In recent years, tapered haircuts have gained popularity among women of all ages, and it’s not hard to see why. Tapered cuts offer a chic, low-maintenance style that suits a variety of hair types, from short and medium to long. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or a bold statement, a tapered haircut can add dimension, shape, and volume to your overall look. In this article, we’ll explore 33 different tapered hairstyles to inspire your next visit to the salon.
Pixie Taper with Side Swept Bangs
The pixie taper with side-swept bangs is a timeless style that enhances your natural features. This cut works well with short natural hair and is ideal for women who want a carefree yet stylish look. The style is particularly suited for oval and heart-shaped faces, and it complements lighter eye colors beautifully, drawing attention to the face. This cut is perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions, offering a playful yet refined aesthetic.
To achieve this look, a stylist will use clippers to taper the sides and back, leaving more length at the top. Maintenance is simple, requiring a trim every 4-6 weeks to maintain the shape. A light pomade or wax can be used to style the bangs to the side, adding definition without weighing the hair down. Try using Mizani’s True Textures Curl Enhancing Lotion to keep the hair soft and hydrated.
High Tapered Fade with Curly Top
For a bold statement, the high tapered fade with a curly top is a fantastic choice. This style keeps the sides low and neat while allowing natural curls to shine on top, making it perfect for natural hair short cuts. It’s ideal for round faces, as the height elongates the face, and looks striking with both dark and light eye colors. Wear this look to a casual outing or a trendy event to make a statement.
Achieving this style involves tapering the hair with a high fade around the sides and back while leaving the curls longer on top. A curl-enhancing cream, such as Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream, is essential to maintain the bounce and definition of the curls. Regular trims are required to keep the fade sharp, and you can refresh the curls with a hydrating mist as needed.
Tapered Bob with Blunt Bangs
The tapered bob with blunt bangs is perfect for those with medium hair who want a chic and edgy look. This style, suited for square or oval face shapes, adds dimension and frames the face in a flattering way. It’s a versatile choice that works well in professional settings but can also be styled for a night out. The blunt bangs draw attention to the eyes, making this a great option for showcasing bold makeup.
A stylist will carefully shape the bob to taper towards the nape, while the bangs are cut straight across. This look benefits from a lightweight smoothing serum to keep frizz at bay and ensure a sleek finish. For maintenance, use a leave-in conditioner and get trims every six weeks to keep the shape sharp.
Long Tapered Layers for Volume
For those with long hair looking to add volume, long tapered layers are a fantastic option. This cut allows the hair to maintain its length while removing excess bulk, giving it a lighter feel. Ideal for oval and round faces, this style is perfect for casual and formal settings alike. The layers cascade beautifully, drawing attention to green or hazel eyes.
A stylist will create the tapered layers with shears, carefully shaping the hair to frame the face. This cut requires minimal styling but benefits from a volumizing mousse, like TIGI’s Bed Head Superstar Queen For A Day. Regular trims are needed to prevent split ends and keep the layers fresh and bouncy.
Classic Tapered Cut for Natural Hair
The classic tapered cut is a go-to for women embracing their short natural hair. This style is effortlessly cool and works well for any face shape. It’s easy to style and maintain, making it ideal for those looking for a fuss-free option. Whether worn at work or on a weekend adventure, this style is both versatile and flattering.
Your stylist will shape your hair with clippers, tapering from the neck up and leaving more length on top. To maintain, use a daily moisturizer like SheaMoisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie. Regular trims every few weeks will keep the shape looking fresh, while a light styling gel will define curls and add texture.
Tapered Cut with Side Part for Medium Hair
The tapered cut with a side part is a sophisticated choice for medium-length hair. This style works well with round or heart-shaped faces, and the side part adds a touch of elegance, making it suitable for both office wear and social events. It looks stunning with darker eye colors, as the contrast enhances facial features.
A stylist will taper the hair gradually from the ears down, leaving more length on top, which is then parted to the side. To maintain this look, use a lightweight styling cream to add shine and smoothness. Paul Mitchell’s Sculpting Foam is a great option for keeping the side part sleek. Trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain the length and taper.
Low Tapered Afro
For those who love the look of an afro but want a more polished style, the low tapered afro is a great choice. This cut is perfect for natural hair and complements all face shapes, especially round faces. It’s an ideal style for both casual and semi-formal occasions, providing a clean look that still embraces natural texture.
Achieving this look involves tapering the sides and back to allow the afro on top to take center stage. Use a hydrating product, like As I Am’s DoubleButter Cream, to keep curls defined and moisturized. Trims every 4-6 weeks will help maintain the shape, and a pick can be used to fluff and shape the afro as needed.
Tapered Pixie with Undercut
A daring choice, the tapered pixie with an undercut is a bold style for short natural hair lovers. It’s particularly suited for heart and diamond face shapes, as it emphasizes cheekbones and jawlines. This edgy cut is perfect for a night out or a day spent exploring the city.
A stylist will taper the hair on the sides and back closely while leaving more length on top. This style requires a bit of maintenance with a strong-hold product, such as Redken’s Rough Paste, to style the longer section on top. Regular trims will keep the undercut sharp and defined.
Shoulder Length Tapered Waves
For a softer look, shoulder-length tapered waves add movement and grace to medium hair. This style is well-suited for oval and heart-shaped faces and works beautifully with light to medium eye colors. It’s a great choice for daytime events or even a relaxed evening out.
Your stylist will taper the hair to subtly frame the face and create soft, flowing waves. A sea salt spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray can help to define the waves and add texture. Trims every 8-10 weeks will keep the ends healthy, and the style is easy to refresh with a curling wand.
Long Tapered Shag
The long tapered shag is a playful, retro-inspired cut that adds volume and flair to long hair. Ideal for heart and oval face shapes, this cut complements bold and daring fashion choices. The layers create a flattering frame for the face, making this an excellent choice for showcasing accessories or bold eye makeup.
Achieving this style involves tapering layers from the mid-length down, with more length left at the top. A volumizing spray, such as Ouai’s Volume Spray, will help add lift, and regular trims will keep the shag looking fresh. This style is perfect for those who love a bit of edge with a hint of nostalgia.
Tapered Buzz Cut
The tapered buzz cut is a daring, minimalist style that works wonders for women with short natural hair. This style is particularly suited for women with oval or square faces, as it accentuates the bone structure and adds an edgy look. The buzz cut is easy to manage, making it ideal for active lifestyles, or for those who want a no-fuss style. This cut also beautifully highlights any eye color, allowing facial features to stand out.
To create this look, a stylist will use clippers to achieve a uniform length all around, then taper the edges for a clean finish. Maintaining this cut is effortless; simply visit the salon every few weeks to keep the buzz sharp. A lightweight moisturizer, like Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk, will keep the scalp hydrated and smooth.
Tapered Cut with Textured Top
This style adds dimension with a textured top, making it ideal for medium hair. The cut tapers at the sides and back while leaving the top full and tousled, which is great for oval and round faces. This look is perfect for casual outings or relaxed gatherings, giving a fun, youthful vibe that pairs well with light or medium eye colors.
Achieving this style involves cutting the sides shorter and texturizing the top with shears for added movement. Use a texturizing spray, like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray, to enhance the texture and keep the hair looking fresh. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will maintain the shape, and a quick fluff in the morning is all you need for styling.
Layered Taper for Shoulder Length
The layered taper for shoulder-length hair is a versatile choice that suits various face shapes. This style adds layers that taper towards the ends, creating a soft, flowing silhouette. It’s ideal for both professional settings and social events, adding a touch of elegance to any look. This cut works beautifully with brown and hazel eye colors, drawing attention to the face.
A stylist will create layers throughout the hair, tapering them to create a cascading effect. For styling, use a volumizing mousse like Kenra Volume Mousse to add bounce to the layers. To maintain, trim every 8-10 weeks to keep the layers looking fresh and the ends healthy.
Tapered Lob with Waves
For those with long hair, a tapered lob (long bob) with waves offers a stylish and effortless look. This cut is ideal for women with round or heart-shaped faces, as the waves frame the face beautifully. 
It’s a versatile style suited for both work and weekend activities, giving a relaxed, beachy vibe that pairs well with any eye color.
A stylist will taper the hair towards the back, adding waves for volume and texture. To style, use a sea salt spray like John Frieda’s Beach Blonde Sea Waves Spray for a natural, tousled look. Trim every 6-8 weeks to keep the shape fresh, and the waves can be refreshed daily with a quick spritz.
Tapered Cut with Undercut Design
The tapered cut with an undercut design adds an edgy twist for those who love to experiment. This cut works well for medium length and can be customized with different designs. Suitable for all face shapes, this style is perfect for creative events or nights out and looks especially striking with darker eye colors.
To achieve this look, a stylist will taper the top layers while creating an undercut with a unique design on one side. To keep the style fresh, visit the salon every 4-6 weeks for touch-ups. A light styling cream like American Crew’s Defining Paste can help maintain the taper and add a bit of texture to the top.
Low Taper with Curled Ends
The low taper with curled ends is a feminine style for long length hair. This cut tapers just at the nape, while the rest of the hair remains long and slightly curled. Ideal for square and heart-shaped faces, this look is great for formal occasions and adds a soft, romantic vibe. It complements light and medium eye colors beautifully, creating a graceful look.
To style, a curling iron can be used on the ends for soft curls. Use a curl-enhancing product like DevaCurl’s SuperCream for added definition. This look requires minimal maintenance aside from the occasional trim every 8-10 weeks to keep the ends looking fresh.
Tapered Cut with Asymmetrical Bangs
An eye-catching choice, the tapered cut with asymmetrical bangs works for short and medium hair lengths. This style is great for oval and round faces, as the asymmetrical bangs add interest and frame the face in a unique way. Perfect for work or a night out, this cut looks stunning with bold makeup and pairs well with any eye color.
A stylist will taper the sides and back, creating longer, angled bangs that frame one side of the face. Use a lightweight pomade like Baxter of California’s Clay Pomade to shape the bangs. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will keep the asymmetry sharp and prevent the bangs from growing too long.
Tapered Afro Puff
The tapered afro puff is a vibrant style that celebrates natural curls. This look is ideal for natural hair short cuts and complements all face shapes. It’s a fun style for casual outings or summer events, adding height and volume that draws attention to the face. This style works beautifully with both light and dark eye colors.
A stylist will taper the sides, leaving a puff of curls at the crown. Use a curl-defining gel, like Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La, to keep the puff in shape. A silk scarf at night will help maintain the curls, and regular trims every 4-6 weeks will keep the taper sharp.
Tapered Shag with Curtain Bangs
For a retro-inspired look, the tapered shag with curtain bangs brings volume and movement to medium hair. This style is ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces, and the curtain bangs frame the face in a flattering way. It’s a versatile cut that can be dressed up or down and looks particularly striking with lighter eye colors.
A stylist will create layers that taper towards the ends and add curtain bangs that softly fall on each side. For maintenance, use a lightweight leave-in conditioner like It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks will keep the layers fresh, and a round brush can be used to style the bangs.
Tapered Bob with Soft Curls
The tapered bob with soft curls is a classic look that suits various face shapes. This style works well with shoulder-length hair and can be dressed up for formal events or styled casually for everyday wear. It’s an excellent choice for highlighting green or blue eyes, drawing attention to the face.
A stylist will taper the bob, leaving more length at the front for added elegance. Use a curl-defining cream like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream to shape the curls. Trims every 6-8 weeks will maintain the bob’s shape, and a diffuser can be used on curly hair to achieve a soft, bouncy look.
These tapered hairstyles offer versatility and style for every length and texture. Each cut has its own personality, from the bold undercut to the soft waves, and there’s a tapered style for every occasion. Which one resonates with your style? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know if you’ve tried any of these fabulous looks!
