22 Locs With Undercut Styles for Women That Bring the Edge

Adding a shaved undercut to your locs is one of the boldest moves in natural hair. It pairs the fullness of locs on top with clean, shaved sides or nape underneath, and the contrast between the two is what makes it so striking. It also cuts down the bulk and weight, which makes styling easier and keeps you cooler. The one thing to know going in: the shaved part grows out fast, so you'll need a trip to the barber every couple of weeks to keep it sharp, on top of your usual loc care. Here are 22 ways to wear locs with an undercut, from subtle to full statement.

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Locs Swept to One Side

The classic version. Your locs are swept over to one side, revealing a shaved undercut on the other.

Sweeping the locs across shows off the shaved side while keeping plenty of length on top, so you get both.

It's edgy and elegant at once, and it suits almost everyone. Deep part the locs and pin them if needed so the shaved side stays on show.

One-Sided Undercut

A shaved section on just one side of the head, with your locs falling over and past it.

Shaving only one side is a good first step if you're not ready to commit to more, and it's easy to hide by parting the locs over it.

It gives an asymmetric, modern edge. Keep the shaved side trimmed every couple of weeks to stay clean.

Nape Undercut

The hair at the back of the neck shaved, with your locs hanging down over it.

The nape shave takes weight off the back and keeps you cool, and it stays hidden until you lift your locs up.

It's a subtle option that's easy to grow out. Show it off with an updo or ponytail when you want it seen.

Double-Sided Undercut

Both sides shaved, with a strip of locs running down the center.

Shaving both sides makes a stronger statement and gives the locs on top a real focal point.

It's bold and low-fuss once it's done. Regular trims on both sides keep it balanced.

High Ponytail With Shaved Sides

Your locs gathered into a high ponytail with the shaved undercut on full display around the sides.

Pulling the locs up high is the best way to show off a side or double undercut, since nothing covers it.

It's clean, sporty, and striking. Wrap a loc around the base to finish the ponytail neatly.

High Bun With Undercut

Your locs gathered into a high bun on top with the shaved sides and nape exposed.

The bun lifts everything up and puts the undercut front and center, a sharp, pulled-together look.

It keeps the hair off your face and neck. Leave a few locs loose at the front to soften it.

Loc Faux Hawk

The sides shaved or kept flat while the locs down the center are styled up into a faux hawk.

The shaved or braided sides create the hawk shape while the center locs give the height, no shaving of the top needed.

It's one of the boldest looks here. Pin the center locs up and forward for maximum drama.

Two-Tone Faux Hawk

A loc faux hawk in two colours, like platinum on top against dark roots, with shaved sides.

The colour contrast amplifies the punk, 90s-inspired vibe and makes the hawk shape pop even more.

It's a real statement. Deep condition coloured locs to keep them strong, and trim the sides every 2-3 weeks.

Geometric Shaved Undercut

Your locs worn up or to one side over an undercut with a geometric pattern shaved into it.

The carved lines or shapes add an artistic, custom detail that turns the shave itself into part of the style.

It demands regular barber visits to keep the design crisp. Pair it with a ponytail or sweep so the pattern shows.

Shaved Heart or Design

A specific design like a heart, star, or initials shaved into the undercut beneath your locs.

A personal design makes the style unique to you and shows off real creativity.

It's a fun way to express yourself. Book regular touch-ups, since the design blurs as it grows.

Loc Bob With Undercut

Your locs cut to a bob length with a shaved undercut underneath.

The short bob length paired with the shave is light, cool, and very low-maintenance for daily wear.

It's a fresh, modern take. A pop of colour on the bob adds even more edge.

Half-Up With Undercut

The top of your locs pulled up while the rest hangs down, with a shaved side or nape on show.

The half-up lifts the top section to reveal the shave while keeping the length flowing below.

It's a relaxed everyday option. Leave a couple of loose locs at the front to frame your face.

Loc Updo With Undercut

Your locs pinned up into a full updo with the shaved sides and nape exposed.

Pinning the locs up completely clears the sides and back, giving the undercut its full moment.

It's elegant enough for a wedding or event. Set it on stretched or curled locs for a fuller shape.

Geometric Parted Ponytail

Your locs parted into a sharp geometric pattern across the scalp, gathered into a ponytail, with shaved sides.

The intricate parting creates a striking design on the scalp that flows into the tail, paired with the clean shave.

It's a fusion of art and edge. Have the parts done neatly, since they're the whole point.

Curly Locs With Undercut

The locs on top set into curls or barrel twists, with a shaved undercut at the sides.

The soft curls on top contrast with the sharp shaved sides, balancing edgy and pretty.

It's a lovely mix of textures. Set the locs on rods and let them dry fully for the curl.

Coloured Locs With Undercut

Your locs dyed a bold shade, like burgundy, copper, or blonde, over a shaved undercut.

The colour draws the eye to the locs while the shave keeps the whole look sharp.

Deep condition before colouring to protect the locs. A burgundy or copper is an easy place to start.

Pinned-Back With Exposed Side

Your locs pinned back away from your face on the shaved side, showing off the undercut.

Pinning the locs back keeps the shaved side on display while keeping hair out of your face.

It's quick and everyday. Use decorative pins for a bit of extra detail.

Accessorized Undercut Style

Your locs worn up or swept over, finished with cuffs, pearls, or a fine chain, with the undercut on show.

The accessories add personality and shine, and against a clean shave they stand out even more.

Keep them light near the ends so they don't pull. Pearls or gold cuffs dress it up for an event.

Faded Undercut

The shaved sides blended, or faded, into the locs rather than a sharp line.

A fade softens the transition between the shave and the locs for a smoother, less abrupt look.

It's a subtler take than a disconnected undercut. The fade needs frequent trims to stay clean.

Disconnected Undercut

The opposite of a fade, with a sharp, abrupt line between the shaved side and the locs.

The hard contrast between short and long is the whole point, bold and graphic.

It's the edgiest way to wear the shave. Keep the line crisp with regular barber visits.

Short Locs With Undercut

Short, newer locs on top paired with a shaved undercut.

Even short locs work with an undercut, so you don't have to wait for length to try the look.

It's a great way to style locs in the early stages. Our short loc styles post covers more ways to wear locs at this length.

Long Locs With Undercut

Long, settled locs worn over a shaved undercut.

The length of the locs against the clean shave makes a dramatic, eye-catching contrast.

It's the fullest version of the look. Sweep them to one side or gather them up to show the shave off.