Fade vs Taper. What's the difference? 

DUDE this whole time I'd be so pissed at my barber for fading too high when all along what I really wanted was a taper🤦🏽‍♂️ Thank God I watched this

Most Barbers here in the Philippines doesn't know fade and taper, they just do what they want

You had me at "it's not the for customers to know, it's nice if they do, but it's your job to explain it to them" loved it. In any profession this is true, sales, retail, botany, and everything in between

It should be mandatory that every barber watch this...NOW!!!

dude no one knows how to talk to their barber. Thank you for this video!

Out of the 50 or more vids I’ve been watching on how to Corona hair cuts, THIS is the only one who explained this perfectly. I didn’t give my husband a bald taper fade. I gave him a tapered hair cut. Thank you!

Bro, watched so many videos and nobody told from where and what kind of cut it is. Your explanation was like a blessing.thank you

Glad this video was made. I used to have long hair as a teen, so I never learned the terminology. However, when asking the barbers the difference, they either didn't know how to explain, or would get upset that I didn't already know.

damn, just took me 33 years only to find out I wanted taper

No wayy!! Andy i had no idea you had a youtube channel! My names Arthur i use to be one of your clients at Jhons barber lounge. I was so bummed when you left you would give me some clean mid skin fades i honestly dont know how i found you on here it popped on my feed.... anyways best of luck with your success man hopefully i can get another clean cut from you someday! just subbed.

Thank you for posting your definitions of a taper and a fade. I'm one of those old barbers whose definition is a little different than yours. This is my definition and then some explanations: The term "taper" had been used in traditional men's barbering long before the term "fade" which was introduced to define a specific type of "taper". That said, a taper is the generic term for both. The main difference between the two are the tools used and the length of hair intended or amount of skin shown. A classic taper retains length while graduating from the longer lengths at the crest of the head to the shorter lengths at the nape and the sideburns. The tools used scissors/shears, combs, clippers, outliners. The scissors/shears are probably the most important tool when creating a taper. The skills involved include club cutting (scissor over knuckle), scissor over comb, clipper over comb and general direct clipper cutting. Is it possible to taper hair without using clippers? Yes, most true tapers can be done with scissors. In general and until the term "fade" was introduced into modern men's barbering. There were high, medium and low tapers. A high taper from back then would be closer to a medium low fade today. A medium or low taper always had hair left in place, especially in the sideburn area. Fades are a new, extreme form of tapering that rely on clippers and foils in order to remove the greatest amount of hair, often just leaving skin. We used to talk about the "graduation" in tapers, today I talk about "transitions" in fades. Your example was a good one from a modern perspective. You are a young barber who grew up with fading as the norm and you are trying to establish a definition of a taper that works for you. The back taper you did was very good. I would call it a short taper. The side area was not tapered, it was faded. I would have expected more length left on the side and a sideburn retained. The work you did was excellent. I think you took on a difficult topic and did good job with it. I hope you don't mind the long-winded opinion of an older barber. Max

Being a visual learner, seeing how a taper is where the side burns are and a fade is all the way around the head. Also making sure you check your work is very important.

Thank you! You explained that perfectly. I have taken my son to a lot of places the last couple of years now looking for a barber/stylist. One that takes care of their customers. One that pride themselves in their abilities to give their customers an experience they look forward too. I have asked so many what the difference was and none of them actually answered my question. So I have come to the point where I am willing to go to school to learn how to cut hair to be able to give my son an awesome experience and whatever he decides to get down the road. You have made things a lot easier actually knowing the difference. And now that I do I know exactly what I am lookin* for and at when it’s being done. Thank you again. Keep up the Great Work!

This whole time I’ve been asking for a low taper fade when I wanted a low bald fade. And I’ve been watching a lot of barber videos over the years!! You should definitely do a series about this. Explaining the different meanings of haircuts, detailing all the specifications so there’s to cause no confusion. And so the barber knows what the client wants, instead of the client not knowing what they’re asking for! (me lol).

wow... i have been in school for like months and this is the first time i really truly get the difference, tysm man!

Yes!! Finally. Well explained. Been to 2 different barbers asking for the same thing but 2 different outcomes.

Love this new series! Thanks for taking the time to explain and demonstrate.

Just stumbled upon this video. 1st time I've heard anyone explain and show the difference. Thanks!

Great video production. I can see every stubble and this is important because when you are doing the clean up I can see which hair you are taking out. Kudos. I am learning from the very basic on barbering without going to barbering school. Now I know the difference. Thank you.

I remember when my dad was our barber/everything. Me: Dad can you give me a high fade? Dad: I'm gonna fade the life out of your body if you don't shut the hell up. You gonna get what I give you... coz I love you son...lmao miss you Dad ❤

I've been to three different barbers and every single one told me that a taper and a fade are the same thing. They have varying years of experience. Finally see the difference.

So so so so so helpful!!! Omg.. i've been in school for 10 months and learned more in just this one video. Thank you for SIMPLY breaking things down!! Wow.. this was such a breakthrough

This helps me so much. Subscribed and notification bell ! Thanks Andy !

When you ask a barber for a "low taper faed, outline, clean up aka shape up, beard trim and a beard fade. And that barber doesn't know what you're talking about? That's when you get up and walk out, saying don't worry about it. It's all good. Go find you a real barber, that knows what you want, knows how to do it , and actually gives it to you

2:00 he started closing his eyes and probably praying his soul for the outcome of this experiment lol

Boss video, bro! Simplistic and informative! 🫡💯

great vid Andy!youre extremely thorough and your video was really helpful.very informative and entertaining!

Beautiful cut. Anytime a client specifically asks for a taper, I treat it like a low taper so I am glad I know this now and will ask for clarification going forward

i just started school and didnt know any idea from either, and yet ive been getting my haircuts for years, never asked what the difference was, just if they could do it lol now i know more and i can explain it better to future clients and students, thank you!

Thanks for putting out this video! Surely helps clear so much confusion 👍

Answering questions I didn't even know I needed to ask. Thanks for the video.

When I was I high school I rolled with the fade but now that I’m much older the taper has been my go cut. It did take a while to find a barber who new the difference. This video would of help past barbers.

I’m going to be making more barber videos. What would you like to learn? Comment below and I may pick yours!

Im just a client and my barber is amazing but this video really helped my perspective on my future haircuts and styles. Thanks!

Thank you Im a new subscriber!!! Just recently found out that Taper was the look I want not fade. Im a hairstylist so this was new lingo for me to learn to tell my Barber 🤗👍🏼

When people ask me where I went to school. I'm going to say you tube.

I love your vids, very educational because a mom of boys, I need the terminology and education on different cuts and what I should look for. I hate going to places and not have the terminology to explain what I want. Keep it up, I appreciate your help. Thanks!

Awesome, Andy. You’re a good teacher little brother. Thank you!!

I love it I’m a cosmetologist. I didn’t know this. Thank you.

Taper is so much cleaner. My barber 💈 taper is tight

my dude came in as a guinea pig and came out with a fresh cut

Out of many videos, this one has helped the most

Great video Andy

I thought I was the only newer barber that was having a hard time with clipper over comb! Getting there but not as easy as it looks. And a great side by side of taper vs fade..

Who else is watching this to learn how to cut hair because of the pandemic self-isolation?

This should be a mandatory video to watch!

Thanks for the visual explanation and comparison. Much appreciated!

It’s amazingly helpful I’m a cosmetologist whom recently started cutting men’s hair and it was very confusing thanks so much excellent explanation!!!

I like when people say " I want a Taper Fade ".... lol

Thanks Andy for defining Taper & Fade. It helps a beginner like me.

Holy shit that cut is clean as hell!

Awesome video. I’ve just started cutting and one of my mates asked me to do a taper on him, so I’m here trying to figure out the difference, and you explained it perfectly ! New subscriber. Cheers mate :)

YOOOO THIS IS SO HELPFUL I have been wanting a taper since my first cut and have been asking for a fade and been not liking my cut like every time since then

great vid Andy! need it for these times !

Awesome video man! Love the cinematography and the voice was crips.

Plain and simple demonstration. Thanks.

came across this video looking for some temple fade inspo. Thanks for the explanation Andy!

Wowww... You have the most apprehensive instructions tutorial! Thank you so much! 👍🏻👌🏻

Good point, always ask/educate the client. Most barbers assume clients want the same, which I learned the hard way; dude rounded my beard & never did he ask to touch it up. Made my face look all droopy like that cartoon character! Good vid!

Difference? If you have big ears, get a taper because if you get a fade your ears will pop out

excellent video and your responses are very professional! class act!!

It's cool to watch these barber vids cus me and my Bros been cutting each other's hair since we were kids. We never had training but somehow we figured out the techniques with the comb, guards, and clippers.. watching these professional barbers is just like watching my bro cut hair. Plus, there was no internet in 1990!!

I'm studying my level 2 hairdressing and this video has helped me. I prefer the taper x

I am not good when it comes to hair styles... I just let the barber do what he thinks will suit me... But, this series might change everything for me!!! 👍👍👍😎

Very few of my clients actually know the difference. Ive had to explain it the difference several times.. sometimes i dont say anything and just do the taper and show them at the end. 99% of the time the younger generation really goes for it and they love it. Most of my older clientele dont go for it if they want it they ask for it.. i love what i do just wanna step up the game

why does this guy make it looks so easy. he is so cool

I trim my hair by myself and I found this video very useful.

Great cutting and explaining. Keep it up my brother.

Thank you so much bro! Subbed!

Very good man explanation and good job giving the examples and putting them side by side!

Thanks for the post. I needed that clarification.

My barber told me this exactly! Taper all the way!

i’m black, so it’s hard asf to talk to my barber and the fact that i’m a shy 13 year old doesn’t help

You're a good teacher.

Thank you! When I seen the difference in real time I totally got it now!

Thank you!! Finally someone to back us fellow barbers up. I’ve been telling them the difference but it’s other barbers fault for not educating them but if they’re my clients, they know the difference lol They even know not to call a gentleman cut or/and side part a “comb over” because that’s when bald people comb hair over the bald spot! Maybe you can make a video on that? 🤔 lol anyway, great video and thanks for helping other barbers and clients get educated correctly!! 💈👌🏻

My uncle has been my barber for about 23 years i always sat in the chair and said do whatever you want lol

My man that fade goes hard! Keep up the good work!

Just realised that I have asked for the wrong hairstyle from my barber every time I sat on that chair thinking that, “I’ve got this”, and every time I was pissed for getting the wrong cut, how brilliant is that, not mentioning how many hair salons changed coz the barber didn’t “delivered”. Thank you for uploading the video and telling us, essentially, how uninformed were we😊 not anymore. Regards, Florin

Now that I know the difference, the real question is, WILL MY BARBER KNOW HOW TO DO A TAPER?? 😂

Dude you are the best. Would actually kill for you to come to Sydney to cut my hair! Haha

Excellent! best video of today!

Every barber needs to watch this video.

Can anyone help me to decide what to get on the sides I slick my hair back and I’ve been getting a 1 on the sides for my whole life and ima go to a different barber and I’m thinking about getting a fade like style on the sides but what should I get I’m staring to think about getting a taper but ima show him a picture of it

Dope. I was always confused why the barber kept cutting my beautiful hair too high. I say like fade just the sides and back up.. Get up from the chair looking turkey neck bald.. Wtf.😂 so I appreciate it.

Nice video bro. I just learned the difference thanks

I now know the difference between the two, thanks so much

enjoyed watching then video, thanks, extremely useful

your intro made me sub

I was definitely mistaken. Thank you for posting!

I just watch to see what hair styles to get thanks helped me pick out choices out a lot faster and better ones

I'm a barber but i didn't know what's the difference between taper and faded until i watched this video, thanks man

When I ask for a taper I get my barber kinda does the bit behind my ear too

ive learn a lot today man

Definitely feeling how the tapered style looks more now that I watched the video. Literally getting my hair cut in a few minutes. 🤣

Can you do one on Asian hair options/styles? I've been stuck with the hedgehog haircut for ages and want some new options :P

I wish my barber was as good as you

Yesterday, I asked for a taper on sideburns and neckline, but the barber didn't know what that meant 😂Instead, he asked me where to fade in. Thanks for your video that tells me I was not wrong. Now I know he was definitely new there.

This video Helps so much. Thank you

First time doing my husband AND kid’s hair! Muahahaha (evil laugh). Gonna try a fade on Husband and a taper on son (7yo) and if I screw up, I screw up..everyone’s quarantined anyway 🤷🏻‍♀️