Taper vs. Fade: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A taper is a gradual decrease in hair length towards the neck, while a fade is a more extreme blend of hair lengths, often to the skin.
Key Differences
Paragraph 1: Taper cuts involve gradually decreasing the length of hair from the top of the head down to the neck, with a subtle transition in hair length. In contrast, fades are characterized by a more drastic and noticeable transition from longer hair at the top to very short or skin-level hair on the sides and back.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Paragraph 2: The taper haircut offers a more conservative look, maintaining some hair length around the sides and back. The fade haircut, however, often goes down to a very short length or even bare skin, creating a stark contrast between the top and sides of the hair.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Paragraph 3: Tapers generally blend the hair more subtly into the shorter lengths and are less high-maintenance than fades. Fades require more frequent touch-ups due to the short length of hair at the sides and back, as even small hair growth can alter the style's appearance.
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Nov 19, 2023
Paragraph 4: The taper can be combined with various hairstyles on top, offering versatility while maintaining a classic appearance. Fades, due to their more dramatic nature, often stand out more and can be a statement piece in a person's overall look.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Paragraph 5: In summary, while both tapers and fades involve a transition from longer to shorter hair, the taper does so more gradually and conservatively, whereas the fade offers a bolder, more pronounced change in hair length.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
XTransition
Gradual and subtle decrease in hair length.
Sharp and noticeable transition to shorter hair.
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Nov 19, 2023
Maintenance Level
Lower maintenance, less frequent touch-ups.
Higher maintenance, requires regular touch-ups.
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Nov 19, 2023
Hair Length at Sides
Longer than fade, not typically skin-level.
Very short or skin-level hair.
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Nov 19, 2023
Versatility
Versatile, can be combined with many styles.
More limited, often a statement style.
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Nov 19, 2023
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Taper and Fade Definitions
Taper
To diminish or reduce in thickness toward one end.
The candle had a gentle taper towards its base.
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Nov 15, 2023
Fade
To lose brightness or vividness of color.
The fabric began to fade after several washes.
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Nov 15, 2023
Taper
To gradually decrease in width or thickness.
The road began to taper as they approached the village.
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Nov 15, 2023
Fade
A haircut where the hair is very short or shaved at the sides and back, blending into longer hair on top.
He preferred a sharp fade for a more modern look.
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Nov 15, 2023
Taper
A haircut where the length of the hair decreases down the sides and back.
He asked the barber for a classic taper cut.
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Nov 15, 2023
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Fade
To become weaker or less vibrant.
Her enthusiasm for the project seemed to fade over time.
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Nov 15, 2023
Taper
To lessen gradually or reduce in size.
The intensity of the storm began to taper off by evening.
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Nov 15, 2023
Fade
To lose brightness, loudness, or brilliance gradually
The lights and music faded as we set sail from the harbor.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
To lose strength or vitality; wane
Youthful energy that had faded over the years.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
(Sports) To swerve from a straight course, especially in the direction of a slice.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
(Football) To move back from the line of scrimmage. Used of a quarterback.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taper
(Sports) A period before a competition or race in which the intensity and frequency of exercise and training is decreased.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
To cause to lose brightness, freshness, or strength
Exposure to sunlight has faded the carpet.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
(Sports) To hit (a golf ball, for instance) with a moderate, usually controlled slice.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taper
To diminish or lessen gradually. Often used with off
The storm finally tapered off.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taper
(Sports) To decrease one's exercise levels before a competition or race
Tapered for a week before the marathon.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
A gradual dimming or increase in the brightness or loudness of a light source or audio signal.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
A transition in a cinematic work or slide presentation in which the image gradually appears on or disappears from a blank screen.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
A control mechanism on a stereo that adjusts the distribution of power between the front and rear channels.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
A style of haircut in which the hair is cut close to the sides and back of the head and trimmed to result in gradually longer lengths toward the top of the head.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taper
A tapering form; gradual diminution of thickness and/or cross section in an elongated object.
The taper of a spire
The legs of the table had a slight taper to them.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taper
A thin stick used for lighting candles, either a wax-coated wick or a slow-burning wooden rod.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taper
A cone-shaped item for stretching the hole for an ear gauge piercing.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
(golf) A golf shot that curves intentionally to the player's right (if they are right-handed) or to the left (if left-handed).
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
A haircut where the hair is short or shaved on the sides of the head and longer on top. See also high-top fade and low fade.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
A gradual decrease in the brightness of a shot or the volume of sound or music (as a means of cutting to a new scene or starting a new song).
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
(slang) The act of disappearing from a place so as not to be found; covert departure.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
(intransitive) To grow weak; to lose strength; to decay; to perish gradually; to wither, as a plant.
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Fade
(intransitive) To lose freshness, color, or brightness; to become faint in hue or tint; hence, to be wanting in color.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taper
A small wax candle; a small lighted wax candle; hence, a small light.
Get me a taper in my study, Lucius.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
(intransitive) To sink away; to disappear gradually; to grow dim; to vanish.
The milkman's whistling faded into the distance.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taper
A tapering form; gradual diminution of thickness in an elongated object; as, the taper of a spire.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taper
Regularly narrowed toward the point; becoming small toward one end; conical; pyramidical; as, taper fingers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taper
To become gradually smaller toward one end; as, a sugar loaf tapers toward one end.
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Fade
Weak; insipid; tasteless; commonplace.
His masculine taste gave him a sense of something fade and ludicrous.
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Fade
To become fade; to grow weak; to lose strength; to decay; to perish gradually; to wither, as a plant.
The earth mourneth and fadeth away.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
To lose freshness, color, or brightness; to become faint in hue or tint; hence, to be wanting in color.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taper
The property possessed by a shape that narrows toward a point (as a wedge or cone)
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
To sink away; to disappear gradually; to grow dim; to vanish.
The stars shall fade away.
He makes a swanlike end,Fading in music.
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Oct 19, 2023
Taper
A loosely woven cord (in a candle or oil lamp) that draws fuel by capillary action up into the flame
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
To cause to wither; to deprive of freshness or vigor; to wear away.
No winter could his laurels fade.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
A golf shot that curves to the right for a right-handed golfer;
He took lessons to cure his slicing
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
Become less clearly visible or distinguishable; disappear gradually or seemingly;
The scene begins to fade
The tree trunks are melting into the forest at dusk
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Oct 19, 2023
Taper
A gradual diminution of width or thickness in an elongated object.
The artist's brush had a fine taper, perfect for detailed work.
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Nov 15, 2023
Fade
Become feeble;
The prisoner has be languishing for years in the dungeon
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Oct 19, 2023
Fade
To gradually disappear or become less distinct.
The sound of the music faded into the distance.
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Nov 15, 2023
Fade
In sports, a shot that moves slightly in a particular direction.
The golfer's shot had a slight fade to the right.
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Nov 15, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is a taper cut suitable for all hair types?
Yes, a taper cut is versatile and suitable for most hair types.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Can tapers be combined with other hairstyles?
Yes, tapers can be combined with various hairstyles, making them versatile.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
How does a fade haircut differ in appearance from a taper?
A fade haircut differs by having a more dramatic transition to shorter lengths, often to skin level on the sides and back.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Are tapers suitable for formal occasions?
Yes, tapers are often suitable for formal occasions due to their more conservative look.
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Nov 19, 2023
How often should a fade haircut be maintained?
A fade haircut typically requires more frequent touch-ups, often every few weeks, to maintain its sharp appearance.
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Nov 19, 2023
What is a skin fade?
A skin fade is a type of fade haircut where the hair is shaved down to the skin.
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Nov 19, 2023
What is the main characteristic of a taper haircut?
The main characteristic of a taper haircut is the gradual decrease in hair length from top to bottom.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is a fade haircut considered modern?
Yes, fade haircuts are often considered more modern and edgy.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is a taper haircut a good option for thick hair?
Yes, taper haircuts work well with thick hair by reducing bulk.
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Nov 19, 2023
How does a fade affect the hairline?
Fades can sharply define the hairline, especially around the ears and nape.
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Nov 19, 2023
Are taper haircuts good for thin hair?
Tapers can be a good option for thin hair, as they don't remove too much volume.
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Nov 19, 2023
Do tapers require special hair care?
Tapers don't require special care but maintaining the shape with regular trims is recommended.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can a taper haircut be long on top?
Yes, taper haircuts can have longer hair on top.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can tapers be styled in different ways?
Yes, tapers offer flexibility in styling.
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Nov 19, 2023
How do fades work with different hair textures?
Fades can be tailored to suit various hair textures, though they may require skilled barbering techniques.
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Nov 19, 2023
Which haircut is easier to maintain, taper or fade?
Taper cuts are generally easier to maintain compared to fades.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can women get taper or fade haircuts?
Yes, both taper and fade haircuts are popular among women as well.
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Nov 19, 2023
Are fades appropriate for all ages?
Yes, fades can be suitable for all ages, depending on the style chosen.
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Nov 19, 2023
What should be considered when getting a fade?
Consider your hair type, face shape, and maintenance when getting a fade.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can fades be customized in terms of length?
Yes, fades can be customized with different lengths and styles.
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Nov 19, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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