Alright, so you’re probably scrolling through Instagram or maybe sitting in a waiting room, thinking about switching up your hairstyle. Happens to everybody. You land on this picture—some dude with clean faded edges and that sort of fluffy volume up top. That’s the blowout taper. It’s been popular for years how to get a blowout taper, especially in barbershops where guys want something fresh but not too fussy.
I’m gonna walk you through how it usually goes. I’m not gonna overcomplicate it. Just what you should expect if you’re planning to get one or maybe even thinking about trying it yourself at home. Though, honestly—get a pro if you can. Some stuff is hard to DIY without messing up the back of your head.
What Is a Blowout Taper Anyway?
Before you figure out how to get a blowout taper, you gotta picture what it even is. Some folks mix it up with a temple fade or a low taper fade. Close, but not quite the same.
So the blowout taper’s all about contrast. You’ve got this fuller, kind of airy volume on top—like you hit it with a dryer and some product. Then it tightens around the temples and nape. The sides fade down to the skin or stubble, depending how short you want it. The edges around your ears stay clean but not totally bald.
The top doesn’t have to be super long. But longer hair on top definitely helps with that blown-out look. You can spike it, slick it back, or just leave it kinda messy.
Tools You (or Your Barber) Need
If you’re curious about doing it yourself, here’s the gear you’re dealing with:
- Clippers with guards (0 up to about a 2 or 3)
- A handheld hair dryer—most important for the “blowout” part
- A round brush or vent brush
- Styling product (pomade, volume powder, or lightweight mousse)
- A comb for detailing
Honestly, even if you’re handy with clippers, you’ll struggle to get the fade even around the ears and back without mirrors. So most people either ask a buddy for help or they go to a shop.
The General Steps
Let’s break down how it goes. Not every barber does it the exact same way, but this is the gist:
- Start With Clean Hair
You want your hair damp but not dripping wet. Some barbers shampoo it first. If you’re at home, towel-dry it after washing. - Section the Top From the Sides
Use clips or just comb it forward so you see where the taper’s gonna start. - Clipper Work on the Sides and Back
Most blowout tapers start around a #1 guard near the sideburns and nape. Then you fade up gradually to a #2 or #3. The fade shouldn’t go too high—otherwise, it’s more of a high taper fade than a blowout. - Detail the Edges
This part makes or breaks it. Barbers use trimmers to outline around the ears, back of the neck, and sideburns. Keep it tight but not shaved to the skin unless you want a bald fade. - Dry and Style the Top
Here’s where the blowout magic happens. You’ll hit the top with a dryer on medium heat. Use your brush to lift the roots. If you want more volume, use a little mousse while it’s damp. For a smoother look, a dab of pomade works fine. - Final Touches
Comb everything into place, check the blend, and clean any stray hairs. That’s it. No big secret handshake.
Maintenance
A blowout taper looks best fresh out of the shop or right after styling. You’ll probably need to hit the sides with clippers again every couple of weeks to keep it clean. The top’s more forgiving—just depends how fast your hair grows.
If you work out a lot or sweat easily, wash and dry it more often or it’ll get limp. A little dry shampoo helps if you’re short on time.
Little Tips Nobody Tells You
- Hair Texture Matters – Straight hair can be stubborn to keep lifted. Try sea salt spray for grip. Curly hair actually holds the blowout shape better.
- Be Patient – The first time you try styling it yourself, you’ll probably flatten it or make it poofy in weird spots. Just keep practicing.
- Don’t Overdo Product – Too much pomade weighs everything down. Use less than you think.
I’ve had guys come in asking how to get a blowout taper after seeing it on TikTok, thinking it’s one quick step. Really, it’s a mix of clipper technique and styling patience. You can learn to do it, but a barber makes the process a lot simpler.
If you’re serious about keeping it sharp, plan on regular shape-ups. That’s the reality.
Alright, I think that’s enough rambling about tapers. Hope this helps you figure out what you want or at least gives you a starting point.
FAQs
- How long does a blowout taper usually last before it looks grown out?
Most people come back every 2–3 weeks for a clean-up. Depends how fast your hair grows. - Do I need special shampoo for this style?
Nah, just don’t use anything too heavy. Lightweight shampoo works fine. - Can you do a blowout taper on curly hair?
Absolutely. Some of the best ones I’ve seen are on curly or wavy hair. - Is it the same as a burst fade?
Not really. Burst fade curves around the ear in a semicircle. Blowout taper is more of a gradual fade down the sides. - How do I tell my barber exactly what I want?
Show a picture if you can. Say you want a blowout taper with short sides, clean edges, and volume on top. That usually gets the idea across.