The blowout is all about volume. Hair on top is blow-dried up and back into a big, airy shape, usually with a fade on the sides that makes the height look even more dramatic. The style has roots in New York barbering culture and has spread widely through social media. A low taper keeps it a little softer and more wearable than the high-contrast original.
Quick Facts
| Top length | 3 to 6 inches |
| Fade height | Low (often paired with a burst or taper) |
| Bottom length | Skin to #0.5 |
| Best hair types | Thick straight, wavy, loose curls |
| Face shapes | Round, square, oval |
| Product | Volumizing spray, sea salt spray, matte clay, hairspray |
| Styling time | 5–10 minutes |
What Makes a Blowout?
- Volume lifted from the roots using a blow-dryer.
- Hair directed up and back, often slightly to the sides.
- A clean fade or taper to contrast with the volume.
It is related to the quiff and pompadour, but messier and airier.
10 Best Low Taper Fade Blowout Styles
1. Classic Blowout
Big volume up and back with a clean low taper.
2. Textured Blowout
Volume with separated, messy pieces.
3. Short Blowout
3 inches on top; less height, easier daily.
4. Curly Blowout
Loose curls stretched and lifted with a blow-dryer. See curly hair.
5. Blowout with a Burst Fade
The classic pairing. See burst fade.
6. Blowout Mullet
Volume on top, length at the back. See modern mullet.
7. Fluffy Blowout
Softer, airier volume. See fluffy hair.
8. Blowout with a Line-Up
Sharp front edges. See line-up.
9. Blonde Blowout
Bleached volume. See blonde hair.
10. Blowout with a Beard
Balances the height. See with beard.
How to Ask Your Barber
"Low taper fade, skin at the bottom. On top, I want a blowout: keep 4 to 5 inches, layered so it holds volume. Please blow-dry it at the end so I can see the shape."
How to Blow-Dry a Blowout
- Start with damp hair. Apply volumizing or sea salt spray at the roots.
- Use medium-high heat and point the dryer at the roots.
- Lift hair straight up with your fingers or a round brush, then direct it back.
- Work section by section: front, top, then sides of the top.
- Use a cool shot to set each section.
- Finish with matte clay worked through gently, without flattening.
- Lock with hairspray for all-day volume.
Use a heat protectant if you blow-dry daily.
Common Mistakes
- Product on wet hair: weighs it down.
- Not drying fully: damp hair collapses.
- Too much clay: kills volume.
Blowout by Hair Type
| Hair type | How to approach it |
|---|---|
| Thick straight | Easiest. Medium-high heat, lift at the roots, finish with clay and hairspray. |
| Fine straight | Use a volumizing spray and keep the length at 3 inches; too much length collapses. |
| Wavy | Waves add natural volume. Use a diffuser first, then lift the front with a round brush. |
| Loose curls | Stretch curls gently with a blow-dryer for a fluffy, rounded blowout. |
| Coily | Often styled as a picked-out shape or "blown-out" afro; see the afro guide. |
Protecting Your Hair from Heat
A blowout means daily heat, which can dry hair out. To reduce damage:
- Use a heat protectant spray before drying.
- Keep the dryer moving and at least a few centimetres from the hair.
- Use medium heat for most of the drying and high heat only to set the shape.
- Condition after every wash and use a deep conditioner weekly.
- Take a day off from heat occasionally and wear a simpler style.
Blowout vs Quiff vs Pompadour
| Blowout | Quiff | Pompadour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume | Big, airy, slightly messy | Focused at the front | Rounded, swept back |
| Finish | Matte, textured | Matte or shiny | Usually shiny |
| Main tool | Blow-dryer | Blow-dryer and clay | Round brush and pomade |
| Vibe | Street style | Smart casual | Classic |
See quiff and pompadour for the alternatives.
How Long a Blowout Lasts
The cut keeps its shape for about 4 weeks, and the taper for about 2 to 3 weeks. The styling itself lasts a day; you need to re-blow-dry after washing, though on non-wash days you can often revive it with a little water and a quick blast of heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does hair need to be for a blowout?
At least 3 inches on top; 4 to 6 inches gives the full look.
Can I do a blowout with thin hair?
A short blowout with volumizing products can work, but dramatic blowouts need density. See thin hair.
Do I need a blow-dryer?
Yes. The volume comes from lifting the roots with heat.
What is a Brooklyn blowout?
A name associated with the original New York-style blowout: high volume, often with a taper or burst fade.
