Taper vs Fade – A taper and a fade are two popular men’s haircut styles that often get confused. The main difference lies in how the hair blends. A taper gradually shortens the hair around the sides and back without cutting too close to the skin, giving a clean and professional look. A fade, on the other hand, blends the hair down to the skin for a sharper, more dramatic contrast. Whether you choose a taper or fade depends on your style preference—tapers offer subtle sophistication, while fades deliver a bold, modern edge.