15 Stunning Tapered Curly Sides Ideas to Try

Curly hair already has plenty of personality, but the right shape can make those curls look even sharper.

Tapered Curly Sides keep the sides neat and shorter while leaving the curls fuller on top, creating a clean look without taking away their natural bounce.

If you want a hairstyle that feels fresh, easy to manage, and still shows off your curls, Tapered Curly Sides can be a great choice.

The tapered sides add a neat finish, while the curly top keeps the style soft, textured, and full of life.

This cut works well with short to medium curls and can suit different face shapes. Plus, you can style the top with natural curls, a little volume, or a defined finish, so your hair does not have to behave perfectly every morning.

1. Short Curly Hair with Tapered Sides

I love how this cut keeps curly hair looking neat without removing its natural character.

The tapered sides create a clean shape, while the short curls on top add texture and volume.

This Tapered Curly Sides style works especially well for people who want an easy daily look.

I find that a small amount of curl cream helps define the curls, while letting them dry naturally keeps the finish soft.

2. Curly Haircut with Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs can make curly hair look soft and stylish at the same time. The bangs frame the face beautifully, while the curls add natural movement and make the whole cut feel relaxed.

I would keep the bangs slightly longer so they can sit around the eyes and cheekbones. A light curl cream can help them hold their shape without making the hair look stiff.

3. Curly Mullet Cut

The curly mullet gives classic curls a fun and modern twist. Shorter layers around the front and sides create shape, while the longer back adds movement and personality.

This cut works well for medium to thick curly hair. I like using a lightweight styling cream because it keeps the curls defined while allowing the longer layers to move freely.

4. Mid-Length Curly Cut with Layers

Mid-length curls can sometimes look heavy, but layers can change everything. They remove some weight and help the curls sit in a more balanced shape.

I find this cut especially useful for people who want to keep their length without losing volume.

Ask for soft layers that follow your natural curl pattern instead of cutting too much at once.

5. Curly Afro

A curly afro celebrates natural volume and texture instead of trying to hide it. The rounded shape gives the hair a bold look while keeping the curls full and noticeable.

This style works best when the hair stays well moisturized. I recommend using a gentle leave-in conditioner and avoiding too much brushing, since curls usually look better when you let their natural pattern shine.

6. Curly Bowl Cut

The curly bowl cut gives a playful shape to naturally curly hair. The rounded top creates a clear outline, while the curls keep the style from looking too flat or stiff.

I think this works best when the curls have enough volume to support the shape. Keep the sides and edges neat, then use a small amount of curl cream to bring out the texture.

7. Long Curly Hair with Step Layers

Long curls can look amazing when they have enough movement. Step layers break up the length and help prevent the hair from looking too heavy at the bottom.

This style suits people who want to keep their long curls while adding more shape. I would start with gentle layers and use a moisturizing product to keep the ends soft and defined.

8. Curly Bob with Blunt Ends

A curly bob with blunt ends gives natural curls a stronger shape. The clean ends create structure, while the curls add softness and movement around the face.

This look can work well with both loose and tighter curls. Explore these curly bob hairstyles for more inspiration and styling ideas

I prefer keeping the bob around the jaw or chin, depending on the face shape, and using a light styling cream for definition.

9. High-Volume Curly Crop

The high-volume curly crop is made for anyone who wants short hair with plenty of personality. The sides stay controlled while the curls on top create height and texture.

If you like soft natural curls, you can also check these loose flowing curls hair ideas. They offer simple styling options that can give your Tapered Curly Sides a fresh and natural look.

I like this style because it does not need complicated styling. Apply a small amount of curl cream to damp hair, scrunch gently, and let the curls dry naturally.

10. Soft Spiral Cut

Soft spiral curls create a gentle, flowing shape that looks natural rather than overly styled. The rounded layers help individual curls stand out while keeping the overall look balanced.

This cut works especially well for medium to long curly hair. I find that using a lightweight gel can help spirals stay defined without making them feel crunchy.

11. Triangle Cut for Defined Curls

The triangle cut gives curly hair extra width toward the bottom, creating a noticeable triangular shape. It can make dense curls look full and dramatic while showing off their natural texture.

This style works particularly well with thick, defined curls. I would keep the curls moisturized and use a wide-tooth comb only when the hair is wet to avoid unnecessary frizz.

12. Bob Cut with Loose Ringlets

Loose ringlets and a bob make a lovely combination because the curls add movement to the clean bob shape. The result feels polished but still relaxed and natural.

This style suits people with loose curls or naturally wavy-curly hair. I recommend keeping the ends healthy and using a lightweight mousse to help the ringlets hold their shape.

13. Layered Curls with Rounded Shape

A rounded layered cut can give curly hair a soft and balanced appearance. The layers help spread the volume around the head instead of letting too much weight collect at the bottom.

I find this shape especially helpful for thick curls that need more movement. Ask for layers that match your natural curl pattern, then use a curl cream to bring out the shape.

14. Inverted Bob for Curly Hair

An inverted bob keeps the back slightly shorter and lets the front become longer. With curls added to the mix, this shape gets extra volume and a fun, lifted appearance.

This cut works well for people who want a structured hairstyle without losing their curls. I would keep the back neat and allow the front curls to frame the face naturally.

15. Side-Parted Curly Cut

A simple side part can completely change the way curly hair looks. Moving the part to one side creates extra volume on top and gives the curls a fresh, face-framing shape.

This style works with short, medium, or long curls, so it is easy to adjust. I like using my fingers to create the part instead of brushing the curls too much, which helps keep their natural texture intact.

How to Maintain Tapered Curly Sides

Tapered curly sides look neat when you keep the sides trimmed and your curls moisturized.

Use a lightweight curl cream to define your curls and reduce frizz. Visit your barber every 2 to 4 weeks to maintain the tapered shape. Choose a gentle shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair soft and healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Tapered curly sides are a stylish choice for anyone who wants natural curls with a clean, modern shape.

From a low taper to a bold high taper, you can choose a look that suits your hair texture and personality.

Keep your curls moisturized and trim the sides regularly to maintain a fresh appearance.