Haircuts are more than just aesthetic preferences—they are statements of personal style, cultural influence, and individuality. Among the myriad of trendy styles, the blowout taper has emerged as a favorite among individuals seeking both versatility and elegance. This hairstyle, which combines a voluminous top with tapered sides, offers a dynamic contrast that appeals to various demographics, ranging from professionals to creative individuals. This guide explores everything you need to know about the blowout taper—from its origins to how you can achieve and maintain it for a polished, modern look.
What Is a Blowout Taper Hairstyle?
The blowout taper is a hybrid of two distinctive hairstyling techniques: the blowout and the taper fade. To understand this style, it’s important to break down each component.
- Blowout: Traditionally, the term “blowout” referred to a method where the hair is styled using a blow-dryer to create volume, lift, and texture. This style works particularly well on medium to longer hair lengths, where the volume can be maximized.
- Taper Fade: A taper fade, on the other hand, involves gradually shortening the length of hair on the sides and back, often blending seamlessly into the longer top. The fading effect is created using clippers, and the goal is to achieve a smooth gradient from the top to the sides.
When combined, these two techniques create a unique and striking hairstyle that offers volume on top and a sharp, clean fade on the sides. The blowout taper typically features:
- A fuller, voluminous top styled using a blow-dry technique or styling products.
- A gradually faded or tapered side that blends into the top for a smooth transition.
This hairstyle is highly customizable, depending on the desired length of the top and the type of fade applied to the sides.
Why Has the Blowout Taper Gained Popularity?
The blowout taper has experienced a surge in popularity due to several factors that contribute to its versatility and modern appeal.
1. Versatility in Styling
- One of the key reasons the blowout taper stands out is its ability to work with different hair types—straight, curly, or wavy. The voluminous top adds body to naturally flat hair, while it enhances the texture of curly or wavy hair, creating a balanced, contemporary look for any texture.
2. A Balanced Look
- The taper fade on the sides complements the volume on the top, ensuring that the overall hairstyle does not appear top-heavy or overly thick. This balance creates a flattering silhouette that can be tailored to an individual’s face shape and personal preference.
3. Timelessness
- Though trendy, the blowout taper remains a classic hairstyle due to its clean lines and sharpness. It is appropriate for both casual settings and formal environments, making it a flexible option for many occasions.
4. Low Maintenance
- Compared to other high-maintenance haircuts, the blowout taper requires relatively minimal upkeep. With proper styling products, it can be easily refreshed daily without much effort, making it ideal for individuals with busy schedules.
Achieving the Perfect Blowout Taper
Achieving a flawless blowout taper requires a combination of the right tools, techniques, and hair products. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get this hairstyle, whether you’re visiting a barber or styling it yourself at home.
Step 1: Choose the Right Length
Before the cutting begins, decide on the length of the top and the fade on the sides. For the blowout taper to look its best, it’s important to select a length that complements your face shape and style preferences. Generally, the top should have at least 3-4 inches of length to allow for the necessary volume and texture.
For the sides, you can opt for:
- A low fade, where the hair remains longer near the temples and tapers down to a shorter length near the ears.
- A mid fade, which provides a balanced fade that doesn’t go too high or too low.
- A high fade, where the sides are shaved closer to the scalp, creating a stark contrast between the top and the sides.
Step 2: The Blow-Dry Technique
The key to a blowout taper lies in how the top is styled. Follow these steps to achieve volume and structure:
- Start with damp hair: After washing your hair, towel-dry it until it’s no longer soaking wet but still damp.
- Apply styling products: Use a volumizing mousse or cream to add body and texture to the hair. For extra hold, a light gel or pomade can also be applied to ensure the style stays in place.
- Blow-dry the hair: Using a round brush and a blow-dryer, direct the airflow from the roots to the tips of the hair. This will create lift and fullness, giving the top a voluminous, structured look.
- Set the style: Once your hair is dry and styled, use a light-hold hairspray to lock the shape in place without making the hair stiff.
Step 3: The Fade
Once the top is styled, it’s time to fade the sides. If you’re doing this at home, it’s best to use a clipping guard system to control the length of the fade. Begin with a longer guard at the top of the sides, gradually moving to shorter guards as you approach the ears and neckline. This will create the signature tapered effect. For a professional cut, a barber can seamlessly blend the fade with precision.
Step 4: Detailing
Finally, clean up the edges to create sharp, clean lines along the hairline, around the ears, and at the neck. This step is crucial to ensure the blowout taper looks fresh and well-groomed. If you have sideburns or facial hair, make sure they are trimmed and shaped to complement the haircut.
Blowout Taper for Different Hair Types
The blowout taper is a versatile style, but the way you approach it may vary based on your hair type. Let’s explore how different hair textures affect this style:
Curly Hair:
For curly hair, the blowout taper offers the opportunity to showcase the natural texture while maintaining structure. Apply a curl-defining cream to enhance the curls before blow-drying. This style works exceptionally well for those who prefer a voluminous yet controlled look. Use a diffuser attachment on the blow-dryer to prevent frizz and maintain curl definition.
Straight Hair:
Straight hair holds volume easily, making it one of the best hair types for a blowout taper. The top can be styled with ease, and the fade can be kept sharp and clean. Straight-haired individuals may need less product compared to curly-haired people, focusing primarily on a light mousse or styling gel to maintain the shape.
Wavy Hair:
Wavy hair adds natural texture to the blowout taper. You can use a sea salt spray or texturizing cream to enhance the waves and give the top more lift. A blow-dryer and round brush will help you direct the waves into a structured form, creating a balanced, airy look.
Maintaining Your Blowout Taper
A blowout taper requires regular maintenance to ensure it continues looking sharp. Here are a few tips for keeping your style in top form:
- Trim Every 4-6 Weeks: To keep the fade fresh and the top voluminous, visit your barber for regular trims. The sides will need to be faded and shaped, while the top may need a slight reshaping.
- Use the Right Products: Invest in styling products that are tailored to your hair type. For instance, volumizing mousse works well for adding body, while lightweight pomades are great for a sleek finish.
- Daily Styling: Blow-drying your hair may need to become part of your daily routine. Use a round brush and blow-dryer for volume, and always finish with a light-hold spray to maintain the style.
- Keep It Clean: Regular washing with a sulfate-free shampoo is essential to maintaining a healthy blowout taper. Avoid heavy styling products that can weigh down your hai.
Conclusion
The blowout taper is a versatile and stylish haircut that has quickly become a favorite among many. With its combination of a voluminous top and tapered sides, this look is both timeless and modern. Whether you have curly, straight, or wavy hair, this style can be adapted to suit your unique texture and preferences. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve a flawless blowout taper that will turn heads and keep you feeling confident.
Incorporating the right techniques, products, and maintenance habits will ensure your blowout taper continues to look sharp and stylish for months to come. Whether you’re sporting it for a casual outing or a formal event, the blowout taper remains a reliable and fashionable choice for individuals seeking a fresh, modern hairstyle.
