I’ve been cutting hair for years, and there are certain styles that just keep coming back around. Not trendy for a season. Not a quick TikTok blowout taper fade haircut that dies out. I’m talking about cuts that actually stick. One of those? The blowout taper fade.
Now, I’ll be honest. When people ask for it, half of them don’t actually know what they’re asking for. They’ve seen a photo. Maybe a guy on Instagram with clean edges and fluffy top volume. They point at it and say, “yeah, that one.” That’s usually the blowout taper fade.
So, what is it really?
Think of a taper. Hair short around the sides. Cleaned up toward the neck and ears. But instead of blending everything super tight like a skin fade, the blowout taper leaves a little more texture. The fade kind of explodes out around the temples or neckline. That’s where the “blowout” part kicks in.
The top usually stays longer. Could be curls. Could be waves. Could be straight and styled with product. Doesn’t matter. The top stays higher than the sides so it pops. And when done right, the edges look sharp but not overly “perfect” like a military cut.
Why guys go for it
Some haircuts just suit a wide range of people. A mid fade can look sharp but sometimes feels too “samey.” High fades are bold, but not everybody wants their scalp showing. The blowout taper fade falls in between. Enough clean-up to look fresh. Still leaves room for personality.
For curly-haired guys, this cut is gold. The taper keeps the sides neat, while curls up top get the spotlight. Afro-textured hair especially looks strong with it. Straight hair works too, just needs some lift—blow dryer, pomade, mousse, whatever you use.
And it’s versatile. That’s what keeps it in the chair. You can wear it at an office job, then hit a party the same night. Doesn’t scream too much either way.
Tools and technique (barber talk)
I’ll keep it real simple. Clippers with guards, liners for the edges, and a good blow dryer. That’s it. The blow dryer is underrated, though. It’s literally the difference between this style looking flat versus actually living up to the “blowout” name.
I taper around the temples, then fade into the sideburns and neckline. The trick is not taking it down to skin unless the client wants extra contrast. If you take it too low, it loses that blowout vibe. The fade has to be soft but still defined.
Some barbers overblend. Looks clean for a day but grows out weird. I leave just enough weight so the haircut lasts more than a week.
Styling it at home
Here’s where most people mess it up. They leave the shop, it looks perfect. A week later they’re complaining because it doesn’t look the same. Well, yeah—it takes some upkeep.
If you’ve got curls, keep them moisturized. Leave-in conditioner or curl cream. Dry curls with no product just look frizzy, not shaped.
If your hair’s straight, you’re gonna need volume. Don’t just wash and go. Towel dry, hit it with the blow dryer while lifting at the roots. Little bit of matte clay or powder for texture. Done.
And for everyone—brush the taper lines. Don’t let the neckline turn into fuzz.
Common variations
I’ve had clients ask for “South of France fade,” which is basically a burst fade blowout. Or they’ll want the Brooklyn blowout, more dramatic around the sides. These are all cousins of the blowout taper fade.
Sometimes I get a kid who just wants the temple taper with a fluffy afro top—that’s still under the same family. There’s not one single definition. The cut bends to the client’s hair and vibe.
Who it doesn’t work for
Gotta be honest, it’s not for everybody. If your hair is super thin on top, the blowout part loses impact. You end up with a taper that just looks like a regular fade.
Also, if you hate maintenance, maybe not the best pick. This cut looks best with some effort. You don’t have to spend 30 minutes, but you can’t just roll out of bed and expect it to look sharp every day.
A little barber opinion
Personally, I think the blowout taper fade has one of the smoothest grow-outs compared to other fades. After two weeks, it doesn’t look messy, just more natural. That’s a big reason people stick with it. It forgives you if you can’t get in the chair every single week.
And from the barber side—it’s fun to cut. You get to play with contrast and texture without the pressure of a razor-sharp bald fade.
FAQs
- How long does a blowout taper fade last before I need a touch-up?
Usually 2–3 weeks if you want it looking crisp. After a month, you’ll notice it losing shape. - Can I get this cut if I have straight fine hair?
Yes, but you’ll need styling product and a blow dryer for volume. Otherwise it’ll fall flat. - What’s the difference between a blowout taper and a burst fade?
The burst fade curves around the ear and looks more dramatic. Blowout taper is softer, more gradual. - Do I need special products for this haircut?
Not really. Just something for hold and texture. For curls—curl cream. For straight hair—matte clay or volume powder. - Will it look good if I don’t style it every day?
Depends on your hair type. Curly hair can get away with less styling. Straight hair usually needs at least a quick blow dry to keep the shape.