26 references in catalogue
Low Taper Fade
The cleanup stays near the sideburns and neckline while the side keeps most of its length. It is the most conservative taper height and usually the easiest to grow out.
Read the guideLearn the vocabulary
Ten common fade terms, explained in plain language.
Low, mid, and high describe placement; skin and shadow describe the endpoint; burst and drop describe shape. Each guide explains one commonly used term, compares related requests, and gives you wording for a real consultation.
These guides describe how the terms are commonly used. Shops vary, hairlines differ, and catalogue images are generated illustrations — confirm heights and endpoints with your barber in person.
6 references in catalogue
Mid Taper Fade
The transition starts around temple level, between a conservative edge cleanup and a high-contrast fade. Visible structure without going all the way up the side.
Read the guide1 reference in catalogue
High Taper Fade
The blend starts near the top of the side, so most of the area above the ear is taken short. A bold taper placement whose contrast can make regrowth noticeable sooner.
Read the guide4 references in catalogue
Skin Fade
“Skin” describes the shortest point, not the height: the fade blends all the way down to bare skin before meeting the outline. Maximum contrast and the most demanding upkeep.
Read the guide1 reference in catalogue
Shadow Fade
A fade whose shortest point stops just short of skin, leaving a dark shadow of stubble. Most of the contrast of a skin fade with a gentler grow-out and a more forgiving schedule.
Read the guide1 reference in catalogue
Bald Fade
The fade blends until there is no visible stubble at the shortest point — fully shaved at the base. The highest-contrast, lowest-tolerance fade request, and the one where precise wording matters most.
Read the guide10 references in catalogue
Burst Fade
Instead of running straight up the side, a burst fade arcs around the ear in a curved shape — like a sunburst behind the ear. A shape-first fade that pairs naturally with mohawks, mullets, and curls.
Read the guide6 references in catalogue
Drop Fade
The fade line drops behind the ear, following the curve of the head so the shortest point sits lower at the nape than at the temple. A curved profile that keeps weight balanced around the ear.
Read the guide1 reference in catalogue
Temp Fade
Short for temple fade: the blend focuses on the temples and front corners while the rest of the side and back keep their length. Precision work around the hairline.
Read the guide4 references in catalogue
Blowout Taper
A styling-led shape: the perimeter stays tight while the top is blow-dried into deliberate lift and volume. The haircut is half clipper work, half daily routine.
Read the guideHow to use these guides
- 1. Pick the term that sounds closest to what you want, read the definition, and check the comparisons against related cuts.
- 2. Borrow the chair wording rather than the name alone — height, shortest point, and neckline shape are separate decisions.
- 3. Open a matching catalogue reference or build a brief that captures your choices before you sit down.
The guides describe terminology in good faith; they do not predict how a haircut will look on you and no image in the catalogue has been barber reviewed.