A low taper fade keeps the sides short with a straight, gradual blend and the same length all over the head, with nothing kept long at the back. A burst fade mullet uses a curved, semi-circular fade around the ear and deliberately keeps 2 to 6 inches of length at the back. They start from the same fade height, but the low taper stays subtle everywhere, while the burst-fade mullet creates contrast specifically to set off the longer back section. Cost in the UK: £18 to £45 for a low taper and £30 to £65 for a burst-fade mullet.
Quick Answer
These aren’t really two versions of the same haircut; they’re two different decisions. A low taper fade is the safe, all-purpose choice: short all over, subtly blended, and works everywhere. A burst fade mullet is a style choice: a curved fade, a longer back, and more attention. If you’re not sure you want the mullet length, get the low taper first; you can always grow into the burst fade mullet later. You can’t easily go the other way without a fresh cut.
At a Glance
| Low Taper Fade | Burst Fade Mullet | |
|---|---|---|
| Fade shape | Straight, vertical blend | Curved, semi-circular arc around the ear |
| Back length | Same as sides, short throughout | 2 to 6 inches kept long |
| Visual statement | Subtle, low-key | Bold, attention-grabbing |
| Best for | First fades, professional settings | Men who want a distinctive look |
| Maintenance | Every 4 to 6 weeks | Fade every 3 weeks, mullet trim every 6 to 8 weeks |
| UK cost | £18 to £45 | £30 to £65 |
| Reversibility | Can grow into a mullet later | Requires committing to back length |
Why These Get Confused
Both cuts often start from the exact same fade height, just above the ear. The confusion comes from the fact that a low taper fade can technically be the side-and-back treatment under a burst fade mullet; the burst fade mullet is really “a low taper, but with the arc shaped and the back left long” rather than a completely separate technique.
The real distinction is what happens at the back specifically. A low taper fade only controls the sides and neckline; the top can be anything. A textured crop, slick back, pompadour, or curly fringe all work fine on top of a low taper. What a low taper fade does NOT include is length kept at the back; the back stays as short as the sides. A burst fade mullet deliberately leaves 2 to 6 inches at the back specifically, while the sides stay tight, creating the contrast the mullet is built on. The top styling choice is independent of either fade; it’s the back section that defines the difference.
Guard Sizes
Low Taper Fade
| Section | Guard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Neckline base | #1 (3mm) | Never reaches skin |
| Mid blend | #2 (6mm) | Gradual upward transition |
| Upper transition | #3 to #4 (9 to 13mm) | Blends into longer top |
| Top | Scissors or clipper-over-comb | Even length throughout |
Burst Fade Mullet
| Section | Guard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arc base (near ear) | #1 (3mm) | Sets the curve starting point |
| Mid arc | #1.5 (4.5mm) | Defines the burst shape |
| Upper arc | #2 (6mm) | Where the curve meets longer hair |
| Back/mullet section | Scissors only | Length preserved, 2 to 6 inches |
Guard size standards are cross-referenced against Wahl UK clipper cutting length specifications
At the chair: “Low taper” and “burst fade” describe completely different shapes, not different heights. Saying “low taper” when you mean “burst fade mullet” will get you a straight blend with no curve and a trimmed back, not the look you wanted.
Which Hair Type Suits Which?
| Hair Type | Better Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | Either | It works fine on both; it comes down to personal preference |
| Wavy | Burst Fade Mullet | Natural movement fills out the back section with less styling effort |
| Curly | Burst Fade Mullet | Curl pattern gives the mullet shape and volume without much product |
| Coily | Burst Fade Mullet | Texture holds the back length well, less prone to looking flat |
| Fine | Low Taper Fade | Long back sections on fine hair can look thin and stringy |
| Thick | Either | Enough density to support a mullet, also sits well under a low taper |
UK Pricing
| City | Low Taper Fade | Burst Fade Mullet |
|---|---|---|
| London | £25 to £45 | £45 to £65 |
| Manchester | £20 to £35 | £30 to £50 |
| Birmingham | £18 to £32 | £28 to £48 |
| Leeds | £18 to £30 | £28 to £45 |
The burst fade mullet costs more because the curved arc takes longer to blend cleanly than a straight taper line, and most barbers charge extra for the additional scissor work on the back section. For a city-specific estimate, use the UK Barbershop Price Calculator.
The Maintenance Gap Most Men Don’t Expect
A low taper fade has one maintenance clock: the fade. Refresh it every 4 to 6 weeks, and you’re done.
A burst fade mullet has two. The arc blurs faster than a straight taper line does, usually needing a refresh every 3 weeks. The back section grows on its own separate timeline and needs trimming every 6 to 8 weeks to stay shaped rather than shapeless. Treat them as one visit and you’ll either walk out with an overgrown arc or a mullet that’s been cut shorter than you wanted just to “match” the fade schedule.
This is the detail that catches people switching from a low taper to a burst fade mullet for the first time. The fade alone isn’t more work; it’s the second clock that adds up.
Which Face Shape Suits Which?
Round face:
Both work, but differently. The low taper does little to change proportions either way. The burst fade mullet’s curved arc actively reduces visual width at the sides, while the back length adds height, a stronger fit if you want the cut to do some of the work.
Square face:
Either suits it. A low taper keeps things clean and lets the jaw speak for itself. A burst-fade mullet adds more visual interest without fighting the strong jawline.
Oval face:
No restrictions on either.
Long or oblong face:
Low taper is the safer pick; it doesn’t add height. The burst fade mullet’s back length can elongate an already long face further if styled with too much volume.
Not sure which face shape you have? The StyleScan tool identifies your face shape in 30 seconds.
Barber Script
For a low taper fade:
“I want a low taper fade, stop at a #1 at the neckline, never go to skin. Keep the blend gradual and even all over, nothing kept long at the back.”
For a burst fade mullet:
“I want a burst fade mullet, the fade should curve in a semi-circle around the ear, not a straight taper. Guards #1 through #2 for the arc. Keep [X] inches at the back, scissor work only, no clippers on the mullet section.”
Want a script built for your hair type and the exact look you want? The Barber Script Generator builds a custom version in 30 seconds.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose the low taper fade if:
- You want a safe, low-effort cut that works everywhere
- You’re not ready to commit to growing out the back
- You work somewhere conservative
- This is your first time getting a proper fade
Choose the burst fade mullet if:
- You want a cut that gets noticed
- You’re comfortable with two separate maintenance schedules
- You already have some length at the back, or are willing to grow it
- You want the curved arc shape specifically, not just a short fade
FAQs
Can I get a low taper fade now and switch to a burst fade mullet later?
Yes, this is actually the easier direction. Keep the sides on a low taper and let the back grow out. Once you have 2 to 3 inches at the back, ask your barber to reshape the fade into the curved burst arc. Going the other way, from a burst-fade mullet back to a low taper, means cutting off the back length you’ve grown.
Is the burst fade mullet just a low taper fade with longer hair at the back?
Not exactly. The fade shape itself changes; a low taper uses a straight vertical blend, while a burst fade curves in a semi-circle around the ear. You could technically grow a mullet under a low taper fade, but it wouldn’t have the burst arc shape that defines this specific cut.
Which one is easier to maintain?
The low taper faded by a clear margin. One section to maintain, one schedule, and longer stretches between visits. The burst-fade mullet needs you to track two separate growth rates, which adds complexity even if neither visit individually takes longer.
Does hair type affect which one I should choose?
Curly and wavy hair tend to suit the burst fade mullet particularly well; the natural texture fills out the back section without much styling effort. Straight hair works for either but needs more deliberate styling to keep the mullet from looking flat. See the burst-fade mullet for curly hair guide for texture-specific detail.
Which is more professional?
The low taper fade, without much debate. It reads as clean and conservative in almost any UK workplace. The burst fade mullet can work in creative industries but tends to draw more attention in formal or client-facing roles, which isn’t necessarily a problem, just a different statement.
What if I want the burst arc but not the long back?
That’s a separate cut entirely, not really either of these two. Ask your barber for “a burst fade with the back kept short”; you get the curved arc shape without the mullet length. This sits between the two cuts covered here.
Related Guides
- Low taper fade full guide → Low Taper Fade UK
- Burst fade mullet full guide → Burst Fade Mullet UK
- Curly hair specific → Burst Fade Mullet for Curly Hair
- Maintenance schedule → Burst Fade Mullet Maintenance Routine
- Another fade shape comparison → Burst Fade vs Drop Fade
- City pricing → UK Barbershop Price Calculator
- Personalised script → Barber Script Generator
Written by James Carter
Founder, LowTaperFades.co.uk, UK men’s haircut guides since 2025. Covering fades, tapers, and mullets with UK-specific pricing, guard sizes, and barber scripts.
Last updated: June 2026 | Next review: September 2026