Blowout Low Taper Fades (for Curly Hair Folks)

I wasn’t planning to write a whole thing about my hair today, but here we are. This morning, I looked in the mirror and saw this poofy, undefined cloud forming around the sides of my head. You know the one. If you’ve got curls and you’ve ever gone a few days without refreshing your cut, it creeps in. Anyway—ended up getting a blowout with a low taper fade, and wow, why didn’t I do this sooner?

Fresh blowout low taper fade with defined curls and sharp taper fade

What Even Is a Blowout Low Taper Fade?

The low taper fade part? That’s where things get crispy. The fade starts just above the ears and gradually disappears into the skin. Perfect for curly textures because it frames your hair without overpowering it

Diagram showing difference between low taper fade and high fade placement on head

I’ve seen a bunch of styles come and go, but the blowout low taper fade curly hair combo just works. It keeps the curls up top looking natural and soft, while the fade underneath keeps everything from turning into a helmet.

If you prefer something more subtle and tight around the ears, the low fade haircut keeps things polished without sacrificing shape.

Maintenance Is Chill (for Once)

I’m not someone who wakes up early to “do” my hair. So, maintenance was a real factor for me. The cool part about this cut is that once you’ve got the shape, you’re mostly just refreshing curls on top. Maybe throw in a curl cream or mousse—something lightweight—and hit it with a diffuser if you’re feeling ambitious. That’s it.

Hair products like curl cream, diffuser, and pick comb next to a mirror

Don’t get it twisted though. The fade needs upkeep. I usually pop into the barbershop every two to three weeks. But the curls? I can get away with less. If I’m lazy and don’t retwist or rehydrate for a few days, the cut still holds.

Blowouts pair surprisingly well with medium length haircuts for chubby faces—the added volume helps frame the face without overwhelming it.

What About Face Shape?

I don’t want to get all style-guru here, but let’s be real: some cuts look better on certain faces. The taper fade plays well with most face shapes—especially if you’ve got fuller cheeks or a rounded jawline. It lengthens your profile a bit. The blowout adds height too, which balances everything out.

Illustration showing taper fade on round, oval, and square face shapes
Illustration showing taper fade on round, oval, and square face shapes

If your curls are tighter (like Type 4A or 4B), the blowout helps them stretch out a little, making your overall silhouette more defined. Looser curls still work, but the styling process might look a bit different.

Styling Tips That Aren’t a Whole Routine

I’m not here to pitch a 12-step process. Here’s what I actually use:

  • Leave-in conditioner (because curls are thirsty)
  • A good curl sponge or finger twist technique
  • Light edge control if I’m going out and want it extra clean
  • Satin durag at night to keep the fade tight
Person using curl sponge on blowout taper fade haircut

That’s it. Sometimes I don’t even do all that. If I wash and let my curls breathe, the taper keeps everything looking deliberate even when I’m not trying.

Underrated Bonus: It Grows Out Gracefully

You ever get a cut that looks amazing for three days, then turns on you? Yeah, this isn’t that. One of the reasons I like this combo is that even as it grows out, the shape holds. The taper doesn’t just vanish overnight. The blowout softens up, but it kind of just becomes this grown-in look that still works.

Grown out blowout low taper fade curly hair after 2 weeks

And if you’re trying to grow out your curls or experiment with length, this is a great transitional style. It’s not dramatic, but it definitely keeps you looking like you meant to do it.

Where People Get It Wrong

If you’re thinking about this cut, just one warning: don’t try to DIY the fade unless you know what you’re doing. I messed around once with clippers in my bathroom and ended up wearing a beanie for four days straight. Trust a barber, especially one who knows how to shape curls.

Side-by-side image of messy self-cut fade vs clean barber-done fade

Also, tell your barber if you want to keep length on top. Some go straight for a short all-over cut unless you specify.

It’s wild how something can be popular and still feel individual. This cut’s everywhere right now—on TikTok, at barbershops, in college campuses—but each version still feels personal. That’s what makes it good.

 Collage of people with different curl types all rocking the same fade

It’s versatile. It can be clean and sharp for formal stuff, but you can also wear it wild with a hoodie and sweats. No one style fits every vibe, but this one comes close.

Before and after haircut showing transformation with curly blowout and fade

FAQs

Can I still tie my hair up if I grow the top out?
For sure. Just keep the sides clean and you’ll still have a shape.

How often should I get the taper redone?
Every 2–3 weeks keeps it fresh. Curls can go longer, but the fade needs love.

Can this cut work for looser curls or wavy hair?
Yep. You might not need a full blowout—just a little product for shape.

Do I need heat for the blowout part?
Not always. A cool blow dryer with a diffuser works fine. Or just stretch with twists.

Will it work if my hair’s super thick?
Actually, thick hair makes the fade look even better. It adds contrast.