gradually blends into the long hair on top. It’s a subtle choice that provides a clean look without being overly dramatic, making it perfect for a professional setting.
- Mid-Taper Fade: Positioned between low and high tapers, this option starts around the temples and gradually fades down to the sides and back. The mid-taper fade offers a balanced appearance, allowing for more versatility in styling the hair on top.
- High Taper Fade: The high taper starts at or above the temples, creating a striking contrast between the longer hair on top and the shorter sides. This style is bold and trendy, ideal for those looking to make a statement.
- Skin Taper Fade: Also known as a bald taper, this style features a fade that goes down to the skin, resulting in a sharp and edgy look. It can be combined with any hair length on top for a striking contrast.
Taper Vs. Fade: Key Differences
Hair Length
Fades Typically Involve Shorter Lengths
One of the most noticeable differences between fades and tapers is hair length. Fades often feature shorter lengths on the sides and back, creating a striking contrast with the longer hair on top. The gradual shortening can give the appearance of a seamless transition, which emphasizes the top hairstyle.
The Taper’s More Gradual Length Adjustment
In contrast, tapers maintain more length overall. They involve a gradual adjustment from longer hair on top to shorter hair on the sides and back, but not to the same extent as fades. This allows for a softer, more classic look that can suit a variety of hairstyles and face shapes.
Blending Techniques
Fades Use a More Dramatic Blending Technique
Fades employ a dramatic blending technique for a pronounced transition from short to long. Barbers use clippers with different guard lengths to achieve this look, resulting in a seamless fade that can range from very short to medium lengths. The blending technique is essential in creating the bold visual impact associated with fades.
Tapering's Subtle Blending Approach
Tapers utilize a subtler blending technique. Instead of the stark contrast found in fades, tapers provide a smooth transition that gradually shortens the hair. This results in a more uniform and classic shape, allowing for a polished and refined appearance. The subtlety of a taper makes it a versatile option for various occasions.
Placement and Shape
Where Fades Start
Fades can start at different points on the head, depending on the desired style. A low fade begins just above the ear, while a mid fade starts around the temple. High fades begin significantly higher, often at or above the temple, creating a more dramatic look. The placement of the fade can dramatically change the overall appearance of the haircut.
Taper's More Uniform and Classic Shape
Tapers, on the other hand, typically have a more consistent placement and shape. They maintain a gradual shortening that follows the natural lines of the head, resulting in a well-defined, classic appearance. This uniformity makes tapers an excellent choice for those seeking a timeless and sophisticated style.
Similarities Between Fades and Tapers
Versatility in Style
Combined with Various Top Styles
Both a taper and fade haircut are incredibly versatile and can be combined with a range of top styles, such as crew cuts, pompadours, and even longer hairstyles. This adaptability allows individuals to express their personal style while still enjoying the benefits of these popular haircuts.
Suitability for Different Hair Types and Lengths
Both styles can work well with various hair types and lengths. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, you can find a fade or taper that complements your natural hair texture and enhances your overall look.
Maintenance
While fades and tapers have different lengths and blending techniques, they share similar maintenance requirements. Regular trims are essential to keep both styles looking sharp and well-groomed. Depending on how quickly your hair grows, you may need to visit the barber every few weeks to maintain the desired look.
For both fades and tapers, regular trims not only help maintain the shape but also prevent split ends and ensure the hair remains healthy. Staying on top of your grooming routine will keep your haircut looking fresh and polished.
Choosing Between a Fade and a Taper
Personal Style Preferences
Your personal style is the first factor to consider when choosing between a fade and a taper. Do you prefer a bold, dramatic look, or are you leaning toward something classic and subtle? Fades tend to create a more striking appearance due to their significant contrast between lengths. They can be tailored to be edgy or sleek, depending on how high or low you go. On the other hand, tapers provide a more refined and traditional style, which can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for both professional and casual settings.
Face Shape and Head Shape Considerations
Your face shape and head shape can also influence your decision. Fades, particularly high fades, can elongate the face, making them ideal for rounder face shapes. Conversely, tapers provide a more balanced look, which can complement various face shapes. If you have an angular face, a taper can soften sharp features, while fades can add structure to softer faces. Understanding how each style interacts with your facial features can help you make a more informed choice.
Lifestyle Factors (e.g., Ease of Maintenance)
Lifestyle is another crucial consideration when choosing between a fade and a taper. Fades often require more frequent visits to the barber to maintain their sharp look due to their shorter length. If you prefer a low-maintenance style that allows for a bit of growth without looking unruly, a taper might be the better option for you. Tapers grow out more gracefully, allowing for more flexibility in your grooming routine. Consider your daily life and how much time you want to dedicate to maintaining your hairstyle.
The Next Step: Consultation with a Barber
Before deciding on a fade or taper, it’s highly beneficial to consult with a professional barber. They can provide valuable insight into the suitability of each style for your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle. A barber's expertise can help you visualize how a fade or taper will look on you, making the decision process much easier. Don’t hesitate to bring in photos of styles you admire to help communicate your vision.
Barbers can also tailor both fades and tapers to meet your individual needs. For example, they can adjust the height of the fade or the length of the taper based on your preferences. They can also recommend specific techniques, such as skin fades or textured tapers, that can enhance your haircut's overall appearance. The customization options available when working with a barber ensure that you receive a haircut that compliments your style and personality.
We Offer The Best Fades and Tapers At Mr. Winston’s Barbershop
Fades and tapers each offer unique characteristics and styles, catering to different personal preferences and lifestyles. While fades provide a bold and dramatic look, tapers present a classic and refined appearance. We encourage you to experiment with both styles to discover what suits you best.
Consider booking an appointment at Mr. Winston’s Barbershop, or trying one of our natural pomades. At Mr. Winston’s, we offer a range of hair care and hair styling services for men and boys.
