The blowout taper haircut is a popular hairstyle for men and boys who want volume on top and clean, tapered sides. It combines a fuller top with shorter hair around the temples and neckline. You can wear it with straight, wavy, curly, or thick hair.
There are many ways to customize this haircut. Some people prefer a low blowout taper for a subtle look, while others choose a mid or high taper for more contrast. You can also combine it with a textured fringe, messy top, quiff, or curly style.
In this guide, you will find 25 blowout taper haircut ideas, tips for choosing the right style, barber instructions, and simple ways to style your hair at home.
What Is a Blowout Taper Haircut?
A blowout taper haircut features volume and movement on top with gradually shorter hair around the temples and neckline. The top is usually styled upward, outward, or backward to create a fuller appearance.
A blowout taper fade is a similar style, although the word “fade” may refer to a more noticeable blend into very short hair. The exact result depends on the barber’s technique and how high the taper extends.
This haircut can suit different hair textures and personal styles. You can keep the top short for easier maintenance or leave it longer for a fluffy, textured finish.
25 Best Blowout Taper Haircut Styles
1. Classic Blowout Taper Haircut
The classic blowout taper haircut combines natural volume with neatly tapered sides. The top is lifted slightly to create a clean and balanced appearance.
This style works well for everyday wear, school, work, and casual events. Ask your barber to keep enough length on top for easy styling.
2. Low Blowout Taper Haircut
A low blowout taper haircut keeps most of the hair around the sides while gradually shortening the hair near the ears and neckline. It creates a subtle and polished finish.
This style is a good choice if you want a neat haircut without exposing too much of the sides. A blowout low taper can work with straight, wavy, or curly hair.
3. Mid Blowout Taper Haircut
A mid blowout taper haircut starts higher on the sides than a low taper. It creates more contrast while keeping the top full and noticeable.
This option works well with textured hair, a messy top, or a short quiff. It is a practical choice for men who want a modern look without an extremely high fade.
4. High Blowout Taper Haircut
A blowout high taper haircut creates a sharper contrast between the longer top and shorter sides. The taper begins higher around the temples, giving the hairstyle a bolder appearance.
You can pair it with a short, textured top or longer hair styled upward. Regular barber visits can help keep the shape neat.
5. Blowout Taper for Straight Hair
A blowout taper straight hair style focuses on adding lift to hair that naturally falls flat. The sides remain neat, while the top is blow-dried to create height and movement.
Use a lightweight volumizing product and lift the roots with a brush while drying. A short layered top can make straight hair easier to style.
6. Blowout Taper for Wavy Hair
A blowout taper wavy hair style combines natural waves with a fuller top and clean sides. The waves add movement without requiring a perfectly smooth finish.
Use a lightweight styling cream to control frizz and define the natural pattern. Avoid heavy products that may make the hair look flat.
7. Curly Blowout Taper Haircut
A blowout taper haircut curly hair style keeps natural curls on top while the sides are tapered neatly. The contrast makes the curls stand out.
Apply curl cream or leave-in conditioner to damp hair. Allow the curls to air-dry or use a diffuser on a low setting.
A curly blowout taper haircut can be customized with a low, mid, or high taper depending on how much contrast you prefer.
8. Blowout Taper Haircut for Black Men
The blowout taper haircut black men often choose can feature natural coils, curls, or an Afro-inspired top with a clean taper around the temples and neckline.
The top can remain rounded, textured, or slightly lifted. Ask your barber to work with your natural hair pattern and avoid removing too much length if you want a fuller shape.
Moisturizing products can help keep the hair manageable, while regular trims maintain the tapered edges.
9. Textured Fringe Blowout Taper Haircut
The textured fringe blowout taper haircut combines a voluminous top with textured strands that fall toward the forehead.
This style can work well with straight or wavy hair. Use a small amount of matte clay or texture cream to separate the strands and create a relaxed finish.
A blowout fade textured fringe taper haircut creates a more noticeable contrast around the sides while keeping the fringe as the main feature.
10. Messy Blowout Taper
A messy blowout taper is ideal for people who prefer a relaxed, natural-looking hairstyle. The top has movement and texture rather than a perfectly shaped finish.
Apply a small amount of matte styling product and use your fingers to shape the hair. Avoid combing it too neatly if you want a casual appearance.
11. Short Blowout Taper Haircut
A short blowout taper haircut keeps the top relatively short while adding a little height and texture. It is easier to manage than longer styles and can suit busy daily routines.
Ask your barber to leave enough length for the top to stand up slightly. A lightweight styling powder may help add volume without making the hair greasy.
12. Long Blowout Taper
A long blowout taper leaves extra length on top for greater styling flexibility. You can sweep the hair backward, lift it upward, or create a loose, fluffy shape.
Longer hair generally needs more drying and styling time. Use heat protectant before blow-drying, especially if you style your hair frequently.
13. Blowout Taper with a Quiff
A quiff adds height at the front of the head while the taper keeps the sides neat. This combination creates a fuller and more structured hairstyle.
Use a brush and blow dryer to lift the front section. Finish with a small amount of styling cream or matte paste for hold.
14. French Crop Blowout Taper
A French crop blowout taper combines short, textured hair at the front with tapered sides. The fringe usually points forward instead of being styled completely upward.
This style is useful if you want texture without maintaining a long top. It can also be adapted for straight, thick, or slightly wavy hair.
15. Blowout Taper Mullet
A blowout taper mullet combines volume at the top with extra length at the back. The sides are tapered to create a clean transition.
This hairstyle has a more noticeable shape than a classic blowout. Ask your barber how much length should remain at the back so the result matches your preferred look.
16. Blowout Taper with a Buzz Cut Top
A blowout taper with a very short top creates a simpler version of the style. The top has less volume, but the tapered sides can still give the haircut a clean outline.
This option is useful for people who prefer low-maintenance hair. Discuss the desired top length with your barber because a very short top cannot create the same height as a longer blowout.
17. Blowout Taper for Boys
A blowout taper haircut boy style can keep the sides tidy while leaving enough length on top for natural volume. It works well with straight, wavy, or curly hair.
For a school-friendly look, choose a low taper and a manageable top length. Older boys may prefer a textured fringe or a slightly messier finish.
18. Blowout Taper Haircut for Kids
A kids blowout taper haircut should be comfortable, simple to maintain, and suited to the child’s hair texture.
A short top with a low taper is often easier for younger children to manage. Bring a reference photo to the barber and explain how much length you want to keep.
19. Blowout Taper with a Side Part
A side part adds direction to the top and creates a more organized finish. The taper keeps the sides neat without taking attention away from the part.
This style can work for formal occasions as well as everyday wear. Use a comb to create the part and a lightweight product to keep the hair in place.
20. Blowout Taper Comb Over
The blowout taper comb over directs the longer top hair to one side. The blowout adds volume, while the tapered sides keep the shape balanced.
This style works especially well if you want a neat appearance with more height than a traditional comb over.
21. Spiky Blowout Taper
A spiky blowout taper features short sections of hair styled upward into small points. It creates a playful, textured appearance.
Use a small amount of matte paste and shape the hair with your fingers. This style is often easier to manage when the top has a short or medium length.
22. Textured Crop Blowout Taper
A textured crop blowout taper combines a layered top with shorter sides. It creates movement without needing a high amount of volume.
This option is suitable for people who want a modern haircut that is not overly dramatic. Ask your barber to keep the top textured and the taper smooth.
23. Blonde Blowout Taper
A blonde blowout taper adds color to the hairstyle while keeping the sides tapered. The top can be short, fluffy, textured, or swept backward.
If you plan to bleach your hair, consider the condition of your hair and follow suitable aftercare. Color-treated hair may need a moisturizing conditioner and gentle styling products.
24. Fluffy Blowout Taper
A fluffy blowout taper focuses on soft volume and natural movement. The top looks full rather than stiff, making it a popular option for people who like relaxed hairstyles.
Use a blow dryer and brush to lift the roots. Finish with a lightweight product that allows the hair to move naturally.
25. Blowout Taper with Natural Curls and a Defined Hairline
This style combines natural curls with carefully shaped edges around the forehead and temples. The taper creates a neat outline while the curls provide volume.
Ask your barber to preserve the natural curl pattern and shape the hairline according to your preference. A moisturizing product can help maintain definition between appointments.
Blowout Taper vs. Low, Mid, and High Taper
The main difference between these styles is where the taper begins and how much contrast it creates.
- Low blowout taper: A subtle transition near the ears and neckline.
- Mid blowout taper: A more visible transition around the middle of the sides.
- High blowout taper: A bolder contrast that starts higher on the sides.
- Blowout taper fade: Often has a more noticeable blend into very short hair, depending on the barber’s technique.
Choose the height based on your preferred appearance, hair length, and how often you want to maintain the cut.
Blowout Taper vs. Regular Taper
A regular taper mainly focuses on gradually shortening the hair around the temples and neckline. The top may remain natural and does not always need to be styled with volume.
A blowout taper includes the same general idea of tapered sides but places more emphasis on a lifted, fuller top.
Choose a regular taper if you prefer a simple, natural haircut. Choose a blowout taper if you want more height and movement.
Blowout Taper vs. Burst Fade
A burst fade usually curves around the ear, creating a rounded fade pattern. It is often paired with a mohawk-inspired top or a mullet.
A blowout taper focuses on tapering around the temples and neckline while creating volume on top. The two styles can sometimes look similar, but the placement and shape of the fade are different.
Show your barber a reference photo if you are unsure which finish you want.
How to Choose the Best Blowout Taper for Your Hair
Consider Your Hair Texture
Straight hair may need extra root lift, while wavy hair naturally creates movement. Curly and coily hair can provide plenty of volume, but the barber should shape the top according to the natural curl pattern.
Choose the Right Top Length
Short hair is usually easier to manage. Medium hair gives you more options for a quiff, fringe, or textured style. Longer hair offers more volume but generally requires more styling time.
Think About Your Face Shape
A fuller top can add visual height to a rounder face. A balanced top with softer sides may work well for longer face shapes. However, personal preference and natural hair texture matter more than strict face-shape rules.
Match the Style to Your Routine
If you want to spend only a few minutes styling your hair, choose a short blowout taper. If you enjoy using a blow dryer and styling products, a longer or fluffier top may be a better fit.
How to Ask Your Barber for a Blowout Taper Haircut
Explain the exact style you want instead of asking only for a blowout taper. Tell your barber whether you prefer a low, mid, or high taper and how much length should remain on top.
You can use this simple request:
“I want a blowout taper with volume on top and a clean taper around the temples and neckline. Please keep enough length for styling and blend the sides naturally. I would like the top to have a textured, natural finish.”
Show a reference photo from the front, side, and back if possible. This helps your barber understand the top length, taper height, and overall shape.
What About 16 Guard and 17 Guard Haircuts?
Searches such as “16 guard blowout taper haircut” and “17 guard blowout taper haircut” may refer to specific clipper lengths or personal haircut terminology. Guard numbering can vary by brand, so these numbers should not be treated as universal blowout taper standards.
Tell your barber the approximate length you want and confirm the clipper measurement before cutting. A reference photo can help clarify the desired result.
How to Style a Blowout Taper Haircut at Home
You can style a blowout taper haircut at home with a few basic tools.
- Start with clean, damp hair. Towel-dry your hair gently so it is not dripping wet.
- Apply heat protectant. Use a suitable product before blow-drying.
- Lift the roots. Use a brush to direct the hair upward and outward while drying.
- Shape the top. Use your fingers or a brush to create the volume and direction you want.
- Add a styling product. Use a small amount of matte clay, texture cream, or lightweight mousse.
- Finish naturally. Adjust the shape with your fingers and avoid applying too much product.
For curly hair, a diffuser on a low setting can help preserve the curl pattern. For straight hair, focus on lifting the roots to create volume.
Best Products for a Blowout Taper
The best styling product depends on your hair texture and the finish you want.
- Volumizing mousse: Helps add body to fine or flat hair.
- Texture cream: Creates natural movement and light definition.
- Matte clay: Offers texture and a less shiny finish.
- Heat protectant: Helps reduce damage from heat styling.
- Curl cream: Helps define curls and manage frizz.
- Lightweight conditioner: Helps keep hair soft and manageable.
Start with a small amount of product. You can always add more if needed, but using too much may weigh the hair down.
How to Maintain a Blowout Taper Haircut
A blowout taper looks its best when the sides and neckline remain neat. Many people schedule a cleanup every two to four weeks, although the right timing depends on hair growth and personal preference.
Wash your hair as needed, condition it according to your hair type, and avoid excessive heat. Use heat protectant when blow-drying and choose products that do not leave your hair feeling heavy.
If you have curly or coily hair, use suitable moisturizing products and avoid brushing dry curls excessively. Regular trims can help maintain the shape without requiring a complete haircut every time.
How to Find a Blowout Taper Haircut Near Me
When searching for a blowout taper haircut near me, look for barbers who regularly share examples of taper haircuts. Check whether their photos show clean blending around the temples, ears, and neckline.
Consider these points before booking:
- Check recent haircut photos.
- Look for examples that match your hair texture.
- Choose a barber experienced with the taper height you prefer.
- Bring a reference picture to your appointment.
- Explain how much volume and top length you want.
A clear consultation can help you get a haircut that suits your hair and daily routine.
Blowout Taper Haircut Pictures: What to Look For
Before choosing a style, compare a few blowout taper haircut pictures. Look at the front, side, and back views to understand how the taper blends into the top.
A picture of a blowout taper haircut on straight hair may show a different finish from one on curly hair. Pay attention to the top length, amount of volume, taper height, and hairline shape.
Choose a photo that is close to your own hair texture. You can then ask your barber to adapt the style to your hair instead of copying a cut that may need a different texture or length.
Common Blowout Taper Haircut Mistakes
Using Too Much Styling Product
Heavy products can make the top look flat or greasy. Start with a small amount and add more only if necessary.
Applying Too Much Heat
Frequent high-heat styling can leave hair dry or damaged. Use heat protectant and avoid holding the dryer too close to your hair.
Choosing the Wrong Taper Height
A high taper creates more contrast than a low taper. If you want a subtle appearance, explain that before your barber starts cutting.
Ignoring Natural Hair Texture
A style that works well on straight hair may look different on tight curls. Choose a reference that matches your texture and ask your barber to adjust the shape accordingly.
Waiting Too Long Between Trims
As the hair grows, the taper may become less defined. Schedule cleanups according to how sharp you want the edges to look.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a hairstyle with volume and movement on top and gradually shorter hair around the temples and neckline.
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably. A taper usually focuses on the temples and neckline, while a fade may create a more noticeable blend into very short hair. The exact meaning depends on the barber and the requested style.
Yes. Straight hair can work well with this style when the top is blow-dried to create lift. Lightweight styling products can help maintain volume.
Yes. Curly hair provides natural volume and texture. A barber can taper the sides while preserving the curls on top.
Yes. Boys can choose a short, low-maintenance version or a longer style with more texture. The best option depends on their age, hair texture, and daily routine.
The shape often stays relatively fresh for a few weeks. Many people get a cleanup every two to four weeks, depending on how quickly their hair grows.
Yes. A blow dryer, brush, heat protectant, and suitable styling product can help you create volume and shape at home.
Bring a reference picture that shows the front, sides, and back. Explain the taper height, top length, and finish you prefer.
It depends on the length and finish. A short blowout taper usually takes less styling time, while a longer, fluffy top may need daily blow-drying and product.
A low blowout taper creates a more subtle look, while a mid blowout taper provides more contrast. Choose the one that best matches your preferred appearance and styling routine.
Final Thoughts
The blowout taper haircut offers many options for men and boys who want volume on top and neat sides. You can choose a low, mid, or high taper and pair it with straight, wavy, curly, or textured hair.
The best style depends on your hair texture, preferred top length, and daily routine. Bring a reference photo to your barber, explain the finish you want, and use a simple styling routine to keep your haircut looking fresh.
