Skin Fade vs Taper: Which Should You Ask Your Portsmouth Barber For?
"Should I get a skin fade or a taper?" It's one of the questions we hear most in the chair at Headline Barbers. The two get mixed up all the time, even by people who've had one for years. Here's a straightforward guide to the difference, so you know exactly what to ask for next time you see a barber in Portsmouth.
What is a skin fade?
A skin fade takes the hair at the sides and back right down to the skin, then blends it gradually into the longer hair on top. The result is a sharp, high-contrast finish. Where the fade starts – low, mid or high – changes the whole shape of the cut, which is why it's worth agreeing on before the clippers come out.
What is a taper?
A taper is the softer option. The hair gets shorter towards the neckline and around the ears, but it usually keeps some length rather than going down to bare skin. It looks clean and tidy while staying more natural and low-key than a fade.
Which one suits you?
Neither is better. It comes down to a few things:
Upkeep. A skin fade looks its sharpest for a couple of weeks, so it suits people who are happy to book in regularly. A taper grows out more gently and can stretch a little longer between cuts.
Work and lifestyle. If you need a more conservative look for work, a taper is often the safer choice. A skin fade makes more of a statement.
Your hair and head shape. Crowns, cowlicks, hair density and the shape of your head all affect how a fade sits. A good barber checks these before starting, not after.
Not sure? Start with a consultation
Every appointment at Headline starts with a conversation about how you wear your hair and how long you want the cut to last. If you're torn between a fade and a taper, we'll talk you through it and recommend what will actually work for you. And if you'd rather keep more length and movement, a scissor cut might be the better option altogether.
What it costs
At Headline Barbers, a Skin Fade is £25 and a Scissor Cut is £25, with dedicated student and Armed Forces pricing available. You'll find the full list on our Services & Prices page, and you can meet the team before you book.
Book your cut in Southsea, Portsmouth
We're at 58 Fawcett Road, Southsea, PO4 0DN, open Monday to Friday 10am–7pm and Saturday 8am–3pm. Book online, through our app or on Google, or call 02392 174620. Still deciding where to go? Our guide to choosing a barbershop in Portsmouth covers what to look for.