There is a lot of terminology when it comes to short hair. Whether you’ve had short hair for a long time or are contemplating a transformative change, you might be coming across new terms you’re unfamiliar with… fade, taper, undercut, pixie, etc. If you’re feeling a bit lost, don't worry; we've got your back. Consider this short hair dictionary your trusty guide as you embark on your journey through the short hair realm. Let's decode the language and turn your hair game into a conversation starter!
Pro tip: for a guide on the different short hair styling product terms, check out Which Short Hair Styling Product Is Right For You?
Fade vs. Taper
Both a fade haircut and a taper involve a haircut where the length of the hair gradually decreases from top to bottom. A fade is often shorter, blending all the way down to the skin at the shortest length. It typically shows a color gradient between the skin and hair color. While similar to a fade, a taper is generally kept longer so as to not show the skin at the shortest length. Please note these terms can vary a bit from barber to barber.
Undercut
An undercut is a hairstyle where the sides and/or back of the head are shaved or cut very short while the top is left longer and often hangs over the shaved section completely or partially. The degree of contrast between the short and long sections can vary, ranging from a subtle difference in length to a more dramatic and bold contrast (e.g. you could have very long hair and a small section of an undercut at the nape of the neck).
Finish Terms: Shine vs. Sheen vs. Matte
The easiest way to explain these terms is to think of them like paint finishes or fabrics. Sheen would be like eggshell/satin paint finish or velvet fabric - slight shine, but buffed to be able to see a more diffused texture and dimension. Shine is like a semi or high gloss paint finish or satin/metallic fabrics - high shine, higher contrast, light reflects off the hair easier. It can give the hair a more "wet" look. Matte would be flat or matte paint finish or a jersey or knit fabric - non-reflective or more dull finish, makes the hair look more "lived in.”
(Shoutout to G Tournai (they/them), Hair Artist & Owner of G TOURNAI Hair & Creative Studio for breaking this one down for us.)
Pompadour
A pompadour is hairstyle where the hair is combed upward and back, often with volume at the crown. Typically, the sides and back of the hair are shorter, while the top, especially at the forehead, is longer and often styled with pomade or other styling products to hold the shape.
Pixie Cut
A pixie cut is a hair style characterized by its short length on the back and sides of the head, and a slightly longer top. The pixie has evolved over the years. Originally, pixie cut included very short bangs. With the popularity of short hair increasing, there are long pixie cuts and short closely cropped pixies and everything in between.
Weight Line
A weight line is created when there is an abrupt blend between the long and short sections of hair to show a heavier transition between short and long sections of a fade or taper. It represents the point where the hair is heaviest, and it plays a crucial role in shaping and defining a haircut. A weight line can be kept in intentionally to achieve a certain look.
Buzz Cut
A buzz cut is a very short haircut where the hair is cut close to the scalp using clippers. The length of a buzz cut can vary, ranging from a fraction of an inch to a bit longer, depending on personal preference.
Bob Cut
A classic short hairstyle where the hair is cut straight around the head at jaw level or above, with or without layering. Like a pixie cut, bobs can vary in length, ranging from near the ears to shoulder-length, and they can be graduated (often longer in the front and shorter in the back), blunt, or textured.
