Alright, let’s get into this whole debate about the blowout taper vs taper fade. Folks come in my chair all the time thinking they’re the same blowout taper vs taper fade. They aren’t. Not exactly anyway. Sure, both of them clean up the sides and neckline, but the vibe you get is different. Let’s break this down in plain language. No fluff. No fancy marketing talk.
What’s a Blowout Taper Anyway?
Some people call it a Brooklyn Blowout. Some just say “blowout.” Basically, you taper the neckline and sideburns real clean, but you keep a lot of volume on the top and the upper sides. So it kinda looks like the hair blows out around your head. Think Pauly D from Jersey Shore, but it doesn’t have to be all gelled up. You can rock it curly, textured, whatever.
I get a lot of guys coming in wanting that full look on top. They want their hair to stand tall. Or at least have a soft shape instead of hugging the scalp. That’s where a blowout taper steps up. You get that fresh outline around the ears and neck. But the hair higher up still has presence. It’s good if you don’t want it to look too “tight.”
Secondary keywords here, so you find this if you’re looking around: low taper blowout, mid taper blowout, blowout hairstyle.
Taper Fade: A Different Animal
Now, a taper fade isn’t exactly a blowout. You start with a taper, but you blend that fade higher. The hair gradually goes from skin or short stubble up into longer lengths. You’re gonna see a more compressed gradient. It doesn’t “puff out” the same.
A taper fade can be low, mid, or high. Low taper fades hug closer to the bottom edges. High tapers creep up near the temples. Guys who want a sleek, modern look lean this way. Less bulk. If you’re trying to keep it neat for work or you just don’t want that thick silhouette, a taper fade is the move.
So Which One’s Better?
Honestly? There’s no “better.” Depends on your head shape. Your hair texture. Your personal style. A lot of barbers will just nod and give you a generic fade if you don’t speak up, so it helps to know the difference.
If you like volume—like you want the top to stay big—a blowout taper makes sense. You still get clean edges. Just no super tight blending into the upper hair.
If you’re after a smooth gradient and a tighter outline, taper fade.
I’ve cut both for the same person depending on the season. Summer, they’ll go for a taper fade. Less heat trapped up there. Winter, they let it grow out into a blowout taper.
What About Maintenance?
Good question. A blowout taper grows out a little easier if you’re not hitting the barber every 2-3 weeks. Because the hair on the sides still has some length, it doesn’t get that “mushroom” look right away.
A taper fade, though, you’ll notice the regrowth faster. The crisp gradient blurs out, and you can see where the fade used to end. Not the end of the world—just means you gotta keep it tight more often.
Who Shouldn’t Get a Blowout Taper?
If your hair is real fine or limp, it might not hold the volume you expect. Some guys think a blowout taper magically makes their hair thick. Nah. You gotta work with what you have. Maybe a matte paste, blow dryer, and some patience.
If you’ve got a really tight schedule and can’t touch up edges, sometimes a taper fade is easier to manage. Grows out cleaner.
Final Thoughts—Just My Take
A lot of times, people overcomplicate this stuff. Like there’s a secret formula. Really, it comes down to your hair goals. Blowout taper vs taper fade isn’t about right or wrong. It’s about how you feel when you look in the mirror.
I’m just here to get you there.
If you ever sit in a chair and aren’t sure, show a photo. That saves everyone time. And avoids that awkward “This isn’t what I thought it would look like” moment.
That’s about all I’ve got rattling around my head on this. Let it taper off here.
FAQs (Real Talk, Not Corporate)
- Q: Is a blowout taper hard to style in the morning?
A: Depends how much volume you want. Some guys just run their fingers through it. If you want height, you’ll probably need a dryer or at least some product. - Q: How often should I get my taper fade cleaned up?
A: Every 2–3 weeks if you like it sharp. Four weeks max before it starts looking grown-out. - Q: Can I switch from a taper fade to a blowout taper without growing it out first?
A: Sometimes, but you usually need a couple weeks to get enough length on the sides for a proper blowout. - Q: Do barbers charge more for a blowout taper?
A: Not usually. Price depends more on your barber and your location. But if you need a lot of styling, maybe a bit extra. - Q: What’s the difference between a taper and a fade in general?
A: A taper focuses mainly on the neckline and sideburns. A fade goes higher up the sides, blending into longer hair.