For a mullet, that choice matters. The back gives the haircut its personality, but the sides control the shape, balance, and overall finish.
This is where many people get confused. A mullet fade usually means the sides are faded shorter while the back stays longer. A taper mullet keeps the same longer back, but the sides are cleaned more conservatively around the temples, sideburns, and neckline.
A fade usually blends the sides much shorter, sometimes close to the skin. This makes the longer top and back stand out more. A taper keeps more length and softly cleans the sideburns, temples, and neckline.
What Is a Mullet Fade?
A mullet fade combines longer hair at the back with faded sides. It is the sharper and more modern version of the cut because the short sides create a clear contrast against the longer sections.
The fade can sit low, mid, or high, depending on how bold you want the haircut to look. It can also curve around the ear as a burst fade mullet, which is one of the most popular fade choices for this style.
A mullet fade works well if your hair feels heavy around the sides. It removes weight near the ears and helps the haircut look cleaner from the front and side.
The trade-off is upkeep. Fades grow out faster than tapers because the shortest areas become visible sooner.
Best Fade Options for a Mullet
Not every fade gives the same result. The fade height and shape can change how bold, balanced, or wearable the mullet looks.
Low Fade Mullet
A low fade starts lower around the ears and neckline. It gives the mullet a clean edge without making the sides look too extreme.
This is the safest fade for most first-time mullets. It adds shape while keeping the haircut wearable for everyday life.
A low fade works well if you want a cleaner mullet but still want the back and top to look balanced.
Mid Fade Mullet
A mid fade starts higher on the sides and creates more contrast. It removes more weight than a low fade, which helps if your hair grows thick around the ears.
This option works well with textured tops, waves, curls, and thicker hair types. It gives the mullet a stronger modern shape without going as bold as a high fade.
A mid fade is a good choice if you want the haircut to look styled from every angle.
Burst Fade Mullet
A burst fade mullet curves around the ear and blends into the longer back. Instead of fading straight up the side, the shape radiates around the ear in a rounded pattern.
This is one of the best options if you want the back to stay full while keeping the sides sharp. It works especially well with curly, wavy, or textured hair because it follows the natural shape of the head.
A burst fade gives the cut movement and contrast without cutting too much into the mullet haircut length. It is also one of the strongest choices for anyone who wants a modern mullet fade with a cleaner side profile.
What Is a Taper Mullet?
A taper mullet keeps the haircut clean without removing as much side length. Instead of blending the sides tightly into the skin, the barber softens the edges around the sideburns, temples, neckline, or behind the ears.
This makes the mullet look shaped without making it too sharp. It is a better choice if you want the haircut to feel natural, relaxed, and easier to grow out.
A taper works well if you want:
- A softer side profile
- More length around the sides
- A cleaner neckline
- A less dramatic mullet
- A smoother grow-out
It is also a strong option if you are trying a mullet for the first time. You still get the shape, but the sides do not feel too short or exposed.
Related Article: Taper Vs. Fade Hairstyle
Best Taper Options for a Mullet
A taper can be subtle or more defined depending on where it is placed. For mullets, the most useful options are low tapers, temple tapers, and neck tapers.
Low Taper Mullet
A low taper mullet cleans the lower edges of the haircut while keeping most of the side length. It gives the mullet a neat finish without changing the whole shape.
This is a great choice if you want a casual mullet that still looks barbered. It keeps the cut soft, balanced, and easy to manage.
A low taper mullet is also the more conservative option compared to a burst fade mullet. The sides still look clean, but the contrast is lower. That makes it easier to wear in school, work, or any setting where you want the mullet to feel less bold.
Temple Taper Mullet
A temple taper focuses on the temples and sideburns. It keeps the haircut cleaner around the face while leaving more fullness through the rest of the sides.
This works especially well for curly or wavy hair. It controls the outline without removing too much natural texture.
A temple taper is also useful if your hair grows heavy near the front corners. It cleans that area while keeping the haircut relaxed.
Neck Taper Mullet
A neck taper cleans the neckline while leaving the longer back intact. This matters because the back of a mullet can start looking messy if the neckline grows out unevenly.
A neck taper helps the back look intentional. It keeps the cut tidy without taking away the length that makes the mullet a mullet.
Burst Fade Mullet vs. Low Taper Mullet
The biggest difference between a burst fade mullet and a low taper mullet is the shape around the ears. A burst fade radiates around the ear and creates a stronger curved fade. A low taper stays lower and focuses on clean, conservative edges.
| Style | Best Face Shapes | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Burst fade mullet | Round, oval, heart-shaped | The curved fade adds structure around the sides and makes the haircut look sharper. It can help round faces appear more defined. |
| Low taper mullet | Oval, square, longer faces | The softer edges keep more width on the sides, which can balance longer faces and soften strong jawlines. |
| Modern mullet fade | Oval, round, diamond | The cleaner side contrast works well when the top has texture and the back has enough length to balance the fade. |
| Taper mullet | Square, oval, rectangular | The natural side length keeps the haircut less severe while still cleaning the edges. |
| Low fade mullet | Round, oval, square | The lower fade gives shape without removing too much side balance, making it a safer choice for many face shapes. |
If you want the mullet to look bold from the side, choose a burst fade mullet. If you want the haircut to feel cleaner but more relaxed, choose a low taper mullet.
Fade or Taper: How to Choose
The easiest way to choose is to think about how bold you want the haircut to look. A fade gives the mullet more edge. A taper keeps it more natural.
A fade is usually the better choice if:
- You want strong contrast
- Your sides grow thick
- You like a crisp, fresh-cut look
- You want the mullet to look more modern
- You do not mind more frequent touch-ups
A taper is usually the better choice if:
- You want a softer haircut
- You prefer easier maintenance
- You are trying a mullet for the first time
- You want more length on the sides
- You want the haircut to grow out smoothly
If you are unsure, start with a low taper or low fade. You can always go shorter at your next appointment, but growing out a very high fade takes more time.
Related Article: The Fade: How to Achieve the Perfect Fade Haircut
Which Is Easier to Maintain?
A taper is easier to maintain because it grows out more softly. It does not lose its shape as quickly, especially if the cut is kept natural.
A fade needs more upkeep. The shorter the fade, the faster you notice regrowth. Skin fades usually need the most frequent clean-ups, while low fades grow out a little more softly.
As a general guide:
- Skin fades usually need a clean-up every 2 to 3 weeks.
- Low or mid fades often need a clean-up every 3 to 4 weeks.
- Tapers can often last around 4 to 6 weeks.
- Neck tapers should be cleaned when the back starts looking uneven.
The back of the mullet also needs attention. Even if the sides still look good, the neckline and longer section can lose shape over time.
Make Your Mullet Work From Every Angle
The best mullet is not just about the length at the back. The sides decide how sharp, balanced, and wearable the haircut feels.
Choose a mullet fade if you want stronger contrast, shorter sides, and a modern finish. Choose a taper mullet if you want softer edges, easier maintenance, and a more natural grow-out.
If you are deciding between a burst fade mullet, a low taper mullet, or another modern mullet fade, book a consultation with Fade Artist Barber Lounge in Barrie. A barber can check your hair texture, side growth, neckline, and style goals before shaping the cut properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a fade or taper better for a mullet?
A fade is better if you want a strong contrast and a sharper modern style. A taper is better if you want a softer, cleaner haircut that grows out easily. For a first-time mullet, a low taper or low fade is usually the safest choice because both keep the style wearable.
What is the best fade for a mullet?
A burst fade is one of the best fade options for a mullet because it curves around the ear and blends into the longer back. It keeps the classic mullet shape while making the sides cleaner. A low fade is better if you want something more subtle.
Does a taper mullet look professional?
A taper mullet can look professional if the back length is controlled and the edges stay clean. The taper softens the haircut, so it does not look as extreme as a skin fade. A low taper is usually the best option for a polished everyday look.
How often should you touch up a mullet fade?
A mullet fade usually needs a touch-up every two to four weeks, depending on how short the sides are. Skin fades grow out fastest because the contrast disappears quickly. Low fades can last a little longer, while tapers usually grow out more softly between barber visits.
