Same word, two different cuts
It comes down to how far down the blend goes.
| Cut | How far | Contrast | Reads as |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taper | Short at the neck, hair still visible | Low | Traditional |
| Taper fade | Close to the skin, length on top | Medium | Sharp, still office-safe |
| Skin fade | Bare scalp | High | Boldest of the three |
Not sure which?
Your barber picks based on your hair and head shape. That's the job.



