This is a timely thread because I'm *this-close* to cutting my hair and rocking a tapered cut. I have done it before. Presently, my hair is about shoulder length to armpit length. The last time I had a tapered cut was two years ago and I've been growing it out. I watched that KimmayTube video upthread and frankly, a tapered cut is my preferred style in terms of the balance between time and lifestyle. I made the decision last year to stop playing myself and simply budget to get my hair done twice a month. By done, I mean shampooed, deep condition with steam treatment, and styled (usually, flat twists). I'm grateful to be able to do this and I know that that won't always be the case.
If I were managing my hair myself, I would shampoo and deep condition at least once a week. However, I'm at a point in my life where time is literally money. I could spend hours doing my hair, or I could earn extra money consulting outside of my regular job. That's how real it is right now. I would rather make the extra money and/or use that invaluable time to spend with my SO or friends or family. I've been natural for 20 years and long gone are my days of PJ-ism, testing out new styles, etc. etc. I just don't have it in me to live like that anymore when I have other things competing for my time.
I have 4A/4B hair. It is a demanding texture and it's important to be real about that. I have to be careful about how I detangle or I'll get breakage. In fact, detangling is what takes the most amount of time, aside from the actual styling process. In addition, I have to monitor my protein/moisture balance. But I love my hair. It is healthy and flourishing, and I love my curls dearly. My love for my natural hair is why I haven't gone ahead and gotten a relaxer, which I am sometimes tempted to do, lol.