10 Striking Tapered Cuts for Natural Hair

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

A natural tapered cut is a stylish hairstyle that gradually shortens as it descends down the nape and behind the ears. Tapered short black haircuts are remarkably chic and low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Plus, you’ll be thrilled once you discover how incredibly versatile this natural hairstyle can be!

With your long locks on top, locs and knots are just two styles you can adopt for your tresses, and your neatly tapered sides can act as a base for a trendy shaved design.

Tapered ‘fros come in a variety of colors and styles – pixie cuts, bobs, faux hawks, with or without bangs, crochet, twist-outs, or natural hair – as showcased by The Taper Queen, Karess Sydnor‘s feed highlighting her award-winning works!

Products and the proper tools are essential for rocking edgy black short haircuts. Moisturizing and styling products seal your strands and allow for easy styling.

Before your upcoming hair appointment, check out these images of the most daring natural tapered cut and style inspirations.

Photos
A Women's curly frohawk with tapered sides

#1 Curly Frohawk for Women with Tapered Sides

Opt for a stylish curly frohawk for women with tapered sides when seeking a bold cut with endless design possibilities. Ideal for women embracing a more adventurous lifestyle, ladies can showcase their natural curls with striking volume at the front and center. Achieve this playful short haircut for black women by requesting your barber to create unique designs on the sides and back.

A Natural hair with a tapered cut highlighting voluminous tight coils and dimensional highlights

#2 Stunning Tapered Cut For Naturally Long Locks

Darling, check out this stunning tapered cut—so perfect for showcasing those luscious long locks. It’s all about embracing your natural texture, with a shape that’s easy to manage and style. Highlights accentuate each coil, adding dimension that just glows. This cut is fantastic for volume without the fuss, keeping you free to enjoy those bouncy curls day in, day out. Remember, a little curl-defining cream goes a long way to keep this look sharp and stunning!

An Unique Natural Tapered Cut on Pixie

#3 Distinctive Natural Tapered Pixie Cut

A receding taper cut from jam-packed curls will always be a combination to admire. This also demonstrates that tapered natural hairstyles on African-American women create a polished and attention-grabbing finish!

Discover more pixies for black women.

A For a Round Face

#4 Charming Tapered TWA for Round Faces

Embrace clean edges with this short teeny weeny afro (TWA), crafting a beautiful tapered TWA haircut that enhances the broad features of round faces. This natural tapered style with a touch of color adds impressive depth as well. For these short hairstyles for black women, feel free to incorporate a shaved line on one side for added flair.

A Natural Coils Tapered with Shaved Lines

#5 Tapered Natural Coils with Shaved Lines

Short styles for natural hair, such as tapered natural coils featuring shaved lines, are the ultimate choice. Embracing a blend of fashionista flair and rock queen attitude, these distinctive hairstyles are sure to catch attention!

A Curly frohawk on 4c hair with honey blonde highlights and tapered sides

#6 Chic Tapered 4c Hair with Blonde Highlights

Embrace your curls with this stylish tapered frohawk, enhanced by a striking honey blonde hair color that stands out! Ideal for 4c hair, the tight coils at the top provide texture and volume, while the sides are sleek, creating a bold contrast. Perfect for the gal on the go, it’s low-maintenance but eye-catching. The blonde tips add flair, but remember, they’ll need TLC to remain vibrant. Rock this look and showcase your fierce side!

A For Thin Hair

#7 Relaxed Tapered Style for Fine Hair

The subtle taper fade adds a unique dimension to the overall look. This allows those with fine hair to appear as if they have more volume. Such sleek short hairstyles are particularly flattering for oval or heart-shaped faces.

A Big Chop

#8 Chic Big Chop with a Taper Fade

This tapered haircut creates a contemporary look for a woman who radiates confidence. I believe this natural tapered hairstyle epitomizes modern elegance. I notice many women embracing the same cut because it feels empowering, and we no longer feel the need for long hair. I have never sported such striking short black hair before, and I couldn’t be happier with it.

To achieve this natural hairstyle, use products that won’t create tight curls, as that may lead to stiffness. A simple leave-in and a wide-tooth comb will suffice, and you’ll be all set. This particular short hairstyle for black women is versatile and suits various face shapes beautifully.

 A Natural Tapered Sides Perfect for Growing Out Curls

#9 Gradually Tapered Sides for Enhancing Curls

Don’t be shy—give your natural hair a tapered cut because short natural hairstyles deserve the attention they get today. For black women, short haircuts are ideal for easier maintenance. Bring out the natural texture by using a boar bristle brush.

A Natural hair tapered cut undercut

#10 Stylish Tapered Undercut for Natural Black Hair

The curls on top with the tapered undercut embody the ultimate in style. With such striking short haircuts, black women can express their confidence. Chic short styles and a touch of masculinity in a woman’s look are incredibly appealing!