You have probably seen a taper or fade haircut from international celebrities to folks in your neighborhood. If a thought has ever crossed your mind to get either of these cuts, you might have wondered what makes them so unique or different from each other.
This article explains the differences between these two types of haircuts to help you decide what suits you best.
Difference Between Taper and Fade
A taper is the quiet, clean gradual reduction of hair. The hair simply gets progressively shorter along from top to sides and back. There is not any crisp cut-off or clear edge to the length.
It is neat, clean, and it smooths everything out together. A taper is classic, professional, and has the function of cleaning up any style without drawing attention.
What Type Of Men’s Haircuts Do You Prefer?
The fade, however, is the more radical, bold cousin of the taper. The fade is applying that idea of cutting it shorter and just going all the way with it, typically tapering the hair right down to the scalp. It’s a lot sharper and more defined. You can have a “low fade” starting at your temples, a “mid fade” starting higher, or a “high fade” that sprouts up to the crown of your head. It is a cut that speaks to your head shape and your barber’s skill.
Changing Your Cut to Suit Your Face
For the Round Face
Your face is approximately as wide as it is long with soft curved lines. The goal here is to define and create a sense of length. If you have a round face, then mid or high fade is your best choice. Shaving the hair very close on the sides takes away bulk and slims and lengthens your face. Pair it with a higher top, like a pompadour or a textured quiff, to actually stretch out your facial structure. Tapering would add too much weight to the sides, nullifying your objective.
For Square Face
You have a wide jawline and forehead. You can emphasize these angles without adopting a boxy appearance. The best thing is that you can rock both. A clean fade will define your angular jawline and add a sharp, high-fashion look. In contrast, a classic taper softens the edges a bit for a more understated, dapper appearance.
For Oval Face
You have the same measurements, and your jaw is slightly shorter than your forehead. Virtually any style works for you. A just cleaned taper will present itself remarkably sharp and together. A drastic fade will set off your well-balanced face. Your decision here is one of style and maintenance. If you are looking to stay low-key then consider a taper tan. If you prefer something that requires a new cut every two weeks then the fade is the route to take.
For the Oblong or Rectangular Face
Your face is longer than it is wide. The main goal is not to make your face appear even longer. A good advice would be to lean towards the taper. A fade that cuts sides right up to the skin causes your face to look elongated. A taper is the best compromise because it keeps some weight and fullness on the sides. This provides width and fills out the length of the face. Avoid ones with too much height at the top and ask your barber to leave the sides a bit fuller.
For the Heart-Shaped Face
You possess a wider forehead and a pointed, narrower chin. You need to draw focus away from the forehead and even the chin. Your haven in this case will be a taper. A low taper is great because it does not bulk out the crown of your head, which makes your forehead look wider. It forms a tidy, well-balanced border around your face. A high fade may broaden your forehead, so it is best to steer clear of that.
It is easier to visit the barber if you understand how a fade is different from a taper and how either would look on your face. It elevates a haircut from the realm of convention to the realm of considered decision. Choosing a cut that highlights your best attribute and gives you an unmistakable confidence boost is more important than trying to keep up with the trends.
That’s where the skill of a fine barber enters the picture. A trained expert will be able to gauge your face, hear what your busy lifestyle demands, and sculpt a cut. That’s exactly what Gentz Barber Shop can offer. Our master barbers have the ability to turn any concept into art, whether it’s a fade, a taper, or some blend style that combines the two.
