The Blowout Taper is one of the most stylish and versatile men’s hairstyles today. Combining a clean taper on the sides with voluminous hair on top, it’s a look that manages to be both edgy and polished. Whether you’re aiming for a professional style or a more casual, street-ready vibe, understanding the intricacies of this haircut can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what makes the blowout taper so popular, how to style it, and tips for maintaining it for long-term style.
What Is a Blowout Taper?
At its core, a blowout taper is a hairstyle where the sides and back of the hair gradually taper down in length while the top is left significantly longer and styled upwards or outwards. This creates a “blown-out” effect that gives the hair volume and movement. Unlike a fade, which can be abrupt, the taper offers a smoother transition from short to long, making it more natural and adaptable for different face shapes.
The beauty of a blowout taper is in its versatility. Depending on your hair type—whether straight, wavy, or curly—the hair on top can be styled to add height, texture, or even a slightly messy, carefree vibe. Barbers often use scissors and clippers together to achieve the perfect taper, ensuring the sides gradually shrink while keeping the top dramatic and full. This combination of techniques allows for a seamless balance between sleek sides and voluminous top, a signature of the blowout taper look.
Another reason this haircut is so popular is that it works with almost any occasion. The clean sides make it suitable for professional settings, while the voluminous top offers a playful, stylish edge that’s perfect for nights out or casual gatherings. Essentially, the blowout taper bridges the gap between formal and casual, making it a go-to choice for men of all ages.
History and Evolution of the Blowout Taper
The blowout taper, although modern in its current form, has roots in classic men’s haircuts from the mid-20th century. Early barbers often gave similar styles as “pompadours” or “high tops,” which focused on height and volume while keeping the sides neat. The modern blowout taper evolved from these timeless styles but with more flexibility, allowing barbers to experiment with textures, lengths, and fades.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the high-volume hair trend became popular in pop culture, with musicians, actors, and athletes sporting dramatic top-heavy hairstyles. Over the decades, barbers began integrating tapering techniques with these voluminous styles, creating the foundation of what we now recognize as the blowout taper.
Today, the style continues to evolve, influenced by contemporary trends like textured crops, undercuts, and modern fades. Social media and celebrity hairstyles have also played a role in its resurgence, making it one of the most requested cuts in barbershops worldwide. Despite its evolving nature, the essence of the blowout taper—a smooth taper combined with a voluminous top—remains consistent
Different Variations of Blowout Taper
One of the most appealing aspects of the blowout taper is its adaptability. Barbers can customize the cut to suit different hair types, face shapes, and personal preferences. Here are some popular variations:
- Classic Blowout Taper: This version keeps the taper relatively conservative and neat, with moderate volume on top. Ideal for office environments or formal occasions.
- Textured Blowout Taper: Incorporates layers and texture on top to create a messy, carefree style. This variation is great for casual or urban aesthetics.
- Skin Fade Blowout Taper: The sides taper all the way down to the skin, emphasizing contrast with the voluminous top. This version is bold and edgy, often seen in modern street fashion.
- Curly Blowout Taper: For naturally curly hair, the top is left longer to showcase curls, while the sides are neatly tapered to prevent bulk. This style highlights natural texture beautifully.
- Disconnected Blowout Taper: A dramatic approach where the top and sides are distinctly separated, creating a sharper contrast. This style is perfect for those who want a statement haircut.
Choosing the right variation depends on personal style, hair type, and the amount of maintenance you’re willing to commit to.
How to Achieve the Perfect Blowout Taper
Achieving a flawless blowout taper requires skill, the right tools, and understanding your hair’s unique characteristics. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
- Assessment: The barber first examines your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle preferences. This step is crucial to determine the ideal taper length and top volume.
- Clipping the Sides: Clippers are used to taper the sides and back, gradually reducing hair length from top to bottom. This ensures a seamless transition.
- Scissor Work on Top: Scissors are often used to add layers and shape the top for volume. Layering is key to achieving the blown-out effect without making the hair look too flat.
- Blow-Drying and Styling: A blow dryer is used to lift the hair from the roots and create natural movement. Styling products like pomade, wax, or clay are then applied to maintain hold and texture.
- Finishing Touches: Barbers often refine edges around the hairline and sideburns to create a crisp finish.
Professional barbers emphasize that achieving the perfect blowout taper requires understanding the hair’s natural growth pattern and texture. Doing it incorrectly can lead to uneven volume or awkward transitions.
Styling Tips for Blowout Taper
The blowout taper is a high-impact hairstyle, but maintaining its volume and shape requires a bit of care. Here are essential styling tips:
- Use the Right Products: Pomade or styling clay works well for structured styles, while light mousse can add volume for a softer, natural look.
- Blow-Dry Correctly: Always blow-dry hair upwards and away from the scalp for maximum lift. Use a round brush to shape the hair while drying.
- Regular Maintenance: Tapers can grow out unevenly if left for too long. Visiting your barber every 3–5 weeks ensures the cut remains sharp.
- Experiment with Texture: Adding a slight wave or curl using a styling cream can create movement and prevent the top from looking flat.
- Adapt for Face Shape: Longer tops suit rounder faces, while shorter volume works better for longer faces. Always consider your facial proportions when styling.
Proper styling not only keeps the haircut looking fresh but also allows you to adapt the blowout taper for different occasions—from formal meetings to casual outings.
Hair Types That Suit Blowout Taper
While versatile, the blowout taper works best with certain hair types:
- Straight Hair: Offers a sleek, polished look with maximum lift on top.
- Wavy Hair: Enhances natural texture, creating a soft yet voluminous style.
- Curly Hair: Shows off natural curls while keeping sides neat. Curly hair may require slightly longer top length to achieve the blowout effect.
- Thick Hair: Holds volume well and allows for dramatic styles.
- Thin Hair: Requires careful layering and styling products to prevent the top from looking flat.
Even if your hair type isn’t ideal, skilled barbers can adjust techniques to create a convincing blowout taper.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining a blowout taper involves regular trims and daily styling:
- Trim the Sides: Keeping the taper defined is essential. Depending on how fast your hair grows, schedule trims every 3–5 weeks.
- Wash and Condition: Use a gentle shampoo and a volumizing conditioner to keep hair healthy and prevent it from weighing down.
- Protect from Heat: Use a heat protectant before blow-drying to prevent damage.
- Styling Routine: Dedicate a few minutes each day to lift and shape the top, ensuring the blowout effect lasts.
- Night Care: Consider using a silk pillowcase or hair wrap to maintain shape overnight.
Consistent care ensures the blowout taper remains stylish and manageable.
Celebrities and Influencers Who Rock the Blowout Taper
The blowout taper has been popularized by celebrities Blog and social media influencers alike. Figures like Zayn Malik, David Beckham, and Timothée Chalamet have sported variations of this hairstyle, influencing millions to try it. Its adaptability allows it to fit both the red carpet and everyday life seamlessly, which is why it’s often seen in fashion magazines and Instagram feeds
Conclusion
The blowout taper is more than just a haircut—it’s a statement. By combining the sleekness of tapered sides with the drama of a voluminous top, it allows for personal expression, versatility, and timeless style. Whether you prefer a classic, textured, or edgy version, understanding how to style, maintain, and customize this haircut can elevate your look and boost confidence. Investing in a professional barber, high-quality styling products, and consistent care will ensure your blowout taper always looks sharp and stylish.
