There’s something about the blowout taper that just… works. It’s clean without being uptight. It’s styled but doesn’t scream “I spent two hours in the mirror.” Guys walk into the shop asking for it, sometimes not even knowing the name. They’ll just say, “I want it faded on the sides, but puffed out up top. Kinda natural, kinda sharp.” Yeah, that’s the blowout taper in a nutshell.
What Exactly Is a Blowout Taper?
Think taper fade but with more attitude. Instead of melting the sides into skin, you keep some fluff. The taper still tightens around the temples and neckline, men’s blowout taper but you leave the bulk higher. Airy, blown-out look. Hence the name.
Different from a regular taper. Different from a full fade. It’s like somewhere in between those styles where you’ve got structure but not too much discipline. Perfect for guys who want volume. Especially if your hair is thick, curly, or even wavy—this cut gives it room to breathe.
Why Guys Ask for It
A lot of barbers will tell you: the blowout taper feels like a confidence cut. It makes the head look taller, stronger. The outline frames your face. Some dudes say it makes their jawline look sharper. Others just like that it gives a streetwear vibe—especially paired with lineups, beard fades, or designs.
And then, let’s be honest, it’s trending again. You see it in hip-hop, on TikTok, ball players, influencers. Styles recycle, and right now, the blowout is back heavy.
Secondary Keywords You’ll Hear Thrown Around
Because barbershops are like dictionaries with clippers. Someone might call it a temple fade, another guy might say Brooklyn fade, or just taper fade haircut. Some customers mix it up with a low fade or burst fade, so half my time is translating what they mean. But if they say “puffy on top, clean around the edges,” I know where we’re going.
How It’s Done (Without Getting Too Technical)
Clippers, guards, patience. You start low around the temple and neckline. Fade it tight into the skin but only in that small area. The rest, you let sit heavier. That way, the blowout shape forms naturally.
Now, the top—some barbers will scissor trim, others just shape with clippers and guards. Depends on texture. Curly hair looks fire with a blowout taper. It springs up, has life. Straight hair? You’ll probably need product, maybe a blow dryer, to really push it outward. Otherwise, it can just sit flat and miss the whole point.
Maintenance—Because Yes, It Needs It
A blowout taper isn’t set-it-and-forget-it. You’ll want touch-ups every couple of weeks. The taper area grows back fast and loses its sharpness. And if you’re styling the top, product build-up can be real. So wash it out, condition, keep it clean.
Guys with coarse curls—leave-in conditioner or curl cream helps. For straighter hair—something lightweight like a sea salt spray or volumizing powder works better than heavy gels.
Who It Works Best For
- Thick curly hair – Probably the best match. The style basically lives here.
- Wavy hair – You can get that soft volume with minimal effort.
- Straight hair – Doable, but you’ll lean on product and blow-drying.
- Receding hairlines – It can still work, especially with a lineup. But be realistic—it’s a style that shows off your edges, not hides them.
The Real Appeal
Here’s the thing: it’s not a suit-and-tie haircut. It’s not the classic businessman taper. The blowout taper feels younger, looser, more expressive. Even if you’re not into trends, it’s one of those cuts that can make your natural hair texture look like the feature, not the flaw.
I’ve had guys sit in my chair not knowing what to do with their curls, then they walk out with this cut and suddenly it makes sense.
A Few Things I’ve Noticed Behind the Chair
- Guys who get this style usually come back sooner. It’s addictive.
- It pairs ridiculously well with beards—especially if you taper the beard to match.
- Lineups (aka shape-ups) make or break the look. If your barber skips the edges, it won’t hit as hard.
- Some call it low-maintenance. I’d say medium-maintenance. You’ll still be in front of the mirror shaping it.
FAQs
- Q: Does the blowout taper look good on straight hair or just curls?
A: Works on both. But straight hair needs extra effort with styling. - Q: How often do I need a touch-up?
A: Every 2–3 weeks if you want it crisp. After 4 weeks, it looks more like a grown-out taper fade. - Q: Is this the same as a Brooklyn fade?
A: Kinda. The Brooklyn fade is basically a type of blowout taper. Names just shift depending on region. - Q: Can I do it myself with clippers at home?
A: You could try, but it’s tricky around the temples. Easy to go too high and end up with a regular fade. - Q: What product should I use for styling?
A: Curly hair—cream or leave-in conditioner. Straight hair—blow dryer plus lightweight powder or spray.