6 Best Burst Fade Design & Styling Tips for Men
Burst fade haircuts are everywhere right now. When I was at my local barbershop, I saw a few guys get different variations of this cut. I even chatted with a guy waiting for his turn who was reading about fade styles on this handy guide. Watching him get that fresh look, I decided to give it a try myself.
A burst fade is a way to fade hair around the ear in a rounded shape, keeping the top and back longer. My first experience with this style made me realize it’s more flexible than it looks. I actually compared it with a few other styles I found on a website with info about different fades, and that helped me pick the right one.
The best part? No matter if you have curly, wavy, or straight hair, you can pull this look off. You’ll notice barbers often talk about how easy it is to change up your style with a burst fade. When I saw a friend try a new style, he mentioned he got the idea after browsing inspiration for teens.
Let’s cover what makes burst fades special, how to choose the best style, and easy tips to keep it looking sharp.
Burst Fade Design Variations
Burst Fade for Men
This version works for almost everyone and doesn’t need much effort to look good.
Burst Fade with Mohawk
A favorite for anyone wanting to stand out. I always get compliments when I go for this look.
Burst Fade Mullet
The mullet burst fade is all about confidence. I saw someone at a concert with this combo, and it turned heads.
Low Burst Fade
Low burst fades are perfect if you like a more subtle style. I saw one on a friend recently, and it looked super clean.
High Burst Fade
For maximum contrast, high burst fades deliver. My cousin always chooses this one to show off his thick hair.
Burst Fade with Fringe
Adding a fringe up front is a good way to soften your look, especially for longer faces.
What is a Burst Fade Design?
A burst fade design creates a curved fade above the ears, blending into the longer hair on top and at the back. I still remember the day my barber showed me the difference between a classic taper and this unique style. He even mentioned a detailed article online about “low fade vs mid fade vs high fade” that he recommends to anyone confused about these haircuts.
What makes the burst fade different is how it shapes around your ear. Some people add custom lines or shapes in the faded part. When my barber tried this on me, he used a special trimmer to give more detail, which I saw is becoming a trend thanks to barbers showing off their work on various hairstyle blogs.
I like how this cut grows out. I don’t see awkward lines or patches as my hair gets longer, so I always look neat between trims.
Different Types of Burst Fade Haircuts
There are several types of burst fades. When I tried to choose mine, I checked out various options—some even recommended by barbers on websites with the latest men’s hair trends.
Low Burst Fade
This starts the fade just above the ear. During hot weather, I went with this style for a light, breezy feel. It’s one of those looks I noticed on younger guys while scrolling through a site on teen haircuts.
High Burst Fade
This style gives more drama by taking the fade higher up. I once saw someone at my barbershop with thick hair go for this option. He mentioned he picked it after reading a comparison of high and low fades online.
Burst Fade Taper
A burst fade taper keeps the blend smooth at the bottom but leaves more length on top. My barber often shows pictures from different style resources, including buzz cut ideas for men thinking about a big change.
Burst Fade Mullet
I remember the first time I saw someone with a burst fade mullet. The combination was bold, and he said he got inspired by a gallery of haircuts he found online. After that, I actually saw the look pop up more in street style blogs.
Burst Fade Mohawk
The burst fade mohawk is a classic. I tried this look once for fun. Afterward, I watched a tutorial that broke down the process—very helpful for anyone wanting to try it themselves.
Skin Burst Fade
This version goes down to the skin for a super clean result. I picked this for a special occasion, and the fresh, sharp finish stood out in all my photos.
Popular Styles and Looks
There are endless ways to style a burst fade. My first attempt was a buzz cut paired with the burst fade after I saw a blog post with buzz cut tips. It’s low-maintenance and perfect for busy mornings.
Burst Fade with a Buzz Cut
When you need a no-fuss option, this combo works great. I actually suggested it to a friend who’s always rushing out the door.
Burst Fade with a Faux Hawk
Adding a faux hawk on top of the burst fade makes for an edgier style. A barber I know posted a photo online of a faux hawk variation, and it looked sharp.
Burst Fade with Textured Top
If you want to keep some length, adding texture up top works wonders. My barber uses a bit of sea salt spray for volume, something I first learned about from a hairstyle tutorial on a men’s grooming blog.
Burst Fade with Fringe
Adding a fringe changes the whole vibe. I spotted this on a style page for teens and even tried it myself when I wanted a softer look.
Custom Designs
Barbers are getting creative, drawing shapes or lines into the fade. I once watched a barber create a lightning bolt for someone, and the results looked like something you’d see at a hair competition.
Best Burst Fade Designs for Different Hair Types
The best thing about a burst fade? It works with all hair types. I’ve had thick hair all my life, and it actually looks lighter and easier to manage with this cut.
Curly Hair
Burst fades help curls stand out on top and stay neat on the sides. A friend of mine was struggling to style his curls until he tried this. He even found styling tips on a site for curly hair care.
Straight Hair
This cut adds shape and volume to straight hair. I saw a few “before and after” pictures on a blog, and it convinced me to give it a shot.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair looks full of movement with a burst fade. A little gel can help keep the waves tidy.
Thick Hair
My own experience is that thick hair is way easier to control after a burst fade. I read that many guys with heavy hair prefer this for a lighter, more manageable style.
Short or Long Hair
This style fits everyone—if you want to keep your hair short or long, you can customize your burst fade as needed. I saw some cool long hair burst fade photos on a wiki page about hairstyles, which was helpful for choosing my next look.
Face Shape and Burst Fade: Finding Your Match
Every face shape can pull off a burst fade. My barber once suggested a different fade height depending on my jawline. When I tried a higher fade, my round face looked slimmer.
For square faces, keeping the fade lower is often better. I got this tip from a video by a barber who specializes in matching styles to face shapes. For longer faces, a little fringe adds the right balance.
The idea is to highlight your best features. I love how easy it is to adjust the cut until you’re happy.
How Barbers Create a Burst Fade
Barbers use clippers, trimmers, and sometimes razors to get clean lines. I’ve watched my barber start near the ear and work his way around, blending with skill.
They often finish with a neckline cleanup and shaping the sideburns. The last time I went, my barber showed me different clipper settings and explained how he gets the fade so smooth.
If you want a burst fade, talk to your barber about the details—there’s a lot more technique involved than most people realize. I also learned a few tricks from Hairstyle which gives a solid overview of haircut types.
Maintenance, Styling, and Aftercare
I go for a trim every two to three weeks to keep my fade sharp. At home, a bit of pomade or sea salt spray does wonders for styling.
If you have a design shaved into your fade, you’ll want to refresh it regularly. I found that using a soft brush and a mild cleanser helps keep the skin around the faded area clean.
For those trying a new style, some sites even offer grooming product suggestions, which can be helpful if you want to step up your routine.
Trending Burst Fade Designs
Barbers love experimenting with burst fades. I saw someone at my local shop with a wood grain design, and he told me the barber used a special machine for extra precision.
Online, there are lots of galleries showing off creative bursts and color variations. I even watched a competition where barbers from around the world showed their best burst fades—it’s inspiring to see what’s possible with this cut.
If you ever want to see the newest trends or try something bold, you’ll find no shortage of ideas with a quick search on reputable hair blogs.
FAQs
What is a burst fade?
A burst fade is a haircut with a rounded fade around the ears, leaving more hair at the back.
Who can get a burst fade?
Anyone with any hair type can get a burst fade, from straight to curly hair.
How often should I get a burst fade trimmed?
You should visit your barber every 2–3 weeks for best results.
Can burst fades work on long hair?
Yes, burst fades look great with both long and short hair on top.
Is a burst fade suitable for work?
Yes, you can style it neatly for a professional look.
Do I need special products for a burst fade?
No, but pomade or sea salt spray can help with styling.
Can I add designs to my burst fade?
Yes, many barbers offer creative lines and shapes in the fade.
Is a burst fade high maintenance?
It’s easy to maintain with regular trims and basic hair care.
Will a burst fade suit my face shape?
Burst fades suit most face shapes, just adjust the style a bit.Can I try a burst fade at home?
It’s best done by a professional barber, but you can try if you’re confident.
