It feels like there are dozens, if not hundreds of hairstyles to pick from lately. With so many different styles and looks that it can be challenging to decide what to choose. If a longer hairstyle doesn’t take your fancy, you can’t go wrong with a good old fade hairstyle. “Fade hairstyles are most likely our popular request at our barbers and the haircut most students want to master at our barbering academy”, according to Cardiff-based Barber School Wales.

Fades and tapers are extremely popular now — and they have been for a very long time. Both the fade and taper haircuts deliver a clean, fresh look that doesn’t look out of place in both a casual and professional environment.  

Every barber has one technique that they work hard to master. For many, that trim is the skin fade! The three most popular varieties of fade haircuts are low, medium, and high fades. The names relate to how high the fade is on the customer’s head. This means that the hair is not all shaved to one length and has a contrast of lengths combined.

The fade first rose to popularity in the 40s and 50s amongst American soldiers and since then has remained part of black and Hispanic barbershop culture. The fade cemented itself into mainstream “popular culture” in the 1990s with celebrities like Will Smith in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Despite the fade haircut previously being associated with an ‘edgy’ look, due to its widespread popularity amongst different age groups and social classes, fades can now be seen in workplaces, schools, and tv and film.

The skin fade has arguably been the most popular haircut amongst men in the UK for the past 2-3 years. Thousands of men a week pay a visit to their local barbers and request this specific trim. The skin fade haircut is a fresh adaptation of the taper fade that comes in a wide range of looks and styles. In addition to this, the fade can be used alongside almost any length, or style of men’s haircut. Fades are straightforward and are a low-maintenance cut. However, another advantage to the barber is it requires regular visits for upkeep.

Tools you will need:

  • Clippers
  • Cutthroat razor 
  • Fading brush
  • Comb

Variations of the fade haircut

A fade can typically be broken up into 3 fundamental categories based on how high the fade is. 

Tapered fade, skin fades and then low, medium, and high fades which are all variations of the fade haircut, so it’s simple to get confused by which style to ask your barber for.

Taper Fade

taper is when your hair slowly shifts from long to short from the top of your head down toward your hairline. A taper is only done in two places — your sideburns and your neckline.

Skin Fade

A skin fade can be whatever length you fancy on top, provided it’s bald on both sides. Barbers normally utilise their trimmers to ensure the sides are extra sharp. Others choose to use an electric shaver or a cutthroat razor if they want to pull out all the stops. You can request for your barber to give your blend a low, medium, or high finish.

Low, Medium and High Fades

  • Low Fade

The low fade is precisely what it sounds like on paper – a taper cut that runs an inch or two off the hairline. Some people also call it a ‘drop fade’ since the line drops down behind the ear. The low fade enhances the hairline for a distinct finish that even looks good a few weeks after the trim when the hair begins to grow out.

  • Medium Fade

The medium, or mid fade, is seen as the ultimate haircut as it is versatile and suits almost everyone. A compromise between a high fade and a low fade, it’s a tapered cut that essentially finishes between your temple and ears. Not only is it stylish, clean and extremely low maintenance, it’s also versatile. Meaning you can rock this look in a range of settings, from the board room to the beach.

  • High Fade

A high fade trim is a classic look that involves the fading of the hair high up the back and sides of the head. In some cases, the hair only goes roughly 1 to 1.5 inches below the sides and the back of the head. This guarantees the hair on the top of the head appears thicker and sharper.

Final Thoughts

So that’s our guide to the fade haircut. Think the one lesson we can take from this is that the reason this kind of style is in such high demand around the world as it is such an incredibly versatile haircut. It seems to have been adopted by people from various backgrounds and personal styles and shows no sign of its popularity diminishing anytime soon!

165 thoughts on “What is the difference between a taper and a fade?”

  1. hello there and thank you for your information – I’ve certainly picked up something new from right here.
    I did however expertise some technical issues using this site,
    as I experienced to reload the website lots of times previous to I could
    get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK?

    Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will very frequently
    affect your placement in google and can damage your high quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.

    Well I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for much more of your respective exciting content.
    Ensure that you update this again very soon.. Lista escape room

  2. Can I simply say what a comfort to uncover someone who actually knows what they are talking about online. You definitely realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people need to check this out and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you’re not more popular because you surely have the gift.

  3. It’s hard to find educated people on this subject, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

  4. I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy I stumbled across this during my hunt for something concerning this.

  5. Including Sugar Protector into my daily program overall
    health. As someone that prioritizes healthy and balanced consuming, I value the
    additional protection this supplement supplies. Given that beginning to take it, I have actually seen a marked enhancement in my power levels and a substantial decrease in my wish for undesirable treats such
    a such an extensive effect on my daily life.

  6. I’ve dealt with blood sugar fluctuations for years, and it actually influenced my power levels throughout the day.
    Since starting Sugar Protector, I feel a lot more well balanced and alert,
    and I don’t experience those mid-day slumps anymore! I
    enjoy that it’s an all-natural solution that functions without any extreme negative effects.
    It’s truly been a game-changer for me

  7. For many years, I have actually battled unpredictable blood sugar level swings
    that left me feeling drained and sluggish. Yet since integrating Sugar my energy degrees are currently secure and regular, and I no more strike a wall in the mid-days.
    I value that it’s a mild, natural technique that
    doesn’t included any undesirable adverse effects.
    It’s genuinely transformed my daily life.

  8. This website was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me. Kudos.

  9. Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a top notch article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t manage to get anything done.

  10. I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something which too few folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I came across this in my search for something relating to this.

  11. Hello there! This article couldn’t be written much better! Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I most certainly will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  12. I was excited to uncover this site. I need to to thank you for ones time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoyed every part of it and I have you book marked to look at new things in your web site.

  13. I seriously love your blog.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you develop this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my very own site and would like to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Cheers!

  14. Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful article. Thank you for providing these details.

  15. After I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is a means you can remove me from that service? Cheers.

  16. I really like reading through an article that will make men and women think. Also, thank you for permitting me to comment.

  17. I like reading a post that can make people think. Also, thank you for permitting me to comment.

  18. Howdy! This post could not be written any better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I am going to send this information to him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a great read. Thank you for sharing!

  19. Aw, this was a very nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to make a superb article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.

  20. I like reading through a post that will make people think. Also, many thanks for allowing me to comment.

  21. You have made some decent points there. I checked on the web for more info about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.

  22. I need to to thank you for this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every bit of it. I have you book-marked to check out new stuff you post…

  23. Hi, I do believe this is a great website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may come back yet again since I bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.

  24. A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I believe that you should publish more on this subject matter, it might not be a taboo subject but usually people don’t speak about such topics. To the next! Kind regards!

  25. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this site. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own blog now 😉

  26. Good site you have got here.. It’s difficult to find high-quality writing like yours these days. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

  27. Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Many thanks, However I am encountering issues with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I cannot subscribe to it. Is there anybody else getting the same RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanks.

  28. This is the perfect blog for anyone who would like to understand this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject that’s been written about for ages. Wonderful stuff, just excellent.

  29. I needed to thank you for this good read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you saved as a favorite to check out new things you post…

  30. Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post! It’s the little changes which will make the most important changes. Thanks for sharing!

  31. I need to to thank you for this very good read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you saved as a favorite to look at new stuff you post…

  32. I blog frequently and I genuinely thank you for your content. Your article has really peaked my interest. I will book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. I opted in for your Feed too.

  33. This web site truly has all of the information and facts I needed concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.

  34. Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon every day. It’s always exciting to read through articles from other authors and practice a little something from their websites.

  35. I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something too few people are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy that I came across this during my search for something concerning this.

  36. Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and also the rest of the site is extremely good.

  37. Aw, this was a very good post. Spending some time and actual effort to make a great article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and never manage to get anything done.

  38. Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article plus the rest of the website is extremely good.

  39. Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after looking at many of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m certainly delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently.

  40. This is the right site for anyone who wants to understand this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a subject that has been written about for many years. Excellent stuff, just wonderful.

  41. I really like reading an article that will make men and women think. Also, many thanks for permitting me to comment.

  42. You made some decent points there. I checked on the net for more information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.

  43. I was very happy to uncover this page. I wanted to thank you for ones time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely savored every part of it and I have you saved as a favorite to look at new information in your blog.

  44. Can I simply say what a relief to uncover someone that truly knows what they are discussing over the internet. You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people should check this out and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you’re not more popular because you certainly possess the gift.

  45. This page truly has all the information and facts I needed about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.

  46. betflix : Where trust meets entertainment. Play with confidence and enjoy endless gaming possibilities.

  47. Betflix93 สวัสดีคับ ผมเป็นนักเดิมพันออนไลน์ อยากขอแนะนำ เว็บดีๆที่เชื่อถือได้ จ่ายจริงทุกยอดถอน แถมระบบเกมเสถียร ไม่แลคไม่ค้าง เว็บคุณภาพดีความปลอดภัยสูง ไม่โกง ไมล็อคยูสแน่นอน สนใจมาลองเล่นได้ สมาชิกใหม่ รับกำไรสองเท่า

  48. Spot on with this write-up, I really believe this amazing site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the info.

  49. I blog often and I truly appreciate your content. This article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information about once per week. I opted in for your Feed as well.

  50. This website was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Kudos!

  51. Greetings! Very useful advice within this article! It is the little changes that make the greatest changes. Many thanks for sharing!

  52. I’m extremely pleased to uncover this web site. I wanted to thank you for ones time for this fantastic read!! I definitely liked every bit of it and I have you saved to fav to look at new things in your blog.

  53. That is a really good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!

  54. Great info. Lucky me I discovered your site by accident (stumbleupon). I’ve book-marked it for later.

  55. Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post! It’s the little changes which will make the most significant changes. Many thanks for sharing!

  56. This is a topic that’s close to my heart… Thank you! Where can I find the contact details for questions?

  57. Great blog you’ve got here.. It’s difficult to find high quality writing like yours these days. I honestly appreciate people like you! Take care!!

  58. Spot on with this write-up, I honestly feel this site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the advice!

  59. Good web site you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find high quality writing like yours nowadays. I honestly appreciate people like you! Take care!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *