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Curls With Taper

By Ashley

July 7, 2025

3 min read

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Curls With Taper

Curls with taper is a popular hairstyle that combines the volume and bounce of curls with the sleek, tapered edges of a fade or undercut. This style is versatile and can be adapted to various hair types and lengths, making it a favorite among men and women alike. Whether you're looking for a bold, statement look or a more subtle, everyday style, curls with taper offers a range of options to suit your preferences.

Table of Contents

Understanding Curls with Taper

Curls with taper is a hairstyle that features curly or wavy hair on top, combined with a tapered cut on the sides and back. The taper can vary in length and style, from a short, close-cut fade to a longer, more gradual taper. This combination creates a striking contrast between the voluminous curls on top and the clean, sleek lines of the taper.

The taper cut is achieved by gradually reducing the length of the hair as it moves down the sides and back of the head. This technique creates a smooth, blended transition from the longer hair on top to the shorter hair on the sides and back. The taper can be customized to suit different face shapes and personal styles, making it a versatile option for anyone looking to add some edge to their curly hair.

Benefits of Curls with Taper

Curls with taper offers several benefits, making it a popular choice for those with curly or wavy hair. Some of the key advantages include:

Versatility: This style can be adapted to various hair types and lengths, making it suitable for both men and women.
Low Maintenance: The tapered sides and back require less styling and maintenance, making it a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles.
Enhanced Volume: The taper cut helps to create the illusion of more volume on top, making it an excellent choice for those with fine or thin curly hair.
Styling Options: Curls with taper can be styled in various ways, from a messy, textured look to a more polished, defined style.

How to Achieve Curls with Taper

Achieving the perfect curls with taper involves a combination of the right haircut and styling techniques. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get the look:

Choosing the Right Haircut

The first step in achieving curls with taper is to find a skilled hairstylist who understands how to work with curly hair. Communicate your desired style clearly, and bring reference photos if necessary. Some key points to discuss with your stylist include:

The desired length and shape of the curls on top.
The type of taper you want on the sides and back (e.g., fade, undercut, or classic taper).
Any specific details or customizations you'd like, such as a hard part or a specific fade length.

Styling Curls with Taper

Once you have the right haircut, styling your curls with taper is the next step. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect look:

Use the Right Products: Choose styling products that are specifically designed for curly hair. Some popular options include mousses, gels, and creams that provide hold and definition without weighing down your curls.
Apply Products to Damp Hair: For the best results, apply your styling products to damp hair. This helps to distribute the product evenly and ensures that your curls have the right amount of moisture and hold.
Scrunch and Diffuse: After applying your styling products, scrunch your curls gently with your fingers to encourage definition. Use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to dry your curls, as this helps to reduce frizz and maintain volume.
Define Curls with a Pick or Brush: Once your curls are dry, use a wide-tooth comb or a curl pick to gently define and separate your curls. This helps to create a more polished, finished look.

💡 Note: Avoid using a regular brush or comb on your curls, as this can cause frizz and disrupt the curl pattern.

Maintaining Curls with Taper

Maintaining curls with taper requires regular trims and proper hair care. Here are some tips to help you keep your style looking fresh and vibrant:

Regular Trims: Schedule regular trims every 4-6 weeks to maintain the shape and definition of your taper. This helps to keep the sides and back looking clean and polished.
Deep Conditioning: Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your curls hydrated and healthy. This helps to reduce frizz and maintain the bounce and definition of your curls.
Avoid Heat Styling: Minimize the use of heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons, as these can damage your curls and cause frizz. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant first.
Protect Your Curls at Night: Use a silk or satin pillowcase to protect your curls from friction and breakage while you sleep. You can also use a silk or satin scarf to wrap your hair at night.

Styling Variations for Curls with Taper

Curls with taper offers a range of styling variations to suit different preferences and occasions. Here are some popular options to consider:

Messy and Textured

For a more casual, everyday look, opt for a messy and textured style. This involves using a small amount of styling product to create a tousled, effortless appearance. Use your fingers to scrunch and separate your curls, and avoid using too much product to maintain a natural, lived-in look.

Polished and Defined

If you're looking for a more polished and defined style, use a stronger hold gel or mousse to create sleek, well-defined curls. Apply the product to damp hair and use a diffuser to dry your curls. Once dry, use a wide-tooth comb or curl pick to gently define and separate your curls, creating a more structured and refined look.

High Fade with Curls

A high fade with curls is a bold and edgy style that features a short, close-cut fade on the sides and back, combined with longer, voluminous curls on top. This style is perfect for those who want to make a statement and add some drama to their look. To achieve this style, work with a skilled hairstylist who can create a precise and well-blended fade.

Low Fade with Curls

A low fade with curls is a more subtle and understated style that features a gradual taper on the sides and back, combined with longer, voluminous curls on top. This style is perfect for those who want to add some edge to their look without going too bold. To achieve this style, work with a skilled hairstylist who can create a smooth and blended taper.

Curls with Taper for Different Hair Types

Curls with taper can be adapted to various hair types, making it a versatile option for anyone with curly or wavy hair. Here are some tips for achieving the perfect look based on your hair type:

Fine or Thin Curly Hair

If you have fine or thin curly hair, opt for a shorter taper on the sides and back to create the illusion of more volume on top. Use a lightweight styling product, such as a mousse or gel, to add hold and definition without weighing down your curls. Avoid using too much product, as this can make your curls look greasy or limp.

Thick or Coarse Curly Hair

If you have thick or coarse curly hair, opt for a longer taper on the sides and back to balance out the volume on top. Use a heavier styling product, such as a cream or butter, to add hold and definition without weighing down your curls. You may also want to consider using a wide-tooth comb or curl pick to gently define and separate your curls, creating a more polished and refined look.

Wavy Hair

If you have wavy hair, you can still achieve the curls with taper look by using a curling iron or roller set to create more defined curls. Opt for a shorter taper on the sides and back to create a more dramatic contrast between the curls on top and the tapered edges. Use a lightweight styling product, such as a mousse or gel, to add hold and definition without weighing down your waves.

Curls with Taper for Different Face Shapes

Curls with taper can be customized to suit different face shapes, making it a versatile option for anyone looking to add some edge to their look. Here are some tips for achieving the perfect style based on your face shape:

Round Face

If you have a round face, opt for a longer taper on the sides and back to create the illusion of a more elongated face shape. Use a styling product to add volume and definition to your curls, and avoid using too much product to maintain a natural, lived-in look.

Square Face

If you have a square face, opt for a shorter taper on the sides and back to create the illusion of a more rounded face shape. Use a styling product to add volume and definition to your curls, and avoid using too much product to maintain a natural, lived-in look.

Oval Face

If you have an oval face, you can experiment with different taper lengths and styles to suit your preferences. Use a styling product to add volume and definition to your curls, and avoid using too much product to maintain a natural, lived-in look.

Heart-Shaped Face

If you have a heart-shaped face, opt for a longer taper on the sides and back to create the illusion of a more balanced face shape. Use a styling product to add volume and definition to your curls, and avoid using too much product to maintain a natural, lived-in look.

Curls with Taper for Men and Women

Curls with taper is a versatile hairstyle that can be adapted to suit both men and women. Here are some tips for achieving the perfect look based on your gender:

Curls with Taper for Men

For men, curls with taper is a popular choice for those looking to add some edge to their look. Opt for a shorter taper on the sides and back, and use a styling product to add volume and definition to your curls. You can also experiment with different fade lengths and styles to suit your preferences.

Curls with Taper for Women

For women, curls with taper is a versatile option that can be adapted to various hair types and lengths. Opt for a longer taper on the sides and back, and use a styling product to add volume and definition to your curls. You can also experiment with different styling techniques, such as braids or twists, to create a more unique and personalized look.

Curls with Taper Inspiration

Looking for some inspiration for your curls with taper style? Here are some popular variations to consider:

Curls with Taper and Beard

Combining curls with taper and a beard creates a rugged, masculine look that's perfect for those who want to add some edge to their style. Opt for a shorter taper on the sides and back, and use a styling product to add volume and definition to your curls. Pair your style with a well-groomed beard for a complete, polished look.

Curls with Taper and Undercut

An undercut with curls is a bold and edgy style that features a short, close-cut undercut on the sides and back, combined with longer, voluminous curls on top. This style is perfect for those who want to make a statement and add some drama to their look. To achieve this style, work with a skilled hairstylist who can create a precise and well-blended undercut.

Curls with Taper and Fade

A fade with curls is a versatile style that can be adapted to various hair types and lengths. Opt for a shorter taper on the sides and back, and use a styling product to add volume and definition to your curls. You can also experiment with different fade lengths and styles to suit your preferences.

Curls with Taper and Hard Part

A hard part with curls is a stylish and modern look that features a clean, defined part on one side of the head, combined with longer, voluminous curls on top. This style is perfect for those who want to add some edge to their look without going too bold. To achieve this style, work with a skilled hairstylist who can create a precise and well-blended hard part.

Curls with Taper: Before and After

To give you a better idea of the transformation that curls with taper can provide, here's a before-and-after comparison:

Before	After

As you can see, curls with taper can create a dramatic transformation, adding volume, definition, and edge to your look. Whether you're looking for a bold, statement style or a more subtle, everyday look, curls with taper offers a range of options to suit your preferences.

💡 Note: The images above are placeholders. For actual before-and-after images, consult a hairstylist or search for inspiration online.

Curls with taper is a versatile and stylish hairstyle that combines the volume and bounce of curls with the sleek, tapered edges of a fade or undercut. This style is perfect for those looking to add some edge to their look, whether you’re a man or a woman. With the right haircut, styling techniques, and maintenance, you can achieve the perfect curls with taper look that suits your preferences and enhances your natural features. From messy and textured styles to polished and defined looks, curls with taper offers a range of options to help you express your unique style and personality. Whether you’re looking for a bold, statement style or a more subtle, everyday look, curls with taper is a versatile and stylish choice that’s sure to turn heads and make a lasting impression.

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