Blowout Taper: The Brooklyn Blowout, Who Can Wear It and How to Style It

Where the blowout came from

The blowout comes from 1990s New York, where it was worn with a tight taper and a big, swept top, most famously in Brooklyn and in Italian-American neighbourhoods. It faded out for years, then came back through social media and athletes in the 2020s.

The modern version is a little softer. The top is less stiff and more piece-y, and the taper underneath is usually a low one rather than a high fade, so the sides still have some fullness to carry the volume down.

What the cut looks like from each angle

From the front, the hair lifts off the forehead and sweeps up and back or up and to the sides, with the fringe area the tallest point. From the side, the top forms a rounded arc that continues down into full sides and ends in a clean low taper fade at the sideburn.

From the back, the volume carries down to a tapered nape. There is no hard disconnection anywhere; the blowout only works when the shape looks like one continuous, rounded mass.

Can your hair hold a blowout?

Your hair needs three things to hold a blowout: enough length, enough density and a texture that responds to heat. If one is missing, the volume collapses by lunchtime.

• Length: at least 7 cm on top at the front. Anything shorter lifts but does not sweep.
• Density: medium to thick. On thin hair, the scalp shows through the lifted section.
• Texture: straight or wavy. Wavy hair is ideal because it has natural grip. Tight curls and coils do not usually blow out into this shape; a curly fade or afro fade gives a similar round silhouette with your natural pattern.
• Cowlicks at the front can help or hurt, depending on direction. We check this in the consultation.

The morning blow-dry routine

A blowout is built with a blow-dryer, not with product. Product only holds the shape once the heat has set it.

This is the routine we show clients in the chair:

1. Start with towel-dried hair, damp but not dripping.
2. Mist a light sea salt spray or pre-styling spray through the roots.
3. With the dryer on medium heat, point the airflow up from the roots and push the hair in the direction you want it to go: up and back, or up and out.
4. Use a vent brush or your fingers to lift at the roots while you dry. Aim the nozzle downward along the hair shaft to keep frizz down.
5. Finish with a cool shot for 10 seconds to set the shape.
6. Work a small amount of matte paste or texture powder through with your fingers, then shape the ends.

Keeping the blowout in shape between cuts

A blowout taper needs a cut every three to four weeks. The taper at the edges goes soft first, and the top loses its shape once the front gets long enough to fall into your eyes.

Humidity is the main enemy of a blowout, and Mississauga summers are humid. In July and August we suggest a stronger-hold spray or a slightly shorter top so the shape does not drop. Winter toques flatten it too; a quick blast with the dryer after you take off your hat brings most of it back. Our guide on how to blow dry men's hair goes into more detail.

Getting a blowout taper at Markcutit

We cut the top with scissors, layering it so the hair supports itself when lifted, then taper the edges low and detail the lineup with a razor. After the wash we blow-dry and style it so you can see exactly how it is done.

Book a Haircut Only through our taper fades service. The hot towel, wash and head massage come with every service.