Low Taper vs. High Taper Fade: Which One Is for You?

Taper fade is one of the most widely used and most diverse haircuts available giving a clean cut sharp finish that is suitable with virtually any style. However, going into the barbershop and ordering a taper fade, you are likely to hear your barber follows up with a follow up question, which is usually low, mid or high. The parting of the hair is vastly different with the height of the fade hence being aware of the difference is the major key to getting the haircut you really want.

The following guide will deconstruct the dissimilarities between the two most contrasting fades a low taper fade and a high taper fade. We will discuss what makes each cut, who they suit best and how to keep them clean so that you can make the right choice of style that best fits you.

What is a Taper Fade?

We are going to dwell on the low vs. high in a moment but first we would define a taper fade. A taper fade is a hairstyle in which hair on either side and the back of the head becomes successively shorter as one moves towards the neckline. The fade is down to the skin unlike a classic taper which allows some length to remain at the bottom.

The low or high part is where this loss of fading process starts on your head. It is this point of departure that forms the unique appearance and feel of every style.

The Low Taper Fade Explained

The least noticeable and the least obtrusive of the fade styles is called low taper fade. It is not too dramatic and has a clean and professional appearance.

What it is

The low taper fade starts right above the ears and goes along the natural hairline until the back of the neck. The hair grows longer and then changes gradually to the skin; this occurs at a very low position on the head. Due to the low fade line, the line is leaving behind more hair on the sides and back and this gives it a fuller appearance than its higher counterparts.

Who it’s best for

The low taper fade is an excellent option where:

• Professionals: Its clean and conservative design makes it fit in any office setting or anyone with a willingness to have a simple look but not too flashy.
• First-timers: The low taper is a safe and fashionable point of entry. It is not as much an obligation as high fade.
• Long-haired people: It matches a bit too well with longer hair at the top, such as a pompadour or quiff, or even top knot. The reduction on the sides is subtle, thus harmonizing with the volume on the top without it being too sharp in contrast.

Styling the low taper fade

The High Taper Fade Explained

At the opposite side is the high taper fade. It is an imposing, contemporary, and crisp, high-contrast style that catches the eye.

What it is

With a high taper fade, the fade begins way higher on the head, usually at the temples or at the end of the forehead. The long hair is quickly changed into a skiny one, which forms a dramatic and edgy disconnection between the top and the sides. The hair on top seems more prominent because it is revealed by more of the scalp on the sides and the back in this style.

Who it’s best for

Taper fade Elevated taper fade is suitable in:

• Trendsetters: High taper fade is a sharp style and looks striking in case you desire a haircut that you can be proud of.
• Shorter hair: It suits the short/textured styles such as a crew cut or a French crop because it focuses on the shape and style on the top.
• Sportspeople: The high fade also maintains the sides and the neck hairless, which is a convenient and cool style of hair to have when one has an active life.

Styling the high taper fade

The styling with high taper fade is all contrast based. The sharp and worn edges attract the eye upwards and thus, it is important on how you make the top. A cropped look with a texture, a short spiky appearance or a defined curl are all good to finish the appearance. The top styling turns out to be the show due to the high fade.

How to Maintain Your Taper Fade

Whether you prefer low or high taper fade, the owner of your haircut is the maintenance to ensure you have a fresh and sharp cut. Strauss lines fade can develop rapidly.

• Frequent Barber Visits: To keep your fade crisp, you should visit your barber every 2 to 4 times. High fade may need more frequent touch-ups to maintain its lines as sharp as possible whereas a low fade is somewhat more forgiving since it grows out.
• Wash and Condition: It is best to keep the top hair healthy by washing it 2-3 times a week using a good quality shampoo and conditioner. This will help eliminate product build up and also make your hair easy to style.
• Guard Your Hair: When you have roomy hair on the top of a head, you can put it on a silk or satin pillowcase so that it does not rub together and create friction, resulting in frizziness or even breaking. Last Minute Haircutting Advice.

A Cut Above the Rest

The decision of low taper fade or high taper fade is your choice and depends on your personal style as well as your career and the extent to which you want to make a statement. The low taper has a traditional classy appearance that suits any environment whereas the high taper has a striking contemporary appeal. They are both great options which can improve the style when properly worn. You are now in a position to make a good decision on which fade suits you with the knowledge of the difference. Low Taper Fade vs Mid Taper Fade