When you walk into a barbershop, you might hear a lot of haircut terms that sound similar. Two of the most popular styles right now are the low taper and the low fade. Both are neat, stylish, and trendy — but they’re not the same thing.
In this guide, we’ll break down what each style is, how they’re different, who they suit best, and how you can maintain them. We’ll keep the language simple so you can decide which haircut is right for you without the confusion.
What Is a Low Taper?
A low taper is a haircut where the hair on the sides and back gets gradually shorter starting just above the ears. The transition from long hair on top to short hair near the neckline is smooth and subtle.
Unlike some other fades, a low taper does not usually cut all the way down to the skin. Instead, it blends the hair lengths gently, keeping a natural look. The top hair is left longer so you can style it in different ways — slicked back, combed over, or messy and textured.
Key points about a low taper:
- Starts low, around the ears.
- Gradual blending — no harsh lines.
- Keeps more hair on the sides compared to a fade.
- Works well for
- professional and casual looks.
What Is a Low Fade?
A low fade also starts low on the head, around the ear area, but the blending is more dramatic. It tapers down all the way to the skin, creating a strong contrast between the longer hair on top and the shaved or very short sides.
The low fade looks sharper and more modern compared to the low taper. It’s a bold choice and often used by people who want their haircut to stand out.
Key points about a low fade:
- Starts low, near the ears.
- Blends quickly down to the skin.
- Gives a high-contrast, edgy look.
- Requires more upkeep to stay fresh.
Low Taper vs Low Fade – The Main Differences
Even though the names sound similar, the finish and overall vibe of these haircuts are very different.
1. The Blend
- Low taper: Smooth, natural blend with no skin showing.
- Low fade: Quick transition that shows skin at the bottom.
2. Style Impact
- Low taper: Softer and more versatile. Works in any setting.
- Low fade: Eye-catching and trendy. Ideal for making a statement.
3. Maintenance
- Low taper: Can last 3–4 weeks before you need a touch-up.
- Low fade: Needs a trim every 1–2 weeks to keep the lines sharp.
4. Comfort
- Low taper: More coverage on the sides — better for colder climates or those who don’t like skin exposure.=
- Low fade: Lighter and cooler — great for hot weather.
Which One Suits You Best?
Your choice will depend on your face shape, hair type, lifestyle, and personal style preferences.
If You Have a Round Face:
A low fade can add more definition because of the sharper sides. It gives the illusion of a longer face shape.
If You Have an Oval or Long Face:
A low taper can balance your proportions and make the sides look fuller.
If You Have Thick Hair:
Both styles work, but the low taper might be easier to maintain without constant trims.
If You Have Thin Hair:
A low fade can make the top appear fuller by removing weight from the sides.
Pros and Cons of Each Style
Low Taper – Pros:
- Professional and casual friendly.
- Easy to maintain.
- Ages well between cuts.
- Works for most hair types.
Low Taper – Cons:
- Not as bold or dramatic.
- May feel too subtle for trend-focused styles.
Low Fade – Pros:
- Sharp, modern look.
- Stands out in photos.
- Can highlight the hairstyle on top.
Low Fade – Cons:
- Requires frequent upkeep.
- May not suit conservative work environments.
Styling Tips for Low Taper
- Use light products – Matte creams or light waxes keep it natural.
- Blow-dry for volume – Especially useful if you want a comb-over or pompadour look.
- Change it up – You can go from sleek for work to messy for casual days.
Styling Tips for Low Fade
- Keep the fade fresh – Visit your barber regularly for clean lines.
- Try bold top styles – Spiky, textured, or slick back all look great.
- Use stronger products – Pomades or gels help keep sharp definition.
Choosing Based on Your Lifestyle
If you have a busy schedule and can’t visit the barber often, the low taper will save you time and money. It still looks neat as it grows out.
If you love looking sharp all the time and don’t mind frequent trims, the low fade is worth the extra trips.
Maintenance Schedule
Low Taper:
- Barber visit: Every 3–4 weeks.
- At-home care: Simple shampoo and styling.
Low Fade:
- Barber visit: Every 1–2 weeks.
- At-home care: Styling products, edge touch-ups if possible.
Final Thoughts
The low taper and low fade are both stylish, clean, and versatile haircuts. The main difference is in how dramatic you want the sides to be.
- Choose a low taper if you want something subtle, easy to maintain, and suitable for all settings.
- Choose a low fade if you want a sharper, modern style that stands out.
Your barber can help you fine-tune the look so it works perfectly for your face shape, hair type, and lifestyle.
FAQs
Q1: Can I switch from a low taper to a low fade?
Yes, you can. If you currently have a low taper, your barber can turn it into a low fade in one visit. They’ll simply trim the sides and back shorter until the hair blends into the skin. Keep in mind, though, that once you switch to a low fade, you’ll need more frequent touch-ups (every 1–2 weeks) to keep that sharp, fresh look. If you ever want to go back to a low taper, you’ll just need to let the sides grow out a little before the next cut.
Q2: Which haircut is better for summer?
If you live in a hot or humid climate, the low fade often feels cooler because more skin is exposed on the sides and back. That means less hair to trap heat. The low taper will still keep you comfortable, but it offers more coverage, which can feel warmer. On the flip side, if you want sun protection for your scalp, the low taper might be better since it leaves more hair in place.
Q3: Which style is better for formal events like weddings or business meetings?
The low taper usually works better for formal settings. Its softer, more gradual blend creates a clean, classic look that pairs well with suits, ties, and polished outfits. The low fade is a bit sharper and trendier, which is great for fashion-forward events or parties, but in a very traditional workplace, it might draw more attention than you want.
Q4: Which haircut is easier to maintain at home?
The low taper wins when it comes to low-maintenance care. Because it grows out more evenly, you can wait 3–4 weeks between barber visits and still look presentable. A low fade, on the other hand, starts to lose its crisp look within 7–10 days. If you don’t mind learning to clean up the edges yourself with clippers, you can stretch the time between visits for a fade.
Q5: Does my hair type matter when choosing between them?
Yes. If you have thick, dense hair, both styles will look good — but the low taper will be easier to control without heavy styling products. If you have fine or thin hair, the low fade can make the top look fuller by removing bulk on the sides. Curly or wavy hair can work with both cuts, though fades tend to make curls stand out more.
Read Also: Low Taper vs High Taper
