How to Style a Taper Blowout for Men

The taper blowout pairs a clean taper on the sides with height and volume on top. It looks sharp, but the shape comes from how you dry it, not just the cut. This guide shows you how to blow dry and style it at home so you get lift and movement without losing control.

What Is a Taper Blowout?

A taper blowout is a short taper or fade on the sides and back, with longer hair on top that's blow dried up and forward for volume. It works best with some length on top and a little natural wave or texture, but you can style it with straighter hair too.

What You'll Need

How to Style a Taper Blowout — Step by Step

1. Start with towel-dried hair. It should be damp, not wet. Too much water makes the blow dry slow and flat.

2. Spray in sea salt spray. Mist it through the top, focusing on the roots and mid-lengths. Scrunch it through with your fingers.

3. Blow dry up and forward. Aim the dryer at the roots and lift the hair up with your fingers or a brush as you dry. Keep the dryer moving so you don't overheat one spot.

4. Shape the front. Dry the front section forward and up to build height at the fringe. Finish with a short blast of cool air to help set the shape.

5. Add powder at the roots. Tap a small amount of powder onto the roots and work it in with your fingertips for extra lift. Build gradually.

6. Finish with a little paste or clay. Warm a small amount in your palms and run it through the top, focusing on the ends. Leave the roots alone so you keep the volume.

Common Mistakes

  • Using too much finishing product. It weighs the volume down. A little goes a long way.
  • Blow drying from the wrong angle. Dry up and forward, not flat against your head.
  • Skipping the cool shot. It helps the shape hold.
  • Putting clay on wet hair. Dry the hair first so the product can grip.
  • Running a comb through it. Use your fingers to keep the texture.

Which Products Work Best?

  • Sea salt spray: Prep for texture and volume before you dry.
  • Powder: Root lift and a matte finish.
  • Paste: Flexible hold you can rework through the day.
  • Clay: Stronger hold for thicker hair.

See our volumizing powder guide and sea salt spray guide for more detail.

Ready to try it? Shop the Foundation Sea Salt Spray and Vanguard Styling Powder, or the full range. Free shipping over $40 CAD.

FAQ

What products do I need for a taper blowout? Sea salt spray for prep, a blow dryer for shape, powder for lift and a paste or clay to finish.

How long does the hair need to be? A few inches on top works best. Shorter hair can still get some lift.

Do I have to blow dry it? It's what gives the blowout its shape. Without a dryer you'll get less height.

Will this work on straight hair? Yes. Sea salt spray and powder help add texture that straight hair lacks.

How do I keep the volume all day? Use less finishing product, add powder at the roots and finish with cool air.

How often should I wash it? Whenever product builds up. See our simple hair routine.