Fade
Burst Fade with Curly Top and Squared Line-Up
- Difficulty
- ADVANCED
- Hair Type
- 3C to 4A curly, high density
What it is
The fade bursts in an arc around the ear, dropping to skin just in front of and below it, then rising back up behind so the length at the back of the head is kept intact. Above the burst, the top is left full with defined, springy curls that build height toward the crown. A hard squared line-up runs across the forehead and down the temple, meeting the beard's cheek line. The kept weight at the back is what separates a burst from a standard mid fade.
Who it suits
Made for curly and coily hair with real spring, since the burst is designed to expose the ear while the curl carries the volume. Best on oval and heart-shaped faces. Needs even density around the ear because the burst puts that area on display. Straight fine hair has nothing to burst around and should take a taper instead.
How to ask for it
Ask for a burst fade around the ear only, skin at the tightest point in front of the ear, arcing up and out so the back keeps its length. Say to leave the top full and curly with no clipper work, and to square off the line-up at the front hairline and connect the temple to the beard.
Upkeep
Two to three weeks. The burst arc is what softens first. Wash and condition the curls twice a week and use a curl cream on damp hair to hold definition.
