A burst fade mohawk is for people who want a really different hairstyle. A burst fade mohawk also combines different styles. n A good burst fade goes just above the top of the ear. If the fade is too high, then it can lose definition to the haircut. If the hair is thick, keeping the mohawk short at the back of the mohawk provides a really clean look. n Most people do not think of the fact that we all have differently shaped heads when thinking about the design of the haircut. n About 2 years ago, I had a customer with a perfectly rounded. He wanted the skinniest little mohawk. I told him he would end up looking like a tennis ball with a stripe, and he ended up widening it. Most people do not think this when looking at hairstyles on their phone.
The fading is easy. Most barbers will have no problem blending the fade behind the ear. However, that’s where all the real choices are. Each customer is going to want something different and it all depends on the height and width of the hair left on top.
I want you to think about that as you keep scrolling. Don’t just focus on the hair, think about the head it’s on and think about if yours looks similar. Some of these may catch your attention right away, and for some it may take time to see how it would actually look on your head shape. Let’s get to it.
#1: Messy on Purpose with That Clean Fade Contrast
I enjoy how it appears the top does most of the talking. The sides seem to take it easy. The length is in that ideal position where you can really work it with your fingers and some matte paste, and it has that “I didn’t try” vibe, even though you did. I also like that the fade doesn’t overshadow the mohawk; it just gives it a frame. That’s exactly what you want when the top has this much motion going on. If your hair is generally on the straight/slightly wavy side, this is one of those cuts that practically styles itself after a quick towel dry and minimal effort, which is the dream for most of my clients.
#2: That Subtle Undercut Detail at the Neckline
The detail on the nape section is what really stands out for me for this style. I can see that the stylist spent some time to make it look clean and precise. The top has good texture and there is sufficient length that allows for good dimension when product is added. The added density makes this an excellent cut for wavy or curly hair. The style might look a bit funny on the first day but believe me when I say that the natural waves will really help. Day two is definitely where this looks its best.
#3: Volume That Actually Goes Somewhere
Here, the shape of the cut does most of the work (and I mean this in a good way). The fade is very tight and the top is all covered in an ample amount of wave texture that is tall and flexible and not weighed down by product. I could place this on someone square or oval faced all day because it adds that length and the tight sides keep everything proportional. What I like about this particular version is that the contrast between top and sides is so extreme, it almost looks architectural. It sounds weird to say that about hair, but you’ll see what I mean when you see it.
#4: Clean Lines Up Front, Party Everywhere Else
The front line is what really makes this style work. The clean look at the forehead gives the entire style an immaculate look even if the top has a more relaxed texture. This look suits younger guys more or anyone with straighter hair who wants the hawk shape without going full curl. The front line will need to be maintained up, probably once in two weeks if you’re picky. This is because once hair starts to grow out, the effect softens and you lose a lot of the precision that makes this look different.
#5: The One with the Design Work
Although I do understand my etched design concerns, I still recognize that they grow out quickly, meaning you’re going to be seeing another barber sooner than you would like to. Butter, etched designs are amazing right after they’re done. Mohawks have some of the best I would say, and the width of this one is perfect. Not too wide or too narrow. The design is a great compliment to the cut overall, it’s not too much. If the frequent maintenance doesn’t bother you and you want some extra flair, go for it! Just know what you’re getting into.
#6: Natural Curls Meeting a Seamless Fade
I get excited getting this type of cut because of how seamless the hair looks when it transitions from the curls to fade, and having it done correctly is more difficult than most people think. Curls tend to be very springy, so they will hold their shape with out too much follow up. A little curl cream while it’s still damp and you’re good to go. The density on top is just right, enough to fill the mohawk shape completely, but not so much that it looks heavy.
#7: The Tapered Version That Works for Everything
When a client has a wedding next month and what sounds like a work thing on Monday, I’m definitely pushing them towards this. This is clean enough on the sides to not be too aggressive and the top has enough volume and texture to look professional at a business lunch. Overall, this just looks like a really nice men’s haircut unless you really want some fade everywhere. For this kind of shape, you’ll actually need to come in and get it trimmed a lot more than you’d expect. Wavy to straight hair is the most ideal. As soon as those sides fill in a little bit, you’ll lose the contrast.
#8: Big Curls Doing Their Own Thing
We love how the curls pop with this style! The length on top is perfect for the curls to bounce around, and the tapered sides really help keep distraction at a minimum. If you have thick curly hair, this is definitely the style that will have you stop hiding it and start showing it off! All you need is a little bit of light gel and some leave-in conditioner. Honestly, you might not even need that on a good hair day!
#9: Curls with Contrast That Actually Pops
The fade works with the cut. The sides are taken down close enough that from the front, it gives the impression that the curls are floating. That contrast is eye-catching. The curls are defined but they look natural and loose which is why the style looks effortless. The style is best done with thick curly hair, as that is the hair type that gives the most fullness on top to give the style good proportions. Those with thinner hair may struggle to convincincly fill out that mohawk shape unless they are prepared to use a lot of product and a diffuser.
#10: That Tousled Look with a Precision Fade
The outfit in this image is fascinating as the top looks just a little messy. The top looks like the great hair someone would have just rolled out of bed. The fade is super clean and you can tell a lot of thought went into it. The hair is a little finer but this outfit is still a good call as it has the messy finish which creates the illusion of more hair. The fade helps distract from the thickness and draws the eye to the shape of the hair. For this look create a sea salt spray. The product will give grip and movement without weighing your hair down.
#11: Waves Playing Nice with a Burst Fade
Natural waves are polarising. Some people love them, while others spend their entire lives trying to straighten them. However, this cut is a pretty good argument for the love camp. The way the burst fade wraps around the ear is quite classy, and it leaves the top long enough for the waves to express themselves, which gives the whole style a relaxed vibe that a flat iron could never create. This will work better for medium to thick hair because you’ll need enough density to keep the top fuller. I reckon this is one of those cuts that looks better a few days after your wash day, when the waves look a little more lived in and textured.
#12: Sharp Edges Framing Everything Just Right
What keeps bringing me back to this particular cut is the edges. The way the precision is along the temples and the hairline makes the whole cut come together in a way most burst fades don’t get because the barber cuts corners on the detail work. The mohawk is also pretty simple, just some texture added to the medium length, and that’s exactly what we want here. The structural cut is carrying this more than some heavy styling would. This type of cut will suit you best if you have a strong jawline because it will enhance that, but if you don’t it will create the illusion of one, which is a nice little trick to have up your sleeve. The best hair type for this is straight and medium density hair.
#13: Springy Curls with a Tight Blend
A burst fade like this with a Defined curl is top-tier hairstyle and product combination. The definition is not just random. I always ask and the answer is usually quite simple. The fade blend is super tight which makes the curly top look super voluminous. The framing around the face works particularly well for longer face shapes. If your hair is thicker this will come together a lot easier. If your hair is finer and curlier you will probably want to use a curl mousse to get the right amount of bounciness and hold without everything falling flat by lunch.
#14: Soft Curls Keeping Things Young and Easy
Curls on a mohawk are soft and bring out a youthful look to it! It looks fresh, and shows that the person isn’t taking things too serious, which is a good thing! The fade is super clean and sharp and gives a lot of structure to the softness. All of the volume is spaced out in a way that is balanced. This style looks best on medium to thick hair so that with a little bit of product to define everything, it holds this shape all throughout the day. Curls tend to look intentional and if you like the frizzy style you will want to make sure you are on top of things!
#15: Height and Movement Without Looking Like You Tried
The height here is impressive, and I appreciate that it doesn’t have that shellacked, frozen-in-place quality that a lot of tall mohawks end up with. I think that’s because the texture is loose enough that it has the ability to move a little, which keeps the whole style feeling natural, even though clearly a good amount of product is used. The burst fade is well executed on the sides and the contrast between short and tall is dramatic enough to be interesting, without going too far into costume territory. This is very achievable if you have straight to wavy hair with some density to it, you’ll just need to blow dry upwards while it’s damp and then use a product with flexible hold to keep the height without making it crunchy.
#16: The One with the Design That Actually Works
I did say that I have mixed feelings about etched designs, but this one is different because it integrates the design into the fade rather than just having it stuck on there. The curls are pronounced and look great of this length, and the side design adds just enough interest without competing with the rest of the texture. Although this is quite the commitment. If you don’t like the barbershop ritual, this cut probably isn’t for you. But if you enjoy the process, it’s a showstopper.
#17: Sharp Temples Giving Everything a Modern Edge
When asked what we could price the haircut, I would say the work done on the temples, diffusing on top, and the angled bursts, are details that help shape the geometry of the cut and the face. These are often lost on the general public but do make the haircut look good. Everything looks neat on top, and the blend to burst fade is ideal, so it really helps. Among the mohican styles, this one appears more mature and is likely to be suitable for more occasions. The right hair for this is straight to slightly wavy and of medium density.
#18: Defined Volume That Holds Its Shape
This particular cut has the potential to look good even after a long day, which is a rarity for mohawk styles. I have seen some that look decent for three hours then completely fall flat. The volume on top is shaped well, and paired with the side fades, forms an overall structure to let the hair settle without going out of shape. If you want to do highlights, I think a half shade lighter woven through the top layers at the light catching points would be really effective. It would make the overall texture more dimensional without being too obvious.
#19: That Everyday Bold That Doesn’t Quit
This cut is very clean! The proportions and placement fit perfectly! Your burst fade looks awesome! The top is nice and full, and the sides still have a good amount of hair. The length is nice and can be styled differently each day, and a cut like this is going to need some strong hold clay to keep its shape along with a blow dryer to keep that from getting messy. This is the only option to keep the hair looking good. It will totally be worth the time to do it!
#20: Layers That Add Character Without Getting Complicated
The layers on this one are meant to create movement and texture through the cut, not just the product. This means it will probably look good on the days you don’t style it. The burst fade is nice and the flow from long on top to faded sides has good visual weight. This version is for thick hair. The layers will create a tousled undone look that feels effortless. If your hair is thinner you can still get this but consult your barber about fewer layers.
#21: Feathered Layers Softening the Whole Thing Up
What makes this Mohawk special is the unique feathering on the layers. Instead of the usual blunt boxy top, the layers are tapered and soft at the ends and this gives a really nice flow to the silhouette. If your features are more angular like having a sharp jaw and/or cheekbones, this Mohawk is an especially flattering choice as the feathered ends add softness to complete the look. The style is most suited to straight or wavy hair and you will want to use a light styling product to keep the ends free and moveable as opposed to heavy product that will weigh down the ends.
#22: Curls with a Clean Fade That Elongates
Are you thinking about if a Mohawk style would suit your rounder face? This is the style I would suggest. This has defined curls and tight fades on the sides which elongate the face. The divided curls have enough shape to remain structured but also have some looseness to add some character. The fade is taken up as high as possible to give the most contrast. This is a medium-length style and will take some effort on your part to maintain it. It is going to require some refreshing on the curls and a touch up on the fade to keep it in shape. Overall this hairstyle adds a nice vertical element to your face.
#23: Understated with Just Enough Texture
The burst fade mohawk is an opportunity to express yourself without requiring additional styling in the back, as mohawks typically do. This means you can walk into any environment and still feel less audacious than the rest of the crowd. The layering in the cut has a bit of texture, which may be more than what the wearer would consider a half commitment. On the contrary, a gradual fade from the top to the bottom of the cut helps to retain a sense of sleekness and uniformity as opposed to choppy. This cut is best suited to medium density hair which is straight or wavy. The maintenance on a haircut like this is quite minimal, you only need to apply some styling product to damp hair, brush it to one side, and then leave it to dry. Unlike most mohawk cuts, you can be confident this look will remain solid throughout the course of the day.
#24: Short Layers with a Seamless Back Blend
The blending of the shorter hair in the back with the longer hair on top is really impressive. Instead of the classic visible line separating the two lengths, the hair appears to have a nice smooth transition all the way around the head. Typically, the top layers are cut to a shorter length, so this haircut is likely to be more low maintenance than others on this list. If your hair is of fine to medium density, this choice is ideal, as you don’t require a lot of hair to achieve the look of fullness. Maintaining a clean fade will mean more frequent salon trips. I’d recommend at least every three weeks. The upside is that you’ll have minimal styling to do on day to day basis.
#25: Curly Top That Brings All the Personality
The burst fade is only there to frame these curls, and for good reason, texture this good should never be hidden. The height in these curls comes from the curl pattern itself, not from any aggressive up styling. The contrast from the faded sides makes the hair all over the head appear to have a lot more volume than the top section is actually creating. This is clearly targeted at wavy to curly hair, and I would say keep product use to a minimum. A lightweight curl cream applied when it’s wet and then left to dry is perfect. Curls like this tend to look the best when they are left alone, and it’s advice I give all the time that people ignore.
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