The burst fade haircut is one of the most dazzling variations of fades. This hairstyle is particularly practical as you can add it to any men’s haircuts regardless of its length and texture. A prevalent instance of such combinations is the burst faded Mohawk, also known as the fade South of France haircut that owes its popularity to the well-known R&B artist Usher Raymond. So, here are some insights into the best ways to rock the burst faded haircut.
It’s impossible to confuse the burst fade haircut with any other fade haircut because of the dramatic feature it involves. To get the burst faded effect, the hairline behind the ear should be tapered, while the hair at the back is left longer. In such a way, the hairline replicates the ear curvature and bursts out at the neck. Notably, the faded cut looks amazingly flattering both on short and on medium length hair. Once you’ve found the answer to the question “What is a burst fade,” it’s time to consider what you need to know to get yourself one.
Quick Navigation
- What Is A Burst Fade?
- Burst Fade Mohawk
- Burst Fade Mullet
- Burst Fade Curly Hair
- Messy & Straight Hair Burst Fade
- Burst Fade Short Hair
- Burst Fade Long Hair + Braids
- Mid Burst Fade Short Quiff
- High Burst Fade Brushed Back
- Low Burst Fade Spiky Brush Up
- Low Burst Fade Design
- Burst Taper Fade
Burst Fade Straight Hair
@xbigwesx
The burst fade works exceptionally well with straight hair, where the precise fade creates a dramatic contrast with the fuller hair on top. This haircut by NY barber Wes Staucet offers a clean, modern silhouette that’s both sharp and sophisticated.
Textured Burst Fade
@spukthebarber
For guys with straight hair, a burst taper fade is a real savior. As it adds a unique and intricate touch to their look, the top does not appear plain and boring. What is more, you can team such a hairdo with almost any facial hair style, from a light stubble to a full beard.
Burst Fade Mohawk
@xbigwesx
A mohawk fade pairs nicely with many top haircut styles. But hardly anything looks as fashionable and classy as a textured burst mohawk.
Burst Fade Mullet
@xbigwesx
Similar to a mohawk burst fade does the trick for a mullet too. Modern mullet fade features less hair on the sides, focusing more on the back and top. So, complementing it with a burst fade guarantees that your hairstyle will look modern and fashionable.
Styling Tip: Apply a strong-hold pomade to damp hair, and comb the top back for sleekness. Let the sides seamlessly transition into the fade, ensuring the mullet’s signature flow stands out.
Burst Fade Curly Hair
@charliegray248
This is another variation of the frohawk fade. Among all of the black men fades, this faded cut with curly hairstyles men has the softest and nicest look.
Messy Hair Burst Fade
@spukthebarber
It may seem sometimes that straight hair lacks definition and boldness. If this is the case for you, try to spice up your haircut with a fade burst. Optionally, you may give your hair on top a textured cut for added volume and movement.
Styling Tip: Embrace the edge with a messy hair burst fade by working texturizing paste into the peaks and valleys of your tousled top. The key is to enhance the contrast: neat and faded at the sides, wild on top. It’s a bold, rebellious style that’s effortlessly cool.
Burst Fade Short Hair
@braidbarbers
When it comes to burst fade short hair by Braidbarbers is not the only ones to benefit from it. White men can also pull it off. Just make sure you have the skilled barber at hand and the right attitude.
Burst Fade Long Hair + Braids
@ahmetaslanhairsalon
A burst fade low cut is a great option if you have long hair and want to change your hairstyle without sacrificing the length. As it suggests trimming the hair on the sides pretty short, the top becomes the focal point of the look. So, why not style it intricately, like these cool men braids?
Mid Burst Fade Short Quiff
@horatiuthebarber
For a mid burst taper fade, any haircut on top will work just fine. We like to pair it with a short quiff. The look comes out trendy and neat, so you can wear it anywhere you like. Plus, it is quite easy to maintain, while styling will take just a couple of minutes.
Buzz Cut Burst Fades
@xbigwesx
Although a burst fade is quite short on its own, it can accompany such a short cut as a buzz cut fade haircut and still create much contrast. To give your hair a cool twist, accentuate the burst fade with design. Yes, you will need to pay visits to your barber quite often for upkeep. Yet, it is totally worth it.
High Burst Fade Brushed Back
@xbigwesx
If you get a mullet burst fade, which is all the rage lately, you may rest assured that it will suit any ambiance, as it can be easily transformed into another look. For instance, if you brush the hair back, it will result in an elegant and polished hairstyle that can be sported at pretty formal events.
Long Side Bang
@edouardclipperhand
With a nod to the creativity of renowned hairstylist Edouard Martin, this long side bang hairstyle captures the essence of modern chic. The blonde texture adds a playful contrast to the clean, tapered sides, achieving a look that’s both edgy and polished:
“really captured the structure and angles in this haircut that I created so that it could be styled differently!”
Wavy Burst Fade
@horatiuthebarber
The burst fade haircut men should try is the coiffed one. It represents simple yet elegant fade hairstyles. This haircut’s core is the coiffed front-to-back arch. The coiffed burst fade is a universal haircut as it works for any hair texture.
Burst Fade Short Pomp
@z_ramsey
Sporting a burst fade with a short pompadour brings a modern twist to a classic style. This cut combines the clean, skin-tight burst fade at the ears with a voluminous, slicked-back pomp on top. It’s a look that marries retro flair with contemporary precision.
Styling Tip: Warm a small scoop of high-hold, low-shine pomade between your hands and work it through damp hair from front to back. Use a blow dryer and a round brush to lift the hair up and back to create that iconic pomp volume while keeping the sides impeccably faded.
Cropped Burst Fade
@horatiuthebarber
The Afro fade is one of the most recognizable black men haircuts. It gives a chance not only to show the beauty of textured hair but also to create an awesome look for guys with short hair.
Undercut Burst Fade
@spukthebarber
There are no restrictions for burst fades in terms of hair texture. Both straight and curly burst fade haircuts look bold and edgy. For straight hair, you may want to get a layered haircut on top to add emphasis to the hair texture. And do not forget about a texturizing hair product.
Side Design
@z_ramsey
If you want to have a real piece of art every day, go for a fade haircut with the design. Note that this hairstyle requires a lot of effort, skills and professionalism on the barber’s side. Think through every detail of the carved hair design you’re eager to receive and leave an Afro Mohawk on the top.
Ideal Hawk
@xbigwesx
It seems that a burst fade taper and a mohawk are literally made for each other. The fade gives your sides a clean cut look, while a relatively long top allows for a plethora of styling options. If you gravitate to a ruffian and daring style, then we highly recommend wearing your top spiked up.
Messy & Spiky
@londonschoolofbarbering
This modern take on the messy and spiky hairstyle made by the London School Of Barbering is all about texture and movement. The top is styled for maximum volume and a carefree look, contrasting sharply with the skin-fade on the back and sides for a clean finish. It’s a bold look that’s both rugged and refined.
Low Burst Fade Spiky Brush Up
@horatiuthebarber
Even though you might find this look overly abrupt and uneven, on closer examination, you realize that it is quite balanced. A low fade gives your undercut top an elegant and appealing twist while making it suitable for most situations and ambiances.
Curls + Taper
@z_ramsey
Looking for the best way to tame your unruly curls? The good news is your search stops here. Complement your curly top with a taper cut on the sides and back to give it the outline and contrast. As the lower section of your head looks so clean, you can style the top in any way your imagination is capable of.
Low Burst Fade Line Design
@r.braid
Since a taper burst fade removes so much hair from the sides, thus keeping them clean and tidy, incorporating an elaborate hair design is always welcome. Looking for something reserved? Ask the barber to shave in a line on the side.
Short Fade With Sponges
@keller_konturen
For this look, the sides of the head should be cut short, which gives a perfectly neat effect. The top of the head doesn’t have a spiky look but instead gives an impression of complete softness due to the large number of sponges.
High Top
@z_ramsey
The high top burst fade is very similar to the classic version of the high top fade. Still, there is quite a striking difference as the barber who works with the high top burst fade haircut styles usually gives it a much more textured and sharp look. Thus, it adds a modern touch to this fade taper hairstyle.
Swept Up
@barbersdream
This dynamic hairstyle showcases a voluminous swept-up top with a textured finish, perfectly balanced by a crisp burst fade. It’s a bold, modern look that combines the sleekness of a fade with the drama of a high-volume top, making it suitable for both casual and formal settings.
Styling Tip: Work a strong-hold gel through wet hair. Use a brush to sweep the hair up and back while blow-drying to lock in height and volume. Finish with a spritz of hairspray for a hold that lasts all day, complementing the sharp burst fade.
Burst Fade Comb Over
@andyfadepro
Although the Usher fade is so bold and intense, it can be easily adjusted to match the formal ambiance. A burst fade comb over looks sophisticated and polished, yet still has a cool vibe.
Burst Taper Fade
@hairraribarber
There is a wide range of Usher hairstyles nowadays with a burst taper fade being one of the most elegant and refined. Its main difference from the classic version is that the hair on the sides is not shaved down to the skin but trimmed very short instead.
Edgy Faux Hawk
@ahmetaslanhairsalon
If a burst fade mohawk haircut is a little over the board for you, then opt for its low key version, a burst fade faux hawk. While it is still eye-catching and edgy, the contrast between the sides, back and top is not as striking.
South of France Burst Fade Mohawk
@dynasty_barbers
Of course, you can never go wrong with the classic Usher hair cut, which also goes by the name “South of France or “burst fade mohawk”. Stylish and impactful, it flatters any face shape and matches any outfit.
Swept Back
@horatiuthebarber
This swept-back style epitomizes modern sophistication with its thick, textured layers gracefully combed back to blend into a subtle, tapered neckline.
Styling Tip: Use a pea-sized amount of medium-hold pomade on damp hair. Comb the hair back starting from the forehead to the crown for a clean, controlled appearance. The natural texture will add dimension to the style, while the pomade will provide the necessary hold.
Spiky Mohawk Line Design
@ryancullenhair
Influenced by the artistry of renowned barber Ryan Cullen, this spiky mohawk with a precise line design melds edginess with meticulous craftsmanship. The bold contrast between the textured top and the clean-shaven sides makes this a standout style for anyone looking to make a statement.
Spiky Mullet
@r.braid
This spiky mullet is a daring fusion of punk and retro, featuring choppy layers on top that transition into a textured mullet. The look is completed with a sculpted mustache, making it a bold statement for those who dare to defy conventional style boundaries.
Wavy Quiff
@horatiuthebarber
The wavy quiff presented here combines volume with texture, featuring a prominent wave that adds a touch of sophistication to the classic quiff silhouette. The back and sides are neatly faded, drawing attention to the styled elevation of the hair on top.
Silver Brush Up Top
@horatiuthebarber
This silver brush-up top hairstyle makes a bold statement with its striking color and sharp contrast. The fade on the sides accentuates the full, textured brush-up, creating a look that’s as contemporary as it is eye-catching.
Short Sides Longer Bang
@xbigwesx
This hairstyle features short sides that streamline into longer, textured bangs, offering a contemporary twist on the classic short back and sides. It’s a minimalist yet stylish look that showcases the versatility of having length where it counts, allowing for a variety of styling options.
Tools And Tips For A Burst Fade Haircut
There are many ways how to style a burst fade. For medium hair, barbers use twists, finger coils or hair sponges. The latter has enjoyed great success. The hair sponge was created so that short natural hair could be twisted and curled. There are sponges that have two sides. The first, with holes, is aimed at creating coils and curls. The second, with ridges, is able to make hair more voluminous. The biggest advantage of the sponge, in addition to the effect it gives, is its ease of handling. Not only are barbers capable of styling hair with a sponge but so are their clients. You can buy a sponge from your hairstylist and get some advice on how to maintain a haircut at home.
The main rule to remember is that the hair should be damp whether from water, styling gel or hair conditioner. Considering the justified price of the sponge, it’ a really good deal.
How To Get A Burst Fade
To know how to do a burst fade in detail, the first thing you need to be aware of is how to cut a fade with clippers. Also take care of the guards, a mirror and a comb. Finally, follow our simple steps towards the perfect burst fade:
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- Apply the clippers with the guard size #3 to your top hair to get the length you want.
- Apply the clippers with the guard size #4 to your side hair to get the length you want.
- Use a bald trimmer with no guard to cut the hair around the ears.
- Repeat the previous step, using a closed level and no or guard size #1 to duplicate the circles around your ears.
- Edge down the haircut with the guard #3 at the point where Step 1 and Step 2 meet. Leave the circle from Step 2 to 11/2 inch wide.
- Use a comb to flatten your hair.
- Repeat Step 5 with the guard size #2.
- Keep the guard size #1 open and blend it with the guard size #2.
- Polish the result by blending all the parts together and trim edges where necessary.
And it’s done!
Having a stylish and hot haircut is not a surplus but a must nowadays. A burst fade haircut is the perfect highly attractive low-maintenance option. It’s quite easy to get it right and keep it in shape. Being extremely versatile and totally adjustable, the only choice you need to make is its variation.
FAQs
What is a burst fade?
A burst haircut fade is a kind of men’s haircut that implies tapering the narrow section of hair around your ears, while the hair near the neckline is left longer. In this way, it has a curvy shape.
How do you ask for a burst fade?
A failsafe way to ask your barber for a burst haircut is by showing them a bunch of photos of the desired hair look. However, you can also explain that you want to get your hair behind the ears faded so that it shapes a semicircle and the back should be trimmed longer. As for the top, you are free to choose any hairstyle there, from a sunburst fade to a nappy taper.
What is a South of France haircut?
A South of France haircut, also known as the Usher hairstyle, is a mix of a burst fade and a fauxhawk or mohawk haircut.
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