How To Flawlessly Cut Burst Fade Haircut – Stylists Tutorial

The burst fade haircut is a modern, edgy hairstyle that features a unique fading technique around the ears, creating a circular or “burst” effect. This style typically involves a high fade that gradually tapers into longer hair on top, offering a clean, fresh look. The burst fade can be customized to fit various hair types and lengths, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a sharp, stylish appearance.

In this article, we will explore the following key aspects of a burst fade haircut: 

• Essential Tools Required
• Cutting Steps
• Common Mistakes to Avoid

Recommended For: 

• Hair Types: Straight, wavy, and curly
• Face Shapes: Oval, round, and square

Essential Tools for Burst Cut Haircut

You will be needing the following tools to deliver a good quality burst fade haircut: 

1. Clippers or Trimmers (with Guards 0.5 to 4)
2. Straight Razor 
3. Comb 
4. Hairstyling Shears 

Recommended Tools

To deliver a high-quality haircut, it’s essential to use top-notch tools. Hanzo offers a wide range of premium hairstyling shears to choose from. Additionally, they provide various accessories, including straight razors, folding razors, trimmers, and shear lubricants, to ensure the best results.

For a buzz cut, Hanzo suggests using a shear with a wide blade. The Hanzo HH1 Kamikaze is perfect for this, featuring a wide blade with an exaggerated radius. These shears are particularly effective for curly hair and excel at layering, texturizing, and blending extensions. Another essential shear is the HHV Mamba, Hanzo’s hybrid shear, capable of handling both wet and dry cutting. These versatile shears are ideal for finishing work and come in a 4.5-inch size.

Hanzo’s shear sets are perfect for professional stylists. The Hanzo Kime Set includes the HH6 Kime, a versatile high-carbon shear for coarse hair, and the HH6T Kime texturizer with 16 teeth for moderate weight removal. Both shears are ideal for buzz cuts and fades, especially when used with a quality electronic trimmer.

Hanzo offers a wide selection of accessories, including straight razors. Their stainless steel razors deliver a clean finish, and the Hanzo RAZSB Straight Blades offer exceptional precision. Lastly, we will be needing a high quality trimmer. Hanzo offers the Hanzo Trimmer which has a 6000 rpm motor, zero cut steel blades, and 5 hours of charge time. Once you have all your tools lined up and ready, it’s time for the haircut.    

Cutting Steps for Burst Fade Haircut

1. Consultation and Preparation: Before you start your burst fade haircut, it is always a good idea to wash and towel-dry the hair. Blow drying is not recommended as it causes electrostatic charge build-up which impacts the haircut. Once the hair is towel dry, the next step is to secure the haircut cape around the client’s neck with a neck strip. Comb through the hair and detangle it. 
2. Sectioning the Hair: Now we will clip the top section of the hair using hair clips. This will help isolate the area where we will later create the fade. Next is a very important stage of the haircut where we will use #3 and #4 guards. This will help create an initial guideline around the sides and back. Additionally, this will set the foundation for the fade.   
3. Creating Burst Fade: Once the guideline is done, we will switch to a lower guard, such as #1 or #2. We advise hairstylists to start fading from the guidelines downward to the ears. A smooth flicking motion is the key to achieving a smooth transition. Follow the natural curve of the client’s head to create a rounded, burst-like shape around the ears. 
4. Detailing and Refining: Beginner hairstylists often make the mistake of not blending the hairline. It is advised to use a #0 or #0.5 guard for blending the hairline. This will help remove harsh lines. For achieving a seamless transition, gradually increase the guard size as you move up the head to ensure a seamless transition. 
5. Styling and Final Touches: Once the transition has been achieved, the next stage is to release the top section of hair. Here the scissors come into play. Use scissors to trim the hair to the desired length and comb the hair upwards to ensure balance. Use trimmers to clean up the edges around the ears and the neckline. Hairstylists must focus on symmetry and make any necessary adjustments for a polished finish. Hanzo recommends using the HH1 Kamikaze or HH6 Kime for achieving the optimum finish. 

For an extra sharp look, use a straight razor to clean up the hairline and remove any remaining stray hairs. Apply a small amount of styling product, such as pomade or wax, to the hair on top. Use a hairbrush or comb to shape the hair into the desired style.

Common Mistakes During a Burst Fade Haircut

Beginner and amateur hairstylists frequently encounter three common mistakes that can reduce the overall appeal of the haircut. 

Uneven Fading: The first and most common issue faced is uneven fading. This is one of the most common mistakes which results from not using smooth, even strokes with the clippers or not blending the different guard lengths. 

Remedy: To avoid this mistake, regularly check the fade from all possible angles and make gradual adjustments.  

Harsh Lines: Harsh, noticeable lines between different fade levels can detract from the overall look. This issue usually arises from abrupt transitions between guard sizes. 

Remedy: Use a blending technique, such as the flicking motion, to soften these lines and create a seamless gradient.

Inconsistent Curvature: The burst fade should have a smooth, rounded shape around the ears. Inconsistent curvature can make the haircut appear uneven. 

Remedy: Pay close attention to the natural shape of the client’s head and use a comb to help guide the fade’s curve.

Conclusion 

Summing up, the burst fade haircut is a modern style with a high fade that blends into longer hair on top, creating a distinctive “burst” effect around the ears. It works well for various hair types and face shapes. Essential tools include clippers, trimmers, a straight razor, and high-quality shears like Hanzo’s HH1 Kamikaze and HH6 Kime. Finally, to achieve a flawless result, avoid common mistakes such as uneven fading, harsh lines, and inconsistent curvature by using the right techniques and tools.