When it comes to modern hairstyles for men, two terms you’ll often hear are taper and fade. While they are both types of haircuts that involve gradually shortening the length of hair on the sides and back, they have distinct differences in how they’re executed, their overall look, and the vibe they give off. Understanding the difference between these two styles can help you make the right choice based on your preferences, face shape, and hair type. Here’s a detailed breakdown of taper vs. fade to help you decide which style suits you best.
What is a Taper Hairstyle?
A taper hairstyle is a sleek, modern haircut that offers a smooth, subtle transition between the longer hair on top and shorter hair on the sides and back. Its versatility and low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice for many men who want a clean, sharp look without the high contrast of a fade. Whether you’re looking for something classic or contemporary, the taper offers a wide range of possibilities.
Key Features of a Taper Hairstyle:
The key features of a taper hairstyle are…
Gradual Length Reduction:
The hair starts long on the top and gradually gets shorter toward the sides and back. The transition is smooth, making it a more natural and subtle fade compared to a fade haircut.
Moderate Length on the Sides:
Unlike a fade, where the hair on the sides can be shaved down to the skin, a taper leaves the sides relatively longer, usually at a short-to-medium length. The taper focuses on blending the hair into the top without going too short.
Smooth Blend:
The hair transitions from the top to the sides seamlessly, providing a clean look without a stark contrast. It’s less dramatic than a fade but still creates a noticeable shape that adds structure.
Versatility:
A taper haircut can work well with many different hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly hair. It can be adapted to fit a variety of lengths and styles on top, from short crops to longer, textured looks.
Natural and Subtle Look:
Tapers are perfect for those who want a stylish yet subtle haircut. They provide a neat and tidy look without being overly dramatic, making them suitable for both professional and casual settings.
Types of Tapers:
Low Taper: The fade starts lower on the sides, closer to the ear or just above the neckline.
Mid Taper: The taper starts in the middle of the sides, offering a more balanced and versatile look.
High Taper: The taper starts higher on the sides, above the temple area, creating a sharper contrast.
Popular Taper Hairstyles:
Classic Taper: A traditional style with a gentle transition from short sides to longer hair on top, offering a professional and neat look.
Tapered Pompadour: This combines the voluminous style of the pompadour with a clean taper on the sides, creating a polished yet stylish vibe.
Length on the Sides: While the sides are trimmed short, they are not shaved or taken down to the skin. The length might range from short to medium, depending on how you want the taper to be. A modern take on the Caesar cut with short, cropped hair on the sides, which is subtly blended into the top.
How to Style a Taper Hairstyle?
- If you have shorter hair on top, you can style it with pomade or wax for a clean, slick look.
- If you have longer hair on top, you can use styling cream, gel, or mousse to add texture and volume, allowing the tapered sides to accentuate the top’s length.
- For curly hair, a taper works well by keeping the curls intact on top while the sides are trimmed neatly to avoid excess bulk.
What is a Fade Hairstyle?
A fade is a type of haircut where the hair gradually transitions from a short length to either a very short or completely shaved look (sometimes down to the skin). Unlike a taper, which has a smoother, less drastic transition, a fade features a sharper contrast between the lengths of the hair.
Key Features of a Fade Hairstyle:
Unlike a taper, which has a more subtle transition, a fade typically features a more dramatic drop in length, often blending down to the skin or very close to it. The fade is a modern, edgy look that can be adapted in different ways to suit various personal styles.
Sharp Contrast:
The most noticeable feature of a fade is the dramatic contrast between the longer hair on top and the shorter hair on the sides and back. The fade can go all the way down to the skin (in the case of a skin fade), creating a very clean, sharp look.
Gradual Shortening:
In a fade, the transition is much more noticeable, with the hair becoming progressively shorter until it reaches the desired length, whether that’s at the skin or just above it.
Clean, Polished Finish:
A fade creates a sleek, sharp outline along the sides and back of the head, giving the overall haircut a crisp, polished appearance. The look is often paired with a well-defined shape, such as a line-up or shape-up along the temples and forehead.
Versatility with Different Lengths:
Fades can be customized with different lengths, making them versatile and adaptable to various hair types and personal styles. You can have a low, mid, or high fade, depending on where you want the fade to begin on the sides.
Modern and Edgy Look:
Fades are a bold, trendy choice, offering a sharp, fresh style that is often associated with a more youthful, edgy vibe. They can be paired with a variety of top styles, from short crops to longer, voluminous hair.
Types of Fade Hairstyle:
Low Fade: The fade begins lower, usually just above the ear or around the nape of the neck, making it a subtler fade.
Mid Fade: The fade begins in the middle of the head, offering a balance between a dramatic and subtle look.
High Fade: The fade starts higher, typically around the temple area, creating a sharp, high-contrast look.
Bald Fade: This fade blends down to the skin, leaving the hair at the sides and back almost shaved.
Popular Fade Hairstyles:
Burst Fade: A unique fade that creates a rounded shape around the ear, often used with a mohawk or other unique hairstyles.
Temple Fade: A fade that focuses on the sides near the temples, leaving the top hair longer and defined.
Skin Fade with Curls: A popular fade style for curly-haired men, where the sides are faded down to the skin, while the top maintains voluminous curls.
How to Style a Fade Hairstyle?
- Short Top: For a clean, sharp look, use a bit of pomade or styling gel to slick the top of the hair back or to the side, keeping it neat and well-defined.
- Long Top: If you have longer hair on top, use a light styling cream or mousse to add texture and volume, while letting the fade on the sides create a sharp contrast.
- Curly Hair: Fades work particularly well with curly or textured hair. For a curly fade, leave the curls longer on top and use a curl cream or gel to define them, while keeping the sides shaved or faded to the skin.
- Beard: If you have a beard, pairing a fade with well-groomed facial hair can create a balanced, polished look.
Taper vs. Fade: Key Differences:
The taper and fade are two popular men’s hairstyles that involve gradually shortening the hair on the sides and back. While they might seem similar at first glance, they have distinct differences in terms of how they transition, the length of hair on the sides, and the overall look they create. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences:
1. Transition of Length:
Taper:
The hair gradually shortens from longer to shorter as it moves down the sides and back. The transition is subtle, giving a natural and soft look. The sides remain relatively longer compared to a fade, so you won’t see the stark contrast between the top and sides.
Fade:
The fade is more dramatic. The hair on the sides and back gradually shortens, often down to the skin, creating a sharp contrast between the longer hair on top and the shorter sides. The transition is more noticeable and can range from a subtle fade to an extremely short or even bald look.
2. Length of Hair on the Sides:
Taper:
The hair on the sides is generally kept at a moderate length, gradually getting shorter from the top to the bottom. The length on the sides never gets shaved down to the skin, so there is always some hair left.
Fade:
The sides can be shaved all the way down to the skin in some fade styles, like a skin fade. Depending on the type of fade (low, mid, or high), the sides can either be closely cropped or shaved, with a sharp contrast to the longer hair on top.
3. Overall Look:
Taper:
Offers a softer, more natural look with a gradual fade from top to bottom. It’s often a more professional and clean look, perfect for those who want a polished appearance but don’t want to go too extreme.
Fade:
Offers a more dramatic, edgy appearance with a sharp contrast between the top and the sides. It’s bold and modern, making it a popular choice for men who like a more stylish, high-fashion, or trendy look.
4. Suitability for Hair Types:
Taper:
Works well with almost any hair type, including straight, wavy, and curly hair. It’s a versatile style that can be adjusted to suit individual preferences.
Fade:
Works especially well for shorter hair types but can also be adapted for curly and textured hair, giving a bold, striking appearance.
5. Maintenance:
Taper:
Requires less frequent maintenance compared to a fade because the sides are not shaved down to the skin. Trims every few weeks are usually enough to maintain the clean look.
Fade:
If you have a skin fade or a high fade, the sharp contrast can grow out quickly and lose its clean, defined lines.
6. Types:
Taper:
- Low Taper: Starts fading closer to the ear or neckline.
- Mid Taper: The fade starts in the middle of the sides, providing a balanced look.
- High Taper: The fade starts higher on the sides, creating a sharper contrast.
Fade:
- Low Fade: The fade begins low, near the ear or neck.
- Mid Fade: The fade begins in the middle of the sides, creating a balanced contrast.
- High Fade: The fade starts higher on the sides, often around the temples.
- Skin Fade: The fade goes down to the skin, giving a clean, shaved effect on the sides.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between a taper and a fade depends on your personal style, preferences, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.
Go for a Taper Hairstyle if:
- You want a more subtle, natural look with a smooth transition from the longer hair on top to the shorter sides.
- You prefer a haircut that works well with all hair types and has a versatile, professional vibe.
- You want less frequent touch-ups and a low-maintenance look.
Go for a Fade Hairstyle if:
- You prefer a bold, edgy, and modern style with a sharp contrast between the top and sides.
- You’re looking for a haircut that can be adjusted to a more dramatic, high-fashion look.
- You don’t mind more frequent trips to the barber to maintain the clean, sharp look.
Conclusion:
Both the taper and fade are stylish options for modern men’s haircuts, but they cater to different preferences. While a taper offers a more natural, gradual look that’s versatile and easy to maintain, a fade creates a more striking, sharp contrast that can be edgy and attention-grabbing. Consider your hair type, personal style, and desired level of maintenance when choosing between these two popular haircuts. Whether you go for the smooth, subtle taper or the bold, high-contrast fade, both can elevate your hairstyle to a whole new level!