The world of men’s hair is always changing, but some styles have a way of coming back stronger than ever. One look that has completely taken over recently is the mullet haircut. You might remember it as the famous look from decades ago, but today, it has a fresh and stylish twist.
A mullet is a hairstyle where the hair is kept short on the front and sides but left long in the back. This creates a unique contrast that stands out in any crowd. It is often described as business in the front and a party in the back. While it was once seen as a daring choice, it has now become one of the most popular trends for men of all ages.
In this guide, we will explore why this haircut is so popular right now. We will look at many different versions of the style, from clean fades to messy, textured looks. Whether you have straight hair, curly hair, or something in between, there is a version of this cut that can work for you.
We will also cover how to style your hair at home and what products you need to keep it looking sharp. If you are thinking about changing your look, this guide will give you all the information you need to make the right choice. Let’s dive into the world of the most talked-about haircut in modern grooming.
Trending Types of Mullet Hairstyles
Modern Mullet
The modern mullet is a cleaner and more blended version of the classic 1980s look. Instead of a very sharp contrast between the short front and the long back, the hair flows more naturally. It often features tapered sides that make the transition look smooth and professional.
This style is great for men who want to try the trend without it looking too extreme. It works well with many different hair types and face shapes. Because the sides are kept neat, it still looks groomed and intentional.
To get this look, ask your barber for a mid-length top and a gradual increase in length toward the back. You can keep the sides short with a clipper or use scissors for a softer finish. It is a versatile choice that looks good in almost any setting.
Long Mullet
The long mullet is for those who want to make a real statement. This version keeps a significant amount of length at the back, often reaching down to the shoulders or even lower. It leans into the traditional shape of the haircut while keeping the front and sides manageable.
Having long hair at the back allows for more movement and flow. It is a look that shows off your natural hair texture. If you have thick hair, this style can help manage the weight by keeping the sides short.
This style requires a bit more patience as you wait for the back to grow out. You will also need to use good quality conditioners to keep the long sections healthy and free of tangles. It is a bold look that celebrates individuality.
Mullet Taper Fade
A taper fade is a popular way to make a mullet look sharp and modern. In this version, the hair on the sides is faded down to the skin or very short hair around the ears. This creates a very clean line that separates the top and the back from the sides.
The taper fade adds a touch of precision to the haircut. It makes the style look more like a designer haircut rather than something that just grew out. It is a very popular choice for younger men who like a high-contrast look.
Because the sides are so short, the focus is entirely on the length at the back and the volume on top. This is a great way to keep your head cool during warmer months while still maintaining your style. It requires regular trips to the barber to keep the fade looking fresh.
Mohawk Mullet
The mohawk mullet combines two of the most rebellious hairstyles into one. It features a strip of hair that runs from the forehead all the way down to the nape of the neck. The sides are usually shaved very close or faded completely.
This look is very edgy and full of energy. It is perfect for someone who wants a haircut that reflects a bold personality. The width of the center strip can vary depending on your preference.
Styling this look usually involves using products that provide a strong hold. You want the top and the back to stay upright or stay in place throughout the day. It is a high-impact style that definitely turns heads.
Short Mullet
If you prefer a low-maintenance look, the short mullet is an excellent option. In this style, the hair at the back is only slightly longer than the hair on the top. It still follows the general shape of the cut but keeps everything much closer to the head.
The short version is very practical for active men or those who work in professional environments. It offers a subtle hint of the trend without being overwhelming. It is also very easy to style in the morning with just a little bit of product.
Even though it is shorter, you can still play with texture on the top. You can use a matte paste to give it a messy look or keep it combed for a neater appearance. It is a safe entry point into the world of this unique haircut.
Burst Fade Mullet
The burst fade is a specific type of fade that curves around the ear. When combined with a mullet, it creates a very dynamic and stylish shape. The fade bursts outward, leaving the hair at the back to flow down the neck.
This style is particularly popular among people with textured or curly hair. The curve of the fade complements the natural shape of the head and the volume of the hair. It creates a very balanced look that feels very modern.
The burst fade helps to reduce bulk on the sides while keeping the “party” in the back very visible. It is a creative take on the trend that works well with both short and medium lengths at the back.
Curly Mullet
A curly mullet is one of the most popular ways to wear this style today. Natural curls provide built-in volume and texture that make the haircut look effortless and full of life. The short sides help to control the curls so they don’t get too wide.
If you have naturally curly hair, this cut is a great way to embrace your texture. The long hair at the back allows your curls to bounce and move freely. It often looks best when it is a bit messy and lived-in.
To keep this look in top shape, you should use products designed for curls. Leave-in conditioners and curl creams will help define the shape and prevent frizz. It is a soft yet masculine look that is very on-trend.
Mullet Fade
The mullet fade is a general term for any version of this cut that uses a fade on the sides. Unlike a taper which is more gradual, a fade usually goes much shorter. This creates a very distinct disconnected look where the long hair seems to sit on top of the shaved sides.
This style is very popular because it looks intentional and well-kept. The contrast between the skin-short sides and the long back is very striking. It is a great way to modernize a look that people used to think was dated.
You can choose a low, mid, or high fade depending on how much skin you want to show. A high fade will make the look more aggressive, while a low fade is more conservative. It is a customizable option for any man.
Shaggy Mullet
The shaggy mullet is all about layers and texture. It takes inspiration from the rockstar looks of the 1970s. The hair is cut with many different lengths throughout the top and back to create a shaggy appearance.
This style is perfect for men with straight or wavy hair who want more volume. The layers make the hair look thicker and more interesting. It is a very relaxed style that doesn’t require a lot of precise combing.
You can style a shaggy look by simply towel-drying your hair and adding a bit of texturizing spray. It is meant to look a bit undone and cool. It is a great choice for a casual, artistic vibe.
Two Block Mullet
The two block haircut is a very popular style from East Asia. It involves cutting the hair into two distinct blocks or sections. When you add a mullet tail to this, you get a very unique and fashion-forward look.
In this style, the sides and lower back are kept very short, while the top and the very back are left long. The top hair often hangs over the short sides like a cap. It is a very structured and clean-looking style.
This version works exceptionally well for men with straight hair. It provides a lot of movement on top while keeping the sides extremely neat. It is a great example of how different cultures influence modern hair trends.
Trendy Short Mullet with Low Taper Fade
This specific version is perfect for someone who wants a sharp, professional look with a bit of a twist. The low taper fade starts very close to the ears and blends into the hair quickly. The back is kept short but still noticeably longer than the rest.
The trendy part of this look often comes from how the top is styled. Many men choose to have a textured or choppy top with this cut. It looks great with a bit of matte wax to separate the hairs.
Because the fade is low, it is less dramatic than other styles. This makes it a good choice for someone who is trying a fade for the first time. It is a very clean and balanced haircut.
Mullet Faux Hawk
A faux hawk uses styling products to push the hair toward the center of the head, creating a ridge. When you combine this with a mullet, you get a style that is full of height and length. It is a high-energy look that feels very sporty.
The sides are usually kept short to emphasize the height in the middle. The long hair at the back continues the line of the faux hawk down the neck. It is a very cohesive look that flows from front to back.
This style works best with hair that has some natural thickness. You will need a good styling clay to keep the hair pushed toward the center. It is a fun and active style for men who like to stand out.
Temp Fade Mullet
A temp fade, or temple fade, focuses only on the hair around the temples. This leaves more hair on the sides of the head compared to a full fade. When paired with a mullet, it creates a very full and thick appearance.
This is a great option for men who want to keep some of the width of their hair while still having clean edges. The small fade at the temple gives the haircut a finished look. It frames the face very well.
The temp fade is often seen with line-ups, where the hairline is cut into sharp, straight lines. This adds a level of detail that makes the haircut look very premium. It is a sophisticated way to wear a mullet.
Faded Mullet with Fringe
Adding a fringe, or bangs, to a mullet is a very popular modern choice. The hair on the forehead can be cut straight across or left messy. This balances out the length at the back and frames the eyes.
The fringe can be short and micro, or it can be long and reach down to the eyebrows. Having hair in the front makes the mullet look more like a complete frame for the head. It is a very popular look in the fashion world.
This style looks great with a lot of texture. You can use a sea salt spray to give the fringe some wave and volume. It is a creative look that allows for a lot of personal expression.
Fluffy Mullet
The fluffy mullet is all about soft volume. Instead of sharp lines and heavy products, this look focuses on blow-drying the hair to make it look thick and light. It is a very popular look among younger generations.
This style works best if you have a decent amount of hair length to work with. The goal is to make the hair look airy and full. It has a bit of a vintage feel but with a modern, soft touch.
To achieve this, you might use a volumizing mousse while your hair is damp. Then, you use a hair dryer to lift the hair away from the scalp. It is a very touchable and friendly-looking style.
Sexy, Modern Mullet From The Back
When people look at a mullet, the back is what they notice first. A sexy modern version of the back involves careful layering so the hair tapers down beautifully. It shouldn’t just look like a block of hair hanging down.
Barbers often use thinning shears to make the ends look wispy and natural. This prevents the back from looking too heavy or boxy. The way the hair sits on the neck is very important for the overall silhouette.
The back can be styled to follow the curve of the neck or to flip out slightly for more personality. A little bit of oil or serum can give the back a healthy shine. It is the signature part of the entire haircut.
Messy Mullet with Texture
A messy look is often more stylish than a perfectly combed one. This version uses a lot of texture to make the hair look like you just woke up looking great. It is a very relaxed and confident style.
Texture is created by cutting the hair at different angles. This prevents the hair from laying flat against the head. It is a great way to add bulk to thinner hair or manage very thick hair.
You can maintain this look with a texturizing powder. Just a small amount at the roots helps the hair stand up and stay messy in a good way. It is a low-stress style that looks better as the day goes on.
Edgy Mullet with Beard
A mullet and a beard go together very well. The beard helps to balance out the length at the back of the head. It creates a very masculine and rugged appearance.
The key to this look is keeping the edges of the beard and the haircut clean. If the sides of the head are faded, the beard should also be faded into the sideburns. This creates a seamless flow from the top of the head down to the chin.
Whether you have a short stubble beard or a full, long beard, it can work with a mullet. It is a powerful combination that projects a lot of confidence. Regular beard oil will keep the facial hair looking as good as the hair on your head.
Classy Mullet
Believe it or not, a mullet can be classy. This version is very well-groomed and uses subtle transitions. The hair is kept at a moderate length and is usually styled with a neat part or combed back.
The classy version doesn’t use extreme fades or shaven sections. Instead, it relies on expert scissor work to create a shape that is both trendy and sophisticated. It is a look that could work in an office or at a formal event.
Using a light pomade with a bit of shine can help this look appear more formal. It is about showing that the haircut is a deliberate style choice. It is the perfect balance between modern trends and classic grooming.
Quiff Mullet Fade
A quiff is a style where the hair is brushed upward and backward from the forehead. Combining this with a mullet fade creates a lot of visual interest. You have volume at the front, clean sides, and length at the back.
This style is excellent for elongating the face. If you have a rounder face shape, the height of the quiff can help make your face look more oval. It is a very flattering look for many men.
Styling a quiff requires a hair dryer and a round brush to get the initial lift. Once the hair is up, a medium-hold spray or wax will keep it there. It is a classic cool guy look with a modern twist.
Permed Mullet Taper
For men who want curls but don’t have them naturally, a perm is a great solution. A permed mullet provides consistent, tight curls that stay in place for weeks. When combined with a taper on the sides, it looks very intentional.
The perm adds a lot of texture and volume that would be hard to get with just styling products. It is a bold choice that has become very popular again recently. It gives the hair a very specific retro vibe that people love.
You will need to use sulfate-free shampoos to keep the perm from drying out. Curls need moisture to stay looking their best. It is a fun way to completely change your look.
Medium Mullet
The medium mullet is the just right length for many people. The back is long enough to be clearly seen as a mullet, but not so long that it gets in the way. It usually ends right at the base of the neck or just above the shoulders.
This length is very easy to manage. It doesn’t require as much care as a long mullet, but it has more personality than a short one. It is a very popular middle ground.
You can wear it messy, straight, or wavy. It is long enough to show off your hair’s natural character but short enough to dry quickly after a shower. It is a very practical and stylish choice.
Spiky Mullet
A spiky mullet uses the height of the top section to create an aggressive look. The hair is cut into points and styled to stand up. This was very popular in the punk rock scene and remains a favorite for those who like an edgy look.
The spikes can be small and subtle or large and dramatic. The sides are usually kept very short to make the spikes stand out more. The back is also styled to have a bit of a jagged edge.
A strong-hold gel or wax is necessary for this style. You want the spikes to stay sharp all day long. It is a high-energy look that is full of personality.
Choppy Mullet Taper Fade
A choppy cut involves removing weight from the hair to create a very textured, uneven look. This is done on purpose to give the hair more movement. When paired with a taper fade, it looks very modern and high-end.
The choppy nature of the cut makes it very easy to style. You don’t want it to look perfect. In fact, the more random the hair looks, the better the style often appears.
This is a great look for men with thick hair that often feels too heavy. Removing the bulk makes the hair easier to manage and style. It is a fresh take on the classic shape.
Flowing Mullet
The flowing mullet is all about natural movement. It is often worn by men with wavy or slightly long hair. The goal is for the hair to look like it is moving even when you are standing still.
This style avoids heavy products that make the hair stiff. Instead, it uses light creams or sea salt sprays. The hair is often tucked behind the ears to show off the length at the back.
It is a very relaxed and surfer inspired look. It suggests a laid-back personality and a love for the outdoors. It is a beautiful way to wear your hair if you have a good natural wave.
Mullet Style Matcher: Choosing the Right Look for Your Face Shape
| Face Shape | Recommended Mullet Style | Why It Works |
| Round | Quiff Mullet with High Fade | Adds height to elongate the face. |
| Oval | Medium Mullet or Modern Mullet | Balanced features allow for most styles. |
| Square | Shaggy or Curly Mullet | Softens sharp jawlines with texture. |
| Heart | Long Mullet or Flowing Mullet | Adds width at the bottom to balance a wide forehead. |
| Diamond | Temp Fade with Textured Fringe | Balances narrow forehead and jawline. |
How To Style A Mullet
Apply A Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner
Good styling starts in the shower. To get the best look out of your mullet, you want your hair to have plenty of body. A volumizing shampoo helps to lift the hair from the roots, making it look thicker and more energetic.
Using a conditioner is also very important, especially for the longer hair at the back. The ends of long hair can become dry and brittle over time. A good conditioner keeps the hair soft and prevents it from breaking.
When you apply conditioner, focus mostly on the ends of the hair at the back. You don’t need much on the scalp or the short sides. This keeps the long section looking healthy and prevents the top from getting too oily.
Add Texture with A Sea Salt Spray
Sea salt spray is one of the best products for a mullet. It mimics the effect of salt water on your hair, giving it a beachy texture and a light hold. It is perfect for creating that messy, effortless look that makes this haircut so popular.
You can apply the spray to damp or dry hair. If you apply it to damp hair and then let it air dry, you will get very natural-looking waves. If you use a hair dryer, you can get even more volume and grit.
The spray helps the different layers of the haircut stand out. It prevents the hair from looking like one flat mass. It is a must-have for anyone who wants a modern, textured style.
Use A Hair Diffuser
If you have curly or wavy hair, a diffuser is your best friend. A diffuser is an attachment for your hair dryer that spreads the air out. This allows you to dry your curls without blowing them apart and causing frizz.
To use it, place your curls into the bowl of the diffuser and push it toward your scalp. Use a low heat setting to protect your hair. This will help your curls look defined and bouncy.
Using a diffuser is also a great way to add volume to the back of your mullet. It helps the hair clump together in a way that looks very stylish. It is a simple tool that makes a huge difference in the final result.
Apply Styling Clay, Matte Pomade or Texturizing Powder For All-Day Hold
Once your hair is dry, you need something to keep it in place. The product you choose depends on the look you want. For a natural, no-shine look, a styling clay or matte pomade is the best choice.
Clays and matte pomades provide a strong hold without making the hair look greasy. They are great for adding piecey texture to the top of your hair. Simply rub a small amount between your palms and work it through your hair from back to front.
If you want maximum volume at the roots, a texturizing powder is an amazing option. You just sprinkle a little bit onto your roots and ruffle your hair with your fingers. It provides an instant lift that lasts all day and can be easily refreshed.
The Ultimate Mullet Maintenance Checklist
To keep your mullet looking sharp rather than messy, follow this simple routine:
- Frequency: Visit your barber every 4 to 6 weeks for a shape refresh.
- Daily Care: Use a microfiber towel to pat your hair dry gently.
- Washing: Wash 2 to 3 times per week. Over-washing can dry out the long hair at the back.
- Scalp Health: Use a scalp scrub once a month to remove product buildup from clays and powders.
- Night Routine: If you have a long mullet, consider a silk pillowcase to prevent tangles and frizz overnight.
What Is A Mullet Haircut?
A mullet is a hairstyle that is defined by having shorter hair on the top and sides and significantly longer hair at the back. It is a style that has been around for centuries, but it became a global phenomenon in the 1970s and 1980s.
The name mullet actually became popular much later than the haircut itself. It was reportedly made famous by the Beastie Boys in their 1994 song Mullet Head. Before that, people just called it a shag or a long back haircut.
Many people wonder if the mullet is coming back, and the answer is a big yes. It has returned as a symbol of self-expression and modern fashion. Today’s versions are often more stylish and blended than the versions from forty years ago.
You might also hear people talk about the jellyfish haircut. While they look similar because both have long hair at the back and short hair on top, they are not exactly the same. The jellyfish cut is usually more extreme, with a very sharp bob on top and thin long strands underneath. A mullet is generally more layered and blended.
The mullet is a good haircut for anyone who wants a style that is both practical and expressive. It keeps the hair out of your eyes while letting you show off some length. It is a versatile, bold, and very fun way to wear your hair.
In conclusion, the mullet is more than just a trend from the past. It is a modern, adaptable style that offers something for everyone. Whether you want something edgy, classy, or messy, you can find a version that fits your life. With the right products and a little bit of styling, you can rock one of the most iconic looks in history.
