The blowout taper is one of the freshest and most energetic hairstyles in today’s men’s grooming scene. With its signature volume on top and clean, tapered sides, this cut brings a bold yet polished aesthetic. Whether you’re walking into a club, heading to school, or prepping for a weekend out, the blowout taper ensures you always look sharp, cool, and confident. It’s a versatile look that suits various hair types and personal styles while still making a strong fashion statement.
What Is a Blowout Taper Haircut?
A blowout taper is a haircut that combines a voluminous top styled upward and outward (resembling the look of a blow-dried style) with a tapered fade on the sides and back. The taper starts near the temples and gradually blends downward toward the neckline, keeping the edges clean and natural.
This haircut offers structure with freedom. The tapered sides maintain a clean silhouette, while the top allows for height, movement, and texture. It’s often referred to as a “Brooklyn fade” or “temple fade” in urban culture, where the style first gained widespread popularity.
Why the Blowout Taper Is So Popular
Maximum Volume and Style
The blowout effect on the top provides noticeable volume that can be styled in various directions. This adds drama and height to the look, making it perfect for anyone who loves a standout haircut.
Clean and Controlled Sides
The taper fade keeps the overall cut neat and sharp. It creates a balanced contrast between the full top and trimmed sides, making the hairstyle versatile and fresh.
Embraced Across Cultures
This haircut originated in Afro-Caribbean and urban communities but has now been embraced globally. Its cultural roots make it expressive, bold, and deeply personal for many.
Great for All Hair Types
Whether your hair is straight, curly, wavy, or coiled, the blowout taper can be customized to work with your natural texture. With the right styling, it enhances your natural pattern.
Key Features of the Blowout Taper
Voluminous Top
The defining feature is the lifted top, often styled upward or outward using a blow dryer or styling tools. This gives the hair body, lift, and energy.
Clean Tapered Sides
The sides are tapered gradually, creating a fade that maintains the integrity of the neckline and temples while controlling side volume.
Temple Fade Focus
Many blowout tapers focus on fading around the temples and ears, giving a high-contrast and urban finish to the cut.
Optional Beard Fade
To complete the look, some men choose to fade their beard into the taper for a seamless blend from hairline to jawline.
Styling Options for the Blowout Taper
Natural Textured Blowout
This version keeps the top loose and styled with a little product. Perfect for curly or wavy hair, it brings out natural texture and bounce.
Slick Blowout with Volume
Blow-dry the top with a round brush and apply a light hold pomade to achieve a slick, voluminous look. Great for formal settings and sleek vibes.
Afro Blowout Taper
For men with coily or kinky hair, this version allows the natural afro to stay rounded on top while tapering the sides and back. It’s bold, beautiful, and classic.
Mohawk Blowout
Style the top into a narrow strip and taper the sides closer to the scalp for a modern mohawk-inspired version of the blowout taper.
Messy Blowout
Use a sea salt spray or matte cream to create a messy, tousled top that’s stylish yet low-effort. This laid-back style works great for casual wear.
How to Ask for a Blowout Taper at the Barber
Mention “Blowout Taper” by Name
Let your barber know you want a blowout taper haircut—make it clear that the top should have height and volume, and the sides should be tapered cleanly.
Discuss the Fade Area
Specify if you want a temple-focused taper, low taper, or mid taper. This helps determine how subtle or dramatic the fade should be.
Talk About Top Length and Style
Tell your barber how long you want to keep the top and how you plan to style it—slicked back, curly, messy, or brushed upward.
Ask for a Line-Up or Shape-Up
To sharpen the look, consider a defined edge-up at the forehead, temples, or beard area. This clean finish is common with blowout taper cuts.
How to Maintain a Blowout Taper
Use a Blow Dryer
To achieve the “blowout” effect, you’ll need a good blow dryer. Dry the top upward and outward for maximum lift and volume.
Apply Lightweight Styling Products
Use products like volumizing mousse, matte paste, or texturizing sprays to enhance movement and hold without weighing your hair down.
Trim Every 2–3 Weeks
The fade will lose its sharpness over time, so plan regular visits to the barber to keep the taper neat and the top trimmed to shape.
Moisturize the Scalp and Hair
Especially for curly or textured hair, keeping your scalp and strands moisturized prevents dryness and promotes a healthier look overall.
Best Hair Types for a Blowout Taper
Straight Hair
Straight hair benefits from styling tools and volume products to lift and shape the top. The taper fade adds clean edges for contrast.
Wavy Hair
Wavy textures naturally add body and motion to the blowout taper. Sea salt sprays or light creams can help emphasize the waves.
Curly Hair
Curly-haired individuals shine with the blowout taper. The curls bring texture, while the fade shapes the head perfectly.
Coily Hair
For those with tighter coils, the blowout taper offers volume and sharp lines. The afro-inspired top adds bold personality with precision sides.
FAQs
What is a blowout taper haircut?
A blowout taper is a haircut featuring voluminous hair on top styled upward and outward, combined with tapered sides that fade gradually toward the neckline.
How is a blowout taper different from a fade?
A blowout taper focuses on volume and styling the top, while the fade is the technique used on the sides. The taper is a more gradual and subtle form of fade.
What products should I use for a blowout taper?
Use volumizing mousse, sea salt spray, or light-hold pomade to style the top. For coarser textures, curl creams and oils are great for moisture and definition.
How often should I maintain a blowout taper?
Visit your barber every 2 to 3 weeks to keep the taper sharp and the top trimmed or shaped. Regular blow-drying also helps maintain volume.
Can anyone get a blowout taper?
Yes. The blowout taper works for all hair types and textures. It can be customized to match individual preferences and face shapes.