The Classic Taper vs. The Modern Fade: A Style Showdown
- October 14, 2024
To taper or fade? That is the question. In fact, it’s the ultimate style question for men in 2024. So, how do you choose taper vs fade? Is one better than the other? Or is it a preference? Let’s trim it down…
Fade vs Taper
Firstly, what are these hairstyles? Tapers feature a gradual decrease in the length of your hair from the top of the head to your neckline, resulting in a smoother transition.
Fades, on the other hand, also transition from long to short, only more dramatically, usually fading down to the skin at the sides and back for a sharper look. It’s possible for your barber to combine both fades and tapers with undercuts.
Pros & Cons
Both types of hairstyles have their pros and cons. For example, tapers are the lower maintenance cuts, while fades demand more frequent visits to the barber for touch-ups. Tapers are also more versatile with more options for styling using a comb. That said, fades are more definitive and “trendy” and they look better on people with thicker hair.
Types
There are also plenty of different types of tapers vs fades, like the taper fade, which is a combo of the two, blending the hair from longer on top to shorter on the back and sides. As for a taper fade vs fade, the former simply provides a slightly more gradual transition while still giving the sharper style of a classic fade.
Get Experimental
You could also experiment with low, mid, and high fades, which dictate where the fade starts. Low tapers are particularly popular at the moment, characterized by a gradual shortening of the hair that starts right above the ears.
Taper vs Fade: Let Your Barber Help You Choose
So, which style’s going to make the cut? It helps to have an experienced barber to advise on which option best complements your personal style, hair texture and length, and face shape —like how a fade can really accentuate a strong jawline. Explore Great Style Barbershop’s barbershop services and contact us for an appointment today.
