Okay, so I didn’t even plan to get this cut. I was just over how puffy the sides of my hair were getting, especially behind the ears. You know how curly hair gets when it starts growing out weird? All volume, no shape.
Barber barely looked at me, just nodded like he already knew. Next thing I know, I’ve got this clean blowout low taper fade curly hair situation going on. And honestly, it worked better than I expected.
Not Gonna Lie: This Cut Makes Curls Make Sense
If you’ve ever dealt with curls that just won’t sit right, you’ll get why this cut slaps. The taper fade keeps the lower part clea like near the neckline and ears, without going full skin-fade. And the blowout part up top? It lets your curls do their thing without turning into a bush.
Low Taper Fade Is Subtle: But That’s the Point
The fade part? Super chill. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it’s crisp enough that people notice when it’s fresh. That little gradient from short to nothing around the edges clean. What I like is that it fades out so smoothly, it almost feels like your neck got a shape-up.
Maintenance? Not Too Bad, Actually
You’ll need a lineup every couple of weeks, especially if your hair grows fast. But the top? The curly part? Just keep it hydrated and you’re good. I use a curl cream most days nothing fancy. Sometimes mousse if I want a bit more bounce. No heavy gels though.
I usually spritz some water in the morning, rake in the product, and let it air dry. Takes five minutes, tops.
Pro Tip: Tell Your Barber Exactly What You Want
No assumptions. Tell them:
- Low taper fade only (not mid or high)
- Keep the curls on top
- Line up the front and back sharp
- No thinning shears unless your curls are super dense
If you’ve got tight coils (like 3C or 4A), make sure they know how to handle that texture. Not all clippers are made equal.
Face Shape Does Kinda Matter—But Don’t Overthink It
Honestly, people stress this too much. Yeah, a taper fade works a little differently depending on your face shape. Round face? Go higher with the volume. Longer face? Keep the top more compact. But in the end, curls sort of break the rules anyway.
The only time it really matters is if you’re growing out the top long. Then it can throw things off if the taper’s too tight.
Mixing It Up with Other Styles? Yeah, It Works
If you’re feeling bored with just the blowout + taper combo, there are ways to tweak it. You can blend it with a temple fade for a sharper edge, or go for a low burst fade if you want a bit more curve near the ears.
All of them kind of live in the same family of cuts. Just slightly different vibes.
What They Don’t Tell You About This Cut
Okay, real talk—this style looks best when you take care of your curls. Not in a fancy influencer way, just basic stuff. Don’t let your hair get all dry and brittle. Use some kind of leave-in, especially after washing.
Also, this might sound dumb, but if you wear a hoodie too much, it can flatten the taper at the back. Same with over-ear headphones.
It’s one of those little things that nobody tells you until you notice your fade looking uneven for no reason.
So yeah, the blowout low taper fade curly hair combo is kinda my go-to now. Low effort, high payoff. The curls sit right, the fade keeps things clean, and I don’t have to mess with it every day.
FAQs
- Do I need a blow dryer for the blowout part?
Not really. The barber usually does it once. After that, curls just stay lifted if you treat them right. - Will this work on short curly hair or do I need length?
You need some length up top. If it’s too short, the blowout part doesn’t show much. - How do I stop the sides from puffing out after a week?
Use product. Even a little mousse will tame the fluff. Or go get a touch-up taper. - Is this cut unprofessional for office jobs?
Depends on the job. But if the fade is clean and the curls are shaped, it looks intentional—not messy. - Can I do this on my own at home?
You can try… but the fade part? That’s tricky solo unless you’ve got mirrors and skills. Better to pay your barber.
Kamran Shahzad is an expert in men’s grooming and hair fashion, dedicated to helping modern gents refine their style. At Refine Gents, he shares timeless tips, sharp cuts, and fresh trends to keep your look polished and confident.