Fade, taper or drop fade: what's the difference?

12 November 2026 · by Alejandro Castro

When you ask your barber for "a fade", you could mean very different things. Here's how to recognise the most requested faded cuts in our salon in Muralto, so next time you know exactly what to ask for.

Fade: the classic blend

In a fade, the hair on the sides and back gets shorter and shorter towards the bottom, almost down to the skin. It can start low (low fade), in the middle (mid fade) or high (high fade). The higher it starts, the stronger the contrast with the top.

Taper: lighter and more subtle

A taper only shortens the sideburns and the nape and keeps the sides fuller. It's the right choice if you want a neat look that isn't too bold, for example at the office. It grows out nicely and stays clean longer.

Drop fade and skin fade

A drop fade curves down behind the ear towards the nape: it follows the shape of your head and looks great with curls and wavy hair. A skin fade goes all the way down to the skin with a razor, for a sharp contrast.

Which one should you choose?

It depends on your face shape, your hair type and how often you want to visit the barber. A high fade needs a touch-up every 2–3 weeks, a taper can go 4–5 weeks. Bring us a photo of what you like and we'll suggest the right version for you.