The world of men’s hairstyles has evolved tremendously over the years, offering an array of styles that cater to different tastes, preferences, and occasions. Among the many popular cuts today, the blowout taper fade stands out as one of the most sought-after looks. Combining the sharpness of a taper fade with the volume of a blowout, this hairstyle has become a favorite for those who want a fresh, clean, and stylish appearance. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the blowout taper fade, from its origins to how to achieve and maintain it.
What is a Blowout Taper Fade?
A blowout taper fade is a modern and versatile hairstyle that blends two distinct styles: the blowout and the taper fade. The blowout refers to a hairstyle where the hair on top is styled to have volume, often achieved by blow-drying the hair away from the scalp to create a fuller, textured look. Meanwhile, the taper fade involves gradually shortening the length of the hair on the sides and back, typically blending from a longer length at the top to a much shorter length near the bottom of the hairline.
The beauty of the blowout taper fade lies in its contrast between the voluminous top and the faded sides. It offers a clean, sharp, and fashionable appearance that can be tailored to suit different hair types and personal styles. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, this style is adaptable and can be modified to fit your desired look.
The History and Evolution of the Blowout Taper Fade
The blowout taper fade is part of a larger trend in men’s grooming that has been influenced by various cultural shifts and fashion trends. The blowout itself has its roots in the 1960s and 1970s, a time when men’s hair was styled to have volume and shape, especially with the help of blow-drying techniques. This style was popularized by celebrities and musicians, with its signature volume becoming synonymous with youth and rebellion.
The taper fade, on the other hand, has a more recent history, dating back to the early 1990s when barbers began to refine the art of fading. Fades were originally introduced in barbershops to create clean and professional looks, often worn by military personnel and athletes. Over time, the taper fade evolved into more creative and varied styles, incorporating sharper lines and more defined transitions.
The combination of the blowout with the taper fade began to gain traction in the 2000s as men began to experiment with bolder looks that combined volume with precision. The blowout taper fade quickly became a hit among young men, athletes, and celebrities, solidifying its place as one of the top hairstyles for the modern man.
How to Achieve a Blowout Taper Fade
Achieving the perfect blowout taper fade requires a few essential steps, including finding the right barber and using the proper styling tools. Here’s a breakdown of how to get the look:
Visit a Skilled Barber
The first step in achieving a blowout taper fade is to find a skilled barber who understands your hair type and the specific style you want. Not all barbers will be experienced in creating the fade transition, so it’s essential to choose one who has a good track record with fades. Be clear about the volume you want at the top and how short you’d like the fade to be on the sides and back.
Trim the Top
Once your barber understands your desired look, they will begin by trimming the top of your hair to your preferred length. For a classic blowout taper fade, the top should be kept relatively long to create volume, while the length can vary based on personal style preferences. Some men prefer a shorter blowout, while others go for a longer, more dramatic look.
Fade the Sides
Next, the barber will begin tapering the sides and back of your hair. This involves gradually shortening the length from the top to the natural hairline. The fade can be low, mid, or high depending on how close to the scalp you want the fade to start. The barber may use clippers with different guard sizes to achieve the gradual fade effect, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition.
Style the Top
Once the fade is completed, the focus shifts to styling the top of the hair. For a blowout taper fade, the top needs to have volume and texture. To achieve this, the hair will be blow-dried using a round brush to lift the hair away from the scalp. Depending on your hair type, the barber may use some styling gel, pomade, or mousse to help maintain the shape and volume of the blowout.
Finishing Touches
Finally, the barber will clean up the hairline and any stray hairs, ensuring that the fade is smooth and the blowout is well-defined. The finished look will be a sharp, clean style with volume on top and a precise fade on the sides.
Why the Blowout Taper Fade is So Popular
The blowout taper fade has gained popularity for several reasons, particularly its versatility and the bold contrast it creates. Here are some of the key factors that make this hairstyle so appealing:
- Sharp Contrast: The blowout taper fade creates a striking contrast between the voluminous top and the faded sides. This sharp distinction gives the hairstyle a modern and clean look that’s easy to maintain.
- Customizable: Whether you have curly, wavy, or straight hair, the blowout taper fade can be adapted to suit your natural texture. The length on top can be adjusted to fit your personal style, whether you want a more relaxed, messy look or a more refined, structured blowout.
- Works for All Face Shapes: This hairstyle is versatile and can complement a wide variety of face shapes. The volume on top can help elongate round faces, while the fade on the sides can add sharp angles for square faces.
- Low Maintenance: While the blowout taper fade requires a bit of styling each day, it’s relatively low maintenance compared to other trendy hairstyles. The fade on the sides doesn’t require frequent trimming, and the blowout can be styled quickly with the right products.
- Suitable for Different Occasions: Whether you’re heading to work, a casual outing, or a formal event, the blowout taper fade is a hairstyle that can be worn in almost any setting. Its adaptability makes it a great choice for men who want a versatile and stylish look.
Tips for Maintaining Your Blowout Taper Fade
Once you’ve achieved the perfect blowout taper fade, it’s essential to maintain it to ensure it continues to look sharp and fresh. Here are some tips for keeping your blowout taper fade in top shape:
- Regular Haircuts: To keep your fade looking fresh, it’s important to visit the barber regularly. A typical taper fade lasts around 3–4 weeks before the fade starts to grow out and lose its sharpness.
- Use the Right Products: To maintain volume and texture at the top, use lightweight styling products such as mousse or a light pomade. Avoid heavy gels, as they can weigh the hair down and flatten the blowout.
- Dry Your Hair Properly: After washing your hair, use a blow dryer with a round brush to create volume at the roots. This step is crucial to maintaining the blowout’s signature lift and texture.
- Moisturize Your Scalp and Hair: Use a good shampoo and conditioner that provide moisture to both your scalp and hair. This will help prevent dryness and keep your hair healthy and manageable.
- Protect from Heat Damage: Excessive heat from blow-drying can cause hair to become dry and brittle. Be sure to use a heat protectant spray before styling to minimize damage.
Different Variations of the Blowout Taper Fade
While the classic blowout taper fade is already a striking and stylish choice, there are several variations of this hairstyle that can give it a unique twist. Here are some popular alternatives:
- High Blowout Taper Fade: For those who want a more dramatic fade, the high blowout taper fade features a fade that starts higher on the sides. This creates a more pronounced contrast between the top and the sides.
- Curly Blowout Taper Fade: If you have curly hair, the blowout taper fade can be tailored to enhance the natural texture of your curls. The top will showcase the volume and curls, while the fade keeps the sides neat and clean.
- Low Blowout Taper Fade: In contrast to the high fade, the low blowout taper fade starts the fade closer to the natural hairline. This creates a more subtle contrast between the top and the sides.
- Textured Blowout Taper Fade: Adding more texture to the top can give your blowout taper fade a messy, edgy look. This variation works well for those with straight or wavy hair who want a more relaxed vibe.
Conclusion
The blowout taper fade is a modern, stylish, and versatile hairstyle that has become increasingly popular among men. Its combination of volume on top and a precise fade on the sides creates a sharp, fresh look that is both functional and fashionable. Whether you’re looking for a sleek appearance or a more relaxed vibe, the blowout taper fade can be tailored to suit your personal style and hair type. With the right care and maintenance, this hairstyle can keep you looking sharp for weeks, making it a great choice for any man looking to elevate his grooming routine.
FAQs
- What is the blowout taper fade? A blowout taper fade is a hairstyle that combines a voluminous blowout on top with a gradually fading haircut on the sides and back.
- How do I get a blowout taper fade? To get a blowout taper fade, visit a skilled barber who can trim the top to the desired length, create a fade on the sides, and style the top for volume.
- Is the blowout taper fade suitable for all hair types? Yes, the blowout taper fade is versatile and can be customized for straight, wavy, or curly hair, making it suitable for most hair types.
- How often should I get a haircut for a blowout taper fade? To maintain a sharp blowout taper fade, it’s recommended to visit your barber every 3–4 weeks for a trim.
- What products should I use for a blowout taper fade? Use lightweight styling products like mousse or light pomade to add volume and texture to the top while keeping the sides neat and clean.
