Which statement about tapered appearance is accurate?

• A. The outline of the hair conforms to head shape and curves inward to the base of the neck.
• B. The hair must be kept perfectly straight.
• C. The hair disappears behind the ears.
• D. The hair must extend below the neck line.

Answer: (B)

Tapered appearance means the haircut is blended so the edge follows the natural shape of the head, with the sides and back gradually narrowing toward the base of the neck. This creates a smooth, balanced silhouette rather than a rigid, straight line. That’s why the accurate description is that the outline conforms to the head shape and curves inward toward the base of the neck. The other ideas aren’t what tapered appearance requires—hair doesn’t have to be perfectly straight, texture and natural wave can be present as long as the silhouette remains tapered; the goal is not for the hair to disappear behind the ears or to extend below the neck line.