Curly Burst Fade Mullet vs. Curtain Mullet: Which Should You Get?
If you have curly or wavy hair and you’re drawn to the mullet’s mix of short and long, you’ve probably run into two very different-looking options: the curly burst fade mullet and the curtain mullet haircut. They solve the same basic problem — what to do with curly hair that’s growing out — in almost opposite ways.
This guide breaks down what separates them, which one suits which curl pattern and lifestyle, and how to talk to your barber about either one.
In this guide:
- What a curly burst fade mullet actually is
- What a curtain mullet haircut is, and how it differs
- A side-by-side comparison
- Which one suits your curl pattern, face shape, and maintenance tolerance
- How to communicate either style clearly to a barber
- FAQ
What Is a Curly Burst Fade Mullet?
A curly burst fade mullet combines a burst fade — a fade that curves around the ear rather than running in a straight line — with a mullet’s long back section, worn on naturally curly or wavy hair. The sides and front are cut short and faded, while the back is left long, and the curl pattern is preserved throughout.
The defining feature is contrast: short, faded sides next to a longer, curlier back and crown. The burst shape (rather than a straight fade line) is what makes this pairing work well specifically with curl texture, since the curve blends more naturally into curly hair’s irregular growth pattern than a straight line would.
What Is a Curtain Mullet Haircut?
A curtain mullet haircut combines curtain bangs — hair parted in the middle and swept to both sides across the forehead — with a mullet’s long back section. Unlike the burst fade version, the sides here are typically left longer overall, without a dramatic fade, so the whole cut reads as more uniformly long with the exception of the parted fringe at the front.
The defining feature of a curtain mullet is the middle-parted fringe framing the face, rather than any contrast at the sides. It’s a softer, less structured look than a burst fade mullet, relying on natural texture and movement rather than a sharp fade line for its visual interest.
Curly Burst Fade Mullet vs. Curtain Mullet: Side-by-Side
| Factor | Curly Burst Fade Mullet | Curtain Mullet Haircut |
|---|---|---|
| Side treatment | Short, faded (burst shape) | Longer, minimal or no fade |
| Front styling | No fringe emphasis; top blends into fade | Middle-parted curtain fringe |
| Overall contrast | High — sharp sides vs. long back | Low — more uniform length throughout |
| Maintenance frequency | Every 3–4 weeks (fade upkeep) | Every 6–8 weeks (length trim only) |
| Best for | Curl definition + bold, structured look | Soft, low-maintenance, face-framing look |
Recommendation: If you want a bold, structured look and don’t mind frequent barbershop visits, the curly burst fade mullet delivers more visual definition. If you want a lower-maintenance, softer style that still keeps mullet-length hair at the back, the curtain mullet is the easier option to live with day to day.
Which One Suits You?
Choose a curly burst fade mullet if:
- You want strong visual contrast between short and long sections.
- You don’t mind visiting the barber every 3–4 weeks to maintain the fade.
- Your curl pattern is tight enough to hold shape and definition against the short sides.
Choose a curtain mullet haircut if:
- You want a softer, more relaxed look with less upkeep.
- You like the idea of face-framing fringe rather than faded sides.
- Your hair is wavy rather than tightly curly, since curtain styles tend to rely on looser wave patterns to fall naturally to each side.
By face shape:
- Rounder faces often suit the curly burst fade mullet better, since the short, faded sides add visual height and structure.
- Longer or narrower faces may prefer the curtain mullet, since the face-framing fringe can soften angles without adding extra height.
How to Communicate Either Style to Your Barber
- Name the style specifically — “curly burst fade mullet” and “curtain mullet” are different enough that saying just “mullet” won’t get you either one reliably.
- Bring a reference photo — Both styles have significant variation within them, so a photo narrows down exactly how short the sides should go or how the fringe should fall.
- Specify fade height for the burst fade version — Low, mid, or high burst fade changes the look significantly; be clear about which you want.
- Discuss fringe length for the curtain version — Curtain fringe length varies from eyebrow-grazing to cheekbone-length; specify your preference.
- Confirm back length for either — The mullet portion at the back is the shared element between both styles, so agree on how long you want it kept.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a curly burst fade mullet and a curtain mullet? A curly burst fade mullet uses short, faded sides in a curved burst shape, creating strong contrast with the long back, while a curtain mullet keeps the sides longer and relies on a middle-parted fringe for its defining feature instead of a fade.
Which is lower maintenance, a curly burst fade mullet or a curtain mullet? A curtain mullet is generally lower maintenance, needing a trim every 6–8 weeks since there’s no fade to keep sharp, compared to every 3–4 weeks for a curly burst fade mullet.
Can I switch between a curly burst fade mullet and a curtain mullet? Not immediately — since the burst fade version requires short sides, you’d need to grow the sides out significantly before a curtain mullet’s longer, more uniform length becomes possible.
Does a curtain mullet work with tight curls? It can, though curtain mullets are more commonly associated with looser waves, since tighter curls don’t always fall into the same middle-parted shape that defines the curtain look.
Which style suits a professional setting better? A curtain mullet generally reads as softer and less dramatic than a curly burst fade mullet, though both are on the bolder end of professional-appropriate styles depending on your workplace.
Do both styles require the same back length? Not necessarily — both can be styled with the same mullet-length back, but many people pair the curly burst fade mullet with a slightly shorter back than a curtain mullet, since the fade already provides visual contrast.
Key Takeaways
- A curly burst fade mullet uses short, faded, curved sides for high contrast; a curtain mullet keeps sides longer and uses a middle-parted fringe instead.
- The burst fade version needs more frequent maintenance (every 3–4 weeks) than the curtain version (every 6–8 weeks).
- Curl pattern matters: tighter curls tend to suit the burst fade version better, while looser waves suit the curtain version.
- Naming your chosen style specifically and bringing a reference photo prevents miscommunication, since both styles vary significantly within themselves.
A note on accuracy: exact suitability and maintenance windows vary by individual hair texture, curl pattern, and barbershop — treat this as a general comparison and confirm specifics with your barber.
