In the world of men’s hairstyling, there are constantly evolving trends and new looks to explore. One such hairstyle that has garnered attention in recent years is the Blowout Taper. This bold and edgy look combines two iconic styles—the blowout and the taper—into a versatile and modern hairstyle that can be adapted to various face shapes and hair types. Whether you’re looking to make a statement or simply want to try something fresh, the blowout taper might just be the perfect option for you.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what a blowout taper is, its key features, and how you can rock this style with confidence.
What is a Blowout Taper?
The blowout taper is a hairstyle that incorporates two key elements: the blowout and the taper. Let’s break these components down to better understand this trendy look:
- The Blowout: This refers to a style where the hair on top of the head is styled to create volume and texture, often with a rounded or slightly lifted effect. The blowout involves blow-drying the hair to create a fuller, voluminous look. The hairstyle gained popularity in the 1990s and has made a significant comeback, especially in modern variations like the blowout taper.
- The Taper: The taper is a hairstyle technique where the hair gradually shortens in length as it moves down the sides and back of the head. The hair is cut shorter near the ears and neckline, creating a clean, blended look. A taper can be subtle or more pronounced, depending on the individual’s preference.
The blowout taper combines these two styles by creating a voluminous, textured top with shorter, tapered sides. This creates a dynamic contrast, making it an eye-catching hairstyle that can be customized to suit your personal style.
Key Features of the Blowout Taper
The blowout taper is known for its striking features that set it apart from other hairstyles. Here are some of the defining characteristics of this modern look:
- Voluminous Top: The primary feature of the blowout taper is the voluminous top. The hair on top is styled to appear fuller and more textured, giving the appearance of height and body. This can be achieved with a blow-dryer and a round brush or with the help of hair products like mousse, pomade, or styling gel.
- Gradual Tapered Sides: The tapering on the sides and back of the head is one of the key components of this hairstyle. The hair is cut shorter as it moves downward, creating a smooth gradient from the longer hair on top to the shorter hair near the ears and neckline. This gradual fade ensures that the top and sides of the hair blend seamlessly.
- Sharp and Clean Edges: While the top of the hair is full and voluminous, the sides of a blowout taper are typically very neat and sharp. This clean, defined look around the hairline adds contrast to the fullness on top and contributes to the overall polished aesthetic.
- Flexibility in Styling: One of the biggest appeals of the blowout taper is its versatility. The hairstyle can be adapted to suit different hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly hair. Additionally, you can vary the degree of volume on top or the intensity of the taper on the sides to match your desired look. Whether you want a more subtle blowout taper or a bold, high-volume version, the style is adaptable to your personal preferences.
- Fade Variations: Many blowout taper styles feature a fade on the sides. This fade can be low, mid, or high, depending on your desired look. A low fade has the hair shorter near the ears and gradually blends into the longer top, while a high fade places the taper higher up the head, offering a more dramatic contrast. A mid fade falls somewhere in between, offering a balanced look.
How to Achieve a Blowout Taper
Getting a blowout taper requires a skilled barber who understands the intricacies of blending the top and sides of the hair. Here’s what you can expect during a visit to the barber for this hairstyle:
- The Consultation: Before any cutting or styling begins, you’ll want to have a consultation with your barber. Discuss your desired look, including how voluminous you want the top and how pronounced you want the taper to be on the sides. You can also talk about the type of fade you prefer (low, mid, or high).
- The Cut: The barber will start by cutting the sides and back of your hair, using clippers to achieve the desired taper. The hair will gradually shorten as it moves down toward the neck, with a sharp, clean line around the hairline.
- Blow-Drying the Top: After the sides are cut, the barber will focus on the top of your head. They will use a blow-dryer and a round brush to lift and add volume to the hair. The goal is to create a full, rounded look that contrasts with the tapered sides. Depending on the length and texture of your hair, the barber may apply a product to add texture and hold.
- Finishing Touches: Once the blowout is styled, the barber will fine-tune the cut and ensure that the taper blends seamlessly into the top. They may use clippers or shears to make adjustments and create clean lines around the edges. The end result is a well-balanced look with plenty of volume on top and tapered, sharp sides.
Blowout Taper for Different Hair Types
One of the great things about the blowout taper is that it works for a wide variety of hair types. Here’s how the style can be adapted to suit different textures:
- Straight Hair: Straight hair is the easiest to style into a blowout taper. The hair holds its shape well and can be easily lifted and volumized with a blow-dryer. Straight-haired individuals may find that their blowout taper maintains its shape throughout the day with minimal effort.
- Wavy Hair: For those with wavy hair, the blowout taper can add even more texture and movement to the hairstyle. A blow-dryer and styling products can help define the waves and give the top extra volume, while the tapered sides ensure a smooth, polished finish.
- Curly Hair: Curly-haired individuals can also rock the blowout taper, though the process may require more care and attention. The natural curl pattern can add texture to the top, giving it a voluminous, defined look. A blow-dryer with a diffuser attachment can be used to control the curls and enhance the volume on top, while the sides can be tapered to provide a neat contrast.
Why You Should Try a Blowout Taper
The blowout taper is a standout hairstyle that offers a perfect balance of volume, texture, and clean lines. It’s a bold and modern look that can suit many face shapes and hair types. Here are a few reasons why you should consider giving it a try:
- It’s Versatile: The blowout taper can be customized to suit your personal style. Whether you prefer a low, mid, or high fade, you can adjust the taper to match your desired level of contrast. You can also experiment with the volume on top to create the perfect blowout for your face shape.
- It’s Low Maintenance: While the styling process may take a bit of time, the blowout taper is relatively low maintenance. After your hair is styled, you can maintain the look by using minimal products to control the volume on top and keeping the sides neatly trimmed.
- It Makes a Statement: The blowout taper is a bold and edgy style that stands out. Whether you’re attending a casual gathering or a formal event, this hairstyle commands attention and makes a statement without being over-the-top.
Conclusion
The blowout taper is a trendy and versatile hairstyle that combines the best of two worlds: the voluminous blowout and the clean, polished taper. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, this hairstyle can be adapted to suit your needs, offering both volume and sharp lines. If you’re looking for a bold and modern look that combines volume with precision, the blowout taper is a great option to consider. With the right barber and styling products, you can rock this look with confidence and style.
