If you've ever sat in the chair and been asked “taper or fade?” and quietly panicked — you're not alone. The two get mixed up constantly. Here's the simple version.
A taper gradually shortens the hair around your edges — the sideburns and neckline — while keeping some length. It's subtle, clean, and professional. Nothing goes down to the skin unless you ask.
A fade blends the hair much shorter, often all the way down to the skin. Fades are named by where the blend starts: high, mid, low, or a bald/skin fade when it goes to nothing. Fades read bolder and need more upkeep to stay crisp.
Want low-maintenance and workplace-safe? A taper. Want that sharp, faded-to-the-skin look? A fade. Still unsure? Tell your barber how you like to wear it and how often you get cut — that's all we need to point you the right way.
Bring a photo if you have one, and mention: how short on the sides (or “to the skin”), where you want the blend to start, and how much length to leave on top. At Madison, we'll walk you through it before we start.
Book online in under a minute, or call the shop. Walk-ins welcome when a chair is open.