A Beginner’s Guide to a Taper Fade Haircut for Men

The fade haircut is a very popular style among men. It’s one of those haircuts that don’t seem to go out of style. If you even reach for the nearest men’s magazine like GQ Style, you’ll come to see how popular the fade is.

But what is it about the “taper fade” that a lot of people speak about? Is it the same as a simple fade or is it completely different? Keep reading this article to learn more.

What Is the Taper Fade?

This is probably the first question you will ask. The truth is, the hairstyle is called a “taper haircut” and it is a type of fade. So you don’t actually have to say “taper fade” when referring to a taper. People often lump these terms together because of how similar they are, but they are actually different.

So what is a taper? It is a gradient haircut, very much similar to other fade haircuts, where the length of the hair gradually gets shorter from the top of the head as you go down along the nape. This results in a gradient effect where the hair seems to be fading into the skin.

To be clear, there are different kinds of fade, and the taper is only one of them. It is different from other fades because the hair at the start of the gradient is often longer than what is used in other fade haircuts.

What Is a Fade?

As mentioned before, a fade is more of a general term for gradient haircuts. However, fades usually refer to the specific haircut wherein the hair at the nape is cut shorter than what a taper is. It gives the illusion of the hair fading right into the skin, and this is where its name is derived from.

Fades usually require more attention to detail to ensure that the effect is visible. It needs to be done evenly so that the hair comes out good.

Is a Taper Haircut Just the Same as an Undercut?

While it is true that they are both similar in that the hair at the top is much longer than the hair at the bottom, the similarities end there. For a taper, the hair at the start of the gradient is cut so short and almost down to the skin. Undercuts just refer to any hairstyle wherein the top part is longer than the hair at the neck area, regardless of how long the hair at the bottom part or neck area is.

Should I Get a Taper or Fade Haircut?

This choice will solely depend on you. Because of how similar they are, some people often have trouble telling the difference. The main point is to know whether you would want your hair at the nape to be shorter than what it might normally be. You can even add more custom and personalized details both to tapers and fades, such as adding designs like triangles or waves.

Conclusion

If you’re a guy who has been trying to figure out how to tell the difference between tapers and fades, hopefully now you know. While similar and related, the taper is different from the fade. To get the desired effect, you should know which one you want to choose. You can even combine the two if you would like to have a more unique design that is still very popular these days.

Are you looking for a barber in Vancouver? You can contact us at Scotch & Fades. We are an upscale barber shop offering various services like fades, cuts, beard trimming, and more. Book an appointment online with us today.