Men's haircuts · Fade

Burst Fade

Curved fade · fresh

A burst fade radiates around the ear in a semicircle, skin at the center bursting outward into longer hair. Unlike a regular fade it does not wrap the back; the neckline and nape stay fuller. That is why it pairs so naturally with mohawks, crops, and curly tops.

Burst Fade haircut preview

Who it suits

The burst works across face shapes because the top and back carry the silhouette; round faces do well with height kept through the middle. It is strongest on wavy, curly, and coily hair, where the fuller back frames the texture. If you want a fully clean nape, a drop fade is the better call.

Upkeep
Medium maintenance

The tight arc around the ear blurs quickly, so plan on a visit every two to three weeks. The longer back buys you a little grace between cuts.

Ask your stylist for

Ask for a burst fade around the ear, skin at the center blending to a #2, with the back left square or rounded rather than faded out.

Burst Fade — common questions

What's the difference between a burst fade and a drop fade?

A drop fade wraps the whole head and dips low behind the ear toward the nape. A burst fade only circles the ear itself and leaves the back longer. Burst keeps a fuller neckline; drop cleans it out.

What hairstyles go with a burst fade?

Mohawks and faux hawks are the classic pairing, since the burst frames the strip. It also works under textured crops, curly tops, and short afros. Any style with weight through the middle of the head sits well over a burst.

More fade styles