Skullet and Blowout Taper

Two cuts keep coming up in the chair at Gusto this autumn, and they sit at opposite ends of the same idea. The blowout taper keeps length and volume on top and cleans everything up around it. The skullet strips most of that away and saves the length for the back. Here is how each one works, who it suits, and what to say when you sit down with your stylist in London.

What is a blowout taper?

A blowout taper pairs a gradual taper at the sides and nape with a longer top that is blow dried for lift and movement. Think of it as the soft, textured cousin of the skin fade. The sides graduate from short to nothing, the top keeps enough length to style, and the finish is a voluminous, slightly tousled shape rather than a flat, slicked one.

The appeal is how easy it looks. The taper keeps the edges sharp for weeks, while the top does the talking. If you like the shape but want more of a fade, our guide to the mid taper fade breaks down the options.

How a blowout taper is cut

Your barber or stylist will start with the taper, usually a low or mid height so the shape grows out cleanly, and blend it up into the longer top with scissors rather than leaving a hard line. The top is then point cut and thinned a little so it sits with movement instead of weight.

The blowout comes last. A quick blast of heat with a small amount of sea salt spray or light clay, brushed up and back, sets the volume. Most clients are done in five minutes once they have the knack. If you want a longer fringe with it, see our low taper fade with textured fringe.

Who suits a blowout taper?

It works on almost every hair type, which is why we recommend it so often. Wavy and curly hair gain definition and bounce, straight hair gets body it would not have on its own, and thick hair is thinned and shaped so it stops feeling heavy. Fine hair does well too, provided the top is kept a little shorter so the volume holds.

Face shape matters less than people think. A longer, lifted top adds height to rounder faces, and a clean taper keeps narrower faces from looking top heavy. If you are not sure, bring a photo and we will adapt it to you.

What is a skullet?

The skullet is the bold relative of the mullet. The hair is cropped or skin faded very short on top and at the sides, and length is kept only at the back. It started as a joke, then a few well known names wore it with confidence, and it has become a genuine option for men who want something with attitude.

It also suits thinning crowns. Taking the top right down makes thinning look intentional rather than hidden, and the contrast with the longer back gives the cut its shape. If you like a softer take on the same idea, have a look at the modern soft mullet.

Skullet or blowout taper: which one is for you?

Choose the blowout taper if you like having something to style, you have good density on top, and you want a look that works in the office and out of it. Choose the skullet if you want almost no daily effort on top, you are comfortable standing out, or your hairline is changing and you would rather lead with a strong shape.

Both need regular trims to look their best. Expect to rebook every four to six weeks for the taper and roughly the same for a skullet if you keep the sides skin short. For something simpler still, our buzz cut guide is worth a read.

When you book, tell your stylist the taper height you want, how much length to keep on top or at the back, and how long you are willing to spend styling. Photos help more than words.

Ready to try one? Book online at Gusto Hair Oxford Street or Gusto Hair Covent Garden and we will shape it to suit you.