
Blowout Fade Hairstyle: Tutorials, Products, and Maintenance
A blowout fade hairstyle is one of the coolest, boldest trends you can rock today. Combining voluminous hair on top with neatly faded sides, the blowout fade lets your natural texture shine while giving you a fresh, clean-cut look. Whether you have curly, wavy, or thick hair, this style suits many and allows for a lot of personal flair.
In this friendly, easy-to-follow guide, we will take you through how to get a blowout fade, step-by-step tutorials, product recommendations, and maintenance tips. I’ll also share some personal stories and useful insights to help you master your look with confidence.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat Is a Blowout Fade?
The blowout fade features hair cut short on the sides and back, usually in a smooth fade or taper, while the top is left longer and styled upward or outward to create volume—hence the term “blowout.”
The style gained popularity in the 80s and ’90s in urban and hip-hop communities and has made a big comeback recently due to its dynamic and stylish appeal. It’s modern but with a retro twist, showing off your personality and hair texture.
Who Can Rock a Blowout Fade?
Almost anyone with thick hair and a desire for bold volume can pull this style off. It works especially well for:
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Curly hair
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Wavy hair
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Tightly coiled hair
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Thick, dense hair
Slimmer, finer hair types might want to consult with a barber about layered fades and how to create the blowout effect with their hair length.
How to Get a Blowout Fade: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Tools You Need
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Hair clippers and guards
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Scissors
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Hair dryer with diffuser
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Round brush or wide-tooth comb
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Hair products (more on these later)
Step 1: Choose Your Fade Type
Talk to your barber about these fade options:
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Low fade: Starts fading from the bottom of the hairline
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Mid fade: Fades start around the temple area
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High fade: Sharp transition starts high on the head, near the crown
For a bold blowout look, many go for a mid or high fade for crisp contrast.
Step 2: Cut the Fade
Your barber will clip the sides and back, blending the hair smoothly into the longer section on top. This requires precision to make the fade clean and seamless.
Step 3: Shape the Top
The stylist will leave the top hair relatively long and blend it carefully for volume and shape. The length can range from 3 to 6 inches, depending on your choice.
Step 4: Style with Heat
Once cut, the hair is dried using a hair dryer and a round brush or diffuser to lift the strands and create that signature “blowout” volume.
Step 5: Finish with Products
Apply your selected hair product (pomade, mousse, or cream), finger-style or brush through to hold shape and reduce frizz.
When I got my first blowout fade, the stylist’s use of the blow dryer with a diffuser was a game changer—my hair felt fuller, and the style lasted all day without heaviness.
What Products Work Best for Blowout Fades?
Volume, texture, and hold are the goals. Here are the top product types:
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Volumizing mousse: Lightweight and lifts hair without crunching; perfect for wavy or curly hair.
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Pomade or hair cream: Adds shine and flexible hold; great for thicker hair wanting shine and definition.
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Sea salt spray: Creates texture and natural waves; ideal for a slightly tousled finish.
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Hair gel: Use sparingly for stronger hold without stiffness.
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Heat protectant spray: A must if you blow-dry often to prevent damage.
Try a combination to find what suits your texture best. For example, I like mousse with a small dab of pomade when my curls are extra thick—it keeps volume but smooths frizz.
How to Maintain a Blowout Fade?
Daily Care
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Use a gentle shampoo 2–3 times a week to keep hair clean without stripping natural oils.
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On other days, rinse with water or use a co-wash (conditioner wash) for moisture.
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Moisturize with leave-in conditioner and light styling products.
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Avoid heavy buildup—wash out products regularly.
Styling at Home
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Blow-dry with a diffuser or round brush to recreate lift.
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Apply your hold product before drying for best effect.
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Use fingers or a wide comb for natural flow.
Regular Trims
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A blowout fade requires regular barber visits every 2–4 weeks for fade upkeep and maintaining length on top.
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At home, small trims around edges keep the line sharp.
How Do You Maintain a Fade Haircut?
Fades need care beyond the hairstyle itself:
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Keep the edges and neckline clean with short trims.
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Use an electric trimmer at home for touch-ups if comfortable.
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Avoid harsh scratching or tugging at the fade area.
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Moisturize the scalp, especially if fades expose more skin.
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Stay hydrated to promote healthy hair growth.
What Is the 3 2 1 Rule for Haircuts?
A handy guideline for timing your haircut and maintenance:
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3 weeks: First touch-up or edge clean for sharpness.
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2 weeks: Light touch-up or shape-up around the edges.
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1 week: Maintain hair health using proper washing and deep conditioning to prepare for the next cut.
Applying this cycle helps the style stay crisp and your scalp healthy.
How to Manage a Blowout Taper Hairstyle?
A blowout taper fade usually means a more gradual fade with volume on top. To manage it:
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Regularly wash with moisturizer-based shampoos.
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Maintain hair hydration by applying oils or creams.
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Use heat protectant sprays before blow-drying.
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Sleep on a satin pillowcase or use protective caps to reduce frizz.
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Schedule regular trims to maintain the taper’s shape.
My Blowout Fade Journey
I always admired the blowout fade, but thought it would be difficult for my wavy hair. My first cut was a revelation—the barber worked with my hair texture, giving me that lifted, voluminous top and clean fade. Maintaining it took a small learning curve, but once I discovered mousse and the diffuser, I was hooked. Friends kept asking, “How do you get your hair like that?” The real magic was in blending expert cutting and proper styling products.
Cost Comparison: Blowout Fade Haircut and Maintenance
Service | Typical Price (USD) | Frequency | Maintenance Cost |
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Professional Blowout Fade Haircut | $30 – $60 | Every 3-4 weeks | $20-$40 (products) |
At-home Styling Products | $10 – $30 | Monthly | Replenish as needed |
DIY Edge Touch-ups | Free – $20 | Weekly | Clippers or trimmers |
Barber cuts deliver polish but can be pricey—at-home styling with quality products can keep the style going between cuts without much fuss.
Troubleshooting Common Blowout Fade Issues
Issue | Quick Fix |
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Top loses volume | Use mousse, blow-dry with diffuser |
Fade grows out quickly | Schedule a haircut every 3 weeks |
Hair feels dry or frizzy | Deep condition weekly, use oil-based moisturizer |
Edges look uneven | Trim at home carefully or visit a barber |
Hair clumps or sticks | Use a lighter product or dampen hair before styling |
Final Thoughts
The blowout fade hairstyle combines style, ease, and attitude—it’s one of the best ways to showcase your curls or waves with elegant fades. The secret? A sharp cut by an experienced barber, paired with the right products and a simple maintenance routine. With care, this style can keep you looking fresh, modern, and effortlessly cool all year round.
If you want, I can help create a personalized styling checklist or product pack for your blowout fade!
Go ahead, grab that barber appointment, and rock your best blowout fade!
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