Long hair with an undercut isn’t just another trend—it’s a statement, a piece of art that speaks to one’s personality. This style artfully marries the soft, feminine allure of long locks with the daring audacity of buzzed sections. The beauty of it? It caters to a spectrum of hair types and is an open canvas for creativity.
Fun Fact: The undercut has historical roots tracing back to the Edwardian era, where it was a staple among men. Today, it’s an emblem of boldness and individuality for all!
How to Choose the Perfect Undercut for Your Tresses
Discovering the right undercut for your hair type isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about aligning with the texture and temperament of your locks.
Straight Hair: With straight hair, the world is your oyster. Personally, I’ve given countless slicked-back undercuts, an eternal classic. The disconnected undercut, with its stark difference between the top and the sides, also works wonders on straight strands.
Curly Hair: Curly locks have a charm of their own, but they require careful selection. To accentuate those natural twirls, the curly fringe undercut is a lifesaver, allowing length on top while flaunting those curly edges.
Thick Hair: While thick hair is voluminous, it’s also a handful. Having worked with many clients with luscious, thick hair, the textured undercut is my go-to. It brings structure without overwhelming the silhouette.
Fine Hair: A common misconception with fine hair is that an undercut might reduce volume. But guess what? With the layered undercut, I’ve added depth and dimension to numerous fine-haired clients. And the side-swept version? It’s magic for creating an illusion of fullness.
Mastering the Art of Styling: An Undercut with Long Hair
Ponytails: Having styled numerous undercuts, the ponytail remains a darling. It’s chic and versatile. Elevate this classic by opting for a side or a high braided variant. Adding waves or teasing the crown brings another layer of sophistication.
Braids: Braids and undercuts are a match made in hair heaven. My favorite has to be the French braid starting from the nape and spiraling to the side. And for those seeking a bit of flair, incorporate tiny braids into the undercut.
Top Knot: Ah, the top knot! Quick, sassy, and the perfect showcase for an undercut. Play around with messy strands around the face or even introduce braids into the knot. The possibilities are endless.
Messy Bun: For those lazy days when you still want to be the center of attention, a messy bun is your best ally. Add a few loose strands around the face or intertwine some braids, and voilà! Perfection.
A Splash of Color to Elevate Your Style
In my hairstyling journey, I’ve always had a soft corner for colors. They breathe life into a hairstyle, especially an undercut.
Bold and Bright: For the audacious souls, dive into the vibrant purples, pinks, or even blues. When I first ventured into this, the balayage technique was my favorite—it creates an enchanting transition from a bold hue to your natural shade.
Subtle Sophistication: If bold isn’t your cup of tea, there’s always the understated elegance of subtle shades. I’ve often introduced peekaboo hair or color blocking, where only the underlayer gets a hint of color, giving a mysterious yet chic appearance.
Maintaining the Art: Caring for Your Undercut
Having sported an undercut myself, trust me when I say: maintenance is pivotal.
Regular Trims: The essence of the undercut is its fresh, crisp look. I usually advise a trim every 4-6 weeks to keep it sharp.
Product Magic: Products can elevate your undercut. My essentials include:
Pomade: Ideal for texture and hold. I always recommend water-based versions.
Texturizing Spray: It adds that oomph and dynamic look to your hair.
Dry Shampoo: For those rush-hour days, this is a savior, absorbing excess oil and lifting the roots.
Pro Tip: When going for your trim, always have a clear conversation with your stylist. This ensures that you get the desired length and blend for your unique style.
#1 Sophisticated Honey Blonde High Ponytail with Subtle Undercut
This sleek hairstyle sports a polished, high ponytail with an elegant, straight texture in a warm honey blonde, complemented by a subtle yet striking undercut at the nape. The undercut is neatly buzzed for a clean, understated look that adds an element of surprise to the classic ponytail. It’s perfect for anyone looking to maintain length and sophistication up top while playing with a hidden edge beneath, ideal for both a professional setting and a bold, personal statement.
#2 Unique Geometric Undercut with Wavy Chestnut Hair
This hairstyle is a bold statement piece, combining the softness of wavy, chestnut-brown hair cascading over one shoulder with a dramatic undercut on the other side, featuring precise, geometric patterns. It's a daring and modern look that maintains length and femininity while embracing an edgy, shaved style, ideal for someone who loves to stand out and isn't afraid to show off their unique personality through their hair. If you're looking to keep your long locks but want to add a touch of boldness, this might just be the look that captivates your next hairstyle adventure.
#3 Contemporary Black Ponytail with Wave-Inspired Undercut
This dynamic hairstyle showcases long, silky strands gathered into a sleek ponytail at the back, with a striking undercut at the side carved with an elegant, wave-inspired design. The natural black hue of the hair adds a classic touch, while the shaved detail injects a dose of contemporary cool. For those looking to add a twist to their long tresses, this style marries the grace of a ponytail with the edge of an undercut, making it a fashionable choice for your next salon visit.
#4 Lavender and Silver Balayage with Edgy Undercut and Top Bun
This hairstyle is a statement piece, blending a cool-toned silver and lavender balayage into a voluminous top bun with soft, side-swept bangs that gracefully frame the face. Below, a meticulously buzzed undercut adds a modern edge to the look. It's perfect for someone seeking a bold, yet elegant style that plays with color and contrast, offering a fresh take on the long hair with undercut trend. If you're considering a chic makeover, this could be the daring yet sophisticated look to go for.
#5 Edgy Long Ponytail with Intricate Undercut Design
This edgy hairstyle flaunts a long, sleek ponytail with an undercut featuring intricate, flower-like patterns shaved into the sides. The rich, chocolate brown locks flow smoothly into a high ponytail, contrasting beautifully with the artistic, buzzed design beneath. Perfect for someone looking to combine the femininity of long hair with a bold statement, this style merges the best of both worlds. It's an ideal choice if you're seeking a creative and modern twist on the classic long hair look.
This trendy long haircut features a daring undercut along the sides for a modern edge, paired with luscious, icy blonde waves that cascade gracefully. The cool-toned 'frozen blonde' hue adds a sophisticated touch to the soft layers, with no fringe to maintain a clean and versatile look. Perfect for those who want to make a statement while keeping the femininity of long hair.
Here's a chic long hairstyle that embraces both boldness and simplicity, with a deep side-swept top layer that conceals an edgy undercut on one side. The hair's dark roots transition to a rich auburn tone towards the ends, adding a warm contrast that's both stylish and manageable. This cut is ideal for those looking to spice up their long locks with a hidden surprise that's business by day and playful by night.
#8 Geometric Patterned Undercut: Elevate Your Long Hair
This bold undercut takes long hairstyles to the next level with its intricate geometric patterns shaved into the lower half of the scalp, creating a dynamic and unique expression of personality. The rich, dark color of the hair provides a stark canvas for the design, making it a standout choice for those wanting to add an unexpected twist to their long hair without compromising length and versatility.
#9 Bold and Balanced Long Hair with Shaved Back and Balayage Tips
This long hair with an undercut strikes an eye-catching balance, featuring a smooth, shaved back that seamlessly transitions into the longer lengths on top. The hair sports a balayage effect, blending from the natural dark color at the roots to a striking blonde at the tips, offering a modern twist on classic long hair and adding depth and dimension to the style. It's a perfect pick for those looking to add a touch of boldness to their look without sacrificing the versatility of long hair.
#10 Sleek Black Hair with Artistic Leaf Pattern Undercut
This creative hairstyle showcases an undercut with a detailed, leaf-like pattern etched into one side, presenting a blend of artistry and edge. The remaining long, sleek black hair is swept over to the opposite side, providing a dramatic contrast to the undercut and emphasizing the meticulous design. Ideal for those seeking a unique style, this look combines the versatility of long hair with a personalized touch that can be hidden or revealed as desired.
#11 Sleek Side-Swept Black Hair with Geometric Undercut
This hairstyle features a sleek, side-swept look that hides a subtle yet striking undercut beneath, revealing clean lines and geometric patterns when the hair is tucked behind the ear. The hair's natural black hue enhances the sharpness of the undercut, while the long, unlayered strands maintain a classic femininity. It's a perfect style for those who enjoy a mix of discretion and surprise, and it works well for someone looking to dip their toes into the world of undercuts without a full commitment.
#12 Sleek Side-Swept Black Hair with Artistic Undercut
This hairstyle exudes confidence with a side-swept top layer of sleek, straight black hair that artfully conceals a detailed undercut. The undercut itself is a canvas of curved lines and sharp angles, offering a modern twist to the traditional long hair look. It's a statement style for those looking to add an element of bold artistry to their hair, suggesting a playful yet fierce personality.
#13 Modern Geometric Undercut with Swept Back Long Hair
This edgy look takes the long hair with an undercut to a new dimension with its precise geometric design on the side, combining straight and curved lines for a modern twist. The rest of the hair is kept long and swept back, allowing the pattern of the undercut to take center stage when viewed from the side. It's a perfect mix for someone who loves the length of their hair but wants to add a personal touch of creative flair and sophistication.
This vibrant hairstyle combines a daring undercut with a side-swept top, featuring a bold magenta hue that adds a pop of color to the natural dark base. The undercut is etched with clean lines for a geometric contrast, while the long, curly locks on top provide a soft, feminine balance to the sharpness of the shave. It's a perfect choice for those looking to express their dynamic personality and style, offering a blend of edgy precision and playful color.
#15 Distinctive Lines-Patterned Undercut with Curly High Bun
This dynamic hairstyle showcases an undercut with a distinctive line pattern, offering an edgy yet elegant aesthetic. The hair on top is kept long and pulled back into a high, curly bun, which highlights the undercut when the hair is lifted, creating a playful contrast between the textures. It's a striking style for anyone wanting to combine the ease of an updo with the sharp, sculptural lines of an undercut, perfect for making a statement.
This stylish haircut elevates the long hair with an undercut look by incorporating a swept-back style that flows to the side, revealing an intricate star-like pattern on the shaved portion. The hair features a smooth balayage transition from black at the roots to a sun-kissed blonde at the ends, adding a sophisticated gradient to the straight strands. It’s an ideal style for those seeking to combine the sleekness of straight hair with a touch of artistic flair, perfect for making a personal statement.
Featuring a smooth, high ponytail this hairstyle reveals a stunning undercut with a straight lines pattern design, offering a mix of soft femininity and bold modernity. The natural dark color of the hair provides a stark, striking contrast against the skin, highlighting the precision of the undercut pattern. It's a perfect choice for someone who wants to maintain the elegance of long hair while showcasing an edgy, detailed shave that can be both a hidden gem and a conversation starter.
#18 Long Hair with Deep Brown and Burgundy Balayage and Undercut
This hairstyle boasts captivating long hair that sweeps up a blend of deep brown and vivid burgundy hues, with the colors artistically merging through a balayage technique. The nape features a closely shaved undercut, which adds a subtle edge to the softness of the colorful locks. It's an ideal look for someone seeking to combine the classic elegance of a ponytail with a modern twist provided by the undercut, perfect for both casual and formal settings.
#19 Long Dark Hair with Playful Web Pattern Undercut
This imaginative hairstyle showcases a stunning undercut with an intricate web pattern, revealed beneath a gathered section of long, dark hair. The upper hair is pulled back loosely, allowing some tendrils to fall naturally, adding a touch of casual elegance to the boldness of the undercut. It's a daring and playful look that's perfect for someone wanting to combine the grace of long hair with a hidden artistic element that can be displayed at will.
#20 Edgy Asymmetrical Look with Side Undercut and Voluminous Curls
This hairstyle features an edgy side undercut paired with a deep side part, where one side cascades with long, voluminous curls, while the other reveals a shaved section that's both bold and sleek. The contrast between the textured curls and the smoothness of the undercut creates a modern asymmetrical look. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting to add a touch of rebellious sophistication to their style, perfect for making a statement while keeping the femininity and elegance of long hair.
#21 High Messy Bun with Creative Cupcake Pattern Undercut
This hairstyle flaunts a striking undercut at the back, intricately carved with a symmetrical cupcake pattern design that adds a touch of art to the look. The rest of the hair is pulled up into a high, messy bun, allowing the undercut to be the focal point while the bun adds a playful, carefree vibe. It's a perfect hairstyle for those who love the practicality of having long hair up and out of the way but still want to showcase their bold personality through a detailed and creative undercut design.
#22 Elegant High Bun with Edgy Honeycomb Pattern Undercut
This hairstyle presents a sophisticated high bun atop a detailed undercut that features a honeycomb pattern, providing a blend of elegance and edginess. The undercut gives a striking contrast to the smooth, rounded bun, demonstrating a chic yet bold statement. It's the ideal style for those wanting to add a modern twist to their updo while showcasing a unique and meticulously shaved design at the back.
#23 Trendy Topknot over Rhythmic Waved Line Undercut
This hairstyle features a striking undercut with waved and straight line designs that create a rhythmic and dimensional look, set beneath a neatly tied topknot. The hair's natural dark tone enhances the shaved artistry, while the full bun atop adds a classic and sleek element to the boldness of the undercut. It's an ideal blend for those looking for a hairstyle that's both trendy and functional, offering a hidden surprise that can be revealed with the lift of the bun.
Amy is an hairstylist and the editor-in-chief at Snazzy Lair, where her expertise and leadership are instrumental in shaping the direction of the publication and ensuring its continued success. With over a decade of experience in the hairstyling industry, Amy has honed her craft to perfection. She possesses an innate talent for transforming hair into works of art, and her dedication to her clients' satisfaction knows no bounds.
