The fusion of locs and undercuts creates a revolutionary statement that celebrates both tradition and edge.
This powerful combination allows Black women to honor the cultural significance of locs while embracing a modern, daring aesthetic that turns heads wherever they go.
The undercut adds dimension, versatility, and a fearless energy to loc styles, offering cooling relief and endless styling possibilities that range from elegant to rebellious.
Whether you’re considering your first undercut or seeking fresh inspiration for your existing locs, this comprehensive guide presents 27 bold loc styles for Black women with undercut that stand out in any setting.
From subtle side shaves to dramatic all-around undercuts, you’ll discover styles that complement every face shape, personality, and lifestyle, complete with styling tips, maintenance advice, and creative variations that will transform your loc journey into an unforgettable expression of self.
1. Classic Side Undercut with High Bun
The classic side undercut with high bun combines timeless elegance with contemporary edge, creating a perfect balance for professional and social settings.
This style features a shaved section on one side while the remaining locs are swept up into a voluminous bun that showcases both texture and length.
- The contrast between the exposed scalp and the fullness of the bun creates dramatic visual interest that draws attention to your facial features.
- This style works exceptionally well for women with oval, heart, or diamond face shapes, as the asymmetry adds balance and dimension.
- The high bun placement elongates the neck and emphasizes cheekbones, creating a regal appearance that transitions seamlessly from boardroom to evening events.
- Maintenance requires regular touch-ups every 2-3 weeks to keep the undercut crisp and defined.
- You can accessorize with hair jewelry, wraps, or cuffs on the bun section while letting the undercut speak for itself.
2. Mohawk-Style Center Part with Double Undercuts
The mohawk-style center part with double undercuts delivers maximum impact by shaving both sides while leaving a dramatic strip of locs down the center.
This bold choice originated from punk culture but has been beautifully reclaimed and reimagined within Black hair aesthetics.
- The center strip can vary in width from 2 to 6 inches depending on how dramatic you want the final look.
- This style allows for incredible versatility as you can wear the center locs down, braided, twisted into a faux hawk, or styled into an updo.
- The double undercut provides excellent scalp ventilation, making it ideal for active lifestyles, hot climates, or anyone who experiences scalp sensitivity.
- Face shapes that benefit most from this style include oval and oblong, as the vertical emphasis creates balance.
- Regular retwisting of the center locs combined with maintaining the undercut creates a cohesive, polished appearance.
3. Asymmetrical Long Locs with Temple Fade
The asymmetrical long locs with temple fade offers sophistication with subtle rebellion, featuring shaved temples while maintaining length and fullness throughout the rest of the head.
This style works particularly well for women transitioning into undercut styles without committing to extensive shaving.
- The temple fade creates a gentle transition from skin to hair, offering a softer alternative to blunt undercuts.
- Long locs can be worn flowing naturally, allowing the temple area to peek through when hair moves.
- This style particularly flatters round and square face shapes by adding vertical lines that elongate facial features.
- The minimal shaving required means less frequent maintenance appointments, typically every 3-4 weeks.
- You can enhance the asymmetry by styling locs to one side or creating off-center parts that emphasize the fade.
4. Shaved Nape with Cascading Locs
The shaved nape with cascading locs creates an unexpected surprise element, keeping the drama hidden until you turn around or style your hair up.
This design offers the cooling benefits of an undercut while maintaining a more traditional appearance from the front.
- The nape undercut can extend from ear to ear or be limited to a smaller central section depending on preference.
- This placement works exceptionally well during summer months or for women who experience neck tension, as it reduces weight and heat.
- You can incorporate designs, patterns, or keep it simple with a clean shave that highlights the natural hairline.
- When locs are worn down, the undercut remains a secret known only to you, offering a sense of hidden rebellion.
- Styling options include high ponytails, buns, or half-up styles that deliberately showcase the shaved nape.
5. Full Undercut with Top Knot
The full undercut with top knot represents the ultimate commitment to bold styling, featuring shaved sides, back, and potentially nape while leaving locs only on the crown.
This dramatic transformation creates a striking silhouette that commands attention and showcases confidence.
- The top knot can be positioned centrally or slightly forward depending on head shape and personal preference.
- This style significantly reduces overall hair weight, making it ideal for women with thick, heavy locs who want relief.
- The exposed scalp provides an excellent canvas for intricate designs, temporary tattoos, or simply showcasing beautiful skin.
- Maintenance involves both retwisting the remaining locs and keeping the undercut fresh, requiring dedication to upkeep.
- Face shapes that particularly shine with this style include oval, heart, and diamond shapes, as the top knot draws eyes upward.
6. Side Swept Locs with Graduated Undercut
The side swept locs with graduated undercut combines romance with edge, featuring a fade that gradually transitions from skin to full locs.
This softer approach to undercuts maintains femininity while incorporating contemporary style elements.
- The graduation creates depth and dimension, allowing for a more blended, natural-looking transition.
- All locs are swept to one side, creating volume and movement that frames the face beautifully.
- This style particularly suits women with round or square face shapes, as the diagonal lines create slimming effects.
- The graduated fade requires skilled barbering but results in a sophisticated finish that ages gracefully between appointments.
- You can adjust the drama by varying how much hair is swept versus how aggressive the fade becomes.
7. Undercut with Loc Extensions and Color
The undercut with loc extensions and color takes boldness to the next level by combining structural drama with vibrant hues.
This style allows you to experiment with length, volume, and color without permanent commitment to all elements.
- Loc extensions can add instant length and thickness to the non-shaved sections, creating maximum contrast with the undercut.
- Color options range from natural tones that add dimension to bold fashion colors like burgundy, blonde, or even rainbow hues.
- The undercut serves as a natural frame that makes colored locs pop even more dramatically.
- This combination works for all face shapes, as you can customize both the undercut placement and loc styling to suit individual features.
- Maintenance includes both color care and undercut upkeep, requiring investment in quality hair products and regular salon visits.
8. Geometric Design Undercut with Short Locs
The geometric design undercut with short locs transforms your head into living art, featuring precisely carved patterns that complement the texture of shorter locs.
This style celebrates both the barber’s artistry and the beauty of emerging or mature short locs.
- Geometric designs can include lines, triangles, diamonds, or abstract patterns that reflect personal style or cultural significance.
- Short locs provide the perfect canvas for showcasing intricate undercut designs without coverage.
- This style requires maintenance every 1-2 weeks to keep designs crisp and visible as hair grows.
- The combination works beautifully for women with strong facial features who want to emphasize bone structure.
- Design possibilities are limitless, allowing for seasonal changes or special occasion customization.
9. Braided Locs with Partial Undercut
The braided locs with partial undercut combines two beloved styling techniques into one show-stopping look. The undercut provides a clean foundation while braided locs add texture, pattern, and versatility to the overall design.
- Locs can be braided in various patterns including cornrows, flat twists, or intricate designs that incorporate the undercut as negative space.
- The partial undercut typically affects one side or the back, leaving sufficient locs for complex braiding patterns.
- This style offers longevity, as properly maintained braided locs can last 4-6 weeks while the undercut needs refreshing every 2-3 weeks.
- The combination protects locs from manipulation while providing a polished, intentional appearance.
- You can incorporate beads, cuffs, or thread wrapping into braided sections for additional personalization.
10. Twisted Updo with Nape Undercut
The twisted updo with nape undercut delivers red-carpet elegance with a hidden edge that reveals itself in profile and back views.
This sophisticated style works beautifully for formal events, weddings, or professional settings where polish matters.
- The twisted updo can take various forms including flat twists, two-strand twists, or rope twists arranged into buns, crowns, or elaborate formations.
- The nape undercut remains concealed when hair is down but becomes a focal point when styled up.
- This combination works for all face shapes and can be adjusted to emphasize or minimize specific features.
- The updo protects loc ends from damage while the undercut provides cooling relief and reduces styling time.
- Adding accessories like flowers, pins, or decorative combs enhances the formal nature while the undercut keeps it contemporary.
11. Half-Up Half-Down with Side Undercut
The half-up half-down with side undercut offers the best of both worlds, combining the practicality of pulled-back hair with the softness of flowing locs. This versatile style transitions easily between casual and dressy occasions.
- The top section of locs is secured at the crown or mid-head while remaining locs flow freely.
- The side undercut adds asymmetry and interest to an otherwise symmetrical style.
- This approach works exceptionally well for women with medium to long locs who want styling variety.
- The half-up portion can be styled as a bun, ponytail, twist, or braid depending on the desired effect.
- Face shapes that benefit include oval, heart, and square, as the style balances proportions while highlighting eyes and cheekbones.
12. Faux Hawk with Triple Undercut Sections
The faux hawk with triple undercut sections creates punk-inspired drama by shaving three distinct areas while leaving strategic loc sections that can be styled upward.
This bold choice makes an unmistakable statement about confidence and individuality.
- The triple undercut typically includes both sides and the nape, leaving only the top and possibly front sections with locs.
- Remaining locs can be styled upward using gel, edge control, or simply twisted and pinned to create height and volume.
- This style works best with locs that have sufficient length to stand upward, typically 6 inches or longer.
- The dramatic shape particularly flatters oval and diamond face shapes by adding width at the temples.
- Maintenance requires both styling products for the faux hawk and regular undercut grooming.
13. Wrapped Locs with Asymmetric Undercut
The wrapped locs with asymmetric undercut combines the protective benefits of wrapping with the boldness of an uneven shave pattern. Thread wrapping or yarn wrapping adds color, protection, and texture variation to loc styles.
- Wrapping can cover partial or full lengths of locs using embroidery thread, yarn, or specialty hair wrapping materials.
- The asymmetric undercut means one side is shaved higher or more extensively than the other, creating visual interest.
- Color choices for wrapping can complement skin tone, contrast with natural hair color, or match seasonal wardrobes.
- This style protects loc ends from splitting while maintaining a polished appearance that requires minimal daily maintenance.
- The combination works beautifully for creative professionals, artists, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted aesthetic elements.
14. Crown Braid with Full Side Undercut
The crown braid with full side undercut merges bohemian romance with urban edge, featuring locs braided around the head like a halo while one entire side showcases a complete undercut.
This juxtaposition creates a memorable look that photographs beautifully.
- The crown braid can be a single thick braid or multiple smaller braids woven together to circle the head.
- The full side undercut typically extends from the temple to behind the ear and down to the nape on one side.
- This style keeps hair off the face while creating a soft, feminine frame that contrasts with the bold shave.
- Women with oval, heart, and diamond face shapes find this style particularly flattering as it emphasizes facial symmetry.
- The crown braid can incorporate flowers, ribbons, or metallic cuffs for special occasions.
15. Stacked Locs with Layered Undercut Design
The stacked locs with layered undercut design creates architectural dimension by cutting locs into stacked layers while the undercut features multiple levels or patterns. This technical style requires skilled execution but delivers stunning visual impact.
- Stacked locs are cut in graduated lengths, creating volume and movement that prevents the cylindrical shape some locs develop.
- The layered undercut incorporates different fade levels or carved designs at various heights.
- This combination adds dimension from every angle, making it ideal for women who want a style that photographs well from all sides.
- The technical nature requires finding a stylist experienced with both loc cutting and precision barbering.
- Maintenance includes periodic trimming to maintain the stacked shape and regular undercut refreshing.
16. Goddess Locs with Temple Undercut
The goddess locs with temple undercut combines the romantic, flowing nature of goddess locs with the sharp lines of shaved temples. Goddess locs feature curly or wavy ends that create a softer, more bohemian aesthetic than traditional locs.
- The wavy ends can be achieved through various methods including permanent solutions or temporary styling techniques.
- Temple undercuts frame the face while allowing the goddess locs to flow freely and showcase their texture.
- This style works exceptionally well for women seeking a feminine, romantic look with just a hint of edge.
- The combination is lower maintenance than full undercuts since only small temple areas require regular shaving.
- Face shapes that particularly benefit include round and square, as the temple lines create slimming vertical emphasis.
17. Twisted Locs Ponytail with Back Undercut
The twisted locs ponytail with back undercut offers sporty elegance by gathering locs into a high or mid ponytail while the back features a clean undercut that extends across the nape.
This practical style keeps hair secure while looking polished.
- The ponytail can be positioned high for athletic activities or lower for professional settings.
- Twisting locs before securing them into the ponytail adds texture and prevents frizz.
- The back undercut provides cooling relief and reduces weight, making this ideal for active lifestyles.
- This style transitions seamlessly from gym to office to evening events with minimal adjustment.
- You can enhance the ponytail with wraps, bands, or cuffs while keeping the undercut clean and simple.
18. Loc Bun Cluster with Circular Undercut
The loc bun cluster with circular undercut features multiple small buns arranged in a pattern while a circular undercut creates a defined frame around the remaining hair. This artistic approach transforms the head into a sculptural statement.
- Multiple buns can be arranged in rows, spirals, or geometric patterns depending on creative vision.
- The circular undercut typically rings the head at a consistent height, creating a clean border.
- This style requires sufficient loc length to create multiple buns while keeping them secure and neat.
- The sculptural nature makes it perfect for festivals, creative events, or anyone who appreciates artistic hair design.
- Maintenance includes regularly refreshing both the buns and the undercut to maintain crisp definition.
19. Side Part with Diagonal Undercut
The side part with diagonal undercut uses angular lines to create dynamic movement and interest. The diagonal undercut runs at an angle rather than following natural hairlines, creating an intentionally geometric aesthetic.
- The diagonal line can run from front to back or at various angles depending on desired effect.
- Locs are parted deeply to one side, with the undercut typically on the side with less hair.
- This style creates striking asymmetry that photographs beautifully and draws attention to facial features.
- The angular nature particularly flatters women with round or square face shapes by adding diagonal lines that soften features.
- You can adjust the angle’s aggression from subtle to dramatic based on personal comfort level with bold styling.
20. Bantu Knot-Out Locs with Nape Design
The bantu knot-out locs with nape design combines textured styling with decorative undercut artistry. After creating and unraveling bantu knots, the resulting crimped texture contrasts beautifully with the clean precision of a designed nape.
- Bantu knots create zigzag texture in locs that adds volume and a unique aesthetic different from standard loc texture.
- The nape design can incorporate symbols, patterns, words, or abstract art that reflects personal meaning.
- This combination works well for special occasions when you want maximum impact and willingness to invest styling time.
- The bantu knot-out texture typically lasts several days, while the nape design grows out over 1-2 weeks.
- Face shapes that particularly shine include heart and oval, as the textured volume balances features.
21. Pinned-Up Locs with Strategic Side Undercut
The pinned-up locs with strategic side undercut allows for vintage-inspired elegance with contemporary edge. Locs are pinned in various formations while the side undercut provides asymmetric interest and cooling relief.
- Pinning techniques can include victory rolls, Gibson tucks, or abstract pinned clusters depending on the occasion.
- The strategic placement of the undercut ensures it enhances rather than competes with the pinned sections.
- This style works beautifully for formal events, vintage-themed occasions, or anyone who appreciates retro aesthetics with a twist.
- The pinned sections protect loc ends while creating polished styling that can last multiple days with proper nighttime care.
- Hair accessories like vintage pins, decorative combs, or jeweled clips enhance the classic nature of the pinned sections.
22. Waterfall Loc Style with Back Triangle Undercut
The waterfall loc style with back triangle undercut creates flowing, cascading movement while the geometric nape design adds structured contrast. This combination balances organic flow with intentional design.
- The waterfall effect involves styling locs in layers that overlap and flow downward like a waterfall.
- The triangle undercut at the nape can point up or down, with the geometric shape creating strong visual interest.
- This style works particularly well for women with long locs who want to showcase length while incorporating undercut elements.
- The flowing nature suits romantic, bohemian aesthetics while the triangle adds contemporary geometric appeal.
- Maintenance includes periodic restyling of the waterfall layers and keeping the triangle edges crisp.
23. Twisted Crown with Full Perimeter Undercut
The twisted crown with full perimeter undercut creates a regal halo effect while the dramatic all-around undercut showcases commitment to bold styling. This combination delivers maximum impact and requires confidence to carry.
- Locs are twisted together and arranged in a crown formation around the top of the head.
- The full perimeter undercut means all sides and back are shaved, leaving only the crown section with hair.
- This dramatic style significantly reduces hair weight and provides excellent ventilation for active lifestyles or warm climates.
- The crown formation can be tight and structured or loose and organic depending on aesthetic preference.
- This style particularly flatters women with strong facial features and confidence in carrying dramatic looks.
24. Loc Jewelry Showcase with Minimal Undercut
The loc jewelry showcase with minimal undercut provides the perfect canvas for displaying beautiful loc accessories while a subtle undercut adds just enough edge. This style prioritizes adornment and personalization.
- Loc jewelry can include rings, cuffs, wraps, beads, shells, or precious metal pieces that reflect personal style.
- The minimal undercut typically affects just temples or a small nape section, providing contrast without overwhelming the jewelry.
- This approach works beautifully for women who have invested in loc accessories and want to showcase their collection.
- The combination allows the jewelry to be the star while the undercut provides modern framing.
- You can change jewelry regularly while keeping the undercut consistent, allowing for frequent style refreshing.
25. Asymmetric Bob Locs with Side Fade
The asymmetric bob locs with side fade brings classic bob styling into the loc world with an edgy twist. One side is cut shorter while the other remains longer, and the fade adds additional dimension and interest.
- The asymmetric cut typically features a difference of 2-4 inches between the two sides.
- The fade usually appears on the shorter side, emphasizing the asymmetry and creating smooth transition from skin to hair.
- This style works exceptionally well for women who want to maintain some length while embracing bold, modern styling.
- The bob length is practical for daily maintenance while the asymmetry and fade prevent it from reading as conservative.
- Face shapes that benefit most include round, square, and heart shapes, as the angles create flattering lines.
26. Space Buns with Undercut Sides
The space buns with undercut sides brings playful, youthful energy while the shaved sides keep it grounded in contemporary edge. This fun style works for festivals, creative events, or anyone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously.
- Two buns are positioned symmetrically on top of the head while both sides feature clean undercuts.
- The buns can be tight and neat or loose and textured depending on the desired level of polish.
- This style works particularly well for women with medium to long locs that provide sufficient length for substantial buns.
- The playful nature makes it perfect for creative professions, weekend activities, or anyone who wants to express lighthearted confidence.
- You can add color, glitter, or accessories to the buns while keeping the undercuts simple and clean.
27. Low Ponytail with Detailed Nape Design
The low ponytail with detailed nape design offers sophisticated simplicity in the front while revealing intricate artistry in the back. This style works beautifully for professional settings where you want polish with personality.
- The low ponytail sits at the nape or just above, creating an elegant, controlled silhouette.
- The nape design can feature elaborate patterns, meaningful symbols, or artistic flourishes that express individuality.
- This combination keeps hair completely off the face and neck while making a statement when you turn around.
- The professional nature suits corporate environments, formal events, or any setting where polish matters.
- Design options are limitless, allowing for personal expression through the nape artwork while maintaining overall sophistication.
Conclusion
The journey through these 27 bold loc styles for Black women with undercut that stand out reveals the incredible versatility, creativity, and empowerment available when you combine traditional locs with contemporary undercut designs.
From subtle temple fades that whisper elegance to full perimeter undercuts that shout confidence, each style offers a unique way to express your personality, honor your heritage, and embrace modern aesthetics.
The fusion of locs and undercuts transcends mere fashion trends, representing a powerful statement of self-determination and the beautiful evolution of Black hair culture.
Whether you choose a professional low ponytail with nape design for your corporate career or bold space buns for creative expression, these styles celebrate the reality that Black women deserve to be seen, remembered, and celebrated for their courage to stand out.
As you consider which style resonates with your spirit, remember that the most important element is your confidence in carrying whatever look makes you feel authentically yourself, because when you feel powerful, you are unstoppable.
