Natural Hair Styles: 27 Stunning Tapers and Fades

IG @thebaldbaddie #shavedandslayed

By Jacqueline Samaroo

Tapers are among the most versatile of natural hair styles. You decide how much length to retain on top, as well as where the hair tapers at the sides and back. From TWAs to frohawks, with or without designs, tapers and fades let you rock your natural hair and show off your distinctive style!

Thinking of embracing a tapered fro? Here are 27 IG tapers and fades pics each loaded with lots of inspo!

Tapers and Fades for All Types of Hair

We begin with four tapers that prove this natural hairstyle works with any type of hair – curls, coils, waves, and kinks!

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Perfectly formed curls – high in the front and on top, lower on the sides, and lowest in the back. Beautiful!

IG @erthtonez#taperedhaircut

This frohawk shows one way to get two natural hairstyles out of one. It’s a lovely high mohawk that tapers and fades at the sides and in the back.

IG @naturalforareason#frohawk

Here’s a beautiful wavy version of the taper on type 2 hair. Loving the highlights, too!

IG @shyslane_serra#onduladas

This taper retains lots of height on top and in the front without the sides going too low. Pretty awesome how defined these curls are!

@kendrakenshay #taperednaturalhair

For more natural hair styles that celebrate the awesomeness of afro hair, check out these recent posts:

Natural Hair Styles – 25 Badass Bantu Knots Inspiration Pics
Natural Hair Styles: 18 Simply Beautiful Afros for Your Inspiration
27 Really Gorgeous No-Heat Natural Hair Styles
Twist Out Natural Hair Styles: 21 Beautiful IG Twist Out Pics

Tapered Fades with Designs

Patterned fades are always an opportunity for stylists and barbers to show off their awesome talents! Here are seven examples with varying levels of intricacy.

A side part and a couple of lines in the back may be all you need to add a bit of edginess to your tapered fade.

IG @thephairmacist#naturalhairstyles

Awesome color on a bundle of curls creates a stylish mohawk. But, that’s just the beginning. Add some clean lines in the faded sides and back and what you have is a real showstopper!

Tapers with a Bang!

Bangs can help to accentuate a tapered cut. Here are four “banging” tapers and fades that help to prove that point!

Dangling curls in the front and a perfectly shaped taper in the back. It’s what this tapered fro is ALL about!

IG @neworleansnaturalhairexpo #taperedfro

True – this look is quite similar to the one above. But, tighter curls and faded sides with a couple of lines etched into them give the look new dimensions. Versatile afro hair!

IG @kennybarbeiro

Loving the way the curls cascade in the front, as well as the height on top of this tapered haircut.

IG @iam.tiffany.renee

Here’s a full, coily bang contrasted with tapered and faded sides.

IG @thephairmacist #taperednaturalhair

Colored Tapered Fros

Adding color to your hair, regardless of the style, can do wonders. Here are six tapers and fades with a burst of color for a truly dynamic effect!

Color-blocking isn’t just for your clothes. Color-block hairstyles have been hugely popular for a long time. The color on the front only of this taper certainly helps the style to pop!

Teeny Weeny Afros and Tapered Cuts

Going for the big chop can give you a big confidence boost and totally change up how you feel about your natural hair. Here are six TWAs paired with tapers for a totally bold look.

This head-turning tapered and faded TWA gets a style boost from oversized glasses. How would you glam it up?

IG @baldgirlsonly #naturalhairjourney

Professional stylists and barbers know exactly how to shape a tapered fade to best accentuate your face. Here the style gets kicked up a notch with a wavy, zigzag design. Love it!

IG @davinciofficial#taperedfro

When a TWA slays, it SLAYS. See that look in her eyes? She knows it!!

IG @davinciofficial #taperfade

This silver-haired bombshell shows off a taper that’s cut to perfection!

IG @ stepthebarber #undercut

Going from a long hairstyle, such as flowing locs, to a TWA can seem like a really big step. Ask the vast majority of women who have done it, however, and they’ll tell you the one question they end up asking themselves: “Why didn’t I do this sooner?!”

IG @baldgirlsonly #teamnatural

Here’s another locs-to-TWA taper we know you’ll love. Click here to see her amazing transformation!

IG @krewkutz#bigchop

Can you do a tapered cut in your own natural hair?

It’s highly recommended that you turn to a stylist or barber who is used to doing tapers and fades if you want to try this natural hair style. HOWEVER, there are some persons who can and do create their own gorgeous tapers.

GlamMzMore shows us how it’s done!

Reasons to get a curly fade–

Effortless Elegance: The tapered cut is the epitome of effortless elegance. It’s a hairstyle that exudes confidence without even trying. With a shorter back and sides and more length on top, this cut frames your face beautifully, giving you that chic and polished look without hours of styling. #Iwokeuplikethis
Versatility Galore: One of the most incredible things about the tapered cut is its versatility. Whether you want to rock it curly, straight, or somewhere in between, it can handle it all. You can experiment with different textures, parting options, and styles to keep things fresh and exciting.
Low Maintenance, High Style: Say goodbye to those endless hours spent detangling, twisting, and braiding. The tapered cut is a breeze to maintain. With less hair to manage, you’ll spend less time fussing and more time slaying!
Healthy Hair Goals: Going for the tapered cut means cutting off those damaged ends and starting fresh. It’s like hitting the reset button for your curls! With healthier hair, you’ll experience less breakage and more growth.
Express Your Individuality: Your hair is your canvas, and the tapered cut is your paintbrush! You can express your unique style and personality through your haircut. Add some colorful highlights, play with funky accessories, or simply let your natural curls shine. The possibilities are endless!
Cool and Comfortable: Let’s face it; long hair can get hot and heavy, especially during those scorching summer months. The tapered cut keeps you cool and comfortable while looking hot and fabulous! You’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner.
Boosted Confidence: There’s something about rocking a tapered cut that boosts your confidence to new heights. You’ll walk taller, smile brighter, and turn heads wherever you go. Confidence is contagious, and this cut is the perfect confidence booster.
Easy Morning Routine: We’ve all been there – rushing to get out the door in the morning with no time to style our hair. With a tapered cut, your morning routine becomes a breeze. A little spritz, a touch of product, and you’re good to go!
Time Saver: Who doesn’t love saving time? With a tapered cut, you’ll spend less time in front of the mirror and more time doing the things you love. It’s perfect for those with busy schedules and on-the-go lifestyles.
Natural Hair Love: Tapered cuts are all about embracing your natural texture. It celebrates your curls, kinks, and coils in all their glory. It’s a style that says, “I love my natural hair, and I’m proud of it!”

What do you think of the tapered fro? Ever tried it? Tell us!

Article updated for clarity, grammar, and content. Originally published on Sept 3, 2021.

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#4chairstyles#afrohair#hairinspiration#inspiration#texturedhairstylesCurly Hair TipsHair TipsInstagramlow maintenance stylingNatural Afronatural hairNatural Hair tipsStylin' and Profilin'styling natural hairTapered Cuts

Natural Hair Styles: 27 Stunning Tapers and Fades - Curly Nikki (2024)