Blowout Taper Haircut Guide: Five Styles for Every Hair Type

The blowout taper is one of the most popular men’s haircuts today. It has short, neat sides and a full, lifted top. It looks fresh, it gives your hair lots of volume, and it works for many hair types. This blowout taper haircut guide for men makes it easy, with five styles matched to your hair type. You will learn what it is, how it is different from a normal taper, how to ask your barber for it, and how to style it at home.

What Is a Blowout Taper?

A blowout taper is a haircut with two main parts. The sides and back are tapered, which means the hair slowly gets shorter toward the ears and neck. The top stays longer and is dried with a blow dryer to make it full and lifted. That lifted, fluffy top is the “blowout.”

The cut looks clean around the edges and full on top. It fits school, work, a date, and a lazy weekend. It works with all kinds of face shapes and styles, and it goes well with a line-up, a beard, or a small design.

Where Did the Blowout Taper Come From?

Many barbers link the blowout to Black barbershop culture in New York City. Brooklyn is often named as an early home of the style, around the 1990s. Back then, young men liked the look of a tall, textured top with clean, sharp sides. A well-known version is the Brooklyn fade, which puts more focus on a smooth fade at the sides. Today, social media has helped the style spread around the world.

Blowout Taper vs. Normal Taper

The two cuts are close, but there are some clear differences.

• Top length: A normal taper can have a short top. A blowout taper needs more length on top, often about three to four inches, so there is enough hair to lift and style.
• Styling: A normal taper may need only a little product. A blowout taper uses a blow dryer to add volume and shape.
• Look: A normal taper looks neat and flat. A blowout taper looks full, textured, and lifted.

In short, the taper is the cut on the sides. The blowout is the style on top.

Taper vs. Fade: A Quick Difference

People often mix these words up. A taper gets shorter slowly and mostly near the ears and neck, so it looks soft. A fade gets shorter faster and can go all the way down to bare skin, which is called a skin fade, so it looks bolder.

What Is a Blowout Taper Fade?

A blowout taper fade is a version where the sides fade shorter and cleaner than a regular taper, sometimes all the way down to the skin. The top stays long and full, so the contrast is sharper and bolder. If you like a very crisp look, ask for a blowout taper fade, and say how short you want the fade and where it should start.

Low, Mid, and High Taper Fade

The name tells you where the short part starts.

• Low taper fade: The short part stays low, near the ears and the neck. It looks soft and neat.
• Mid taper fade: The short part starts around the middle of the sides, near the temples. It is balanced and works on almost everyone.
• High taper fade: The short part starts high on the sides. It looks sharp and bold, and it makes the top look even bigger.

A low taper haircut is the most popular pick for school and work, because it looks neat and not too bold. A mid taper fade is a good middle choice that fits almost any face. A high taper fade gives the strongest contrast, so it is great if you want a sharp, standout style.

How Long Does Your Hair Need to Be?

To get the blowout, you need some length on top. A good goal is about three to four inches. Curly hair can be used a little more, since curls look shorter when they bounce up. At the back, you need at least two to three inches to blend into the taper.

If you cut your own hair with clippers, remember that each guard number is about one eighth of an inch. A #8 guard leaves about one inch, and a #16 guard leaves are about two inches. A #16 guard works well for a long top.

If you are starting with a very short cut, such as a high and tight fade, be patient. Hair grows about half an inch a month, so it can take around five to six months to grow a full top. While you wait, keep the sides tapered, trim the neckline, and use a little texture product so the in-between stage looks planned.

Five Blowout Taper Styles by Hair Type

Your hair type changes how a blowout taper looks. Here are five styles, one for each hair type.

Blowout Taper for Straight Hair

Straight hair holds a smooth, clean shape. Ask for a mid taper and a top that is about three to four inches long, cut with some layers. Blow-dry the front up and back with a round brush, then add a little matte clay for texture. Straight hair can look flat, so a bit of texture powder helps a lot. This style also looks great with a side part or a blunt fringe.

Blowout Taper for Wavy Hair

Wavy hair already has a natural body, so it gives you easy volume. Ask for a taper on the sides and a longer, layered top. A wavy blowout fade looks relaxed and stylish. Use a sea salt spray or a light mousse, blow-dry with your fingers, and let the waves fall naturally. A diffuser can also add bounce.

Blowout Taper for Curly Hair

A blowout taper with a curly top is a great way to show off your curls. The tight taper on the sides makes the curls stand out. Keep the top long enough for the curls to bounce, about three to five inches. Use a curl cream, and dry with a blow dryer that has a diffuser. A diffuser spreads the air gently, so the curls stay defined and do not turn frizzy. For a simple curly routine, wash with a gentle shampoo and add conditioner, apply curl cream to wet hair and scrunch it upward, then dry with a diffuser, tipping your head upside down to add lift at the roots. Leave your curls alone until they are fully dry, because touching them early can cause frizz.

Blowout Taper for Coily or Afro Hair

The blowout taper is a favorite for coily and Afro hair, and for Black hair in general. Ask for a taper or fade on the sides and a full, rounded top. A skilled barber can shape the top into a neat, round afro and add a sharp line-up at the front. Use a pick or a wide-tooth comb to lift the top, and a curl sponge to shape and define the curls. Keep your hair moist with a leave-in cream or a light oil. To keep the shape, pick from the roots outward, keep your line-up fresh with a shape-up every one to two weeks, and sleep on a satin pillowcase or in a satin cap.

Blowout Taper for Fluffy or Fine Hair

If your hair is fluffy, soft, or a little thin, a blowout taper can add shape and volume. Ask for a mid taper with a textured top. Spritz a thickening spray or a volumizing mousse on damp roots before you dry, lift the roots with your fingers, and finish with a light texture powder. Do not use heavy gels or waxes, because they can weigh fine hair down. Fluffy hair also looks good with a little length on top, so it holds the lifted shape.

A Note on Thick and Asian Hair

Thick hair, including the strong, straight hair many people with Asian hair have, can make a very full blowout. Ask your barber to thin the top a little so it is not too heavy. A light mousse or a bit of matte cream helps control the shape without making it stiff.

Hair Type Quick Chart

Use this short guide to match a style to your hair.

• Straight hair: Mid taper, layered top, matte clay or texture powder
• Wavy hair: Low or mid taper, flowing layers, sea salt spray
• Curly hair: Tight taper, curly top, curl cream and a diffuser
• Coily hair: Taper or fade, round top, moisture, a pick, and a curl sponge
• Fluffy or fine hair: Mid taper, textured top, thickening spray and powder

Best Blowout Taper by Face Shape

Your face shape can help you choose a top and a taper height. These are tips, not rules, so wear what you like.

• Oval face: You can wear almost any style, so have fun with it.
• Round face: A taller top and a mid or high taper make the face look longer and sharper.
• Square face: A textured top or a soft fringe makes a strong jaw look balanced.
• Heart-shaped face: A fringe or a side-swept top balances a wide forehead.
• Long or oblong face: Keep the height on top moderate, and try a fringe or side part so the face does not look longer.

Blowout Taper Designs and Line-Ups

Once you pick your style, you can add a small design to make it your own.

• Burst fade: The fade curves around the ear like a half-circle.
• Drop fade: The fade curves down behind the ear.
• Line-up: A sharp, clean line along the hairline and forehead.
• Hard part: A thin line shaved where the hair parts.
• Shaved designs: Simple lines or shapes cut into the sides, usually near the neck.
• Textured quiff: The front is lifted and swept up and back.
• Fringe: The top is brushed forward over the forehead for a softer look.

If you like bold looks, ask your barber to add a small shaved line or a simple pattern. Keep it simple at first.

Burst Fade vs. Drop Fade vs. Taper Fade

These three are easy to mix up. A burst fade curves around the ear in a half-circle, and the hair at the back can stay longer. A drop fade follows the curve of the ear and then drops lower at the back of the head. A taper fade stays straighter and softer, mostly near the ears and neck.

Taking Care of Your Line-Up

A line-up looks clean when it is fresh, but it grows out fast, so plan a quick touch-up every one to two weeks. A trimmer is made for this job, but it is safest to let a barber do the forehead line, since it is hard to fix a mistake there. You can use a trimmer yourself to clean up the neckline and sideburns every few days.

More Blowout Taper Variations

Here are more ways to wear the cut. For each one, tell your barber the name of the style, then say how high you want the taper.

• Textured fringe: The top is cut in short, choppy layers and brushed forward. Ask for extra weight at the front.
• Messy fringe: The front falls forward in a loose, playful way. Blow-dry upward, then push the front forward with your fingers.
• French crop: The top is thick and textured with a short fringe. Ask for a soft taper and extra length on top.
• Wolf cut: The top and back have long, layered, shaggy hair, with clean tapered sides. It needs hardly any work, so blow-dry the front up and finger-comb the rest.
• Mullet: The front and crown are full, and the back is longer and layered.
• Slick back: The top is blow-dried back and held with a light pomade for a smooth, sharp look.
• Middle part: The hair parts in the center and sweeps back to each side with natural volume.
• Perm: A perm adds curls to straight hair for a bouncy top. Talk to a pro first, because it uses chemicals.
• Edgar cut: A straight, blunt fringe sits across the forehead over tight tapered sides.
• Grown-out blowout: The top and back grow longer for a relaxed, lived-in look, with a clean taper at the sides.
• Short hair blowout taper: The top is shorter and neater, with light volume and a blunt fringe.
• Long hair blowout taper: The top is long and flowing, with a sharp taper for contrast.
• Layered blowout taper: Soft layers on top add movement and make thick hair feel lighter.

If you cannot choose a top, here is a simple rule. A quiff is best when you want height and a lifted front. A fringe is best when you want a soft, relaxed look. A textured top is best when you want a messy, natural shape. Tell your barber how long you want the front, where you want the part, and how much layering you like.

Blowout Taper and Beards

The blowout taper works well with many beard styles. A clean shave shows off the sharp edges. Light stubble gives a relaxed look. A short, neat beard matches the volume on top, and a fuller beard adds a rugged feel. A faded beard, a goatee, or a mustache also fits well. If you have a beard, ask your barber to blend the taper into it, so the sideburns and beard fade smoothly together.

Hair Colors for a Blowout Taper

Color can make the volume stand out. Jet black, deep brown, and espresso add depth and shine. Honey, golden, and light brown tones add warmth. Auburn gives a rich, warm glow, and ash and charcoal tones look cool and bold. Blonde gives a bright, eye-catching look. If you want to bleach your hair, ask a professional, because bleach can dry out hair and make it harder to style. Use a moisturizing conditioner after any color.

How to Ask Your Barber for a Blowout Taper

A clear request helps you get the cut you want. Here is an easy way to do it.

• Bring two or three photos of the style you like, from the front, side, and back.
• Say “blowout taper” and tell your barber if you want a low, mid, or high taper.
• Say how much length you want to keep on top, such as three to four inches.
• Tell your barber your hair type and how much time you spend on it each morning.
• Ask about the shortest guard they will use, such as a #1 or #2, if you want a softer taper.
• Ask your barber to show you how to style it.

If you are not sure, ask your barber what will suit your hair and face. A skilled barber can blend the top and the sides smoothly and match the cut to your face, your hair type, and your style.

How Much Does a Blowout Taper Cost?

In the United States, many barbers charge about $25 to $60 for a taper with a longer top, and prices change by shop, city, and extras like a line-up or a beard trim. Prices and tipping habits are different in other countries, so call ahead and ask. A good barber is worth it, because a clean taper is hard to fix. Look at photos of a barber’s past work, and ask for a short talk before the cut.

How to Style a Blowout Taper: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Here is a simple way to get the blow dry hair style look at home. It takes about ten minutes.

• First, wash your hair and dry it with a towel until it is just damp.
• Next, add a heat protectant and a pre-styler, such as a light mousse or sea salt spray, from roots to ends.
• Then blow-dry your hair on medium heat, lifting the roots up and back with your fingers or a round brush. If your hair is curly, use a diffuser.
• After that, finish with a short burst of cool air to set the shape.
• Last, rub a small amount of clay, paste, or texture powder in your hands and work it through the top. Shape it with your fingers and check the mirror.

A quick tip: do not use too much product. A pea-sized scoop is enough for most hair.

Before you blow-dry, add a heat protectant, such as a light spray or a drop of argan oil, to keep your hair healthy. Use medium heat, hold the dryer about six inches from your hair, and keep it moving so no spot gets too hot.

Blow Dryer and Diffuser Basics

The right tools make styling easier. A round brush helps you lift and curve straight or wavy hair. A paddle or vent brush helps with quick drying. Your fingers are the best tool for a messy, natural look. A nozzle focuses the air on one spot, so it is great for straight hair. A diffuser spreads the air gently, so it is great for curly and coily hair.

For most hair types, dry the roots first, because that is where the lift comes from. Dry the hair upward and back, then finish with cool air to set the shape. If your hair is very fine, dry it a little less, because too much heat can make it limp.

Products for a Blowout Taper

You do not need many products. Pick what fits your hair.

• Light mousse or thickening spray: Adds volume to fine and straight hair.
• Sea salt spray: Adds texture for wavy hair.
• Curl cream: Keeps curls soft and clear.
• Matte clay or paste: Gives hold without shine.
• Pomade or light wax: Gives a smooth, shiny hold for slick styles.
• Texture powder: Adds lift at the roots.
• Leave-in cream, light oil, or serum: Keeps coily hair moist and tames frizz.
• Hair spray: Holds the shape on windy days.
• Hydrating shampoo and conditioner: Keep your hair clean and healthy so it is ready to blow-dry.

A good blow dryer and a comb or pick are helpful tools, too.

When you buy a product, pick by what it does and not by the name on the label. Look at the hold, which is how strong it is, and the finish, which is how shiny it looks. Light hold and a matte finish are good for most blowout styles. Try a small amount first, and choose lighter products for fine hair and richer, creamier products for curly and coily hair. For thick hair, a stronger clay can help control the shape. For frizz, a cream or serum can help.

How Often Should You Get a Blowout Taper Trim?

Tapers look best when they are fresh. Plan a trim every two to four weeks to keep the edges neat. Sharp, high tapers need trims sooner, and softer, low tapers can wait a little longer. If you let the top grow, you can wait a little longer, but the sides will start to look soft and messy. A quick line-up in between keeps your style sharp.

Can You Do a Blowout Taper at Home?

A full taper is hard to do at home, so it is best left to a barber. But you can keep it neat between visits. If you want to try a simple taper with clippers, ask a parent or friend to help, and go slowly.

• First, keep the top long and clip it out of the way.
• Next, start with a longer guard, like a #3, near the top of the sides.
• Then switch to a shorter guard, like a #2, and work lower, flicking the clippers away from the head at the end of each stroke.
• After that, use a #1 at the very bottom near the ears and neck.
• Last, blend the lines with a comb and a clipper, and clean up the neckline.

Cut less than you think you need. You can always take more off, but you cannot put your hair back.

Blowout Taper Care Tips

• Wash your hair two to three times a week, or more often if it is oily.
• Use conditioner, especially on dry or curly hair.
• Do not blow-dry at very high heat, because it can dry out your hair.
• Trim split ends and keep your edges neat.
• Sleep on a satin pillowcase or wear a satin cap to protect your style.
• Keep your hair healthy with a deep conditioner once a week if it is dry.

Your wash routine depends on your hair type. Straight and fine hair may need washing every day or every other day. Curly and coily hair do better with a wash once or twice a week, plus a deep conditioner once a week. A gentle scalp massage when you wash helps keep your scalp healthy, and a little dry shampoo can freshen oily roots between washes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cut the top too short, so there is nothing to lift.
• Using too much product, which makes hair look greasy.
• Using very high heat every day.
• Skipping regular trims.
• Picking a style that does not match your hair type.
• Going to the barber without any photos.

Fixes for Common Blowout Problems

• Volume falls flat: Lift the roots as you dry, finish with a cool burst of air, and add a little texture powder.
• Frizz: Use a curl cream or a light oil, and do not brush dry curls.
• Flyaways: Finish with a light hair spray or a tiny bit of matte clay.
• Too puffy: Use less mousse, and dry from damp, not soaking wet, hair.
• Too heavy: Ask your barber to thin the top, and use a lighter product.
• Oily roots: Wash more often with a mild shampoo.
• Thin hairline: Choose a short, textured top, and do not comb hair far over the forehead.
• Cowlick: Leave a little extra length so the hair lies flat, and work with the direction it grows.

Blow-Dry Hairstyles for Boys and Teens

Boys and teens can wear a blowout taper too. A blow dry hairstyle for boys looks best when it stays simple and neat.

• Ask for a low or mid taper, since it looks neat and fits most school rules.
• Keep the top about two to three inches long, which is easy to dry and style.
• Use only a small amount of product, such as a light mousse or a tiny bit of clay.
• Check your school rules before you pick a bold style or a design.
• Ask a parent to help you with the blow dryer at first, and use medium heat.

If you are not sure, ask your barber for a soft, easy version, and try a bolder one later.

Related Topics Worth Exploring

After you pick your style, these related topics are good next reads:

• Low taper fade vs. mid taper fade vs. high taper fade
• Blowout taper for curly hair: a full care guide
• Blowout taper for Black men and Afro hair
• Blowout taper with a fringe or a quiff
• Burst fade and drop fade ideas
• Best hair products for volume and texture
• How to use a diffuser on curly hair
• Blowout taper designs and line-up ideas
• Hair care routine for taper haircuts
• Blow-dry hairstyles for boys and teens
• Layered haircuts for men
• The best hairstyles for men with straight hair
• Wavy hairstyles for men
• Fluffy hair haircuts for boys and men
• Edgar cut and middle part ideas

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The blowout taper is a clean, full, and modern haircut that works for many hair types. Pick the style that fits your hair, tell your barber how long you want the top and how high you want the taper, and style it with a few simple steps at home. With the right cut and a little care, you will have a look that is sharp, easy, and full of volume.