The burst fade can be a bold and versatile choice for men who want to create a cool aesthetic that commands attention and stands out. A burst fade haircut is a fresh style that tapers the hair around the ear to achieve a stylish finish on the sides and back. This edgy, short faded cut can complement longer hair on top by contrasting and accentuating your volume and texture.
If you want a modern men’s hairstyle, pair a burst fade with a mohawk, mullet, comb over, faux hawk or messy textured top to make a powerful statement and infuse some personality.
For new ideas, check out the coolest burst fade haircuts to inspire your next visit to the barber and add a new dimension to your style.
What Is A Burst Fade?
A burst fade is a modern haircut for men that creates a semicircle shape around the ear, curving and dropping down the back for a cool and bold look. The most popular burst fade styles feature a low to mid-high cut with a bald finish that blends into the skin for a strong contrast on the sides and back that highlights the longer hair on top. This cool fade cut can be used to complement men’s hairstyles like the mohawk, mullet, comb over, quiff, faux hawk, pompadour and French crop.
Trendy Burst Fade Haircut Ideas
Modern Quiff with Low Burst Fade
The modern quiff is a cool and versatile hairstyle for stylish guys who like to show off their volume and texture with an effortlessly fashionable look. If you want to update this classically handsome haircut, add a low burst fade to complement the longer style on top, keeping your look full and fun from every angle.
Burst Fade Mullet
The modern faded mullet is a trendy haircut style for guys who want to experiment with a burst fade. Like the mohawk, the burst taper fade is a natural complement to the mullet style, focusing attention on the front, sides and back for a cool finish. To get this traditional country hairstyle, ask your barber to take the sides short and leave the back long, allowing the burst fade to add a cool punk flair to the look.
Short Textured Quiff with Mid Burst Fade
A mid burst fade is a low-maintenance style that can liven up your short textured quiff. The fade goes high enough on the sides to keep your look sharp while leaving enough length in the back to keep balance throughout the look.
Classic Burst Fade Mohawk
The classic burst fade mohawk is a cool and modern hairstyle for black men who like to embrace their unique texture with a striking look. This wide mohawk with kinky hair pairs beautifully with a high bald burst on the sides and an edge up along the hairline and temples. The clean-cut finish makes this style a barbershop favorite.
Brushed Forward Messy Style with Low Burst Fade
If your brushed forward cut is becoming too much of a mess, ask your barber to bring life back to it with a burst fade. Not only will this add more volume to the top, but it’ll also help your cut last much longer.
Faux Hawk with Low Burst Fade and Part
A shaved part and a low burst fade can be a refreshing twist to the show-stopping faux hawk. The part adds a touch of separation, and the low burst fade emphasizes the ‘hawk’ look even further. Use a nickel-sized scoop of hair gel for maximum hold.
Short Cropped Top with Mid Skin Burst Fade
Always stylish, a short crop top is a bold and low-maintenance look for men who like to stay on-trend with a fresh style. This cropped v-cut features a straight fringe and tight sides, which make a clean mid skin burst fade a critical element. While simple, the fade adds sex appeal and dimension to the look.
Burst Taper
The burst taper is an elegant cut for guys that offers contrasting short sides without exposing the scalp. Versatile and tailored, the taper can be combined with several trending styles like the mohawk, mullet, blowout, faux hawk and brush up to create an awesome look. For a naturally-charming textured touch, use a strong pomade or wax to spike your hair.
Burst Fade Mohawk with Shaved Part
When talking to your barber, a burst fade with a mohawk is an edgy haircut style that will create a rebellious and versatile look. The shaved part is a bold touch while the line up and cool fade keep the style nice and tight. When styling, keep the mohawk short and messy for extra flair.
Buzz Cut with Skin Burst Fade
For the guy that wants an easy look, the buzz cut fade is ideal. Using only clippers, the top is kept short and neat while the sides are taken into the skin. Take it to the next level with a skin burst fade to show the world that you’re staying one step ahead of everyone else.
Low Burst Fade with Braids
Braids are a fantastic way for men to style longer hair without it getting unruly. By adding a burst fade to it, you’re embracing both a fresh look and making a bold statement that there isn’t a cut you won’t try.
Thick Textured Long Top with Low Burst Fade
If you want to celebrate your thick hair, a textured longer style can be the ideal choice for some guys. Have your barber add layers for volume and body while the low burst fade offers enough contrast to keep the cut tight without pushing too close to the temple.
Sponged Curly Mohawk with High Burst Fade
The sponged curly mohawk is an ideal cut for black men with a kinky texture who want short sides and longer hair on top. The high burst fade can add depth and contrast while keeping the middle section filled with body and volume.
Low Burst Fade
The low burst fade is a classy haircut for modern men who want to create a style that will stand out. This low fade still keeps the sides and back short to complement the longer hair on top while offering some extra dimension and flair. Whether you choose a taper or skin fade finish, you can combine this cut with some of the most stylish business professional hairstyles including the comb over, side part and quiff.
Burst Fade Neckline
A burst fade neckline can be a cool look for the man who strays away from the fade that every other guy gets. Similar to a taper, this keeps your neckline clean without getting too severe.
Long Angular Fringe with Mid Burst Fade
A long angular fringe with a cool mid burst fade is a popular take that delivers new drama to an otherwise basic look. You can use a low-hold matte pomade to create texture and flow for a night out. This short and trendy men’s hairstyle can be an attractive look that will drive the girls wild.
Burst Fade with Cool Design
A burst fade with a cool design can take your style further with extra drama that will draw attention. A stylish hair design is a modern trend that requires a skilled barber. You can come in with the picture above or have your barber freestyle, but whatever you choose, the cut is guaranteed to have all eyes on you.
Messy Hair with Blunt Bangs and Burst Fade
For a fashionable tousled vibe, a messy hairstyle with a chopped fringe and skin fade can be the look to pull off. The blunt bangs show that you’re not afraid to try something different and the burst fade keeps you on trend. A matte hair product can help seal the deal with a touch of texture.
Slick Back with Burst Fade Undercut
If you want to keep your hair on the longer side but you still like to keep your style on point, then try this version of a slick back. This one opts for a burst fade undercut which disconnects the top from the sides and keeps the fade tighter just around the ears.
Wavy Textured Brush Back with Mid Bald Burst Fade
A wavy brush back is a high-volume men’s hairstyle that will show off your texture and body to the world. With thick longer hair on top, the mid bald burst fade will update this look and create the necessary contrast for a manly finish.
Long Fringe with Low Burst
A long fringe with spiky hair is an adventurous choice for young guys that creates a choppy aesthetic in the front to contrast the short sides. Ask your barber to point cut throughout the top to add texture while the low burst will keep the hair away from your ears.
Black Burst Fade Mohawk
If you want a trendy haircut for black hair, talk to your barber about the modern burst fade mohawk. The burst skin fade curves around the head to achieve a cool and edgy cut while the less-dramatic mohawk maintains the daring shape without the shaved sides for a softer finish. Grow a long beard for a masculine touch.
Long Side Swept Hair with Burst Fade
A long side swept hairstyle is a cool look for men who want a distinctly different and equally dapper approach. The short low burst fade on the sides highlights the brushed up wavy style on top for a sharp, next-level finish.
Short Crop with Blunt Fringe and Mid Bald Burst
The short crop with a blunt fringe is a popular look among younger men and from the picture, you can see why. Not only does it accentuate manlier features, but when paired with a mid bald burst, it helps enhance texture and volume.
Modern Burst Fade Mohawk
A mohawk may be too extreme for the everyman, but there are plenty of professional options to try out that exude the same vibe. Take, for example, the modern burst fade mohawk. The fade adds a high arc of the ears to keep things skin tight without cutting into the corners, and more hair is left in the back for the hawk façade.
Short Messy Hair with Low Burst
The low burst fade is a fresh haircut that will suit any length but the look can help liven up a short messy style. While choppy, textured hair can communicate a man’s fun personality, the burst fade screams that you’re daring and fashionable.
Burst Fade Comb Over
The burst fade comb over is a charming hairstyle that blends classic and modern to achieve a unique look. A low or mid burst fade on the sides and back will take the generally classy comb over style to the next level. Ask your barber to add a shaved hard part for another dimension. To highlight your texture and volume, style with a low-shine pomade.
Spiky French Crop with Low Burst Fade and Design
The spiky French crop is a versatile haircut that any guy can rock regardless of their style, and throwing in a low burst fade is a unique way to take full advantage of a trending look. A shaved line design at the base of your nape takes this to the next level.
Long Wavy Mohawk with Burst Fade
Men blessed with wavy hair have the unique ability to ramp up any cut they get and this mohawk look is no different. The burst fade lends itself well in this case by keeping the hawk part looking taller and the waves even bouncier.
Brushed Forward French Crop with Burst Taper
For a new and flattering take on the brushed forward French crop, ask your stylist for a burst taper. Taking a step away from the traditional fade, this technique is even fainter and cleans up the sides just enough to make your jaw look stronger.
Curly Hair Burst Fade
The curly hair burst fade is a flattering and modern haircut for guys who want to accentuate their curls while creating a low-maintenance look. Whether you have short or long hair, this curly fade allows you to embrace your texture while making styling simpler. Keep your curls intact with a sea salt spray and ask for a burst fade to add a rugged charm to your appearance.
Crew Cut with High Burst Fade
A crew cut is a masculine and easy haircut for any man who wants to take a low-maintenance approach that minimizes styling. The high burst fade can tighten up the look while leaving some length in the back for a fresh dimension.
Burst Taper with Thick Mohawk
A thick mohawk with a burst taper is a stylish and understated haircut that can accentuate your masculine facial features while drawing attention to your thick locks. This textured and full style stands out particularly well with a sharp, clean fade on the sides.
Short South of France with Burst Fade
The short South of France cut is another take on the mohawk and is worn primarily by Black men. This frohawk look is improved upon by the burst fade, which keeps the sides neat and trimmed and doesn’t compromise the hawk.
Short Crop with Bald Burst Fade
A bald burst fade is a cool way to update your short crop look. While a normal bald fade would help make the final haircut appear uniform, the burst fade takes it a step further by adding symmetry between both sides of the head.
Burst Fade Pompadour
The pompadour is an iconic style for modern gents that can look more distinguished with a burst fade on the sides. Its height is visible from far away and its shine is a beacon of style. This iteration adds another layer with the burst fade, allowing for wild texture and a finished look that’s unlike any other.
Short Textured Mohawk with High Burst Fade and Surgical Part
A short textured mohawk with a high burst fade can be a cool haircut that drives home the edginess. The surgical part is special and separates the fade from the hawk and adds a throughline that ties this punk rock look together.
Burst Fade with High Top
A high top with a burst fade is a trendy hairstyle that combines retro and modern looks for the perfect blend. The fade adds intrigue from the sides and boosts the height of the top.
Short Hair with Skin Burst Fade and Beard
A well-trimmed beard amplifies any cut a man rocks, and that’s no different with this short-haired look. Coupled with the skin burst fade, this is a winning combo for a balanced style.
Unique Burst Fade with Design
Shaving in designs to your cut is a sexy method to show the world that you’re one-of-a-kind. This cut goes for a racing stripes design in the area of the burst fade, which helps add a focal point to the look.
Messy Pomp with Low Burst Taper Fade
If the traditional pompadour is too old-fashioned for your liking, try this new take on the look. Instead of a perfectly coiffed pomp, this one goes super messy, with a ton of texture and a low burst fade to help the look flow better from front to back.
Curly Hair with Burst Fade
Curly hair with a burst fade is a winning combination that features dimension and intrigue for an effortlessly stylish vibe. With some control and sharpness, the faded sides will keep your curls intact and lively without cutting too much hair. This curly men’s hairstyle has been a popular choice in barbershops around the world.
Short Textured Mullet with High Burst Fade
If you’re looking for a fun summer look, the short textured mullet is an edgy style that will have you looking fresh all season. While it keeps the top as long as two inches with a mullet to match, the high burst fade keeps your head cool and style even cooler.
Brushed Back Comb Over with Burst Fade and Line Up
The burst fade is a universally-flattering haircut style that can be suitable for any race or length. While most popular with Black men, this modern cut works with bold styles for White, Hispanic and Asian hair. Brushed back and slightly combed over, this high-volume parted style features a pomp with flow and texture. Use a quality clay or cream to replicate this look.
Burst Fade Hawk with Shaved Neckline
A burst fade faux hawk with a textured finish, shaved back and beard is a bold option that will let your personality shine. The surgical line or part can offer a sweet hair design and using a strong styling with a low shine will keep the style in place all day.
Burst Taper Fade with Short Curly Top
For black men, a burst fade with short curly hair on top is a trendy style. This mohawk with tight curls and a skin fade is easy to get and maintain. Further, grow out a long, full beard and you have a very masculine look.
Faded Mohawk with Design and Shape Up
The burst fade can be customized to suit your personal style with a hair design on the sides, which can range from symbols and zig-zag lines to text. The thick, long mohawk with highlights and nappy curls looks awesome and edgy. For an extra clean finish, ask your barber for a fresh line up along the hairline.
Flat Top Mohawk
The flat top mohawk is a unique haircut for men who want to experiment with this retro look but with a tailored style. With a clean line up and burst fade on the sides, this modern hairstyle creates a striking profile that will get you noticed anywhere.
Straight Hair Burst Fade
A burst fade with straight hair is a versatile and refreshing style that will allow you to change up your look throughout the week. Whether you prefer a messy finish with a fringe or a textured brush up with spikes, a longer straight hairstyle with a fade on the sides and back offers a sleek and modern vibe.
Short Mohawk Blowout with Burst Fade and Line Up
The short mohawk blowout is a sleek haircut for guys who want a brushed back spiky style with some contrast on the sides and back. Combined with a burst fade, this ultra cool look includes an edge up along the hairline for some masculine attitude.
Burst Fade vs Drop Fade
The main difference between the burst and drop fade is the burst cuts above and around the ear to create a semicircle shape that ends before the neckline while the drop follows the hairline down the back. Although comparable, the burst fade will taper the hair and end behind the ear, unlike the drop.