Mid Drop Fade vs Mid Taper Fade
Mid drop fade vs mid taper fade comes down to skin. Both start at mid-temple height.
The mid drop fade takes the sides to skin and curves down behind the ear. The mid taper only shortens the sideburns and neckline, so the sides stay covered.
The difference in three lines
- PlacementBoth start at mid-temple, about level with the top of the eyebrow.
- ContrastThe drop fade blends to skin across the side. The taper keeps short hair on the side and only touches the edges.
- ShapeThe drop fade curves down behind the ear to the nape. A classic taper has no curve, just a soft tapered neckline.
Is a mid taper a fade?
Not strictly. A taper keeps length and only tidies the edges. A fade removes length down to skin.
"Mid taper fade" is the name barbers use for a taper that starts at mid-temple height. If you say it in the chair, expect covered sides, not skin.
What is a mid taper drop fade?
Two tapers that borrow from the fade.
The mid taper drop fade is a hybrid. The sides keep taper length, but the short edge around the ear follows a drop curve down to a tapered nape.
It suits anyone who likes the drop shape but doesn't want skin on the sides. The mid taper skin fade is the other in-between: a normal taper, finished to skin right at the sideburn and neckline.
Side by side, point by point
| Mid drop fade | Mid taper fade | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it starts | Mid-temple | Mid-temple |
| Skin on the side | Yes | No, edges only |
| Line behind the ear | Curves down to the nape | No line, soft taper |
| Back of the neck | Drops low, skin or shadow | Tapered neckline |
| Touch-up | Every 2 to 3 weeks | Every 4 to 6 weeks |
| Yearly cost at $40 a cut | About $690 | About $350 to $520 |
| Office friendly | Yes at low contrast | Always |
| Thinning hair | Can highlight sparse spots | More forgiving |
| Barber skill | High, the curve is hard | Moderate |
The cost gap is all frequency. Every 3 weeks is about 17 cuts a year, while every 4 to 6 weeks is 9 to 13. Real prices are in the cost guide.
Low, mid or high taper?
Same taper, three starting heights.
A low taper only cleans the very bottom of the sideburn and neckline. A mid taper starts at mid-temple. A high taper starts near the top of the side but still leaves hair there.
Mid is the middle ground most people mean when they ask for "a taper". If you want skin, you are really choosing between drop fades, so compare the low drop and high drop versions.
The back tells you which one you got
Check the nape in the mirror before you leave.
How each one grows out
Mid drop fade
Week 1 is peak contrast. By week 3 the bottom fills in and the curve softens.
By week 4 the drop has mostly gone and it reads as a plain short cut. Full breakdown in maintenance.
Mid taper
There is no sharp line to lose, so it grows out gently.
Most people only notice it needs a cut when the neckline gets fuzzy, around week 4 to 6.
What to ask your barber
Mid drop fade:
"Mid drop fade, skin or a #0.5 at the bottom, blended up through #1 and #2. Start it at mid-temple and drop the line down behind my ear to the nape."
Mid taper:
"A mid taper, not a fade. Keep length on the sides, no skin. Just taper the sideburns and the neckline."
Want the hybrid? Ask for a mid taper and add "follow a drop curve behind the ear". More scripts in how to ask your barber.
Which should you get?
Get the mid drop fade if you have thick hair, like a sharp side profile and can book every 2 to 3 weeks.
Get the mid taper if you want a cut that works in any office, forgives a missed appointment, or your hair is thinning. Undecided? Start with the taper. You can always go shorter next visit, never longer.
"The taper is the cut you forget about. The drop fade is the cut people notice. Pick based on how often you want to sit in the chair."Jake Turner, Fade Line
Still torn? The fade finder matches a cut to your hair and face shape.
Mid drop fade vs mid taper FAQ
What is the difference between a mid drop fade and a mid taper fade?
A mid drop fade takes the sides down to skin and curves the line down behind the ear. A mid taper fade only shortens the sideburns and neckline, so the sides stay covered with short hair.
Is a mid taper a fade?
Not strictly. A taper keeps length on the sides and only tidies the edges, while a fade blends down to skin. Barbers say "mid taper fade" for a taper that starts at mid-temple height.
What is a mid taper drop fade?
It is a hybrid. The sides keep taper length, but the short edge around the ear follows a drop curve down behind the ear to a tapered nape. You get a hint of the drop shape with very little skin.
Which is better, a taper fade or a drop fade?
A taper is better if you want a low-maintenance, work-safe cut that grows out gently. A drop fade is better if you want visible contrast and a sharper side profile and can rebook every 2 to 3 weeks.
Is a mid drop fade good?
Yes, if your hair is thick enough to show contrast and you like a sharp look. It is one of the most requested modern fades, but it needs a skilled barber for the curve.
Is a mid fade a drop fade?
No. A mid fade keeps one level line around the head. A mid drop fade starts at the same height but curves lower behind the ear.
How often do you need to cut a mid taper vs a mid drop fade?
A mid drop fade looks best with a touch-up every 2 to 3 weeks. A mid taper holds its shape for about 4 to 6 weeks.
Is a mid taper fade good for straight hair?
Yes. Straight hair shows a taper cleanly and grows out without obvious lines. A textured crop or short side part on top works well with it.
More comparisons
See how the mid drop fade stacks up against other cuts.