Tapered haircuts for women are a popular trend that can complement any face shape. Oftentimes, people refer to a taper and a fade as the same haircut. However, this is far from being the truth. The two cuts, despite being similar, have distinct differences that set one apart from the other. There are variations of each cut and even blended versions of the two. For example, there are faint tapers with a long crown, both short tapers, as well as long tapers.
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As for the fades, they are short hair styles with practically bald back and sides and the gradual transition to short and then longer length towards the top. Basically, a fade is a type of a taper cut, but here the length is drastically shorter. But, bald back and sides allow the longer top.
Taper Vs Fade
A taper fade haircut, once associated mainly with men's haircuts, is now gaining popularity among women seeking a trendy short style. This cut features longer hair on top gradually transitioning to shorter sides and back. A fade haircut involves minimal hair on the sides and back, with variations like high or low fades. A high fade typically starts about 2 inches from the top, while a low fade, or taper fade, gradually decreases in length towards the nape and above the ears.
Tapers:
- faint
- long crown
- short tapers
- long tapers
Fades:
- high
- mid
- low
- bald
Taper Fades:
- temp fade
- side part taper fade
- undercut fade
Faint Tapered Haircuts for Women
Credit photo: instagram.com/shorthair.losangeles
There are several versions of a taper fade haircut that have varying lengths. This photo is an example of a short taper haircut. It is classified as this due to the extremely short length in the rear and sides of the cut. A fade, while also short, isn’t cut as close to the scalp as a taper.
Long Crown + Taper Cut
Credit photo: instagram.com/cheobarberpr
Some people think that due to their curly hair they can’t obtain a taper haircut. In fact, this is simply not true. If you hire a stylist who has been properly trained they can guide you in the right direction to help you achieve a look that works for you and your hair type. This photo is a prime example of a taper hairstyle on a woman with curly hair.
Short Taper Haircuts for Women
Credit photo: instagram.com/shorthair.losangeles
As before mentioned, there are short taper cuts such as this faded taper haircut. The hair around the sides and back of the head is cropped extremely close and fades slightly to the model’s length on top. This cut is also known as an undercut fade and has recently become increasingly popular among women.
Long Taper Cuts
Credit photo: instagram.com/meha_barber
This photo showcases a stunning long taper cut, with slightly longer sides and back. Unlike the previous photo, the fade here is more subtle. This style, popular since the late '80s and early '90s, has recently regained popularity with the rise of short hairstyles for both men and women.
Faux Hawk Fade
Credit photo: instagram.com/cheobarberpr
This model is sporting a faux hawk fade. With this cut, the hair is cropped super close to the sides and back, and the length is styled upward in order to create a mohawk effect. By the way, there are varying styles of faux hawks you can achieve without making the leap into a full-blown mohawk.
High Top Fade
Credit photo: instagram.com/meha_barber
This high-top fade is becoming extremely popular among women. What was once considered strictly a man’s cut, this cut has crossed the gender lines. The fade is progressive but doesn’t go bald. The hair is blended well with the length on top allowing for styling, as well as providing easy maintenance.
Temp Fade
Credit photo: instagram.com/krewkutz
The photo above is an example of a popular taper haircut for curly hair black women prefer. It is sometimes referred to as a temple fade due to the hair length fading at the area of the temple. This style is both low-maintenance and easy to style, and that's why it's become so huge this year.
Side Part Taper Fade
Credit photo: instagram.com/shorthair.losangeles
We have the side part fade which has also leaned heavily toward the category of being a man’s cut. However, in today's modern era, lines that were once distinctly drawn to segregate genders have been blended. The end result is a cut such as the one in this photo that has a deep side part that is now even shaved into the cut.
Disconnected Undercut Fade
Credit photo: instagram.com/cheobarberpr
This gorgeous pompadour look made possible by the disconnected undercut fade style. Instead, the hair length changes dramatically and quickly from a short length to the long length at the top. This cut is styling the skin fade undercut that is further set off by the light blonde hair color. It is perfect for someone who doesn’t want to spend a tremendous amount of time styling their hair.
Buzz Taper Haircut
Tapered Buzz Cut With Surgical Hairline
Credit photo: instagram.com/krewkutz
This short buzz cut with a surgical hairline is the perfect disconnected cut for those who want a super short style that’s great for summer or even just a drastic change!
Platinum Blonde Taper With Faded Sides
Credit photo: instagram.com/spukthebarber
This look is very striking and dramatic with the short cut that tapers neatly at the nape of the neck. The closely faded sides and pale blonde color give it an icy cool look, which is ideal when you want to show that blondes can totally rock a tapered haircut!
Curly Buzz Cut With Tapered Sides
Credit photo: instagram.com/krewkutz
If you have naturally curly hair, you can still rock a longer top! The super-short curls are very cool and chic and the shaved sides give this hip haircut even more of an edgy vibe!
Thick, Straight & Tapered Haircut
Credit photo: instagram.com/joshconnollybarber
Struggling with unruly thick hair? Embrace its stubborn texture with a taper cut. Ask for subtle layers to control it while maintaining its natural charm. And for the sides, opt for a taper to add a touch of uniqueness.
Natural Gold Curls with Soft Taper Haircut
Credit photo: instagram.com/haircolorkilla
While some women with natural hair dedicate years of their lives for extensions, protective styles, and expensive braiding, wise ones go for a taper haircut. With this simple yet striking idea, you can not only put yourself in the spotlight but also embrace your natural texture.
Kinky Tapered Haircut
Credit photo: instagram.com/nymcfly
Special care is essential for kinky hair. The right haircut is crucial for perfect care, shaping and defining each kink. A taper cut can manage the challenges of natural kinks, keeping them well-groomed and protected from breakage, ensuring a healthy look.
Violet Taper Haircut With Hair Tattoo
Credit photo: instagram.com/olivecurls
Do you know how far you can go with your tapered curls, by the way? Shaved tattoos embellishing the sides and vibrant hair colors stealing the show are actually only the beginning of what you can create with a taper. Having seen this idea, you have no choice but to call your stylist and ask for bright changes!
Side-Parted Taper Haircut
Credit photo: instagram.com/coconutandconcrete
For versatile styling, simply switch up your tapered curls to suit any occasion. Whether it's a casual outing or a formal event, a sleek side part instantly elevates your look. Add a glossy styling product for extra sophistication, and voila! You'll be greeted in the mirror by a chic, confident goddess.
Spiky Tapered Cut
Credit photo: instagram.com/shorthair.losangeles
This spiky tapered cut is very edgy and shows that you aren’t afraid to show you’re rougher side. Ask for more length in the front so you can tease it back to create spikes like the ones shown here.
Tousled Pixie + Taper Haircut
Credit photo: instagram.com/nadine.saam
This light auburn shade is reminiscent of a summer sunset. The front is fuller so you can brush it over to one side for a messy bedhead look that says you have a fun and carefree side and aren’t afraid to show it.
Pumped Up Pompadour Into Tapered Pixie
Credit photo: instagram.com/hairgod_zito
When you really want to pump up the volume, you can try this pompadour style tapered cut: it's just chock-full of volume! Ask for longer layers up front and slick it up and back in order to resemble a pompadour for a look that’s totally far out!
Fiery Red and Orange Long Taper
Credit photo: instagram.com/khimandi
This red and orange taped cup with choppy layers on top is on fire! The bright red sides are a bit longer than a traditional tapered cut and the added length on top is perfect for a bold burst of color!
Punky Pompadour Taper Fade
Credit photo: instagram.com/joshconnollybarber
Want to combine both rock and roll with punk rock? This short and sassy punky pompadour is perfect with its shaved sides and volume front and top for a look that's totally retro chic!
Sassy Blonde Balayage Taper Fade
Credit photo: instagram.com/shorthair.losangeles
You can also combine your sassy taper fade with a pretty blonde balayage to give it a modern flair. Ask your stylist for choppy layers on top to give your hair added volume and texture.
Violet Short Taper Haircut
Credit photo: instagram.com/jcbarber_
Women worldwide adore tapers for their versatility as a canvas for endless hair experimentation. Whether it's playing with dramatic colors or bold cuts, this short style unleashes creativity. Ask your stylist to subtly taper for added volume, while the top offers a chance for artistic expression – a hint of violet adds a stylish touch.
Black Tapered Pixie
Credit photo: instagram.com/apostoldiana
On hair colors that look dark against the complexions, taper and fade haircuts show their best sides. Since both these techniques involve tight sights that graduate into a thicker top, you will clearly see the length transition. That’s why you can’t do without a taper if you rock a pixie!
Chestnut Taper Pixie
Credit photo: instagram.com/apostoldiana
This tapered pixie showcases a well-balanced, cleanly graduated taper with a defined outline at the base. To enhance the look and add character, consider coloring the top slightly lighter than the sides for a dimensional effect.
Blonde Edgy Taper Haircut
Credit photo: instagram.com/nothingbutpixies
What can be better than a combination of a head-turning shade and eye-catching texture? Once you really feel like making the spotlight your second home, this picture is the nicest plan to do it. Besides, this idea has no hair type restrictions. In other words, whether you have thin and flat or thick and dense hair, this idea will get the most of it anyway.
Layered Taper Haircut Fade
Credit photo: instagram.com/renjtown Credit photo: instagram.com/barberjdub
Layered taper fade haircuts are supposed to bring some dimension to your tresses and, consequently, make your 'do even more attractive. Do you believe that your tresses lack that dimension? Then you should totally go for it!
Choppy Taper Haircut Fade
Credit photo: instagram.com/hellobenjamin Credit photo: instagram.com/alan_beak Credit photo: instagram.com/snchezrebeca
A choppy taper haircut fade is relatively longer, at least when you compare its length with other taper fade haircuts. While this cut will look awesome on everyone, those whose tresses are super thick will especially love it.
Flipped Taper Fade Haircut
Credit photo: instagram.com/apostoldiana Credit photo: instagram.com/pachebarbershop Credit photo: instagram.com/staygold31
When you want to give your haircut some major pizzazz, ask your barber for a flipped taper fade haircut. And these haircuts are done on shorter as well as on longer lengths – however you prefer.
Asymmetrical Taper Haircut Fade
Credit photo: instagram.com/renjtown Credit photo: instagram.com/thatrorbarber
A side parting makes this haircut appear even edgier than typical fade haircuts. Besides, hairstylists point out that asymmetry is an element that never fails at bringing something fresh to any look.
High Taper Fade Haircut
Credit photo: instagram.com/jacquelynmarieh Credit photo: instagram.com/adriangsbarber Credit photo: instagram.com/renjtown
With the sides and also back parts that are completely bald and a much longer top area, these haircuts are extremely contrasting and hence will work for the boldest babes.
Taper Haircut Fade With Hairline
Credit photo: instagram.com/renjtown Credit photo: instagram.com/staygold31 Credit photo: instagram.com/staygold31
Here you can observe haircuts that are often referred to as disconnected undercuts with a fade. Longer hair just gets disconnected at some point, hence the name. The sides are typically shorter, compared to the top.
Natural Taper Fade Cut
Credit photo: instagram.com/stepthebarber Credit photo: instagram.com/stepthebarber Credit photo: instagram.com/stepthebarber
What can we say, African American women, love sporting looks that are daring and attention-grabbing! You can go even wilder if you get your tresses dyed in a bright color.
Curly Taper Fade
Credit photo: instagram.com/alan_beak Credit photo: instagram.com/hybrideducation Credit photo: instagram.com/jacquelynmarieh
Here come the three curly fade ideas that you will fall in love with. Edgy temples, neatly tapered sides, and dramatic curly crown. Girls with straight hair can add some texture, creating soft, little curls with a flat iron. As for those who have puffy hair, you’ve got a lovely fade option, too!
Textured Taper Haircut Fade Combo
Credit photo: instagram.com/thatrorbarber Credit photo: instagram.com/pachebarbershop Credit photo: instagram.com/alan_beak
A textured taper fade is something that even the most creative women can’t imagine. The distinctive contrast between the faded sides and hair on top is something unbelievable: though your hair is short, it still looks lively and voluminous as your crown has a visible lift.
Platinum Blonde And Cotton Candy Taper Bob
Credit photo: instagram.com/fedorinaanna
This short sleek bob is so pretty with the pale blonde and soft pink steaks. The undercut gives it a nice lift and the colors add a ton of texture to this chic and spunky tapered cut!
Asymmetrical Sleek Tapered Bob
Credit photo: instagram.com/nextreme.you
Asymmetrical bobs like the one pictured here are very much in demand right now. This cut, in particular, has a bit more sass with its shaved back and longer sides.
Icy Blonde Platinum Bob With Taper
Credit photo: instagram.com/hair_by_marlo
This icy blonde color is so sleek and stylish and the tapered bob with longer side fringe adds a feminine flair to this trendy cut.
Now that you know how variously you can let your creativity fly with a taper, it's time for experiments. Apart from exceptionally daring and dramatic looks, you can create with a taper, you've also discovered ways to individualize your look with different shaved designs. A taper is a new way to express yourself with your hair, after all. Therefore, don't hesitate to give it a shot!
FAQ: Tapered Haircuts for Women
How do you ask for a taper haircut?
There are no various names for various taper haircuts, so, when asking for a taper cut, you should just tell to your hairdresser how short or long you prefer the sides to be left, or, your hairdresser will select the perfect taper cut length for you.
What does a number 1 haircut look like?
With a “Number 1” haircut, only 1/8 of an inch of hair stays on the top of your head. Basically, it is used for extremely short buzz cuts or faded sides. Note that your scalp will show if you use this clipper size all over your head.
What does a 2 haircut look like?
The ‘2 haircut’ is a little bit longer – 1/4 inch – cut. This haircut length results in a lovely short hairstyle that hides the scalp, that’s why it is so trendy. It looks well on both thin and thick hair.
What do I say to my hairdresser?
This is precisely what you ought to say when visiting your hairdresser:
- How long it’s been since you’ve had a haircut.
- Inform your hairdresser about your way of life.
- Make a detailed list of how you want your new hairstyle to look like, or even better, find a video of your desired haircut/style on the Internet and show it to your hairdresser.
- Bring a photo (of your actual hair + of your desired haircut/style) if you have online consultation before visiting your hairdresser.
- A tapered cut is one of our favorite ways to style natural hair. Source
- The female taper haircut is done in many styles like trimming only a single side of the hair or keeping the top hair very long. Different colours and styling can be done for a female taper haircut. Source
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