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short tapered cut on 4c natural hair
Even though my natural black hair is now a little too long for this style, I knew I have to feature it on my blog.
A short tapered cut on 4c natural hair is one of the most popular short natural 4c hairstyles amongst black women. This cute and low-maintenance style is achieved by cutting your hair shorter at the back and sides while leaving your hair longer at the top.
It’s the perfect short style after a big chop. Because it allows you to look cute while learning more about your unique 4c hair texture.
What is a tapered haircut?
A tapered haircut is a hairstyle that gradually goes from shorter hair to longer hair. Here your hair is cut in such a way that the length of your curls gradually decreases from the top of the head to the nape of the neck. This gives your hair a tapered or graduated look.
In order to achieve a tapered natural haircut you can use different cutting techniques, including scissors, clippers, or both. Depending on the look you are going for, you can choose the length at the top of your hair.
Benefits of a tapered cut
The short tapered cut on 4c natural hair is very common in the natural hair community. Because of its many benefits when it comes to your natural hair journey. Some of these include:
Easy styling and maintenance
A short tapered haircut makes it much easier to manage and style your 4c hair. Because it is shorter at the sides and back, but longer at the top, it requires less detangling, less time to style, and less product. Thus making it the best 4c haircut. Especially for those of us who are short on time or want something that is easy to maintain.
Can be customized to suit your face shape and personal style
One misconception about the tapered cut is that it always has to be a buzz cut. That could not be further from the truth. It is actually super versatile and ideal for girls that want to try out different styles to see what fits their facial features the best.
For example, a tapered cut with long hair at the top can be great for you like doing twist-outs, finger coils, or even a faux hawk. A shorter tapered haircut, on the other hand, can work well for you if you prefer a more low-key look.
Reduced breakage and healthier ends
The most important benefit of a short tapered cut on 4c natural hair is that it reduces hair breakage. Because the hair is trimmed very low or shaved there is not a lot of tension or manipulation placed on the ends of the hair.
Instead, your coily hair gets to remain in its natural texture for the duration of the hairstyle. In addition, if you regularly get a tapered cut it can help you remove damaged ends which then leads to more length retention and healthier hair overall.
How do you cut tapered hair?
Now let’s get to the exciting part of this blog post – how to cut a tapered haircut.
When cutting tapered hair, you use a technique called “layering” to create a gradual transition from shorter to longer hair. This technique is used to create a variety of looks, from a subtle tapering look to a more dramatic one.
Even though I do not recommend that you cut your hair by yourself if it’s the first time, I do provide a step-by-step process below:
- Start by dividing your natural hair into sections and securing them with hair clips or hair ties.
- Begin cutting the hair at the back of your head first. Use scissors or clippers to cut the hair at the nape of the neck to the desired length. This will be the shortest length of the tapered cut.
- Move to the sides of your head, and cut the hair to the same length as in the back. Most people use clippers to achieve the best results.
- Gradually increase the length of the hair as you move up. For that, you use a comb to lift your hair to the desired length and then cut it with your scissors.
- Continue to work your way toward the top of your head while gradually increasing the length of the hair. Keep in mind that the hair on the crown of your head should be the longest.
- Once you’ve finished cutting, use your scissors to shape and blend your hair. The goal is to create a seamless transition between the different lengths.
- Finally, style the hair to your liking. You can use products like a curl-defining cream or mousse to give the hair in the front more volume. And you can use edge control or gel to smooth down your hairline.
Remember these steps may sound easy right now, however, I do recommend you see a professional stylist who has experience with cutting and styling 4c hair. Especially, because the short tapered cut on 4c natural hair looks best when customized to your unique facial features and hair type.
How to maintain a tapered cut
Thankfully maintaining a short tapered cut is not too hard, especially on curly hair. All you need to do is trim it regularly and use products that are specifically designed for 4c hair.
This will help you to keep your hair healthy and looking its best.
Next, you want to avoid over-manipulating your hair, as this can cause breakage and damage. If you must straighten or wand curl it, make sure to use a heat protectant.
Lastly, make sure to protect your short curls at night. Because the ends of your hair are out in the open, you want to wrap your natural hair with a silk scarf or wear a satin bonnet.
As long as you take care of your 4c hair, a short tapered cut can be a great option for a lot of women.
Can you grow out your 4c tapered haircut?
Yes, it is possible to grow out your 4c tapered haircut, but it may take some time and patience.
Growing out a tapered cut means letting your hair on the back and sides grow out to match the length of the hair on the top. And because hair generally only grows 1/2 inch per month, that can take a while.
However, there are a few ways you can promote healthy hair growth. For one, continue to trim your hair to avoid split ends. Secondly, use growth-promoting products that include hair oils, scalp massagers, and hair growth vitamins.
Finally, protect your hair by avoiding heat styling and chemical treatments that can damage your hair and slow down growth. Instead, opt for protective hairstyles like braids, twists, or wigs.
4c tapered cut ideas
If you ask me, I believe that a short tapered cut on 4c hair is one of the most versatile big chop hairstyles out there. Whether you want an afro, a bob, or a classic pixie cut, you can do it all.
There are many different tapered cut ideas for 4c hair, here are a few of my faves:
- TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro): This is a very short tapered cut where your hair is cut super close to the scalp at the side and the back, while the top is left longer. This style is easy to maintain and perfect for those who like a low-maintenance look.
- Tapered Fro: This cut involves cutting your hair shorter at the sides and back, while leaving the top longer, creating a “fro” shape. This style is perfect for you if you want to show off your natural curl pattern.
- Curly Pixie: This cut involves short sides and back while leaving the top a bit longer. However, it also often means straightening or even relaxing your natural hair. It’s a unique look because it is very elegant and polished.
- Tapered Curly Bob: Same as above, it includes short hair in the back and on the sides while leaving the top longer in the form of a bob. It’s a perfect style for you if you want a more defined shape to your hair.
- Tapered TWA with Design: Similar to the classic TWA, it includes shaved sides and back with a relatively short cut at the top. However, while shaving you use your clippers to include different to your hair, like a geometric line or different shapes.
Of course, you’ll achieve the best results if you seek out a barber or professional hairstylist.
Articles related to the short tapered cut on 4c natural hair:
- 4c Blowout Hairstyles
- Elegant and Easy 4c Ponytail Hairstyles
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