The bold style has captured attention everywhere since its comeback in the 2020s, showing up at skateparks and music festivals alike. Its distinctive ear fade creates a clean, gradual transition that distinguishes it from traditional mullets. 

The striking look demands commitment – regular touch-ups every 1-2 weeks keep the style sharp and fresh.

Want to master this contemporary classic? Our step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to create the perfect burst fade mullet. The technique works well for both experienced barbers and newcomers to the craft.

Understanding the Burst Fade Mullet

The burst fade mullet blends old-school rebellion with modern styling precision. This fresh take on hair styling combines two distinct looks – the classic mullet’s “business in front, party in back” attitude and the clean, graduated look of a burst fade.

What Makes a Burst Fade Different from Regular Fades

Regular fades run in straight or angled lines around the head. A burst fade creates something different – a semi-circular pattern that spreads out from the ear. The style gets its name from this sunburst or halo effect. The fade spreads outward in curves and creates a smooth flow between short and long hair.

Standard fades wrap uniformly around the back of the head. The burst fade takes a different approach by working its magic around the ears and sides.

This technique lets you keep more length at the nape of the neck, which makes it perfect for mullet styles. The rounded tapering creates movement and dimension that standard fades just can’t match.

The Rise of the Modern Mullet Burst Fade

Rock stars and athletes made the classic mullet famous in the 1970s and 1980s. They loved its rebellious look. The modern burst fade mullet shows how far this once-criticized style has come.

Today’s version keeps the basic “short front, long back” idea but raises it with precise graduated fading. Social media helped this new look take off. Influencers and celebrities showed everyone how versatile the style could be. What people once called a fashion mistake has become a bold way to express yourself.

Key Features of a Perfect Burst Fade Mullet

A great burst fade mullet needs these elements to work:

• Semi-circular fade pattern that curves around the ears

• Smooth transition from faded sides to longer back

• Sharp edges with clean lines around the contours

• Balanced proportions between short sides and long back

• Versatile styling options that work with any hair texture

The perfect burst fade mullet lets you customize your look. You might want a high burst fade to make a statement or a low burst fade for something subtle. The burst taper fade keeps more hair on the sides if you don’t want such a dramatic contrast.

Essential Tools and Preparation

 

You need the right tools to create a flawless burst fade mullet. The right equipment will help you achieve professional results and set you up for success.

Professional Clippers and Guards You’ll Need

Quality clippers are the life-blood of creating the perfect burst fade mullet. Models with powerful motors work best as they cut through hair types without jamming. Many professional barbers recommend clippers like the Gamma Ergo, BaBylissPRO GoldFX+, or JRL Onyx because they perform reliably.

Your clipper kit must include:

• Multiple guard sizes – Guards from 0.5 to 4 create the gradual fade effect

• Adjustable lever clippers – This feature lets you blend between guard lengths precisely

• Quality trimmers – These create crisp lines around the ears

• Shears/scissors – You’ll need these to texturize and shape longer sections

• Straight razor – This refines edges and achieves ultra-close cuts

A good clipper should feel right in your hand during long use. Textured grips help prevent slipping when your hands get wet or oily while cutting. The lower portion of the fade becomes much easier when you zero-gap your clippers by adjusting the blades to cut closer.

Preparing the Hair for the Perfect Cut

The perfect canvas starts with proper preparation. Clean and towel-dry the hair first—skip the blow dryer because it creates static that interferes with cutting. The client’s neck needs a haircut cape secured with a neck strip.

A good combing removes any tangles. The hair should be sectioned into three main parts:

1. The top section (clip this away first)

2. The sides (where the burst fade goes)

3. The back (which becomes the mullet portion)

Clear working areas prevent accidental cutting of sections meant to stay long. A hand mirror helps you and your client see how the burst fade pattern develops from every angle.

Step-by-Step Cutting Technique

A burst fade mullet demands precision and careful attention to detail. You can achieve this trending style confidently by taking a methodical approach.

Creating the Original Outline

The hair needs sectioning into three parts: the top, sides, and back. Clips will secure the top section and keep it away while you work on the fade. Your trimmers should carve a circular shape around the ears to create your first guideline. This circular pattern serves as the foundation of the burst effect that radiates outward, making it different from standard fades.

Executing the Burst Fade Around the Ears

Start with a longer guard (#3 or #4) to set the outer perimeter of your fade after setting your guideline. The fade gets shorter as you move closer to the ear. Create that distinctive rounded pattern with a smooth flicking motion that follows your head’s natural curve. The burst fade effect comes together as you work with a #1 or #2 guard and fade from the guidelines down toward the ears.

Blending the Top and Sides

The top section needs proper blending after the main fade work. Let down the clipped top section and blend the faded sides with longer top using the clipper-over-comb technique. This approach creates a natural gradient and eliminates multiple guard changes. Hold your comb at 45 degrees near the parietal ridge to avoid harsh lines or gashes while blending precisely.

Shaping the Back for the Mullet Effect

The back section creates the signature “party” look of the mullet. Keep the top shorter than the back and let the length grow gradually toward the nape. The classic burst fade mullet needs extra volume and length at the back while maintaining a smooth transition from the faded sides. Texturize the longer sections with scissors to add movement and prevent a heavy, blunt-looking mullet.

Customizing for Different Hair Types

The burst fade mullet looks amazing on all hair types. You can customize this versatile haircut to work with your natural hair pattern, whatever type of hair you have – curls, straight locks, or waves.

Techniques for Burst Fade Mullet Curly Hair

Curly hair and the burst fade mullet are a perfect match. The style creates an eye-catching contrast between clean sides and a full top. Your natural curls take center stage while the overall look stays neat and easy to manage. Here’s how to make it work with curly hair:

• A diffuser attachment helps define your curls and keeps frizz away

• Curl-defining cream or gel adds shine and holds the shape

• Let the top grow longer to show off those curl patterns against the faded sides

This style needs less upkeep than other curly cuts. The fade keeps everything tidy on the sides while your curls do their thing on top and in back. The result is a cool look that seems effortless.

Adjustments for Straight Hair Burst Fades

Straight hair creates a clean, sharp version of the burst fade mullet. The crisp lines and bold contrast make this style stand out. Here’s what works for straight hair:

• Light pomade or wax helps keep everything smooth

• A flat iron gives you an extra sleek finish

• The style works great for both casual days and formal events

Straight hair adds polish to this edgy cut. The result is a sophisticated take on a classic style.

Working with Wavy Hair Textures

Wavy hair and the burst fade mullet team up to create a relaxed yet stylish look. Your waves add natural movement and character to the cut. These tips boost your waves:

• Sea salt spray or texturizing cream defines waves without the heavy feel

• Volume powder lifts and textures your hair

• Your natural waves create an easy, dimensional style

Yes, it is true that each hair type brings something special to the burst fade mullet. This style works with almost any natural texture you have.

Conclusion

A burst fade mullet needs careful attention, the right tools, and a good grasp of hair textures. This fresh take on a classic style works great with straight, wavy, or curly hair and lets you customize it any way you want.

The right gear and techniques will help you create this eye-catching look. You’ll need to focus on careful sectioning, precise fading, and smooth blending. Clean lines around the ears and smooth transitions between the faded sides and longer parts will make your style stand out.

Your burst fade mullet should stay sharp with proper upkeep. Get touch-ups every 1-2 weeks to keep those crisp fade lines and that distinctive burst effect looking fresh. The style needs consistent care, but its bold look and versatility make the extra effort worthwhile.

FAQs

Q1. How do I create a burst fade mullet at home? While it’s best to visit a professional barber, you can attempt a basic burst fade mullet at home. Start by sectioning your hair, then use clippers to create a curved fade around the ears. Gradually blend the sides into the longer top and back sections. Remember to maintain more length at the back for the classic mullet look.

Q2. What’s the difference between a regular mullet and a burst fade mullet? A burst fade mullet combines the classic mullet’s longer back with a distinctive curved fade around the ears. Unlike a regular mullet, which may have uniformly short sides, the burst fade creates a semi-circular pattern that radiates outward from the ears, offering a more modern and stylized look.

Q3. How often should I maintain my burst fade mullet? To keep your burst fade mullet looking sharp, it’s recommended to schedule touch-ups every 1-2 weeks. This helps maintain the crisp fade lines and the distinctive burst effect around the ears, ensuring your style stays fresh and well-defined.

Q4. Can a burst fade mullet work with different hair types? Yes, the burst fade mullet is versatile and can be adapted to various hair textures. It works well with curly, straight, and wavy hair. Each texture brings its unique character to the style, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences and natural hair patterns.

Q5. Why has the burst fade mullet become popular among younger generations? The burst fade mullet has gained popularity, especially among Gen Z, because it represents individuality and a break from traditional style norms. It’s a bold, unapologetic look that allows for personal expression. Additionally, its versatility and relatively low-maintenance nature appeal to those seeking a stylish yet practical haircut.