What is Burst Fade Haircuts: Mullet, V, Low, & Taper Hairstyles

Have you ever wondered how to achieve that perfect blend of edgy and polished in your haircut? Look no further than the burst fade. I’m about to take you on a journey through the world of this trendy and versatile hairstyle. By the end of this guide, you’ll understand what a burst fade is and how to choose the perfect variation for your face shape and personal style. So, are you ready to transform your look and turn heads wherever you go?

What Is a Burst Fade?

The burst fade is a modern men’s hairstyle that features a distinctive circular fading pattern radiating from the ears. Unlike traditional fades, it creates a “burst” effect, blending longer top hair with shorter sides in a radial design. This versatile cut can be adapted to various heights and works well with different hair types and face shapes.

Originating from barbershop innovations, the burst fade gained popularity in urban fashion circles during the 2010s. It’s known for creating the illusion of fuller hair on the sides and suits both casual and professional settings. The style requires regular maintenance to keep its crisp, defined look.

Burst fades can be combined with various top hairstyles like pompadours or textured crops. While offering a contemporary edge, they still maintain a clean, polished appearance. This balance of modern style and classic grooming has contributed to the burst fade’s widespread appeal among men seeking a distinctive yet versatile haircut.

The Origins of the Burst Fade

The burst fade didn’t just appear out of nowhere. It has its roots in urban barbershop culture, evolving from traditional tapered cuts. I’ve seen this style grow from a niche look to a mainstream trend, embraced by celebrities and everyday style enthusiasts alike.

Why Choose a Burst Fade?

You might be wondering, “Why should I consider a burst fade for my next haircut?” Well, there are several compelling reasons:

1. Versatility: The burst fade works with various hair lengths and textures.
2. Face-framing: It can enhance your facial features and bone structure.
3. Low maintenance: Once cut, it’s relatively easy to maintain at home.
4. Uniqueness: It stands out from more common fade styles.

How to Choose the Best Burst Fade for You

Selecting the right burst fade isn’t just about pointing at a picture in a magazine. It’s about finding a style that complements your face shape, hair texture, and personal style. Here’s how you can make the best choice:

Consider Your Face Shape

Different face shapes benefit from specific burst fade variations:

• Oval faces: You’re in luck! Most burst fade styles will suit you well.
• Round faces: Opt for a higher burst fade to add length to your face.
• Square faces: A lower burst fade can soften your angular features.
• Heart-shaped faces: A medium burst fade can balance your proportions.

Think About Your Hair Texture

Your hair texture plays a crucial role in how a burst fade will look on you:

• Straight hair: Provides a clean, sharp look with burst fades.
• Wavy hair: Offers interesting texture in longer areas of the burst fade.
• Curly hair: Creates a striking contrast between the faded and longer sections.
• Coily hair: Allows for bold, defined burst fade styles.

Match Your Personal Style

The burst fade is versatile enough to suit various personal styles:

• Edgy and modern: Go for a high contrast burst fade with a very short fade.
• Classic and subtle: Choose a softer, more gradual burst fade.
• Artistic and unique: Experiment with curved lines or patterns in your burst fade.

Video Tutorial For Burst Fade Haircut

Popular Burst Fade Variations

Now that you understand the basics, let’s explore some popular burst fade variations:

The Classic Burst Fade

This is your standard burst fade, with a gradual taper around the ears that bursts outward. It’s a great starting point if you’re new to this style.

• What to Tell Your Barber: Request a Classic Burst Fade, asking for a traditional burst fade that curves smoothly around the ears, tapering gradually down the sides and back, with the top kept longer for a balanced and timeless look.
• Style Tip: Style the top with a light to medium hold product to maintain a neat and natural appearance, while ensuring the fade remains sharp and well-blended for a classic, versatile style.

The High Burst Fade

For a more dramatic look, the high burst fade starts the fading process higher up on the sides and back of the head.

• What to Tell Your Barber: Ask your barber for a High Burst Fade, specifying that you want the fade to start higher on the head, near the temples, with a sharp, curved transition around the ears and a tight taper down the back, leaving the top longer for added contrast.
• Style Tip: Use a strong hold product to style the top, enhancing the height and volume, while keeping the high fade clean and precise for a bold and striking look.

The Low Burst Fade

If you prefer a subtler approach, the low burst fade keeps more length on the sides, with the fade concentrated just above the ears.

• What to Tell Your Barber: Request a Low Burst Fade, asking for a subtle, low fade that begins just above the ears, curving around and gradually tapering down the neck, with the top hair kept longer for contrast.
• Style Tip: Use a light styling product to maintain a natural look on top, while ensuring the low fade is kept neat and smooth, offering a clean, understated appearance.

The Burst Fade Mohawk

Combining a burst fade with a mohawk creates an edgy, eye-catching style that’s perfect for those who want to make a statement.

• What to Tell Your Barber: Ask your barber for a Burst Fade Mohawk, specifying that you want a pronounced mohawk strip with a burst fade around the ears, blending tightly into the sides while leaving the center strip longer and more defined.
• Style Tip: Use a strong hold gel or wax to sculpt the mohawk, emphasizing the height and shape, while keeping the fade clean and sharp for a bold, standout look.

Burst Fade Curly Hair

The Burst Fade Curly Haircut is a dynamic style that emphasizes the natural texture of curly hair while incorporating a sharp, semi-circular fade around the ears. This look blends the tight fade seamlessly into voluminous curls on top, creating a striking contrast that highlights the hair’s natural movement and fullness. It’s a bold and modern choice, perfect for those who want to showcase their curls with a polished edge.

• What to Tell Your Barber: Request a Burst Fade for curly hair, asking for a curved fade around the ears that blends smoothly into your natural curls on top, keeping the sides and back tightly faded to highlight the texture and volume of your curls.
• Style Tip: Use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse to define and shape the curls on top, while ensuring the fade remains sharp to create a striking contrast between the textured curls and the smooth sides.

Mid Burst Fade

The Mid Burst Fade is a balanced haircut that features a gradual fade starting midway around the head, creating a smooth, curved transition from the sides to the top. This style maintains a clean, sharp outline around the ears while allowing for more length and volume on the upper sections. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a versatile, modern look that offers both structure and style.

• What to Tell Your Barber: Ask your barber for a Mid Burst Fade, specifying that you want the fade to start at a mid-point around the head, with a curved, gradual transition around the ears and down the neck, while leaving the top slightly longer.
• Style Tip: Use a moderate hold product to style the top, maintaining a neat and natural look, while ensuring the fade remains clean and well-blended for a balanced and modern appearance.

Burst Fade Taper

The Burst Fade Taper is a stylish haircut that combines a burst fade with a gradual taper, creating a smooth, curved transition around the ears and down the neck. This look balances clean, sharp edges with a natural top, offering a modern and versatile style perfect for those seeking a polished yet effortless appearance.

• What to Tell Your Barber: Request a Burst Fade Taper, asking for a smooth, curved fade around the ears that gradually tapers down the sides and back, with the top left slightly longer to maintain a natural look.
• Style Tip: Use a light styling product to add texture and definition to the top, while keeping the fade sharp and the taper smooth for a polished, versatile appearance.

Faux Hawk Fade

The Faux Hawk Fade is a bold and edgy haircut that features a strip of longer hair running from the front to the back, mimicking a mohawk, but with more subtlety. The sides are faded, creating a sharp contrast that enhances the central strip’s height and texture. This style is perfect for those who want a daring look that’s still versatile enough for everyday wear.

• What to Tell Your Barber: Ask your barber for a Faux Hawk Fade, specifying that you want a strip of longer hair from the front to the back, with the sides faded for a sharp contrast that enhances the height and texture of the faux hawk.
• Style Tip: Apply a medium to strong hold product to the top section, shaping the hair upward and inward to create the faux hawk’s signature peak, while keeping the fade on the sides clean and defined.

Burst Fade Straight Hair

The Burst Fade Straight Haircut features sleek, straight hair with a smooth, curved fade around the ears, tapering down to the neck. This style highlights the clean lines and sharp contrast of the fade while keeping the top neat and polished, making it a perfect choice for a modern and refined look.

• What to Tell Your Barber: When asking your barber for a Burst Fade with straight hair, request a curved fade around the ears that tapers down to the nape, while keeping the top slightly longer and straight.
• Style Tip: Use a light hold product to maintain the sleek, polished look, ensuring the fade remains sharp and clean.

French Crop Burst Fade

The French Crop Burst Fade combines a short, textured top with a blunt fringe and a curved burst fade around the ears, tapering smoothly down the sides. This style offers a sharp, modern look that balances the clean fade with the edgy, defined top, perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance yet trendy haircut.

• What to Tell Your Barber: Ask your barber for a French Crop with a Burst Fade, specifying that you want the hair on top to be cut short and textured with a blunt fringe, combined with a burst fade that curves around the ears and tapers down the sides and back.
• Style Tip: Use a matte styling product to enhance the texture of the top and keep the fringe defined, while ensuring the burst fade remains sharp and clean for a modern, stylish look.

Burst Fade Mullet

The Burst Fade Mullet is a daring fusion of classic and contemporary styles that’s rapidly gaining popularity among fashion-forward individuals. This bold haircut features closely cropped sides that gradually “burst” into longer strands at the back, creating a striking contrast between sleek precision and rebellious volume. Unlike its infamous ’80s predecessor, this modern mullet incorporates a fade technique, lending it a fresh, edgy appeal. It’s a versatile look that can be tailored to suit various face shapes and personal styles, making it a standout choice for those who aren’t afraid to make a statement with their hair.

Burst Fade V Cut

The burst fade V-cut is a popular men’s hairstyle that combines a burst fade with a sharp V-shaped neckline. The burst fade starts around the ears, creating a gradual fade that highlights the natural shape of the head, while the V-cut adds a clean, edgy finish at the nape of the neck. This style offers a modern, stylish look that’s versatile and works well with various hair textures and lengths. It’s a bold choice for those wanting to stand out with a distinct and defined haircut.

How to Maintain Your Burst Fade

Once you’ve got your perfect burst fade, you’ll want to keep it looking fresh. Here are some tips:

1. Regular trims: Visit your barber every 2-3 weeks to maintain the fade’s shape.
2. Use the right products: Invest in quality hair products to style and nourish your hair.
3. Learn some basic styling techniques: Ask your barber to show you how to style your new cut at home.
4. Protect your hair: Use a heat protectant if you use hot styling tools.

The Burst Fade: More Than Just a Haircut

Choosing a burst fade isn’t just about getting a trendy haircut. It’s about expressing yourself and boosting your confidence. When you walk out of the barbershop with a fresh burst fade, you’re not just sporting a new look – you’re embracing a style that says something about who you are.

Conclusion

The burst fade is more than just a passing trend. It’s a versatile, stylish haircut that can be customized to suit your unique look and personality. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or a bold new style, there’s a burst fade variation out there for you.

Remember, the key to rocking a burst fade is confidence. Choose the style that makes you feel your best, and wear it with pride. With the right care and maintenance, your burst fade will keep you looking sharp and stylish for weeks to come.

So, are you ready to take the plunge and try a burst fade? Trust me, once you experience the perfect blend of edgy and polished that a burst fade offers, you might just find your new signature style.

Frequently Asked Questions