Skin Fade or Taper: Which One Suits You?

Plenty of people use the words fade and taper as if they mean the same thing. They are related, but the result is different, and knowing which is which helps you ask for exactly what you want before you sit down.

What a taper is

A taper gradually shortens the hair around the edges, at the sideburns and along the neckline, while keeping some length the whole way down. Nothing goes to bare skin. It is subtle, classic, and easy to grow out, which makes it a safe choice for work or a first visit.

What a skin fade is

A skin fade takes the hair all the way down to bare skin at the bottom, then blends smoothly up into the length on top. The contrast is bolder and the look is more modern. It needs a little more upkeep, but it is hard to beat for a genuinely sharp finish.

How to choose

• Want subtle and office friendly? Go with a taper.
• Want sharp and high contrast? A skin fade is your look.
• New to fades or growing it out? Start with a taper and build up.
• Want low fuss on the sides? A mid or long fade sits nicely between the two.

Still not sure?

Bring a photo of a cut you like, or just talk it through with your barber. Half the job is landing on the right shape for your hair and your routine.