Men's Haircut Types: Fades, Tapers, Crops, and Quiffs

Knowing the terms helps you ask for what you want. Start with the one that confuses people most: fade versus taper.

Fade vs. taper

Fade

A fade shortens the hair gradually until it’s down to the skin or very close, all the way around the sides and back.

• Low fade: starts just above the ear.
• Mid fade: starts around the temple.
• High fade: starts higher up. It’s bolder and has more contrast.
• Drop fade: curves down behind the ear.

Taper

A taper shortens the hair only a little, mostly at the sideburns and the neckline. The hair above the ears keeps its length, so the look is subtler and more classic.

Styles for the top

1. Textured crop. A short fringe with choppy layers. It adds body to straight or wavy hair and takes little product.
2. Pompadour. Hair swept up and back from the forehead for height. Matte paste looks more natural than heavy oil.
3. Quiff. Like a pompadour, but brushed forward and then up at the front.
4. Slick back. Longer hair combed straight back, often with short sides.

Haircuts by face shape

• Oval: most styles work.
• Round: add height with a quiff, a high fade, or a textured pompadour.
• Square: classic side parts, low fades, and buzz cuts suit a strong jaw.
• Heart or diamond: a mid-length crop or side sweep balances a narrow chin.

Bring a photo to your next visit and we’ll set the guard numbers and scissor lengths to fit your hair and how much time you spend on it.