The Lowdown on Blow Out Taper Cuts

What Even Is a Blow Out Taper, Anyway?

Let’s not overcomplicate it. A blow out taper is this style where the hair around your neckline and temples tapers down into the skin, but the top stays kind of full—puffed out almost. Some call it a Brooklyn fade, others just say blow out blow out taper. Depends where you’re from.

It’s not like a low fade or high fade. More like you’re keeping the bulk but cleaning up the edges so it doesn’t look messy. Clients ask for it when they want that fresh, airy look without losing too much length. It’s pretty popular among guys with textured hair, though honestly I’ve done it on straight hair too.

Why It’s Different From a Regular Taper Fade

I get this question in the shop all the time. “Isn’t a blow out taper just a taper fade?” Not quite. A taper fade usually blends shorter, tighter all the way up the sides, sometimes skin or bald fade. The blow out, on the other hand, leaves way more volume.

You almost get that fluffy look around the crown if you style it with a little product. Think about it like this—taper fade melts into your skin. Blow out taper just cleans the perimeter but keeps that crown action.

How I Approach It in the Shop

I’ve been cutting hair for over a decade, and I’ll say—no two blow outs look the same. Depends on your hair texture, density, even how you comb it in the morning.

Most times I start with a #2 guard around the sides. Not too short. Then I switch to an open guard to blend a little higher, but I’m careful not to go too high up behind the ear. That’s where some barbers mess up. The taper should hug the natural shape of your head.

If you want the top to stand out more, I’ll blow dry with medium heat. Maybe throw in a touch of styling powder for lift. Just don’t overdo it or it’ll look too spiky.

Who Should Try This Cut?

Honestly, most guys can pull this off. But it especially suits folks with thick or curly hair. The volume up top balances nicely with a tapered neck.

If your hair’s really fine or super straight, you’ll need a little more product to fake that fullness. It’s not impossible—just takes more maintenance.

One of my regulars comes in every three weeks to keep it fresh. If you’re not into regular touch-ups, maybe go for something a bit lower-maintenance.

Styling Tips (Because People Always Ask)

Don’t think you have to use fancy stuff. A lightweight cream or matte pomade usually does the trick.

If you’ve got curls, maybe a curl-enhancing foam. Blow dry on low and scrunch it. You’ll get that loose, lived-in texture.

I see guys drenching their hair in gel—skip that. Makes it crunchy and flat. The point of a blow out taper is that soft finish.

Common Mistakes I See

Over-blending the taper line. Or cutting too much bulk off the crown. Happens more often than you’d think.

Also—people forget to maintain the shape. Even the cleanest taper grows out fast around the neckline. Two to three weeks, tops, before it looks sloppy.

If you’re DIY-ing, just be conservative. You can always take more off, but you can’t glue it back on.

A Few Variations Worth Mentioning

Some guys ask for a mid taper combined with a blow out. That’s basically taking the taper line a little higher behind the ear. Not quite a fade.

Others prefer a low taper so it almost disappears into the skin at the very bottom.

Then you’ve got the temp fade variation. The temples get faded super clean, but the rest stays longer. Looks sharp if you keep your beard lined up.

Is It Worth It?

If you like a haircut that stands out without being too in-your-face, yeah. It’s clean. Modern. A little bit retro, depending on how you style it.

And it photographs well. You can scroll Instagram all day and see blow out taper shots.

But it takes upkeep. Be ready to pop back in for regular trims.

Sometimes I think it’s one of those cuts you just have to try once to see if it suits you. Some guys never go back. Some decide it’s too much fuss. Either way, worth experimenting with if you’re bored of your regular fade.

That’s about all I’ve got on it. Might be more to say, but I’ll let it taper off here.

FAQs About Blow Out Taper

• How long does a blow out taper usually last before looking grown out?
  Around 2-3 weeks. After that, the neckline and sideburns start looking puffy.

• Does it work on straight hair?
  Yep, but you’ll need volume product. Otherwise, it falls flat.

• Is it different from a Brooklyn fade?
  Pretty much the same idea. Just depends on what folks call it locally.

• What clipper guards do you use?
  Usually start with #2 or #3, blend up to #1 around the edges.

• Can I get it if I’m thinning on top?
  Sure, just be realistic. Won’t look as full without some styling help.