Haircuts, styles, and grooming trends can be confusing, especially with so many terms flying around. Whether you’re looking for a trendy look or just trying to understand the latest trends, it’s essential to know the difference between various haircut types. If you’ve ever been curious about blowout tapers, the 3-2-1 haircut, or why blowouts are so expensive, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll go through everything you need to know about these styles, including how to ask for them, how to create them, and the key differences between fades, tapers, and blowouts.
What is a Blowout Taper?
A blowout taper is a combination of two popular hairstyle techniques: the blowout and the taper. The blowout involves styling the hair to look voluminous and smooth, often using heat to achieve a fuller, more textured look. The taper, on the other hand, is a haircut where the hair gradually shortens down the sides and back, leaving the top longer. When combined, the blowout taper creates a fuller, more styled look on top with a smooth transition to shorter hair on the sides.
This style is particularly popular for people with curly or wavy hair who want to create volume on top while maintaining a clean, tapering look on the sides. The result is a stylish and balanced appearance where the top stands out and the sides fade in a smooth, natural way.
How Do You Ask Your Barber for a Blowout Taper?
To get a blowout taper, it’s essential to communicate clearly with your barber. You can explain that you want a voluminous blowout on top with tapered sides. Specify how much volume you’d like on the top and what kind of fade or taper you prefer on the sides (e.g., low, medium, or high). It’s also helpful to show them reference photos of the exact look you want. Make sure to clarify the length on top and how tight you’d like the taper to be.
The blowout itself is usually done with a blow dryer, round brush, and some styling products, so it’s essential to let your barber know if you want a natural or more polished, sleek look. Depending on your hair texture, your barber may also suggest using products like mousse or a texturizing spray.
What is a 3-2-1 Haircut?
The 3-2-1 haircut is a guideline used by some barbers to refer to the number of guards used for different lengths in a fade or taper. In this system, the number corresponds to the length of the clipper guard used on the hair:
- 3: The top of the hair is cut with a 3 guard, which is typically around 3/8 of an inch (about 10mm) long.
- 2: The sides and back are cut with a 2 guard, around 1/4 inch (6mm).
- 1: The shortest length used for blending the fade, typically about 1/8 inch (3mm).
This system is most commonly used for fades or tapers, providing a clean but subtle fade effect. It helps barbers create a smooth gradient from the longest hair at the top to the shortest at the bottom.
Why Are Blowouts So Expensive?
Blowouts are generally more expensive than regular haircuts for several reasons:
- Time and Effort: Blowouts require more time than a standard cut. A good blowout can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the hair length and texture. The stylist spends time blow-drying, styling, and ensuring the hair is smooth and voluminous.
- Specialized Tools: Blowouts involve using specific tools such as blow dryers, round brushes, and sometimes flat irons to achieve the desired volume and smoothness. These tools require skill and experience to use effectively.
- Product Usage: Blowouts often require high-quality hair products like volumizing mousses, serums, and styling gels. These products can be more expensive than standard hair products, adding to the cost.
- Professional Skill: Stylists who specialize in blowouts often have more advanced training, making their services more premium.
What is the Difference Between a Blowout Taper and a Taper?
A blowout taper and a standard taper share the basic concept of gradually shortening the hair on the sides and back, but the key difference is the top of the hairstyle. In a taper, the focus is more on the length and fade of the sides, while the top can be styled in various ways (but isn’t always voluminous).
In a blowout taper, the focus is on creating a voluminous, styled top (often using a blow dryer and products) while keeping the fade or taper on the sides clean and smooth. The taper is essentially the same as a standard taper, but the blowout adds more dimension and style to the top.
How Do You Do a Blowout Taper?
To achieve a blowout taper, follow these steps:
- Preparation: Start with damp hair. Apply a volumizing mousse or styling cream to add texture and volume to the hair.
- Blow Drying the Top: Using a round brush and blow dryer, start drying the hair from the roots to the tips, creating lift at the roots. The goal is to add volume and texture to the top portion of the hair.
- Cutting the Taper: Once the top is styled, the barber will then work on the sides and back. A tapering effect is created by gradually cutting the hair shorter from the top to the bottom using clipper guards (depending on the desired fade length).
- Final Styling: Finish the look with some styling products, like pomade or wax, to lock in the volume and smooth down the taper.
Who Should Get a Blowout Taper?
A blowout taper is ideal for individuals who want volume on top and a sleek, tapered look on the sides. It works well for people with:
- Curly or wavy hair who want to add volume to their natural texture while keeping the sides clean and tapered.
- Thick hair that benefits from added volume at the top.
- Oval or square face shapes as the taper and volume can help balance out the proportions of the face.
If you have fine or straight hair, you can still get a blowout taper, but you may need extra styling products to achieve the desired volume.
What is the Difference Between a Blowout and a Blow Dry?
The term blowout and blow dry are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference:
- A blow dry is simply the act of drying hair with a blow dryer, typically with no special styling or shaping.
- A blowout refers to a more styled, polished blow dry. It’s a professional technique where the stylist uses a blow dryer, round brush, and products to create a smooth, voluminous look.
What Type of Taper is Best?
The best type of taper depends on personal preference and hair type. Some popular taper types include:
- Low Taper: The fade starts near the ears and gradually blends into the longer hair on top. It’s ideal for a more subtle look.
- Mid Taper: This fade starts around the temples, offering a more balanced fade that works with various face shapes.
- High Taper: This fade starts higher on the head, above the temples, and creates a sharper contrast between the top and the sides. It’s best for bold, edgy styles.
How to Do a 3/2/1 Haircut?
The 3/2/1 haircut typically refers to a fade or taper, where the numbers correspond to the clipper guard lengths used:
- 3 guard for the top section (about 3/8 inch long).
- 2 guard for the mid-section or sides (about 1/4 inch long).
- 1 guard for the lowest fade section, closest to the skin (about 1/8 inch long).
This method creates a smooth, blended fade with gradually shorter lengths.
Why Do Salon Blowouts Last Longer?
Salon blowouts tend to last longer than those done at home for several reasons. First, professional stylists use high-quality tools and products that can hold the style in place for a longer period. For example, salon blowouts often involve the use of premium blow dryers, round brushes, and specialized products designed to add volume, reduce frizz, and lock in the style.
Second, the technique used by professional stylists is more refined. They understand how to manipulate the hair to create long-lasting volume and shape. The combination of experience and the right tools and products ensures that your blowout can last from 2-3 days, depending on your hair type and maintenance.
Another reason salon blowouts last longer is the hair preparation before styling. Stylists often cleanse and treat the hair with deep-conditioning treatments to provide a smooth, manageable base before starting the blowout process. This can help reduce frizz and maintain the style longer.
What is the Point of Getting a Blowout?
Getting a blowout is all about achieving a smooth, voluminous look with little effort. Whether for a special occasion or as a regular part of your beauty routine, the goal of a blowout is to:
- Add Volume and Shine: Blowouts are great for creating fullness and a healthy shine, giving your hair a bouncy, salon-quality appearance.
- Save Time: For people with busy schedules, getting a blowout can save time in the morning, as it makes your hair easier to manage and style for a few days.
- Enhance Style: Blowouts can enhance any hairstyle, whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair. It’s a flexible styling option that works with many hair textures, giving them a polished, put-together finish.
- Create a Long-Lasting Look: Unlike standard blow-drying, blowouts give you a styled, defined look that can last longer, making them ideal for events like weddings, parties, or photoshoots.
What Age Are Blowouts Most Common?
Blowouts are common among adults of all ages, but they tend to be most popular with individuals in their 20s to 40s. This is because many people in this age group want a polished, sleek look for both professional and personal events. Blowouts are also a popular choice for those looking to maintain a long-lasting, effortless hairstyle.
However, blowouts are not exclusive to a particular age group. Older individuals may opt for a blowout to add volume to thinning hair or to give their hair a rejuvenated, youthful appearance. Teens and younger adults might also enjoy blowouts for more casual styling or special occasions.
How Long Can a Blowout Last?
The longevity of a blowout depends on factors such as hair type, the products used, and how well the blowout is maintained. On average, a blowout can last anywhere from 2 to 4 days. People with straight or fine hair may notice their blowouts last longer, while individuals with thicker, curlier, or more textured hair might see the style start to lose its volume and shape sooner.
Here are a few tips to extend the life of your blowout:
- Avoid washing your hair: The longer you wait to wash your hair after a blowout, the longer the style will last. Try to avoid wetting your hair for a few days to preserve the volume and shine.
- Sleep with a silk pillowcase: A silk or satin pillowcase helps prevent frizz and protects your hair from rubbing, which can cause the style to break down overnight.
- Use dry shampoo: Dry shampoo can help keep your hair looking fresh by absorbing oils and adding volume. It also prevents the blowout from falling flat.
- Avoid humidity: Humidity can ruin a blowout, so try to avoid going out in humid conditions or protect your hair with anti-frizz products to preserve the look.
Are Blowouts Worth the Money?
Blowouts are considered worth the money by many, especially for those who want to achieve a professionally styled, voluminous look without spending a lot of time on their hair. The cost of a blowout varies, but many people feel that it’s a worthy investment for the time and effort it saves. Some benefits include:
- Convenience: Getting a blowout means you don’t need to style your hair every day. It cuts down on the amount of time spent on hair care in the mornings, which can be a huge benefit for busy people.
- Long-Lasting Style: A blowout can last for days, allowing you to maintain a polished, fresh look throughout the week without having to restyle your hair constantly.
- Special Occasion Styling: For special events like weddings, parties, or photoshoots, a blowout can help you achieve the perfect style without stressing about your hair on the big day.
However, if you prefer a simpler routine or have a tight budget, a blowout might not be the best choice for regular upkeep. It’s often seen as a luxury service or something to indulge in for special occasions
