Alright. Let’s just jump into this. So the blowout taper fade—yeah, it’s been getting more attention lately. I’m not surprised. Folks are tired of the same skin fade or the regular scissor cuts. They want something that looks crisp blowout taper fade without being too…well, too “done.”
Some of my clients don’t even know what to call it. They come in with a picture on their phone, pointing at some celeb’s head, and ask me if I can do “that faded puffy thing.” That’s usually what they mean. The blowout taper fade.
What Exactly Is It?
In the simplest way I can put it: it’s a style where the hair around the neck and sideburns tapers down gradually—nothing too harsh—and the top stays longer and a bit airy. Kind of like a blow dryer got involved, hence the name.
But it’s not a straight-up high fade. It doesn’t eat up the sides completely. You still get some texture. A lot of barbers will blend it tight behind the ears, then keep a little length around the crown so it doesn’t look flat.
I’ve noticed it works best on thick hair. Doesn’t matter if it’s straight or curly—if you have density, you can get that lifted silhouette without resorting to a bunch of pomade.
Why Guys Are Asking for It
I think part of it’s social media. You see these influencers and musicians rocking it, and suddenly everybody wants that fresh, fluffy finish. Also, it photographs well. That’s the other thing. The shadows from the taper, the contrast between the cleaned-up edges and the volume on top—it all pops in selfies.
One guy told me it makes him feel like he’s got an “urban edge.” Not my words, but you get the idea. A little swagger, not too corporate.
Secondary keywords folks tend to search: modern taper hairstyles, clean fade haircuts, fresh blowout styles. I’ve even heard it called a Brooklyn blowout taper, though that’s more regional slang.
A Few Notes on Maintenance
I’m just going to be real here—this isn’t exactly wash-and-go. You can’t wake up after three days and expect it to look perfect.
You’ll want to do a light blow dry. I use a vent brush on medium heat, pulling the hair up and back to keep that volume. Some guys use volumizing powder, which is fine if you don’t overdo it. A little hairspray at the roots. That’s enough.
Don’t get crazy with product. If you cake pomade all over, you’ll lose the lift. That defeats the whole point.
Also—get it cleaned up every 2-3 weeks. Once that taper grows out, it starts to look shaggy, and not in a cool way.
Who Should Probably Skip It
This is something I wish more people thought about before jumping on trends. If your hair is super thin, like baby fine, it might fall flat. That’s just how it goes.
Also, if you hate blow drying, this might annoy you. Some styles are low-effort. The blowout taper fade needs a bit of daily shaping.
Lastly, cowlicks in the temple area can be tricky. Not impossible, but tricky. If you’ve got a swirl right by your edge-up, expect it to stick out unless you smooth it every day.
My Process in the Shop
Not everyone does it the same, but here’s how I usually tackle it.
I start with clipper work around the nape and sideburns. Taper it out from a #1 up to about a #3. Use the corner of the blade to flick the blend. No hard lines. That’s key.
Then I’ll switch to shears on top—point cut for texture. Blow dry with a round brush if the hair’s longer. For shorter styles, a vent brush does the trick.
Sometimes I finish with a bit of matte paste, just for definition. Again—light hand. It should look airy.
Why I Like Doing This Cut
Honestly, it’s satisfying. There’s a kind of artistry to getting the fade to melt into the top without a shelf. You can see when it clicks. The guy in the chair can feel it, too.
And it’s versatile. Wear it pushed back, wear it messy, part it, whatever. I like styles that don’t lock you into one look.
Last Thoughts
So yeah, that’s my ramble about the blowout taper fade. Nothing revolutionary, just a clean, modern style that gives you room to play around with texture.
If you’re thinking about trying it, maybe bring in a couple photos. Be ready to spend a few minutes in the morning making sure it doesn’t collapse. But if you’ve got the patience, it’s worth it.
Alright, that’s enough of me talking about hair. Gotta get back to the shop.
FAQs
- How long does a blowout taper fade last before it needs a touch-up?
Usually about 2-3 weeks if you want to keep it sharp. Some guys push it to a month, but you’ll see the edges getting fuzzy. - Can I get this cut if my hair’s super curly?
Yeah, for sure. In fact, it looks great on curls. You just need to keep the curls moisturized so the volume stays controlled. - Is it the same thing as a temp fade?
Not exactly. A temp fade focuses more on the temple area. The blowout taper fade blends around the ears and neck in a softer gradient. - What products should I use?
Lightweight volumizing powder or a matte cream. Stay away from heavy gels unless you want it to look wet. - Does it work for receding hairlines?
Depends how much recession you’ve got. Sometimes the fade can actually make thin temples look cleaner, but if you’re really receding, talk to your barber about customizing the shape.