The mullet is a bold hairstyle that can give you an edgy, low-maintenance look, but if you choose the wrong cut or style, it could go very wrong for you. This hairstyle originally came to trend in the 70s/80s but has recently taken a leap. It’s not simply a relic of days gone by, but rather a contemporary look that is able to blend retro vibes with novel modern trends. One of many mullet moments was when Billy Ray Cyrus sported it in the “Achy Breaky Heart” music video, cementing it as a pop cultural phenomenon. For many today, the mullet is not so much about making a statement as it is simply to have that freedom to express oneself. In modern mullets, the fade is contoured; layers are texturized and there are dozens of featured lengths available to use depending on personality.
This look has evolved through the years as celebrities and regular folks have taken it and made it their own. Consider that Chris Hemsworth has sported a played-with version of the mullet, but tilted in a cleaned-up and fashionable direction. The mullet endures as a trend thanks to its versatile nature, offering styles ranging from clean modern mullets to more bold and daring designs. Whether you want your mullet short and neat or longer with some texture, the hairstyle itself is one that anyone who wants to be different can’t abandon.
Trending Types of Mullet Hairstyles
1 Modern Mullet
The modern mullet is a trendy and versatile hairstyle for men, combining shorter sides with a longer top and back, offering a more controlled and subdued look compared to its classic counterpart. It’s easy to personalize with a taper fade, added texture, or color, making it suitable for various hair types like curly, straight, or fine. For instance, celebrities like Chris Hemsworth have sported the modern mullet with a sleek, styled finish, proving it can be both bold and refined. To style, blow-dry the front with a vented brush for lift, then apply styling cream for flexible hold and natural movement. The modern mullet blends classic elements with a fresh twist, making it the perfect choice for men seeking a bold yet practical hairstyle.
2 Long Mullet
The long mullet is a striking and bold hairstyle that combines a long, flowing back with shorter sides, making it a standout choice for those who love to make a statement. This unique style offers volume and texture, with the shorter sides providing a clean, sharp contrast to the longer back. From casual gatherings to parties, the long mullet ensures all eyes are on you. For a polished look, simply blow-dry the hair for natural movement, use texture clay for flexible hold, and finish with argan oil to keep the strands smooth and frizz-free. It’s a versatile, low-maintenance style that offers an effortlessly cool vibe, perfect for anyone looking to embrace individuality in their everyday life.
3 Mohawk Mullet
The Mohawk Mullet is a bold style that blends the sharp edges of a mohawk with the flowing back of a mullet. A long strip of hair runs from the forehead to the nape, with added texture at the crown and back. The undercut buzz and short beard bring balance to the look. This versatile cut works for both casual and professional settings. For example, you could rock this style at a night out or even a relaxed office day. Use mousse, gel, and texture powder for lift, and blow-dry with finger-shaping to keep the structure intact.
4 Short Mullet
The Short Mullet is a modern, edgy style that blends a textured top with a clean fade on the sides. It features a messy fringe in the front, with a shorter, neat back that offers a fresh twist on the classic mullet. The undercut buzz and subtle beard add an extra touch of masculinity, making it a versatile and bold look suitable for any occasion. Whether you prefer it neat and trimmed or a bit longer for a relaxed vibe, this style works. For styling, use mousse or gel for volume, and blow-dry upwards to create a natural movement and structure, keeping the bold attitude intact.
5 Burst Fade Mullet
The burst fade mullet is a bold and modern twist on the classic mullet, combining retro style with a contemporary edge. Featuring a razor fade that starts at the ear and expands outward in a circular pattern, it smoothly blends into the rest of the hair for a sharp, clean look. This haircut is perfect for those who want the bold shape of a mullet but prefer a more refined, subtle approach. It has gained popularity among athletes, with the quick transition from long to short hair creating dramatic, sharp lines that draw attention. A great example is when an athlete steps onto the field with a burst fade mullet—instantly making a statement of confidence and style. To finish the look, apply texture clay for definition and blow-dry with finger styling. This haircut is ideal for oval or square face shapes, offering a standout style that is both daring and easy to manage.
6 Curly Mullet
The curly mullet is a unique and bold hairstyle that works perfectly for men with natural curls. It’s a low-maintenance look, as the texture and volume of curly hair naturally form a defined shape. For men with straight hair, achieving this look is still possible with some styling products and daily effort. The curly mullet became popular in the 80s, worn by rock stars and musicians who embraced its edgy, rebellious vibe. Today, it continues to be a symbol of individuality. The thick curls, combined with a thick fringe and razor fade around the ears, create a distinct look. To maintain the style, blow-dry with a diffuser to keep curls defined, and apply styling cream to control frizz. This style offers a playful yet stylish vibe, perfect for those looking to embrace both volume and movement in their hair.
7 Mullet Fade
The mullet fade is a bold, trendy haircut that perfectly blends modern style with retro charm. With shorter, blended sides contrasting against longer hair on top and at the back, it creates a sharp, eye-catching look. The fade transitions smoothly into the skin, highlighting the textured top and heavy fringe, making it a great choice for younger men looking for something unique. I remember styling a friend’s mullet fade for his birthday—he was unsure at first, but after seeing how the fade and textured layers popped, he felt super confident. After blow-drying for volume, we shaped it with fingers and finished with Texture Clay for hold. By the end of the night, everyone was complimenting his bold look! It’s a perfect cut for anyone wanting an effortless, stylish, and low-maintenance look.
8 Shaggy Mullet
The shaggy mullet is a bold, edgy hairstyle that mixes classic and rockstar vibes. It features a layered, tousled texture that creates natural flow and effortless movement. Shorter strands frame the face while the back stays longer, giving a laid-back yet stylish shape. Want a volume boost? Blow-dry and use Styling Cream to keep those layers soft and flexible. This cut, popular since the ’70s, is all about embracing individuality with choppy layers and short sides. It’s perfect for fine hair—just tease it a bit for maximum volume on top. A rebellious fringe adds that windblown look, making you feel like a true rockstar! Looking for a cut that screams confidence and effortless cool? This is it!
9 Two Block Mullet
The two-block mullet is a bold and unique hairstyle that features a longer top and back, contrasted by much shorter sides, typically achieved with an undercut or buzzed block. This cut creates a distinct look that is both edgy and stylish, offering versatility for experimenting with different textures and bold colors. From sleek, structured looks to messy, textured styles, the two-block mullet can be adapted to suit any mood. I recently styled this cut for a friend, and the response was incredible. The longer top added movement and flow, while the shorter sides gave the style definition. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants a hairstyle that combines attention-grabbing features with a playful, rebellious vibe. With the right styling, you can achieve a variety of looks—from clean and neat to wild and textured—perfect for those who want a statement look.
10 Trendy Short Mullet with Low Taper Fade
The trendy short mullet with a low taper fade is a perfect blend of classic style and modern flair. This haircut combines the rebellious, spiky brush-up look with the shape and feel of a mullet, creating a bold, eye-catching style. The thick hair on top flows upward and slightly outward, forming soft spikes that give the look a dynamic and textured feel. The low taper fade on the sides adds definition and character, making it a sharp, well-balanced cut. I styled this look for a client recently, and the contrast between the voluminous top and the clean sides made the style pop. The soft spikes gave it a youthful, fresh vibe, and the blended beard really pulled everything together. This cut is perfect for someone who wants a bold, stylish look that’s easy to maintain while offering versatility for different styles and occasions.
11 Mullet Faux Hawk
A mullet faux hawk is a striking hairstyle that merges the distinct shape of a mullet with the bold height and sharp edges of a faux hawk. A strip of hair runs down the center of the top, standing straight up to create a daring look, while the sides and back are cut much shorter to blend seamlessly into the top section. The low fade on the sides adds a clean, sharp finish, and the neat edge-up at the temple and hairline refines the look, blending boldness with sophistication. This style is perfect for anyone seeking a unique, edgy yet polished appearance. Fact check: The mullet faux hawk is often seen in modern fashion and pop culture, making it a popular choice for individuals looking to make a statement with their hairstyle.
12 Temp Fade Mullet
A temp fade mullet with well-defined curls combines sex appeal with rebellious edge to create an attractive yet daring style. The shapely cut features a high temp fade that gives structure and class, with the sides tapered short while the top is left longer and styled to perfection. The well-defined curls add texture, making it stand out with a polished look. A short, stubbly beard adds a rugged masculinity, completing the overall bold yet refined appearance. Celebrities like Jason Momoa have embraced similar edgy styles, showcasing how this cut exudes confidence and personality. I’ve styled this look for clients who want something that balances boldness with class. The mix of structure from the fade and softness from the curls gives a fresh, confident vibe. The short beard enhances the sharpness of the cut, making it sleek and masculine. This style is ideal for someone looking for a stylish, confident, and rebellious look that’s not too over-the-top.
13 Faded Mullet with Fringe
A faded mullet with fringe is a fantastic style, especially for those with fine, straight hair. This cut keeps the hair close to the head while offering a sharp and bold look. The fade is lined up with the length of the side-swept fringe, creating both dimension and visual interest. The sides are tapered, and the hair at the back is slightly shorter than the top. This creates a stylish contrast, drawing attention to the front fringe and adding balance to the overall shape. I recently styled this cut for a client with fine hair, and it turned out great. The way the fringe blended into the fade gave it a clean, fresh look, while the simple addition of a goatee added a masculine touch. This style is ideal for anyone who wants a sleek, easy-to-maintain haircut with just the right amount of edge. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a bold look without going too extreme. Fact check: The faded mullet with fringe has gained popularity in pop culture, with celebrities like Brad Pitt and Zac Efron often seen rocking similar styles. Their bold, yet refined looks have made this cut more mainstream and highly sought after by those looking for a stylish, versatile option.
14 Fluffy Mullet
The fluffy mullet is a stylish and fun haircut that combines soft layers with extra volume, creating a relaxed yet fashionable edge. Its airy texture naturally frames the head while the longer back adds a playful and bold touch. To achieve the perfect look, blow-dry the hair upward for lift, then lightly shape it with Volumizing Mousse to maintain fullness and flexibility. This cut is perfect for those who want an easy-to-maintain, low-effort style that still delivers plenty of movement and personality. I recently styled this cut on a client with thick, coarse hair, and the results were amazing. The choppy and spiky texture worked perfectly, with the longest hair at the center, gradually shorter at the sides and back. The mid-length fringe balanced the nape, and a high razor fade added extra height. This cut is ideal for anyone looking for a bold, low-maintenance hairstyle. For example, a friend of mine, who typically goes for simple styles, tried the fluffy mullet for a concert. He was surprised at how the volume and texture made him feel more confident and unique. It became the talk of the evening, and he was asked multiple times where he got his haircut, proving how impactful and eye-catching this style can be in everyday life.
15 Mullet Taper Fade
A Mullet Taper Fade combines the classic mullet (short front, long back) with a modern taper fade, where the hair gradually shortens on the sides and back. This look offers a clean, edgy style, with the longer hair at the back balanced by neat, faded sides. It’s a bold yet low-maintenance haircut that works well for both casual and formal settings. The taper fade gives the mullet a modern twist, making it versatile for different occasions. Example: Think of a man with short, textured hair on top and longer hair at the back, while the sides are tapered for a sharp finish. Celebrities like Joe Keery from Stranger Things have rocked this style, making it a trendy, low-maintenance option. Add pomade for extra texture and hold.
Mullet vs Other Hairstyles: Key Differences
| Feature | Mullet | Other Hairstyles |
| Length | Longer at the back, shorter on the sides | Generally uniform length or volume throughout |
| Style | Bold, rebellious, and unconventional | Sleek, practical, or more traditional |
| Variations | Faded mullet, fluffy mullet, textured layers | Pompadour, buzz cut, crew cut, undercut, etc. |
| Appearance | Contrasting lengths create a daring, edgy look | Focuses on neatness, symmetry, or clean shapes |
| Suitability | Ideal for those seeking a bold, standout look | Perfect for people preferring simplicity and practicality |
| Cultural Influence | Often linked with rockstars or retro fashion | Influenced by contemporary trends, mainstream styles |
| Flexibility | Can be styled with volume or texture, creative options | Mostly uniform styling, less room for variation |
Mullet vs Wolf Cut
| Feature | Mullet | Wolf Cut |
| Hair Length | Longer hair at the back, shorter sides | Layered, choppy cut with varying lengths throughout |
| Shape/Style | Distinct contrast between longer back and shorter sides | Soft, textured layers with volume and natural flow |
| Popularity | Retro, rebellious, often linked to rockstars | Modern, trendy, popular among younger generations |
Mullet vs Burst Fade
| Feature | Mullet | Burst Fade |
| Hair Length | Longer hair at the back, shorter on the sides | Shorter hair with a fade that bursts around the ear |
| Style | Bold and rebellious, with contrast between top and back | Smooth gradient fade with focus around the ear |
| Suitability | Best for those looking for a retro or edgy look | Great for those seeking a clean, modern fade |
How to Ask Your Barber for a Mullet
After reading this guide, you’ll be fully equipped to direct your barber for the perfect mullet haircut—one that’s sharp, modern, and tailored to your style. The key to getting the right mullet lies in clear, specific instructions. Here’s how to effectively guide your barber:
1. Set the Tone
Start by explaining the overall vibe of the mullet you want. Instead of just saying “mullet,” be specific:
“I want a modern mullet, not too dramatic or retro. Something sharp, clean, and edgy.”
This immediately gives your barber a clear direction, signaling you’re looking for an updated, stylish take on the mullet.
2. Sides and Fade
The sides are crucial for creating a contrast that complements the length in the back. Be direct:
“Please keep the sides short with a fade or taper. I want them tight, but not too extreme. I’m looking for a clean, blended fade that doesn’t overpower the back.”
This ensures the sides are sharp but balanced, not taking attention away from the mullet’s true character.
3. Back Length
The back of the mullet is where you get that iconic look, but it should be well-defined. Say:
“I want the back to be around shoulder-length or just above. No rat-tail vibes—keep it neat and proportional to the sides.”
This helps your barber understand how much length you’re comfortable with while ensuring the overall shape is clean.
4. Texture and Volume
Texture adds personality to your mullet, so if you want it to have more movement, be clear about that too:
“Can you add some texture and volume to the crown? I want the back to have some layers for a little more flow and edge.”
This ensures the style has depth and doesn’t feel too flat, giving it a fresh, modern feel.
5. Final Touches and References
If you have a reference photo or specific inspiration, bring it along. This makes a world of difference:
“I found a mullet style I really like—here’s a photo. I want it to look similar to this, but with a bit more volume in the back.”
Showing a picture helps the barber understand the exact look you’re aiming for, so they can execute it precisely.
By following these steps, you’ll walk out of the salon with a mullet that’s perfectly tailored to your personality and style. No more guessing or hoping for the best—just a mullet that’s sharp, stylish, and totally you!
How to Maintain a Mullet Haircut
Maintaining a mullet haircut requires regular upkeep to keep it sharp and fresh. To ensure your mullet stays stylish and neat, you’ll need to trim it regularly and style it to your preference. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your mullet:
- Trim Regularly: Get the sides and back trimmed every 4-6 weeks to maintain the shape and avoid excessive growth.
- Shampoo & Condition: Keep your hair healthy with regular washing and conditioning to ensure the back stays shiny and manageable.
- Styling: Use a lightweight styling gel or pomade to add texture and volume to the back, giving it that signature look.
- Keep It Clean: Ensure the sides stay clean and fade neatly. A regular touch-up around the ears and neck will prevent the look from becoming messy.
- Adapt to Your Hair Type: If you have curly hair, consider using products to manage frizz and keep your curls looking styled.
