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Until recently, the blowout, taper, and fade were three distinctive hairstyles! But such is the world we live in that they have now combined to create one of the hottest viral haircuts of recent times.
The blowout taper fade, as it’s now known, is extremely popular with young guys who are combining elements of long and short hair for this mid-length style.
But what are the main characteristics of the blowout taper fade, and who does this look suit? Join us as we lift the lid on this TikTok sensation and reveal the best ways to style your hair this way in 2026.
What is a blowout taper fade haircut?
The blowout taper fade is a haircut for guys that combines elements of numerous hairstyles, including the blowout, the fade, and the taper.
This cut ranks as one of the most viral haircuts on TikTok right now, with young guys and influencers all favoring this look over others, particularly men with mid-length hair.
One of the most attractive aspects of the taper fade blowout is that it suits guys of various complexions and is well suited to curly, straight, wavy, and even afro hair.
You can achieve the blowout on top easily with the best ionic hair dryer, and you can taper the fade on the back and sides as short as you dare.
The result is a contrasting hairstyle that’s fairly long on top and super short on the back and sides.
What’s unique about the blowout taper fade?
As with all TikTok trends, this viral haircut started with a deviation from the status quo. We’ve seen fades ride the crest of a wave for years now, but the blowout has been hit and miss with younger guys who prefer to leave the top of their hair tousled or shaggy.
The combination of these two contrasting styles certainly bucked a few trends, and the key characteristic of this look is that the blowout on top is significantly longer, and often more defined, than the hair that usually sits atop a classic taper fade.
Who does a taper fade blowout suit?
The taper fade blowout is a particularly good look for guys with round-shaped faces. If you have a flatter, angled face, your hair is likely to return to its normal shape and style throughout the course of the day, rather than retaining its texture in the blowout.
What’s more, because the blowout is longer than standard tapered cuts, you need to give your hair enough time to grow to a suitable length before asking your barber for this style.
At the same time, this might seem like an obvious thing to say, give your hair enough time to grow long on top and on the back and sides before tapering it.
This extra length is vital to achieving the bounce and volume that the blowout is known for, so don’t rush into this hairstyle – patience pays!
Taper fade blowout styling ideas
As mentioned, one of the reasons for the popularity of this viral haircut is the fact that it’s super versatile and works for so many different hairstyles.
Here are some of the styling options you should think about if you’re keen on the taper fade blowout this year:
1: Blowout taper fade for curly hair
While conventional tapers are usually reserved for guys with straight hair, this blowout iteration shows that guys with curls can rock this look, too.
We recommend pairing your tightly coiled curls with a low fade to draw most of the attention to the depth and volume of your curls.
While this is a naturally good look for guys with darker hair, it can also work for men with lighter hair tones.
2: Blowout afro taper fade
There are so many ways to style an afro, and we absolutely love the vibes given off by this blowout taper fade.
Ask your barber to start with a low skin fade and work up gradually, before styling your afro up.
A water-based moisturizer is a key styling tool to keep your afro hydrated, and it will prevent your blowout from drying out. Read up to know how to blow out afro hair.
3: Blowout low taper fade
Adjusting the height of your taper fade is a great way to put your unique mark on this trending style.
Going for a low fade draws the attention away from the back and sides, emphasizing the depth of your hair on top.
As in the example above, this look is great for guys with mid-length wavy hair, while leaving some fringe to work with at the front helps with your styling goals.
4: Blowout taper fade straight hair
Though much of the hype surrounding this style focuses on guys with curly, wavy, or messy hair on top, we also love how the blowout looks on guys with naturally straight hair.
We recommend wearing your hair back (you can even slick it back if you prefer) while leaving the sides slightly longer with a gradual taper.
Keeping your facial hair is another way to add a dimension to this cut.
5: Blowout taper fade with textured fringe
Another trend popularized on TikTok recently is the tapered blowout with a textured fringe.
Leaving sufficient length at the front means you can effortlessly style your hair at the front in numerous ways, ranging from a stylish quiff to an upright pomp.
You can also leave your hair to flow down to your eyeliner, as in the example above, for times when you want a carefree look that’s relaxed and cool.
Style & maintenance tips for the blowout taper fade
If you go to the effort of styling a blowout taper fade, you need to take the necessary steps to maintain your look long into the future.
The addition of the blowout to this haircut makes it more difficult to style than a conventional taper or fade, but with the right tools and styling products, your hair will look the best.
Here are some top tips to help you look the best:
✔️ Use an ionic hair dryer: An ionic hair dryer, like the Laifen SE, is the perfect blow dryer for guys looking to style a blowout taper fade.
You can switch to the low and medium heat settings to prevent your hair from drying out, while the ionic technology helps to style your hair without frizz and flyaways.
The smooth texture you can achieve with an ionic hairdryer is worth the investment alone.
✔️ Go for a gradual taper: We love a skin fade as much as the next person, but we also think a gradual taper works extremely well with a blowout.
The extra length on top lends itself well to a gradual taper, and the gentle contrast between the back, sides, and top creates a smooth and sophisticated haircut that’s suitable for all occasions.
✔️ Hydration is key: You must keep your hair hydrated and moist to achieve a full-bodied blowout. Use a nourishing shampoo and conditioner combination to wash your hair and avoid using excessive amounts of styling products.
Also, be careful not to overwash your hair, so stick to a washing schedule of two or three times each week at most.
✔️ Use sea salt spray to add volume: One of the easiest ways to add volume to your blowout on top is to apply a sea salt spray. This adds instant texture and lift and is a brilliant way to achieve greater depth on the top of your haircut. When paired with a gradual taper, it’s a haircut for anyone going for a smart casual look.
Conclusion
The blowout taper fade might seem like a pretty adventurous haircut at first, but it happens to be one of the trendiest styles this year, sparking a TikTok sensation among younger guys.
Whether you go for a skin fade or a gradual taper, pairing short hair on the back and sides with a blowout on top is a brilliant way to achieve a stunning contrast.
Check that you have the right equipment and products to style your hair in line with your preferences and don’t be afraid to ask your barber for something a little out of your comfort zone if you’re keen to try a new look this year.
FAQs
1. What is a blowout taper fade haircut?
A blowout taper fade is a modern men’s haircut that combines volume on top with a clean, gradual taper around the sides and neckline.
We recommend it because it delivers a polished look while keeping natural movement and texture for everyday styling.
2. How is a blowout taper fade different from a regular fade?
Unlike a regular fade that blends tightly all around, a blowout taper fade keeps more fullness on top and focuses the fade near the temples and neck.
You can use this technique to create a sharper outline while maintaining a lifted silhouette.
3. Who should get a blowout taper fade?
A blowout taper fade works well for men who want a clean haircut without sacrificing volume.
4. How do I ask my barber for a blowout taper fade?
When visiting a local barber, ask for a blowout on top with a low or mid taper fade around the sides and neckline.
Bringing reference photos helps your barber tailor the cut to your hair texture, length preference, and lifestyle.
5. Is the blowout taper fade easy to maintain?
Yes, the blowout taper fade is relatively low maintenance with the right routine. Local barbers recommend regular trims every few weeks and light styling products to keep volume on top and the taper clean, especially around the ears and neck.
6. How long does a blowout taper fade last?
A blowout taper fade typically looks fresh for two to four weeks. Many local barbers suggest scheduling touch-ups to maintain the taper and shape if you want sharp edges and consistent volume on top.
7. Can I style a blowout taper fade at home?
Absolutely. With a blow dryer and a small amount of styling product, you can easily recreate the blowout look at home.
8. Why is the blowout taper fade so popular right now?
The blowout taper fade is trending because it blends classic barbering with modern styling.
