Photo @alitheebarber
One of the latest trends in men’s hairstyle fashion is a burst fade haircut.
It is both a trendy and a rugged look that makes modern men look simply awesome.
However, going to a barber and telling them “give me a burst fade haircut” is the same as entering a bar saying “give me a beer.”
The same way as there are many beer brands there are also various types of burst fade haircuts.
Each one of them has its own unique feature and characteristic.
Most importantly, they all look good on a specific type of person or face shape.
In order for you to be more specific when choosing the exact burst fade haircut for you, we’ve gone out of our way and created an ultimate list of these types of haircuts.
By looking and analyzing each and every one of them you will be able to learn what to watch out for and pick your next ultimate style.
The bad boy look is not easy to attain, but it can start with a nice burst fade haircut.
41 Most Popular Burst Fade Haircuts
Burst Fade Mohawk
Photo @meeshtheladybarber
This is the most popular famous variation of this style. This specific burst fade variation can be incorporated into a mullet, crew cut, flat top, side part, comb over, faux hawk, and quiff. It has a unique finish that helps you update your overall look.
Burst Taper Fade
Photo @anthonythebarber916
This cut is a variation of the style wherein the sides are trimmed short, but the cut doesn’t go all the way down to one’s skin. It’s a short fade that looks classy and gentlemanly to anyone sporting it. If you’re looking for the soft and refined variation of the burst fade cut, this is something you should try.
Low Burst Fade
Photo @anthonythebarber916
This style starts slightly above one’s ears before curving around the neck, all the way to the nape. This is easy to do and also stylish to wear. This short cut doesn’t expose your back and sides that much. If you want a professional-looking cut, go for this hairstyle.
Burst Fade Comb-Over
Photo @anthonythebarber916
If you’re looking for a comb-over fade but one with a twist, this is the hairstyle you should choose. This can be achieved even if you have long or short hair. You can choose to trim the fade on the sides high, mid, or low. You can also choose to have it tapered cleanly down to your skin.
Burst Fade With Design
Photo @jayblendedit
As the name suggests, this is just a burst fade but a design on the sides. The design could be shapes or lines. It takes a skilled barber to incorporate an excellent design into your burst fade.
Burst Fade Faux Hawk
Photo @anthonythebarber916
This is best for guys who love the classic mohawk that’s not worn as part of an everyday style. This works for all types of hair, including white and black. Because this is a flexible hairstyle, guys can style it with spiky hair, textured crop, slick back, short comb-over, pomp, and quiff. To achieve this hairstyle, you need to keep the sides of your hair short while the top is medium to long.
Straight Hair Burst Fade
Photo @anthonythebarber916
This haircut can complement all hair types. It doesn’t matter if you want to brush, straighten, or spike up your hair; this hairstyle makes all these styles fashionable.
Mohawk Fade
Photo @anthonythebarber916
This mohawk style can be customized for Black, White, Latino, or Asian hair. This attractive and striking hairstyle can be achieved even if you have long, medium, or short hair.
Flat Top Mohawk
Photo @anthonythebarber916
This hairstyle is the modern-day take on the classic barbershop haircut. This looks best with a shape up. It looks like a high-top fade, except that you can choose to style it however you want.
Burst Fade Pomp
Photo @anthonythebarber916
This is simply another classic burst fade with a twist – it’s perfected with high-volume pomp. This usually has a low, mid, or high fade. It also offers an option to leave more hair on the crown for sticking up before laying flat on the top of your head.
Gentleman’s Mohawk
Photo @anthonythebarber916
This is Usher’s signature look, otherwise known as the South of France hairstyle. This means that if you’re looking for inspiration, you can check out Usher’s photos. This features nappy curls and large burst fades.
Burst Fade With Part
Photo @jayblendedit
This hairstyle tapers around your ears instead of having the more common low, mid, or high fade.
Burst Fade Mullet
Photo @meeshtheladybarber
A burst fade mullet is a hairstyle that mixes elements of a burst fade with mullet hair.
In a burst fade mullet, the hair on the top of the head grows longer, creating the standard mullet haircut. The fade starts high on both sides and back, resulting in a modern take on the classic mullet.
Burst Taper
Photo @anthonythebarber916
This cut is a variation of the style wherein the sides are trimmed short, but the cut doesn’t go all the way down to one’s skin.
Burst Fade Curly Hair
Photo @anthonythebarber916
Photo @anthonythebarber916
Photo @anthonythebarber916
Photo @anthonythebarber916
Photo @anthonythebarber916
Photo @anthonythebarber916
Photo @anthonythebarber916
Photo @meeshtheladybarber
Photo @meeshtheladybarber
Photo @meeshtheladybarber
Photo @meeshtheladybarber
Photo @meeshtheladybarber
Photo @meeshtheladybarber
Photo @meeshtheladybarber
Photo @meeshtheladybarber
Photo @meeshtheladybarber
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Photo @christinathebarber__
Photo @meeshtheladybarber
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Photo @christinathebarber__
Photo @anthonythebarber916
Photo @anthonythebarber916
Photo @anthonythebarber916
Photo @anthonythebarber916
How to Get It
Step 1 – Know your options
As pointed out earlier, there are different style variations to the burst fade haircut. Before you decide which cut to go for, know your other options. We suggest going over this guide until the end to acquaint you with the different burst fade haircuts to choose from.
Step 2 – Head to your hairstylist
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, the next thing to do is go to your hairstylist and let them know about your plans. It is better to have pictures of the possible hairstyle you want them to follow. They can suggest which of these hairstyles will suit you best.
Step 3 – Finalize your decision and get it done
Once you and your stylist have chosen the best burst fade hairstyle, finalize your decision by getting that haircut done. Afterward, sport your new and fresh burst cut with oozing charisma and confidence.
Photo @anthonythebarber916
Tools and Quick Tips
Here are some essential things to remember when having a burst fade haircut.
Photo @anthonythebarber916
- Firstly, your barber can use hair sponges, finger coils, or twists if you have medium-length hair. The former is better to use and achieves great success.
- Hair sponges are for curling and twisting short natural hair. These sponges come with two sides. The first side has holes that are meant for creating curls and coils. The second side comes with ridges to make hair voluminous. These sponges are easy to handle. You can even buy one from your barber and do the cutting and styling at home.
- You need to remember that your hair has to be damp from hair conditioner, styling gel, or water.
Photo @jayblendedit
Conclusion
These are the different variations of the burst fade haircut. If you think this hairstyle resonates with your style, don’t be afraid to try it. Seek your hairstylist’s advice and sport the best variation of the infamous burst fade cut.
FAQs
Is a burst fade the same as a mullet?
No, they’re not the same. A long back and short front characterize the mullet. On the other hand, a burst fade is a method of cutting the hair on the sides. This is done by creating a smoother transition from short to long hair. To achieve this, you need to follow your ear’s natural curvature.
What is a shadow fade?
A shadow fade is a haircut type that blends the hair on the back and sides of your head with the hair on top. The fade means the hair progressively decreases in length.
Is a burst fade easy to style?
Yes, it’s easy to wear and style. Because this is a flexible hairstyle, guys can style it with spiky hair, textured crop, slick back, short comb-over, pomp, and quiff. To achieve this hairstyle, you need to keep the sides of your hair short, while the top at medium to long.
Photo @anthonythebarber916
Can you style a burst fade by yourself?
While you can do this independently, working with a barber to seamlessly taper the sides, nape, and neck is still best.
Is a taper the same as a fade?
When you talk about the taper, it means a slight decrease in hair length. On the other hand, a fade is a short taper that usually fades or blends into the skin.
Who started the burst fade?
If you go back to the 80s, you’ll know that this hairstyle is once associated with the lead singer of Cameo, Larry Blackmon. He was the forerunner of the infamous high-top fade. This hairstyle has been associated with R&B sensation Usher Raymonds in recent times.
Can you do a burst fade haircut at home?
While you can do this independently, working with a barber to seamlessly taper the sides, nape, and neck is still best. This will make everything easier for you. Plus, you won’t have to worry if you get it right or not.
How long does a burst fade last?
The exact duration varies depending on individual hair growth and maintenance habits, but a burst fade typically lasts anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks before needing a touch-up.
What is a burst taper?
A burst taper is a type of hairstyle where the hair gradually tapers from short to long, creating a burst of volume at the top of the head.
This haircut is popular among men and is often achieved using clippers and scissors to create a clean and precise look.
The burst taper style offers a modern and stylish appearance, making it a trendy choice for many individuals looking to update their hairstyle.
Vinnie is one of the members of the Beardoholic writers team. He’s also a barber and hairstylist for 15 years now and he has a kick-ass beard of his own, so he surely knows what makes a magnificent beard and hair and how to achieve them. He’s our go-to guy for all the latest beard and hairstyle trends and he always has a tip or two on how to grow and style a thick beard fast.