Blowout Taper Fade: 18 Modern Styles for Men

A blowout taper fade combines tapered sides and a clean neckline with longer hair on top styled upward and outward for volume. It works with straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair. The taper can be low, mid, or high, letting you choose between a subtle everyday look and a bolder, more dramatic finish.

Introduction

A great blowout taper fade looks effortless, but getting the shape right takes more than adding volume. The taper must stay clean while the top keeps enough length and movement to create the signature blown-out effect. Your hair texture also changes how much volume you can achieve and how much styling it needs.

The good news is that this haircut is highly adaptable. You can keep the taper low for a subtle look, move it higher for stronger contrast, or let curls and waves create most of the volume naturally. This guide covers the best variations, hair-type matches, face-shape tips, styling methods, maintenance, and exactly what to tell your barber.

Key Takeaways

• A blowout taper combines clean tapered edges with volume on top.
• Low, mid, and high tapers create different levels of contrast.
• Straight hair needs more help with volume and texture.
• Curly and wavy hair can create natural blowout movement.
• Your face shape should influence the height and direction of the top.
• A blow dryer, heat protectant, and suitable styling product make styling easier.

Blowout Taper Fade Comparison

Low Blowout Taper

Difficulty: Easy
Maintenance: Medium
Styling Time: 5-8 minutes

Overview

The low blowout taper keeps the taper close to the ears and neckline. Most of the visual weight stays on the top and upper sides. This creates a relaxed shape without the aggressive contrast of a high taper.

Why It Works

It suits straight, wavy, and moderately curly hair. Oval and square faces have plenty of flexibility, while round faces can benefit from controlled height on top. It also works well for guys who want a trendy cut that can still fit a casual office setting.

Styling Tip

Use a blow dryer with your fingers to lift the roots. Direct the airflow upward and slightly backward. Finish with a small amount of matte clay through the ends.

Maintenance

Ask your barber to preserve enough weight around the lower sides. A low taper loses its shape when that area becomes too bulky. A light cleanup every few weeks usually keeps the outline sharp. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Mid Blowout Taper

Difficulty: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Styling Time: 7-10 minutes

Overview

The mid blowout taper sits between a subtle low taper and a stronger high taper. The sides become cleaner around the middle of the head while the top retains plenty of volume.

Why It Works

This is one of the easiest variations to customize. It works particularly well with thick, wavy, and curly textures. Round faces can benefit from upward volume, while oval faces can handle almost any top shape.

Styling Tip

Use a matte hair cream on damp hair before blow-drying. Lift the roots with your fingers and push the top slightly backward.

Maintenance

Keep the crown and upper sides long enough to preserve the rounded silhouette. Do not let the barber take too much weight from the top during routine trims. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

High Blowout Taper

Difficulty: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Styling Time: 7-10 minutes

Overview

The high blowout taper creates more contrast by moving the taper higher on the sides. The top becomes the main focal point, especially when styled upward.

Why It Works

It is a strong choice for men who want a noticeable haircut. Round and oval faces often handle the added height well. Very long faces should avoid excessive vertical volume.

Styling Tip

Apply sea salt spray to damp hair. Blow-dry upward while lifting the roots with your fingers. Finish with a small amount of matte paste.

Maintenance

The higher taper becomes noticeable as it grows out. Keep the sideburn and temple areas clean between full appointments. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Blowout Taper

Difficulty: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Styling Time: 5-8 minutes

Overview

The curly blowout taper uses natural curls to create height and movement. The tapered sides prevent the overall shape from becoming too wide.

Why It Works

Curly hair already provides texture, so you need less artificial volume. Round, oval, and heart-shaped faces can work especially well with controlled height.

Styling Tip

Use curl cream on damp hair. Scrunch the curls upward, then use a diffuser on low heat. Avoid brushing the curls once they start drying.

Maintenance

Keep the curl pattern moisturized and trim split ends when needed. Ask your barber to preserve the natural curl length on top rather than thinning it too aggressively. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Wavy Blowout Taper

Difficulty: Easy
Maintenance: Medium
Styling Time: 5-8 minutes

Overview

A wavy blowout taper combines natural wave movement with clean tapered edges. The waves create a softer version of the traditional blown-out shape.

Why It Works

Wavy hair can create volume without looking overly stiff. It suits oval, round, and heart-shaped faces when the height is controlled.

Styling Tip

Apply light mousse to damp hair. Use a diffuser or blow dryer on low heat while lifting the roots with your fingers.

Maintenance

Do not overuse heavy products because they can flatten the waves. Keep the taper neat while allowing the top to retain enough length for movement. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Blowout Taper for Straight Hair

Difficulty: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Styling Time: 8-12 minutes

Overview

Straight hair can create a clean and polished blowout taper. The challenge is keeping the top lifted instead of allowing it to fall flat.

Why It Works

The smooth texture creates a neat finish with strong directional movement. Oval and square faces can handle many shapes, while round faces benefit from added height.

Styling Tip

Start with a heat protectant and damp hair. Blow-dry upward with a round brush. Finish with texture powder at the roots for extra lift.

Maintenance

Regularly remove heavy product buildup because it can make straight hair look flat. Keep the top long enough to create volume without becoming difficult to control. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Blowout Taper Fringe

Difficulty: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Styling Time: 5-8 minutes

Overview

This variation combines blown-out volume with a forward fringe. The top stays full while the front creates a defined focal point.

Why It Works

The fringe can soften strong facial angles and add width around the forehead. Straight and wavy hair usually makes the shape easy to control.

Styling Tip

Use matte clay after blow-drying. Push the front forward with your fingers while keeping the crown slightly lifted.

Maintenance

Ask your barber to maintain the fringe length rather than cutting it too short. A slightly longer front gives you more styling flexibility. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Blowout Taper Slick Back

Difficulty: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Styling Time: 8-10 minutes

Overview

The slick-back variation moves the blowout backward instead of straight upward. The tapered sides keep the style controlled and modern.

Why It Works

It works best with straight or wavy hair that can hold direction. Oval and square faces are particularly versatile with this shape.

Styling Tip

Use pomade sparingly on damp hair. Blow-dry backward while lifting the roots, then comb the surface into place.

Maintenance

Avoid applying too much pomade near the roots. Heavy buildup can make the top look greasy and reduce volume. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Blowout Taper Perm

Difficulty: Advanced
Maintenance: High
Styling Time: 10-15 minutes

Overview

A blowout taper perm adds waves or curls to hair that naturally lacks texture. The tapered sides create contrast with the fuller top.

Why It Works

This option can help straight or fine hair create more visible movement. Oval and round faces often work well with controlled volume.

Styling Tip

Use curl-defining cream after washing. Scrunch the top gently and allow the curls to form without excessive brushing.

Maintenance

Permed hair needs careful moisture management. Avoid excessive heat and aggressive towel drying. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Blowout Afro Taper

Difficulty: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Styling Time: 5-10 minutes

Overview

The blowout afro taper keeps natural texture full and rounded on top while tapering the temples and neckline. The result is bold without making the sides look overly heavy.

Why It Works

Dense coily and afro-textured hair naturally supports volume. Oval and square faces work especially well with rounded top shapes.

Styling Tip

Use a wide-tooth pick to lift the hair without destroying the natural texture. Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner first.

Maintenance

Moisture matters when working with dense, textured hair. Keep the scalp clean and avoid excessive heat during blow-drying. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Disconnected Blowout Taper

Difficulty: Advanced
Maintenance: High
Styling Time: 7-10 minutes

Overview

The disconnected version creates a stronger visual break between the full top and shorter sides. It gives the blowout a more dramatic silhouette.

Why It Works

Thick and curly hair can support the extra weight needed for this shape. Oval and diamond faces can handle the contrast particularly well.

Styling Tip

Use matte paste through the top after blow-drying. Keep the product concentrated on the ends rather than the roots.

Maintenance

The disconnection should remain intentional. Regular trims help prevent the sides from growing into the heavier top. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Blowout Taper With Heavy Crown

Difficulty: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Styling Time: 7-10 minutes

Overview

This style keeps extra weight around the crown to create a larger, fuller silhouette. The taper keeps the lower sides clean.

Why It Works

It is useful for thick hair that naturally holds shape. Round faces can benefit from the vertical height, while oval faces can handle the extra fullness easily.

Styling Tip

Use a round brush while blow-drying the crown upward. Direct airflow toward the roots rather than only the ends.

Maintenance

Ask your barber to remove bulk selectively. Taking too much from the crown can destroy the main feature of this variation. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Messy Blowout Taper

Difficulty: Easy
Maintenance: Low
Styling Time: 5-7 minutes

Overview

The messy blowout taper focuses on relaxed texture rather than perfect direction. The top looks intentionally loose while the taper keeps the haircut structured.

Why It Works

It suits wavy and straight hair that already has some movement. It is also a good choice for men who do not want a highly polished finish.

Styling Tip

Spray sea salt spray onto damp hair. Rough-dry with your fingers and finish by separating the ends.

Maintenance

The beauty of this variation is its relaxed shape. Keep the taper clean while allowing the top to grow slightly between appointments. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Blonde Blowout Taper

Difficulty: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Styling Time: 8-12 minutes

Overview

Blonde hair can make a blowout taper look softer because the lighter color reduces visual contrast between individual strands. The taper restores definition around the sides.

Why It Works

Straight and wavy blonde hair can create a light, airy finish. Oval and square faces provide plenty of flexibility for the top shape.

Styling Tip

Use a light hair cream rather than a heavy wax. Blow-dry upward and backward to preserve movement.

Maintenance

Colored or lightened hair may need extra conditioning. Avoid excessive heat and use a heat protectant before blow-drying. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Blowout Taper Middle Part

Difficulty: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Styling Time: 8-10 minutes

Overview

The middle-part variation divides the top while maintaining volume around both sides of the part. The taper creates a clean frame around the hairstyle.

Why It Works

Straight and wavy hair usually holds the center part well. Oval and square faces can wear this look easily, while round faces benefit from keeping the top slightly taller.

Styling Tip

Use a blow dryer to set the part while the hair is damp. Lift both sections away from the center before applying light styling cream.

Maintenance

Keep the center part consistent as the hair grows. Your barber should preserve enough length around the crown to maintain the split shape. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Short Blowout Taper

Difficulty: Easy
Maintenance: Low
Styling Time: 3-5 minutes

Overview

A short blowout taper keeps the top relatively compact while adding just enough lift to create the signature shape. It is less dramatic than longer versions.

Why It Works

It works across many hair textures and face shapes. It is especially practical for men who want volume without spending much time styling.

Styling Tip

Apply a small amount of matte cream to damp hair. Blow-dry upward for a few minutes, then shape the top with your fingers.

Maintenance

Because the top is short, avoid overcutting the crown. Small changes in length can noticeably change the silhouette. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Long Blowout Taper

Difficulty: Advanced
Maintenance: High
Styling Time: 10-15 minutes

Overview

The long blowout taper leaves substantial length on top for dramatic movement. The taper provides structure without removing the fullness that makes the style stand out.

Why It Works

Straight and wavy hair can create strong flowing shapes. Round and oval faces usually benefit from the added height and movement.

Styling Tip

Use volumizing mousse before blow-drying. A round brush helps direct the longer hair upward and backward.

Maintenance

Longer hair requires regular shaping to prevent the crown from becoming uneven. Use conditioner regularly and avoid rough towel drying. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

Curly Crop Blowout Taper

Difficulty: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Styling Time: 5-8 minutes

Overview

This variation combines a short curly crop with the lifted shape of a blowout. The tapered sides make the textured top look fuller and cleaner.

Why It Works

Curly hair provides natural definition, while the crop keeps the style easier to manage. Round and heart-shaped faces can benefit from the texture around the upper face.

Styling Tip

Apply curl cream to damp hair and use a diffuser to lift the curls. Keep the airflow gentle to reduce frizz.

Maintenance

Ask your barber to maintain the curl pattern rather than removing too much weight. Refresh the curls with a small amount of water and cream between washes. Maintenance and styling times are estimates and may vary by hair type.

How To Choose The Right Blowout Taper

Your hair type should determine how much volume you create and which taper height makes sense.

Thick Hair

Thick hair naturally creates fullness. Mid and high blowout tapers work well because the top can support stronger contrast.

Thin Hair

Avoid removing too much weight from the top. A low or mid taper with textured volume can make fine hair appear fuller.

Straight Hair

Straight hair often needs styling assistance. Use a heat protectant, blow dryer, round brush, and lightweight texture product.

Wavy Hair

Waves already provide movement. Use a light mousse or curl cream and avoid heavy products that flatten the texture.

Curly Hair

Let your curls create most of the volume. A diffuser can lift the roots while preserving curl definition.

Face Shape Guide

Oval: Almost every variation works. Choose based on your preferred level of volume.

Round: Add height through the crown. Mid or high versions can create a longer visual profile.

Square: Keep the sides clean and let moderate volume complement the strong jawline.

Long: Avoid excessive height. A lower taper with controlled volume usually creates better balance.

If you’re choosing a blowout taper for a younger or more casual look, exploring Best Hairstyles for Teen Boys can give you more ideas for different hair types and face shapes. For a sharper, more structured option, check out the Undercut Fade, which creates stronger contrast between the sides and longer hair on top. Both guides can help you compare styles before deciding what to ask your barber for.

Blowout Taper Fade vs. Blowout Fade

A blowout taper keeps the taper focused around areas such as the temples, sideburns, and neckline. It preserves more weight around the sides.

A blowout fade can remove more hair and create stronger contrast. The exact result depends on how high the fade travels and how short the barber takes the sides.

If you want a softer everyday cut, choose a low blowout taper. If you want more contrast, consider a mid or high version.

How To Style a Blowout Taper

Start with freshly washed, towel-dried hair.

1. Apply a heat protectant before using the blow dryer.
2. Add a lightweight styling product based on your texture.
3. Lift the roots with your fingers or a round brush.
4. Blow-dry upward to create height.
5. Direct the top backward or outward based on your chosen shape.
6. Finish with cool air to help set the style.
7. Add a small amount of matte product to the ends.
8. Avoid applying heavy product directly to the roots.

For curly hair, replace the standard nozzle with a diffuser. Keep the heat moderate and avoid repeatedly drying the same section.

How To Ask Your Barber For a Blowout Taper

A reference photo is the easiest starting point, but give your barber a few extra details.

1. Show the exact variation. Say low, mid, or high taper.
2. Explain your top length. Tell them whether you want short, medium, or long volume.
3. Mention your hair texture. Straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair behave differently.
4. Explain your daily routine. Tell them how much styling time you have.
5. Discuss the neckline. A tapered neckline creates a softer finish than a hard squared neckline.
6. Confirm the silhouette. Ask your barber to show you the shape before removing significant length.

A useful barber request could be:

“I want a mid blowout taper with plenty of length on top. Keep the sides clean but do not take the taper too high. I want volume at the crown and a natural finish.”

Common Blowout Taper Mistakes

Cutting the Top Too Short

The blowout effect depends on enough length to create movement. Cutting the top too short removes the main feature.

Using Too Much Product

Heavy wax or pomade can flatten the roots. Start with a small amount and add more only when necessary.

Skipping Heat Protection

Frequent blow-drying can stress the hair. Use a heat protectant before regular heat styling.

Making the Taper Too High

A high taper creates stronger contrast. If you want a subtle haircut, start with a low taper.

Ignoring Your Hair Texture

A style that works naturally on curls may require more work on straight hair. Choose the version that matches your natural texture.

Product Recommendations

A blow dryer is the most important styling tool for a traditional blowout effect. A round brush can improve root lift on straight hair, while a diffuser works better for curls and waves.

Product Selection By Hair Type

Straight hair: Use heat protectant, volumizing mousse, and texture powder.

Wavy hair: Choose lightweight mousse or sea salt spray.

Curly hair: Use curl cream and a diffuser.

Thick hair: Try matte clay or lightweight styling cream.

Fine hair: Choose lightweight volumizing products instead of heavy pomades.

How Often Should You Get a Blowout Taper?

Most men will need a cleanup once the taper loses its sharp outline. The exact timing depends on how quickly your hair grows and how crisp you want the edges.

If you prefer a relaxed look, you can allow more growth. If you want a freshly cut appearance, schedule trims more frequently.

Final Thoughts

The blowout taper fade gives you plenty of room to customize your haircut. Choose a low taper for subtle contrast, a mid taper for balance, or a high taper for a stronger statement. Your natural texture should guide how much volume and styling you need.

Do not be afraid to experiment with the top. Try curls, waves, a fringe, a slick back, or a middle part while keeping the taper consistent. Bring a reference photo to your barber and explain your preferred maintenance level. For more men’s haircut inspiration, explore the other modern styles on BarberAxis.

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