Ultimate Guide to Burst Fade Mullet Haircuts for Men [2025]

Are you Looking for a fresh and modern haircut that combines style with edge? Many men find themselves stuck with classic hairstyles that, while timeless, don’t offer much individuality. One common struggle is finding a haircut that allows for self-expression while keeping a trendy and polished look. Men often find that traditional styles lack the uniqueness they crave, leading to a haircut that blends in rather than stands out.

If you’re looking for a solution, the burst fade mullet might just be the haircut you’ve been waiting for. This style offers the perfect combination of boldness and modern flair. Whether you prefer a sleek look or something with texture, this style can be customized to fit your personality. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about this trendy haircut, from what it is to how to style and maintain it, ensuring you stand out with confidence.

So fasten your seat belt!

What is a Burst Fade Mullet?

This style is a modern twist on the classic mullet haircut, offering a unique balance between sharp edges and longer layers. The key feature of this style is the fade that bursts around the ears, creating a smooth transition between the shorter sides and the longer top and back. This fade accentuates the mullet’s characteristic long back while maintaining a sleek and polished look on the sides, making it a versatile choice for men who want a bold yet refined appearance as women get theirs from Choppy Layered Hairstyles.

Definition

The burst fade mullet merges two popular haircut techniques: the mullet and the burst fade. The mullet, known for its “business in the front, party in the back” structure, is paired with a burst fade, which focuses on fading the hair in a circular motion around the ears. The result is a haircut that provides volume and texture at the back while keeping the sides neat and clean, offering a balanced look suitable for different occasions.

How to Get The Perfect Burst Fade Mullet?

Achieving the perfect hairstyle requires precision and the right approach. Whether you’re visiting a barber or trying it at home, following my experienced key steps can help ensure the best outcome. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get this style perfectly.

Step 1: Consult with Your Barber

Before diving into the cut, it’s important to consult with your barber. Communicate your vision clearly, whether it’s the classic burst fade mullet or a more modern variation. Show pictures to ensure your barber understands the exact style you want. Discuss your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle to customize the mullet for your specific needs.

Step 2: Getting the Mullet Length Right

The length of your mullet plays a significant role in the final look. For a more subtle appearance, opt for a shorter length at the back, but if you’re going for a bold, retro vibe, a longer, textured mullet will suit you better. Your barber will start by trimming the length at the back while leaving enough room for the signature mullet shape to develop.

Step 3: Fading the Sides and Top

The burst fade is what sets this style apart. Your barber will gradually fade the sides, blending them into the longer top and back. The fade should follow the natural curvature of your head, starting higher on the sides and tapering smoothly into the back. This process creates a clean contrast between the short sides and the longer mullet.

Step 4: Refining and Detailing

Once the main structure of the burst fade mullet is in place, the next step involves refining the edges and adding details. Your barber will use clippers to create sharp, clean lines around the ears and nape of the neck, enhancing the overall look. For men looking to add an extra edge, consider incorporating shaved designs or patterns on the faded sides.

Step 5: Styling and Finishing

Styling plays a critical role in perfecting this style. Use a lightweight mousse or pomade to enhance texture and add volume to the top and back. For a sleeker look, use a straightener or styling cream to smooth out any flyaways. Whether you prefer a messy, tousled finish or an elegant, polished look, the right styling products can help you achieve your desired result.

Different Variations of The Burst Fade Mullet Haircut

These are some trendy variations of this style that I experienced in the fashion industry, and most people love them. Here’s the list:

The Classic Surge

This variation features a sharp fade on the sides with longer, sleek hair at the back, giving a clean yet bold appearance. It’s perfect for those who want a mix of business and edgy style.

Best For: Men who prefer a clean, sharp look with an edgy touch
Face Shape: Oval, Round
Hair Type: Straight or slightly wavy
Suitable Attire: Business Casual, Formal Events

Curly Contours

Curly Contours is ideal for men with natural curls, adding structure to the curly texture with a burst fade on the sides and volume in the back. This style enhances the natural curl pattern while keeping it neat and trendy.

Best For: Men with naturally curly hair looking for a stylish, low-maintenance look
Face Shape: Square, Heart
Hair Type: Curly, Thick
Suitable Attire: Casual, Urban Street Style

Sleek Precision

This variation is sleek, sharp, and defined. It works well for those with straight hair who want a polished and modern appearance. The fade is clean, with a sleek, smooth transition into longer hair at the back.

Best For: Men who want a polished, modern look
Face Shape: Oval, Diamond
Hair Type: Straight, Fine
Suitable Attire: Formal, Semi-Formal

The Bold Declaration

This bold mullet style features exaggerated fades and sharp contrasts, perfect for men who want to make a statement with their hair. It’s a great choice for those who love standing out and showcasing their unique style.

Best For: Trendsetters who love making a bold statement
Face Shape: Square, Oval
Hair Type: Thick, Straight or Wavy
Suitable Attire: Streetwear, Nightlife

Textured Top

The textured top offers a rugged look with a burst fade that blends seamlessly into the textured, messy hair on top. It’s ideal for men who like a casual, lived-in style with volume.

Best For: Men who prefer a casual, textured look
Face Shape: Oval, Round
Hair Type: Wavy, Thick
Suitable Attire: Casual, Sporty

Retro Revival

A nod to the vintage mullets of the past, Retro Revival blends a modern burst fade with the iconic longer back. This is perfect for those who love combining the old-school mullet style with contemporary trends.

Best For: Fans of retro fashion looking to modernize the mullet
Face Shape: Oblong, Oval
Hair Type: Straight, Fine
Suitable Attire: Retro-Inspired Outfits, Casual

The Urban Edge

The Urban Edge is a trendy, high-fashion variation that emphasizes sharp edges and creative fades. It’s ideal for those who are fashion-forward and always experimenting with bold hairstyles.

Best For: Men who like to experiment with high-fashion hairstyles
Face Shape: Diamond, Square
Hair Type: Straight, Fine
Suitable Attire: Streetwear, Trendy Urban Looks

Windswept Wonder

The burst fade mullet features loose, voluminous waves at the back with a burst fade for a carefree, windswept look. It’s perfect for men with wavy or curly hair who like a more relaxed, bohemian vibe.

Best For: Men with wavy hair who prefer a carefree look
Face Shape: Heart, Oval
Hair Type: Wavy, Curly
Suitable Attire: Beachwear, Casual

The Sharp Contrast

The Sharp Contrast focuses on creating a striking difference between the faded sides and the longer back. It’s bold, edgy, and perfect for those looking to push the boundaries of the traditional mullet.

Best For: Men looking for a sharp, high-contrast look
Face Shape: Square, Heart
Hair Type: Thick, Straight
Suitable Attire: Streetwear, Edgy Casual

The Soft Transition

This style features a soft, gradual fade and longer back without harsh contrasts. It’s great for men looking for a more refined version of the mullet.

Best For: Men seeking a refined, less dramatic mullet
Face Shape: Oval, Round
Hair Type: Fine, Straight
Suitable Attire: Smart Casual, Business Casual

Curls on the Horizon

Perfect for those with natural curls, this style showcases a gradual fade and allows the curls to take center stage. The longer back enhances the texture and volume.

Best For: Men with curly hair who want a defined, trendy cut
Face Shape: Heart, Square
Hair Type: Curly, Thick
Suitable Attire: Casual, Sporty

The Business Wave

A professional yet stylish option, the burst fade mullet keeps the fade subtle while maintaining a smooth wave at the back. It’s great for men who want a mullet they can wear in both business and casual settings.

Best For: Men who want a professional but trendy look
Face Shape: Oval, Oblong
Hair Type: Straight, Wavy
Suitable Attire: Business Casual, Formal

Tidal Swell

The Tidal Swell mullet has volume and movement, perfect for men with thick hair. The burst fade enhances the overall shape, creating a sleek yet energetic look.

Best For: Men with thick, voluminous hair
Face Shape: Diamond, Oval
Hair Type: Thick, Wavy
Suitable Attire: Casual, Beachwear

Sculpted Winds

This style is all about artistry, featuring a sculpted burst fade with a carefully shaped longer back. It is ideal for men who treat their hair as a form of self-expression.

Best For: Men looking for an artistic, unique hairstyle
Face Shape: Oval, Diamond
Hair Type: Straight, Fine
Suitable Attire: High Fashion, Trendsetting Outfits

What Sets the Burst Fade Mullet Apart from Other Fades

One of the defining characteristics of the burst fade is the way it transitions smoothly from the top to the sides while maintaining volume in the back. This seamless fade sets it apart from other fades, such as the traditional high fade or the taper fade. The burst fade hugs the curve of the head, making it a perfect match for the mullet, as it enhances the overall shape without compromising the length at the back.

Seamless fade: Unlike the abrupt cuts of other fade styles, the burst fade provides a more natural transition, making it a versatile option for various hair textures.
Enhanced shape: The burst fade mullet accentuates the roundness of the head, making it ideal for pairing with longer hairstyles like the mullet.
Balanced style: This fade adds a clean and structured element to the otherwise edgy mullet, balancing both modern and retro elements.

Mullet Haircut Trends: Athletics and Celebrities

Burst fade mullets have been embraced by various athletes and celebrities, each bringing their unique style to the iconic mullet. The combination of a burst fade with a modern mullet has become a fashionable statement across various fields. Here are some of the trendsetters who’ve popularized this look:

1. Virat Kohli Mullet Hairstyle

A sleek and tapered burst faded with a medium-length mullet at the back. Kohli blends professionalism with modern style, making the mullet more acceptable in mainstream fashion.

2. Ryan Papenhuyzen Mullet Haircut

Papenhuyzen’s sharp burst fade combined with long, straight layers at the back is iconic on and off the field, making it one of the more recognized mullet styles.

3. Jack Goodhue Mullet Haircut

Goodhue’s bold and rugged mullet features a high burst fade with a longer, more textured back, showcasing a more rebellious, edgy look.

4. Patrick Mahomes Sporty Mullet with Fade

Mahomes gives a more refined take on the mullet, sporting a low burst fade and neatly tapered mullet that fits even conservative settings.

5. Neymar Jr. Edgy Mullet

The footballer is known for experimenting with bold hairstyles, and his mullet with a burst fade adds an edgy and sharp flair to his overall look.

6. Jeremy Renner Sharp Mullet Haircut

Renner sports a short mullet with a tight burst fade, giving his red carpet looks a stylish and modern touch without overdoing it.

7. Sergio Ramos Modern Mullet Haircut

Sergio Ramos adds a modern twist with a high burst fade and a longer, wavy mullet at the back, combining traditional footballer edginess with style.

8. Harry Styles Messy Mullet Cut

Known for his eclectic fashion choices, Styles’ messy mullet paired with a low fade adds a laid-back, rock-n-roll vibe to the classic cut.

9. Zac Efron’s Modern Platinum Mullet-Inspired Fade

Zac Efron rocks a modern, platinum-textured hairstyle with faded sides, blending edgy and stylish elements. While not a traditional mullet, the voluminous top and sharp fade give it a bold, contemporary twist.

10. Jaydan Armour Curly Mullet Haircut

A perfect blend of curls and a burst fade, Armour’s mullet haircut shows off natural texture while maintaining a trendy, sharp look.

With these celebrity-inspired styles, the burst fade mullet continues to gain popularity, influencing men around the world to experiment with the burst fade mullet’s versatile and bold look.

Types of Mullet Hairstyles for Men and How To Style Them

Classic Mullet

The Classic Mullet features short hair on the top and sides, with longer hair flowing at the back. This iconic look hails from the 80s and remains a timeless style for men who want to stand out without too much effort.

Best For: Men looking for a nostalgic yet cool look
Face Shape: Oval, Square
Hair Type: Straight, Wavy
Suitable Attire: Casual, Retro-Inspired Outfits

Modern Mullet

The Modern Mullet updates the classic version with cleaner lines, more structured layers, and a sharper fade. It’s a versatile cut that blends tradition with contemporary style, making it perfect for today’s fashion-forward men.

Best For: Trendsetters looking to modernize the classic mullet
Face Shape: Round, Diamond
Hair Type: Straight, Slightly Wavy
Suitable Attire: Streetwear, Smart Casual

Short Mullet

A Short Mullet keeps things minimal with a shorter length at the back while still offering the mullet’s signature contrast between the front and back. It’s low-maintenance and ideal for men who like a more subtle take on this bold hairstyle.

Best For: Men looking for a subtle, easy-to-maintain style
Face Shape: Heart, Square
Hair Type: Straight, Fine
Suitable Attire: Casual, Sporty

Medium Mullet

A perfect balance between long and short, the Medium Mullet allows for more versatility in styling. The medium length at the back offers movement and volume while still being manageable.

Best For: Men who want versatility in their hairstyle
Face Shape: Oval, Oblong
Hair Type: Wavy, Thick
Suitable Attire: Casual, Smart Casual

Long Mullet

For those willing to go bold, the Long Mullet features significantly longer hair at the back, giving a dramatic contrast to the shorter sides and top. This style is perfect for men who embrace their individuality and love making a statement.

Best For: Men who want a bold, statement-making look
Face Shape: Oblong, Diamond
Hair Type: Thick, Wavy
Suitable Attire: Streetwear, Bohemian Outfits

Curly Mullet

The Curly Mullet brings texture and volume to the classic style by incorporating natural curls. The curls at the back add a unique twist, making this an excellent choice for men with curly hair.

Best For: Men with natural curls looking for a modern twist
Face Shape: Round, Heart
Hair Type: Curly, Thick
Suitable Attire: Casual, Urban Street Style

Wavy Mullet

Perfect for men with naturally wavy hair, the Wavy Mullet enhances the waves and gives the hair a lot of natural movement. The longer back allows the waves to flow effortlessly.

Best For: Men with wavy hair who want a relaxed, effortless style
Face Shape: Oval, Oblong
Hair Type: Wavy, Medium
Suitable Attire: Casual, Boho-Chic

Shaggy Mullet

The Shaggy Mullet adds an extra layer of texture and messiness to the classic mullet. The layers are choppy and tousled, creating a rugged, laid-back look that’s perfect for casual settings.

Best For: Men who prefer a messy, rugged look
Face Shape: Square, Round
Hair Type: Wavy, Straight
Suitable Attire: Casual, Relaxed

Faded Mullet

A Faded Mullet combines the sleekness of a fade with the longer length at the back. This creates a clean yet bold look, where the fade provides a neat, polished contrast to the longer mullet.

Best For: Men who want a cleaner, polished mullet look
Face Shape: Oval, Diamond
Hair Type: Straight, Wavy
Suitable Attire: Business Casual, Smart Casual

Burst Fade Mullet

This style takes a unique approach to the classic mullet by incorporating a burst fade around the ears. This style gives a sharp, modern edge while keeping the longer back.

Best For: Men who want a modern, high-contrast look
Face Shape: Square, Heart
Hair Type: Straight, Slightly Wavy
Suitable Attire: Trendy, Urban Outfits

Center Part Mullet / Curtain Mullet

The Center Part Mullet, also known as the Curtain Mullet, features a defined center part in the front with longer sides that flow into the mullet. It’s a great look for men who want a retro yet fashionable style.

Best For: Men with medium-length hair looking for a retro vibe
Face Shape: Heart, Oval
Hair Type: Straight, Wavy
Suitable Attire: Retro-Inspired, Casual

Mohawk Mullet

The Mohawk Mullet combines the boldness of a mohawk with the length of a mullet. The hair is left longer at the back, while the sides are either shaved or closely faded, making it one of the most daring styles.

Best For: Men who want a bold, punk-inspired look
Face Shape: Round, Diamond
Hair Type: Thick, Curly
Suitable Attire: Punk Rock, Edgy Streetwear

Spiky Mullet

The Spiky Mullet adds texture and height to the traditional mullet with spiky layers on top. The contrast between the spiky front and the longer back creates a vibrant, eye-catching hairstyle.

Best For: Men looking for a rebellious, energetic style
Face Shape: Oval, Square
Hair Type: Straight, Thick
Suitable Attire: Casual, Sporty

Expert Tips for the Burst Fade Mullet Hairstyle

Being an experienced hair stylist, I’m giving valuable advice for perfecting this style. Maintaining and styling your burst fade mullet can be simple with the right approach. Here are some of my experienced tips to help you keep your hairstyle looking sharp and stylish:

Maintain Regular Trims

To keep your burst fade mullet looking fresh, regular trims are required. Visit your barber every 4-6 weeks to maintain the shape of the fade and keep the mullet length in check. This ensures that the contrast between the fade and the longer hair remains defined.

Use Styling Products

Styling products are key to making the burst fade mullet stand out. For a textured look, use a matte paste or clay to give your hair a natural finish. If you prefer a slicker style, opt for pomade or gel to add shine and hold. Don’t forget to use a heat protectant when blow-drying to avoid damaging your hair.

Consider Hair Health

Healthy hair is the foundation of a great hairstyle. Regularly wash and condition your hair with products designed for your hair type—whether it’s curly, wavy, or straight. For longer mullets, consider using a leave-in conditioner or oil to keep the ends from drying out.

Experiment with Length

The beauty of the burst fade mullet is its versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lengths at the back. You can opt for a shorter mullet for a more conservative look or grow it out for a bolder, more dramatic style. Remember, the length should complement your face shape and personal style.

Integrate Layers

Adding layers to the longer part of your mullet can give it more movement and texture. Layers can soften the transition from the short fade to the longer mullet, creating a more natural and blended look. Ask your barber to incorporate layers that suit your hair’s texture and desired style.

Match with Outfit

Your hairstyle is an extension of your personal style, so be sure to match your burst fade mullet with the right outfits. For casual, everyday wear, opt for relaxed, laid-back clothing. For formal or professional settings, style your mullet with a polished finish and pair it with sleek, customized outfits.

Stay Confident

This style is a bold and expressive hairstyle, so wear it with confidence! Whether you’re sporting a classic mullet or experimenting with a more modern variation, owning your look is the key to making it work. Confidence will elevate your style and make you stand out from the crowd.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the burst fade mullet is a versatile, modern twist on a classic hairstyle that allows you to express your individuality. With its unique combination of sharp fades and bold length, this haircut offers countless styling possibilities for men with all types of hair. Whether you’re opting for a sleek, polished look or embracing a more rugged, textured style, this style mullet is the perfect choice to make a lasting impression. So, if you’re ready to elevate your hairstyle game, this guide has provided everything you need to rock a burst fade mullet in 2025 and beyond confidently!

FAQs

What is the best way to style a burst fade mullet?

The best way to style your burst fade mullet depends on your hair type and desired look. For a natural, textured finish, use a matte paste or styling cream. For a sleek look, opt for a pomade or gel.

How often should I get my burst fade mullet trimmed?

To maintain the sharp contrast between the fade and mullet, it’s recommended to get a trim every 4-6 weeks. This helps keep the fade clean and the mullet length manageable.

Can this style work for curly hair?

Yes, this style is great for curly hair. The fade keeps the sides neat, while the longer curls at the back add volume and texture.

Is this style suitable for all face shapes?

This style can be adapted to suit different face shapes by adjusting the length of the mullet and the fade’s intensity. Consult with your barber to find the best variation for your face shape.