The Burst Fade Mullet: Variations, Styling Tips & More

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How to rock this style with straight, curly, long, or short hair

Co-authored by Elaine Heredia, BA Reviewed by Jasmin Todd

Last Updated: November 24, 2024 Fact Checked

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What is the burst fade mullet?

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How to Get a Burst Fade Mullet

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Variations

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Style Tips

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If you thought we left the mullet in the 80s, think again! The retro style has found new life among kids and adults of all ages and genders with the addition of the burst fade: a low, arching fade around the ear that gives the traditional mullet a modern edge. Find out what to ask for to get a burst fade mullet, plus learn about the many variations and styles you can use to put your personal twist on this trending cut.

Burst Fade Mullet: Quick Overview

A burst fade mullet features a fade that travels around the ears and down the sides of the head instead of around the back. The hair on the top of the head is clipped short and hangs long in the back like a traditional mullet.

Section 1 of 4:

What is the burst fade mullet haircut?

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It's a combination of two distinct haircuts: a burst fade – in which the hair around the ear and side of the head are shaved in an arc shape – and the traditional 1980s mullet, which features short layers on the top of the head tapering to long layers in the back.^{[1]
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Get a Burst Fade Mullet

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Show them pictures of the style you want so there's no confusion. Let your stylist know how layered you want your mullet to look and if there's anything you want customized about it, like textured fringe.

Section 3 of 4:

Burst Fade Mullet Variations

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Curly Burst Fade Mullet A curly burst fade mullet looks fantastic on people with naturally curly or wavy hair! Work styling gel into tight curls and texturizing powder into waves to bring out the spiral in your hair. Vary the length of your curly mullet to add more or less volume, per your preference.^{[2]
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- Dry your wet curly burst fade mullet with a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to avoid frizziness and help the curls hold their shape.
You can achieve a lot of different styles with a straight burst fade. Straighten your hair with a flat iron to make it sleek, and apply a texture paste throughout to amp up the edginess.
The V cut version of this style gives your mullet a harder edge on the bottom instead of letting the strands dangle. To get it, ask your stylist or barber to cut a tapered, V-shaped edge in the hairline on the nape of your neck.^{[3]
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The mohawk version of the burst fade mullet still keeps the hair longer in the back. But the hair on the sides of the head is clipped short, and the mullet is trimmed down to a strip on the top and down the back of the head.^{[4]
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A long burst fade mullet echoes the mullets of the 80s and fits right in with the retro throwback trend happening in fashion and beauty. The extra length in the back looks best on thick, wavy, or curly types of hair.^{[5]
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Opting for shorter layers of hair in the back and on top of your head will give you the burst fade mullet look without all the extra upkeep. Plus, it's cooler in the summer! ^{[6]
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Shaggy Burst Fade Mullet Shags were popular among rockstars in the 70s, and for good reason! Their many layers of various lengths look effortlessly cool and edgy – even more so when this style is paired with a burst fade mullet.^{[7]
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- To make a shaggy burst fade mullet really pop, flat iron your hair and work in texture product to shape and feather the edges of your longer layers.
A burst fade mullet doesn't leave much hair on the sides of your head. So if you're looking for a way to bring attention back to your face and frame your eyes, a fringe is a great addition. It looks best on straight or wavy hair, and you can curl it or straighten it as desired.

Section 4 of 4:

How to Style a Burst Fade Mullet

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Bring out your burst fade mullet curls with gel or mousse. Using these products will not only reduce frizziness while volumizing your hair, but it will also help lock in the style and ensure your curls don't go limp throughout the day.^{[8]
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- Apply gel to tighter curls and thicker hair after drying to define and hold them in place for long periods of time.
- Opt for mousse before drying your hair if you have looser curls and fine hair, as this product will define the spirals without weighing them down and making them lose their shape over time.
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Volumize a wavy burst fade mullet with texturizing powder. This product is lightweight and will help your waves hold their shape throughout the day instead of droop.^{[9]
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- Sprinkle a small amount of the product on your hand or in your hair to start. Then use your fingers to spread it throughout your hair. Continue applying it in small amounts until your waves reach the perfect height and level of intentional messiness.
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Feather shaggy burst fade mullet layers with texture paste. Texture paste is a slightly tacky product that you can use to mold your hair into your desired shape and define your layers. It looks particularly fly on straight or wavy short burst fade mullets as well as the shaggy style.^{[10]
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- Scoop texture paste out of the container and spread it onto the tips of your fingers. Then work the product into your dry or damp hair. As you go, push your layers in the direction you want them to lay or pinch the edges of your mullet to manipulate the hair into your desired shape.
Make your burst fade mullet even more eye-catching by dying your mullet and burst fade each a different color! You can also leave one of them your natural color and dye the other, or you can add fun hues all over.