Skin Fade vs. Taper Fade: Which Men's Haircut Is Right for You?

“Fade” is the most requested word in any barbershop, and it’s also the most misunderstood. A skin fade, a taper fade, a low fade and a high fade all look different, and asking for the wrong one is the fastest way to walk out with a cut you didn’t picture. Here’s how I explain it to clients in the chair at Bulletproof Barbering in Bountiful, Utah.

What is a fade haircut?

A fade is any haircut where the hair on the sides and back gets gradually shorter as it moves down the head. Done right, there are no hard lines between lengths, just a smooth blend. Most fades are cut with clippers and blended with clipper-over-comb or scissor-over-comb, then finished with a clean lineup.

Skin fade (bald fade)

A skin fade, also called a bald fade or zero fade, takes the hair all the way down to the skin at the bottom. It’s the sharpest, highest-contrast fade you can get.

• Best for: a crisp, clean look that stands out, especially with textured crops, curls or a longer top.
• Grows out: fastest. Most people with a skin fade come back every two to three weeks to keep it sharp.
• Ask for: “a skin fade,” then say how high you want it to start (low, mid or high).

Taper fade

A taper fade (often just called a taper) only shortens the hair around the edges: the sideburns and the neckline. The rest of the sides keep more length. It’s more subtle and more forgiving than a full fade.

• Best for: professional settings, longer and medium-length styles, mullets, and anyone who wants a clean neckline without a dramatic change.
• Grows out: slowly and naturally. Three to five weeks between cuts works for most people.
• Ask for: “a low taper” or “a burst taper” if you want it curved around the ear.

Low fade vs. mid fade vs. high fade

The height of a fade is about where the shortest part starts climbing up the head.

Fade height	Where it starts	The look
Low fade	Just above the ear and neckline	Subtle, clean, office friendly
Mid fade	Around the temple, middle of the sides	Balanced; the most popular choice
High fade	Near the top of the head	Bold, high contrast, very sharp

A mid skin fade is the one I cut most often in Bountiful. It’s sharp enough to look fresh but still works with almost any top: textured crop, French crop, comb-over or curls.

Which fade fits your hair type?

• Thick or coarse hair: almost any fade works. A mid or high skin fade shows off the blend.
• Fine or thinning hair: a low taper keeps more weight on the sides, so the top looks fuller.
• Curly hair: a skin fade or a burst taper makes curls on top pop. Check the gallery for curly tapers I’ve done.
• Medium and longer hair: a taper keeps the shape of a longer cut while cleaning up the edges. Medium-length and longer textured cuts are my specialty.

How to ask your barber for the right fade

1. Bring a photo. It’s the single best way to get what you want.
2. Say the type and height: “mid skin fade” or “low taper.”
3. Say what you want on top: how much length to keep and whether you want texture.
4. Mention your lifestyle. If you can only get a cut once a month, a taper may suit you better than a skin fade.

Get a fade in Bountiful, Utah

At Bulletproof Barbering, every haircut starts with a quick consult so we agree on the type of fade, the height and the shape before the clippers come out. A haircut is $40, and you can add a beard trim with a hot towel, a wash or a black mask. See every option on the services and prices page.

The studio is at 146 W 300 S, Suite 202 in Bountiful, a short drive from Centerville, Woods Cross, West Bountiful and North Salt Lake. Book your fade online or check the hours and directions.