Blowout Taper: The Ultimate Guide to a Clean, Stylish Look
If you’ve ever wanted a haircut that’s both stylish and low-maintenance, the blowout taper might be your best friend. I remember the first time I got this haircut—I walked out of the barber’s feeling confident and refreshed. The way it tapers from a voluminous top down to a neat fade on the sides gives a modern, effortless vibe. But, like any haircut, there’s a lot to know to get it looking perfect. In this post, I’m going to break down everything: what a blowout taper is, how to style it, tips for maintaining it, and even some insider secrets barbers don’t always share. By the end, you’ll be ready to rock your next cut with confidence.
What is a Blowout Taper?
A blowout taper is a haircut that combines volume on top with a gradually faded or tapered look on the sides. Unlike traditional fades, the top is styled to stand out with lift and texture, while the taper ensures a clean, professional finish.
Key Features:
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Voluminous top: Hair is longer on top for a lifted, airy look.
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Tapered sides: Gradual fade down the sides and back.
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Versatility: Works with straight, wavy, or curly hair.
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Modern appeal: Balances edgy and classic styles.
This style works for almost everyone—whether you’re in college, working in an office, or just want a clean streetwear look.
Why Choose a Blowout Taper?
1. Low Maintenance with High Impact
Even though it looks fancy, a blowout taper is surprisingly easy to maintain. A quick morning blow-dry, some styling cream, and you’re ready. I personally love that it doesn’t require constant trips to the barber, unlike undercuts or extremely short fades.
2. Professional Yet Stylish
If you work in an office but still want a trendy look, this haircut hits the sweet spot. It’s sharp enough to look professional but also stylish enough to turn heads after hours.
3. Adaptable to Face Shapes
The blowout taper suits most face shapes. Whether you have a round, square, or oval face, adjusting the length and volume on top can enhance your features beautifully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Styling a Blowout Taper
Here’s how you can style your blowout taper at home without looking like you just rolled out of bed.
Tools You’ll Need
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Blow dryer
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Round brush or vent brush
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Hair styling cream or pomade
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Comb
Step 1 – Wash and Towel Dry
Start with freshly washed hair. Towel dry until slightly damp. This makes the hair easier to manipulate and prevents heat damage during blow-drying.
Step 2 – Apply Styling Product
Rub a small amount of cream or pomade between your hands and evenly distribute through your hair. Focus on the roots to get lift and volume.
Step 3 – Blow-Dry for Volume
Using a round brush, blow-dry your hair upwards and backward. This creates the signature lift on top. If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, you can twist sections while drying for extra texture.
Step 4 – Shape with Comb or Fingers
Once dry, use a comb or your fingers to shape your blowout. Avoid flattening it—part of the style’s charm is that natural, airy volume.
Step 5 – Finish and Set
Add a tiny bit more product if needed for hold. For a natural finish, I like a matte cream rather than shiny pomade—it keeps things looking modern and clean.
Maintaining Your Blowout Taper
1. Regular Trims
To keep your taper looking sharp, visit your barber every 4–6 weeks. The top can grow a little longer without losing style, but the sides need regular attention.
2. Wash Smart
You don’t need to wash daily. Every 2–3 days works best to avoid stripping natural oils.
3. Experiment with Texture
Don’t be afraid to use light sea salt sprays or texturizing powders for a different look. I love how these give my hair a slightly messy, “just rolled out of a photoshoot” vibe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using Too Much Product:
It can weigh down the volume. Less is more. -
Skipping Blow-Dry:
Without proper blow-drying, the top will look flat. -
Ignoring Hair Type:
Fine hair may need volumizing sprays, while thick hair benefits from smoothing creams. -
Overfading:
The taper should be gradual. Too sharp, and it loses that modern flow.
Pro Tips from Barbers
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Ask for a soft or medium taper depending on how bold you want the sides.
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Bring photos to show your barber exactly what you want.
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Experiment with parting: a side part can change the whole vibe.
For further inspiration, you can check Men’s Hairstyles Today for trending blowout taper ideas.
Personal Experience
Honestly, the first time I tried a blowout taper, I was nervous it’d look too dramatic. But within minutes, I realized how versatile it was—I could wear it slicked back for meetings or messy for casual outings. It instantly boosted my confidence and honestly became my go-to haircut.
Conclusion
The blowout taper is more than just a haircut—it’s a style statement. It’s clean, versatile, and surprisingly easy to maintain if you know the tricks. From picking the right barber to using minimal products and a blow dryer, anyone can master it.
If you’re ready to upgrade your hair game, give a blowout taper a try—you might just fall in love with it like I did. Don’t forget to comment below with your experiences or share this guide with friends looking for a fresh new look.