The Blowout Taper Fade: A Barber’s Take

I’ve been cutting hair for over a decade now, and the blowout taper fade has stuck around way longer than some folks expected. It’s funny—trends come and go, but this one always seems to stay parked somewhere in the mix. Maybe because it’s flexible. You can wear it clean or messy. Makes you look like you care but not in an uptight way.

A lot of guys come in asking for something between a temp fade and a low fade, but with a little more lift around the temples. That’s pretty much what this style is about. You get that soft volume up top—sometimes I’ll throw in a bit of texture spray if the hair is flat—and then it tapers down nice and tight. I wouldn’t call it complicated, but it takes a steady hand.

What Makes It Different From Other Fades?

So, here’s the thing. People confuse the blowout taper fade with a burst fade or a skin fade. Not quite the same. The taper fade generally hugs the hairline around the ears and the neck blowout taper fade. A blowout adds that puff or lift—some folks call it the Brooklyn blowout, depending where you’re from. It’s that little push of volume that frames the face but doesn’t get too wild.

Sometimes clients show me photos of high taper haircuts, or a temp fade, and expect that exact look. But you gotta look at the hair type, too. Fine hair doesn’t stand up the same as coarse hair. And curly hair holds shape differently altogether.

How I Usually Tackle It in the Shop

Honestly, it starts with the wash. If the hair’s greasy, you won’t get that clean fade. I’ll towel dry, comb it out, then hit the sides with the clippers. I like a #1 guard low on the sideburns and neckline. From there, I’ll switch up to a #2 or even open blade to blend up into the temple.

The trick—and this took me a while to figure out—is to angle your wrist just a bit outward as you move up. Keeps the taper from looking boxy. Then, up top, I’ll either blow-dry with a round brush or rake through some matte paste. Depends if the guy wants height or a more chill vibe.

Styling Tips for At Home

Look, I get it—most guys don’t want to spend ten minutes fussing every morning. That’s fair. If you want the blowout taper fade to look fresh after you leave the chair, keep a good shampoo on deck. Something lightweight, nothing heavy or greasy.

I tell people to use a hair dryer on medium heat. Get the roots moving upward, but don’t burn your scalp. A little styling powder or volumizing spray can help, especially if you’ve got straight hair that falls flat by noon.

Secondary keywords that folks search—like taper fade haircut, blowout fade hairstyle, and temp fade haircut—sometimes overlap here. Just remember, the blowout taper fade is more about that lifted silhouette around the temple.

Who Pulls It Off Best?

This one’s versatile. I’ve done it on teenagers, guys in their forties, all sorts of hair types. If you’re rocking a beard, the fade blends right into the cheek line. No harsh demarcation. For wavy hair, it practically styles itself.

For round faces, keeping extra height on top balances everything out. Square face? Taper the sides tight so it doesn’t look blocky.

A Few Random Observations

You know what’s underrated? How much this cut can change your vibe. It’s casual, a little edgy, but not screaming for attention. The first time I tried it on a client, I remember thinking, Damn, that cleaned him up without making it too serious.

Also—if you’re picky about your sideburns, tell your barber. Some guys like them faded out completely, others prefer a slight line. No right answer.

Maintenance Schedule

Probably the most common question I get: How often should I get it cleaned up? My rule of thumb—every 2–3 weeks. The fade starts looking soft around week three, depending how fast your hair grows. If you like that crisp, fresh-out-the-chair look, plan for every two weeks.

If you stretch it longer, just know the neckline and sideburns will grow out first. Not a crisis, but you’ll lose the shape.

Final Notes

I wouldn’t overthink it. The blowout taper fade is supposed to look a little effortless. Keep it trimmed, find a product that works for your hair, and don’t be afraid to ask your barber to tweak it. Everyone’s head shape and hair texture is different.

And that’s about it. Might not be the most complicated style out there, but it hits that sweet spot—clean but not boring.

FAQs

• How long does it take to get a blowout taper fade?
  Usually about 30–40 minutes if you’re doing a wash and styling too.

• Can I do this haircut myself at home?
  Not really recommended unless you’ve got a steady hand and good mirrors. The blending is tricky.

• What’s the best product for volume on top?
  I like volumizing powder or a light matte paste. Avoid heavy wax if your hair is fine.

• How do I explain this to my barber?
  Just show a clear photo. Say you want a taper fade with some lift up top, like a blowout. Pictures help more than words.

• Does this work with curly hair?
  Absolutely. Just expect a bit more volume naturally. You might need less product.