If you already love the burst fade mullet, the next big decision is simple but important: Should you keep it short or grow it long?
Barbers and stylists are seeing modern mullets and burst fades become some of the most requested men’s cuts, especially for guys who want something stylish, bold and still wearable in real life. At the same time, rising haircut prices are pushing many people toward styles that grow out well and do not need a weekly cleanup, which is one reason mullet variations are back in fashion.
This guide breaks down short vs long burst fade mullets so you can pick the length that actually fits your face shape, hair type and lifestyle.
Please note: Some Visualizations generated with AI to demonstrate style concepts.
What Counts As “Short” vs “Long” In A Burst Fade Mullet?
Before you decide, it helps to define what we mean by each length.
Short Burst Fade Mullet
A short burst fade mullet usually has:
- Back length: Roughly at the top of the shirt collar, about 1–3 inches of hair at the back
- Top: Short to medium, often textured or slightly messy
- Sides: Tight burst fade that curves around the ear and blends into the back
It still reads as a mullet, but it is cleaner, sharper and easier to style day to day. Many barbers describe short modern mullets as more versatile and less “costume” than the classic long versions.
Long Burst Fade Mullet
A long burst fade mullet usually has:
- Back length: Below the collar, often 4–6 inches or more
- Top: Medium to long, with noticeable layers and movement
- Sides: The same curved burst fade, which makes the long back stand out even more
The long mullets are dramatic, high-impact and lean into that rockstar or retro energy, especially when paired with a fade.
Short Burst Fade Mullet: Who It Suits And Why
The Overall Look
A short burst fade mullet gives you:
- A sharp, athletic silhouette
- Enough length at the back to show the mullet shape
- Less “in your face” drama compared with longer versions
Sites that break down burst fade styles describe shorter versions as low-maintenance and ideal for active lifestyles, since there is less hair to control on top and at the back.
Best Hair Types for a Short Burst Fade Mullet
Short works especially well if you have:
- Straight hair: Easy to keep neat with a light matte clay
- Wavy hair: Natural texture gives movement without needing heat tools
- Loose curls: You get a defined shape without too much volume at the back
If your curls are very tight and dense, a very short back can sometimes puff out awkwardly. In that case, a medium or longer mullet length might actually behave better.
Face Shapes That Benefit From A Short Length
Short burst fade mullets are often flattering on:
- Round faces: The tighter sides and controlled back add vertical shape instead of width
- Oval faces: Almost everything suits an oval face, and a short mullet keeps things balanced
- Heart faces: Shorter back and controlled top stop the forehead from looking too large
Because the length sits closer to the head, a short mullet rarely overwhelms your features.
Maintenance And Upkeep
Short burst fade mullets are:
- High maintenance at the barbershop, low maintenance at home
You will usually need:
- Fade cleanup: Every 2–3 weeks to keep the burst fade sharp
- Styling time: 2–5 minutes with clay, paste or cream, then you are done
Stylists note that tight fades grow out quickly, which is one reason many guys are shifting toward slightly longer taper and mullet styles that still look good as they soften (Source: The Guardian).
Choose short if you want a clean, modern, easy-to-style version of the burst fade mullet and you do not mind regular barber visits.
Long Burst Fade Mullet: Who It Suits And Why
The Overall Look
A long burst fade mullet pushes the style into full statement territory:
- The burst fade sides make the long back look even more dramatic
- You get more movement, flow and personality
- It can read as rock, skater, surfer or retro, depending on how you style it
The long mullets with faded sides as ideal for men who like attention and want a haircut that really stands out in photos and in person.
Best Hair Types For A Long Burst Fade Mullet
Long is especially strong if you have:
- Wavy hair: This is the sweet spot, giving that effortless, lived-in flow
- Curly hair: The long back shows off your texture while the burst fade keeps the sides clean
- Straight thick hair: Layers and thinning create movement without bulk
If your hair is very fine and straight, a long back can sometimes look stringy. In that case, a shorter or medium length usually looks more expensive.
Face Shapes That Benefit From A Long Length
Long burst fade mullets tend to work best for:
- Oval faces: You can wear almost any length without throwing off balance
- Square faces: The extra length softens sharp jawlines and adds movement
- Diamond faces: More hair at the back and sides helps balance wider cheekbones
If your face is very round, too much length at the back and crown can add volume in the wrong areas. For round shapes, a medium or shorter back usually feels more flattering.
Maintenance And Upkeep
Long burst fade mullets are:
- Lower maintenance at the barbershop, higher maintenance at home
You will typically need:
- Fade cleanup: Every 3–4 weeks, since a bit of grow-out can still look intentional
- Styling time: 5–10 minutes if you use product, blow-dry, or define curls
Expect to invest in:
- A good sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
- A leave-in cream or curl cream for wavy and curly hair
- Occasional trim of the ends to avoid split ends and keep the shape
Choose long if you want maximum impact, more styling options and a strong personal style statement, and you are comfortable spending a little more time styling at home.
Short vs Long Burst Fade Mullet By Face Shape
If you are stuck between lengths, start with your face shape.
Round Face
- Better: Short or medium burst fade mullet
- Why: Shorter back and controlled top create vertical lines and structure
- Avoid: Very long, heavy backs that add width around the cheek and neck area
Square Face
- Better: Medium to long burst fade mullet
- Why: Length softens a strong jaw and gives a more relaxed feel
- Tip: Keep the burst fade clean, but add some texture on top so the cut does not look too blocky
Oval Face
- Better: You can wear both short and long
- Why: Oval is the most balanced face shape, so you can choose based on vibe, not rules
- Tip: Decide how bold you want to be. Short is safer, long is louder.
Heart Face
- Better: Short to medium length
- Why: Too much length at the back can make the chin look narrow by comparison
- Tip: Ask your barber to keep some weight at the nape instead of very thin tails.
Diamond Face
- Better: Medium to long length
- Why: Extra back length and some side volume help balance wider cheekbones
Short vs Long Burst Fade Mullet By Hair Type
Straight Hair
- Short length: Clean, sharp, very easy to style with a small amount of matte clay
- Long length: Can look flat or stringy if hair is fine, unless you use layers and texture sprays
If your hair is thick and straight, you can pull off both lengths. Ask your barber for internal layers in the back so it moves instead of sitting heavy.
Wavy Hair
- Short length: Relaxed, textured, and low effort. Great if you want a modern look without too much styling.
- Long length: This is where wavy hair shines, giving that surfer or rocker flow that many modern mullet fans want.
Most wavy-haired guys can safely go medium to long without worrying about awkward volume.
Curly Hair
- Short length: Very punchy and defined, especially if the top is cropped and sides are tight
- Long length: Big personality. The curls at the back become the focus, while the burst fade keeps the outline neat.
Just remember that more curl length means more moisture and product care. Curl cream or mousse and a diffusing routine will help.
Coily / Very Tight Curls
- Short length: Easier to control and shape, especially if you like a clean outline
- Long length: Can be stunning but needs a barber who understands how to shape coils into a flattering mullet silhouette
For very tight curls, start shorter and grow into a longer mullet once you and your barber find a shape that works for you.
Lifestyle, Job And Budget: What Actually Fits Your Day To Day?
If You Work In A More Conservative Environment
- Safer choice: Short burst fade mullet or a medium length with softer layering
- Keep the fade clean, the back controlled and avoid ultra dramatic tails
- Style with a matte product for a more polished vibe
If You Work In A Creative Or Casual Setting
- Bolder choice: Long burst fade mullet
- You can experiment with color, stronger texture, or even a micro fringe on top
- This length works well for musicians, creatives, barbers, content creators and anyone who leans into style as part of their identity
Training, Sports And Active Lifestyles
Stylists and barbers often recommend shorter versions of burst fades for men who train a lot, because they are easier to wash and restyle after workouts.
- Short length: Stays off the neck, less sweat trapped in long ends
- Long length: You may need to tie the back or use a headband during training
Budget And Barber Visits
- Short burst fades usually mean more frequent visits to keep the fade tight
- Long burst fades can stretch the time between appointments, but you spend a bit more on at-home products and styling time
With haircut prices rising in many countries, some men choose slightly longer styles that grow out better and do not need constant cleanups.
How To Tell Your Barber Exactly What You Want
Whatever length you choose, communication in the chair is everything. Barbers interviewed in grooming and trend pieces say clients who bring clear photos and simple language get the best results.
Step 1: Start With The Base Cut
Say something like:
“I want a burst fade mullet, with the fade curving around the ear and the back left longer.”
Then add whether you want low, mid or high burst fade.
Step 2: Describe The Length
For short burst fade mullet, say:
- “Keep the back around collar length, not too long, with texture so it moves but does not hang flat.”
For long burst fade mullet, say:
- “Keep growing the back so it sits below the collar, with layers for movement. I still want the burst fade tight around the ear.”
Step 3: Explain Your Lifestyle
Tell your barber:
- How often you can realistically visit the shop
- How much time you want to spend styling each morning
- Whether you need the cut to look professional for work
A good barber will adjust the length and shape so your mullet works in your real life, not just in reference photos.
Should You Start Short Or Go Straight To Long?
If you are unsure, think of it as a journey, not a one-time decision.
- Many guys start with a short burst fade mullet first
- As it grows, they and their barber slowly push the length toward a medium or long version
- At any point you can stop at the length that feels right for your face, hair and lifestyle
This staged approach also avoids that shock of going from a standard fade to a very long mullet in one appointment.
Quick Decision Guide
Pick short burst fade mullet if you:
- Want a cleaner, more versatile look
- Have a round or heart-shaped face
- Prefer quick styling and do not mind regular fades
- Work in an environment that prefers neat, controlled haircuts
Pick long burst fade mullet if you:
- Want a bold, head-turning style
- Have oval, square or diamond face shape
- Enjoy styling your hair and using product
- Work or live in a space where creative looks are welcome
Both lengths are stylish, current and barber-approved. The right choice is the one that fits your face, your hair and your life, not just what you see on social media.
