A post shared by Keep It Cut (@keepitcut) A taper is when your hair gradually changes from long to short from the top of your head down to your hairline. A taper only appears in two areas—your sideburns and your neckline. A fade is a shorter version of a taper. While the low-taper fade starts lower, the mid-taper fade starts at a middle level. The choice between these two styles depends on your choice, desired level of fading, and the overall look you want to achieve. Low Taper Fade vs Drop Fade Low Taper Fade Sum8Vn.