What's the Difference Between a Taper and a Fade?

Feb 9

You sit down in the chair, your barber asks what you want, and you freeze. "A fade... or wait, maybe a taper?" You've heard both terms a thousand times. You've probably used them interchangeably. Most people do.

Here's the thing: a taper and a fade are not the same cut. They're related — both involve gradually blending hair from longer to shorter — but the key difference comes down to one question: does it go to skin, or doesn't it?

That single distinction changes the entire look, the maintenance schedule, and how your cut grows out over the next few weeks.

By the end of this article, you'll know exactly what each one is, the different types of each, and — most importantly — how to ask your barber for the one you actually want.

What Is a Taper?

A taper is a gradual decrease in hair length from the top of the head down toward the ears and neckline. The key detail: the hair never goes all the way to skin. It gets shorter, but it stays visible. There's no bald spot, no exposed scalp. Just a smooth, natural transition from longer to shorter.

Think of it as the classic barbershop cut. Clean, conservative, and sharp without being aggressive. If your grandfather went to a good barber, he was probably getting a taper.

Why guys choose a taper:

It works everywhere. Boardroom, job interview, wedding, Saturday barbecue — a taper never looks out of place.
Lower maintenance. Because there's no skin-level blending, a taper grows out more gracefully. You can push your appointments to 4-5 weeks without it looking rough.
It's versatile. A taper pairs with almost any length on top — short and textured, medium with a side part, or longer and slicked back.
Subtle and refined. If you want a clean look that doesn't scream "I just left the barbershop," a taper is your move.

A taper is the foundation of men's haircutting. It's been around for decades because it just works.

What Is a Fade?

A fade takes that same gradual blending concept and pushes it further — all the way down to skin. The hair transitions from whatever length you have on top to completely bare at the bottom. It's a sharper, higher-contrast look that creates a defined edge between the longer hair and the skin.

Fades are the backbone of modern barbering. Walk into any shop in Sacramento and you'll see them in the chair all day long. They're clean, they're sharp, and when done well, they look like art.

Why guys choose a fade:

High contrast, high impact. A fresh fade is unmistakable. The clean transition from hair to skin gives a crisp, polished look that stands out.
Modern and versatile. Fades pair with everything — textured crops, pompadours, curly tops, buzz cuts. The sides frame whatever you're doing on top.
Defined edges. Fades create sharp, precise lines around the ears and neckline, giving your whole look a tighter feel.
Works with all hair types. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily, there's a fade that works for you.

The trade-off? Fades need more maintenance. That skin-to-hair transition starts to blur after about two weeks. If you like that fresh-out-the-chair look, you're coming in every 2-3 weeks. That's just the reality.

Book Your Cut

Types of Fades

Not all fades are created equal. The type you choose depends on how dramatic you want the transition, where you want it to start, and the overall vibe you're going for. Here's the breakdown.

Low Fade

Starts just above the ear and hugs the lower portion of the head. This is the most subtle fade — it gives you that clean skin transition without taking too much off. If you want a fade but keep things somewhat conservative, start here. It's the most popular request across our six locations for a reason.

Mid Fade

Starts at the temple, roughly at the halfway point between your ears and the top of your head. It's the sweet spot — noticeable enough to make a statement, balanced enough to work in most settings. If you're not sure what height to go with, a mid fade is a safe bet.

High Fade

Starts high on the sides, well above the temple. This is a bold choice. A high fade leaves a lot of skin exposed, creating maximum contrast with whatever length you have on top. It's sharp, it's dramatic, and it makes a strong impression.

Skin Fade

This refers to any fade that goes all the way down to bare skin — no stubble, no shadow, just skin. A skin fade can be low, mid, or high. When someone says "skin fade," they're specifying the finish, not the height. At Sacred Barbers, a Skin Fade runs $35-$60 depending on your barber.

Shadow Fade

The opposite approach to a skin fade. Instead of going to bare skin, a shadow fade stops at very short stubble — usually around a 0.5 guard. You still get a fade effect, but with a subtle shadow of hair remaining at the lowest point. It's slightly less maintenance-intensive and has a softer feel.

Burst Fade

A burst fade curves around the ear in a semicircle shape, radiating outward like a burst. Instead of following a straight horizontal line, the fade arcs behind the ear. It works particularly well with curly and textured hair, mohawks, and south-of-France styles.

Drop Fade

Rather than following a straight line around the head, a drop fade dips lower behind the ear, creating a curved silhouette when viewed from the side. It's a modern, stylish variation that adds dimension to your profile. Pairs well with longer tops and slicked-back styles.

Types of Tapers

Tapers are simpler by nature — there are fewer variations because the concept is more straightforward. But there are still distinct types worth knowing.

Low Taper

The most minimal version. Hair is tapered only around the ears and the very bottom of the neckline. The change in length is subtle — someone might not even notice you got a cut unless they're paying attention. It's as conservative as it gets while still looking intentional.

Classic Taper

The standard. Hair gradually decreases in length from the top of the head down to the edges, with a clean but visible transition all the way around. This is what most people picture when they hear "taper" — a timeless look that's been a barbershop staple for generations. It's the kind of cut that works just as well with a suit as it does with a T-shirt.

Tapered Neckline

This specifically refers to how the hair at the back of your neck is finished. Instead of a hard, squared-off line, a tapered neckline gradually blends the hair into the neck for a natural look. It grows out cleaner than a lined neckline and requires less frequent touch-ups. If you want your cut to look good for an extra week, a tapered neckline helps.

How to Choose Between a Taper and a Fade

Still not sure which one is right for you? Run through these questions.

What's your work environment?

If you're in a corporate or conservative setting, a taper keeps things professional. If you've got more flexibility — creative field, trades, your own business — a fade gives you room to express more style. That said, plenty of guys rock low fades in office settings without any issues.

How often do you want to come in?

Be honest with yourself. A taper can look solid for 4-5 weeks. A fade starts losing its sharpness after 2 weeks and really needs attention by week 3. If you don't want to be in the chair twice a month, lean toward a taper.

What's your hair type?

Thicker, coarser hair tends to hold fade shapes well. Fine or thin hair can sometimes make fades look patchy if not done carefully. Curly and textured hair looks incredible with fades, especially burst and drop variations. Your barber knows your hair better than any article — ask them what they'd recommend.

What about your face shape?

The height and style of your taper or fade can complement or counterbalance your face shape. Rounder faces often benefit from higher fades that add the illusion of length. Longer faces can look great with low fades or tapers that keep some weight on the sides. This is where your barber's expertise matters most.

When in doubt?

Ask. That's what we're here for. Every one of our 54+ barbers across six Sacramento locations has seen every face shape, hair type, and lifestyle imaginable. A quick conversation at the start of your cut goes a long way. For more on this, check out our guide on how to talk to your barber.

How to Ask Your Barber for Each

Knowing the difference is one thing. Communicating it clearly is another. Here's how to make sure you and your barber are on the same page.

Asking for a taper:

"I want a taper on the sides — not to skin, just gradually shorter."
"Keep it conservative. Blended sides, but no skin showing."
"Classic taper, short on the sides but not faded."

Asking for a fade:

"I want a low fade" (or mid, or high — specify the height).
"Skin fade" or "shadow fade" — specify whether you want it all the way to bare skin or just close to it.
"Fade the sides, keep about [X inches] on top."

For either one:

Bring a photo. Seriously. A reference photo eliminates guesswork. Show your barber what you're going for and they'll tell you exactly how to get there. Check out our clipper guard numbers guide to understand the numbers your barber might reference.
Point to your head. If you want the fade or taper to start at a specific height, point to the spot. "I want it to start here" is perfectly clear.
Mention your lifestyle. "I don't have time for a lot of maintenance" tells your barber to lean conservative. "I want it sharp — I don't mind coming in every two weeks" tells them to go for it.

Your barber will always confirm before they cut. If something sounds off in the consultation, speak up. A good barber wants you to leave the chair feeling great. For more tips on communicating with your barber, read our guide on how to describe the haircut you want.

Now You Know the Difference

Let's make it simple.

Taper: Gradual blend, hair stays visible, never goes to skin. Classic, clean, low maintenance.

Fade: Gradual blend all the way to skin. Sharp, modern, higher maintenance.

Both are solid choices. Neither is better than the other — it comes down to your style, your routine, and what makes you feel most confident when you walk out the door.

The best part? You don't have to figure it out alone. Our barbers at Sacred Barbers live this every day across all six Sacramento locations. Sit down in the chair, tell them what you're thinking, and let them help you dial it in.

Ready to get your next cut? Tell your barber exactly what you want.