Guides / Types of cuts
Fades vs. Tapers: choosing the right cut.
Most clients walk in asking for "a fade." Half of them actually want a taper. Here's how to tell the difference — and how to pick the cut that suits your hair, your face shape and how much upkeep you want.
Fades
A fade blends the hair from the skin (or near-skin) all the way up into the longer length on top. The hallmark is the gradient — done well, you can't see where the short ends and the longer starts.
- Skin fade — taken down to the skin at the bottom. Maximum contrast, sharpest finish, fastest to grow out.
- Low fade — starts just above the ears. Subtle, office-friendly, and the easiest fade to maintain between cuts.
- Mid fade — starts at the temple. The all-rounder — works with textured tops, curls and longer styles on top.
- High fade — starts above the temple. Bold and modern; best with a clear amount of length left on top to balance the cut.
Tapers
A taper shortens the hair gradually around the ears and the neckline only — the rest of the cut stays long. No skin, no dramatic contrast. Think clean edge, not faded gradient.
- Classic taper — keeps length through the sides and back, tidied around the ears and neck. Grows out gracefully.
- Taper fade — the bridge cut: blended like a fade, but only around the ears and neckline. Best of both worlds for clients who want sharpness without going short on the sides.
How to choose
- Want low maintenance? Classic taper or low fade. Three to four weeks between cuts.
- Want maximum contrast? Skin fade — but expect to be in the chair every one to two weeks.
- Got texture or curls? Mid fade with length on top. Lets the texture show without losing the shape.
- Office-friendly? Low fade or classic taper. Sharp without shouting.
Not sure which? Send a reference photo when you book and we'll confirm before the chair. Book a cut →