What is the difference between a skin fade and a taper fade?

A skin fade is blended right down to bare skin at the bottom for the sharpest, cleanest look. A taper fade leaves the hair a little longer at the bottom, so it is more subtle and grows out softer. Skin fade is bolder, taper is smarter and lower maintenance.

A drop fade is where the fade line drops down behind the ear instead of staying level around the head. It follows the shape of the head, frames the back nicely and pairs well with texture or curls on top.

Which fade should I get?

It depends on your hair length on top, your face shape, how bold you want it and your job. The easiest thing is to show us a photo or just tell us how sharp you want it, and we will steer you. Walk in any day at Ilyan's Barber Shop, 229 Hoylake Road, Moreton.

The Journal · May 25, 2026

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

Four words for the sides of your head. Here is what each one actually means.

People walk in and ask for a fade, then we ask a couple of questions and they are not quite sure what to say next. No problem. A fade simply means the hair goes from short at the bottom to longer on top, with a smooth blend in between. The difference between the names is where it starts, how low it goes, and the shape it follows. Here they are in plain English.

Skin fade

Taken right down to the skin at the bottom and blended up. It is the cleanest, sharpest look there is, and it is what we have built our name on. Bold, crisp and you cannot miss it. It does grow out the fastest, so it is the one to keep on top of.

Taper fade

The sides are faded, but not all the way to skin. A little length is left at the bottom. More subtle, smarter, and it grows out softer. If your work is formal or you just want something cleaner than bold, this is usually the one.

Low, mid and high

This is about how far up the head the fade begins. A low fade sits just above the ear for a softer finish. A mid fade sits around the temple. A high fade goes up near the crown for maximum contrast between the skin and the top. Same idea, different amount of drama.

A high fade at Ilyan's Barber Shop, taken up near the crown — High fade · from the chair

Drop fade and burst fade

A drop fade curves down behind the ear instead of running level around the head. It follows the head shape and frames the back, and it sits beautifully under texture or curls on top. A burst fade fades in a curve around the ear and leaves the back longer, which is why you see it on mullets and longer styles.

A curly high top with a fade and shaved design at Ilyan's Barber Shop — Fade under curls · from the chair

You do not need to know the names. Tell us how sharp you want it and roughly the look you are after, and we will name it for you.

Want to see the difference with your own eyes? The gallery is full of real cuts from the chair, skin fades, tapers, drops and the lot. When you are ready, walk in any day or call 07724 373936.