The mullet haircut, an iconic trend of the 70s and 80s, is a true testament to the daring and bold nature of the era.
With its signature “business in the front and party in the back” look, this hairstyle was a favorite among music legends like Billy Ray Cyrus, David Bowie, and Paul Young. Short hair on the top and sides, combined with long locks in the back, created a unique and unforgettable style ranging from modest to daring.
In this article, we’ll explore the different aspects of the modern mullet haircut, from its various styles to tips on achieving and maintaining this fashionable hairdo. Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or simply want to stay ahead of the fashion curve, the modern mullet has something to offer everyone.
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What are Modern Mullet Haircuts Called?
Modern mullet haircuts blend short hair on top with a longer back, creating a fusion of a shag and a mullet that complements both straight and curly hair effortlessly. They are called “Shullets.”
Honestly, we’re excited about it, and with numerous celebrities sporting this trend, the style has elevated to a whole new level of chic. The faux hawk mullet is a modern take on the traditional mohawk mullet, and we love it. The hairstyle looks like faded sides and long hair on top that is usually spiked up.
It also has other names. The hairstyle is also known as the “Kentucky Waterfall” or the “Mississippi Top Hat” in parts of the US and the “Bouncing Cobra” in parts of West Wales. In Germany, it is known as the “Vokuhila” (vorne kurz, hinten lang= short at front, long at back).
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How to Style a Mullet
Contrary to popular belief, styling a mullet is a simple task. It is essential to have specific hair care tools and products to care for and maintain your mullet. These tools and products help you style and keep your hair in place effortlessly.
To keep your mullet looking great, make sure you have a comb, a brush you like, and a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment that won’t harm your hair.
If you have a mullet, some great products on the market can make styling easier and more enjoyable. To enhance the effectiveness of your comb, hair dryer, and brush, you may want to purchase light-to-medium-hold gel, mousse, or curl cream if you have naturally curly or wavy hair. On days when your hair is misbehaving, using hairspray can be helpful. For those with straight or thin hair, a sea salt texture spray can give the appearance of fuller hair and enhance the look of your mullet.
How to Do Mullet Haircut
- Let your mane grow: Letting your mane grow is the key factor in how to cut a mullet, starting with some decent length. The longer your hair, the more defined your mullet will be.
- Use Clips: Using hair clips, separate your hair into three sections. Start by creating a top section that goes from your front hairline to where your head begins to curve. Then, use two more clips to partition off the sides, extending from the front hairline down to your ears.
- Chop the Fringe: Unless you’re aiming for that ’80s rocker look, you’ll likely want to trim your bangs. A quick tip: When it comes to cutting a mullet, especially your bangs, patience is key. Avoid the temptation to cut all your hair at once – although if you want to, we can’t stop you. To get started, comb your hair over your forehead and choose one side to begin with. Trim in a straight line or at an angle if you prefer a side-swept bang, gradually working your way up to your desired length.
- Trim the side: As a basic guideline, your hair should have the longest length on top and then gradually become shorter around the ears. Feel free to trim to your heart’s content, but rely on your instincts to decide when to stop with the cutting tools, or else you might unintentionally sport a Skullet.
- Cut the Top: When considering how to cut a mullet, your initial choice should be between the Pompadour or the Spikey, whether it’s a top-heavy or buzzcut look you’re aiming for. Whichever style you opt for, it’s essential to cut your hair in sections, starting from the front and progressing to the back until you reach the area where your head starts to curve.
- Blend or Not: The question is: to blend or not to blend? If you prefer a conservative approach, go for a Subtle Mullet. Take small sections of hair where the top and sides intersect, and trim away any noticeable sharp angles.
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Modern Mullet Haircuts to Try
1. Mullet with Fringe
To achieve a high-fashion, editorial-inspired mullet haircut, you can opt for statement bangs. A thick, straight-across blunt fringe adds a futuristic touch and highlights the disconnected front and back sections.
This look works great on oval face shapes. While you should blow-dry the bangs smooth, you can keep the long back section loose and unstyled, creating a stylish contrast.
2. Skin Fade Mullet
Although the skin fade is typically associated with a refined look suitable for business and formal occasions, it undergoes a remarkable transformation when paired with a mullet. Embracing an edgy and rebellious vibe, this haircut exudes sharp angles and a boundless sense of attitude.
To achieve the almost geometric aspects of this style, having thick hair is essential, as it provides the necessary natural volume to make the hair stand upright. When combined with a streetwear aesthetic, this haircut becomes a sleek, bold, and incredibly stylish choice.
3. Mullet Fade
This chic hairstyle seamlessly combines elegance with a daring edge, making it a choice that’s not for the timid. Similar to the classic mullet, you’ll want to maintain longer hair at the back while keeping it shorter from the ears and upwards.
What sets this hairstyle apart are the buzzed temples. You have a variety of lengths to select from, including a temp, taper, or a high fade – our recommendation is a low fade for a contemporary and stylish look.
4. Mullet with Bowl Cut
The bowl cut is defined by its mushroom-like appearance, and hair is kept the same length all around the head. The style has been modernized since the 80s with many ways to wear it, including an undercut, which gives it more structure.
Pairing the bowl cut with a mullet is a combination that not everyone can pull off, although it is surprisingly flattering on most face shapes. This is also not the most professional cut and may be better suited to someone who does not work in a conservative corporate environment.
5. Mullet with Texture Hair
Textured hair complements the mullet hairstyle beautifully by introducing a softer, more blended aesthetic. This quality makes the haircut more versatile and wearable, as it eliminates stark contrasts between the top and sides versus the back of the head.
Textured hair imparts a slightly tousled and voluminous appearance, enhancing fullness and the overall health of your hair. When it comes to the length at the back, don’t hesitate to experiment; the shorter it is, the less striking your overall look will appear.
6. Spiky Mullet
Elevating your hair with spikes enhances its texture and gives the impression of fuller, thicker locks. The spiky style is versatile and can be adapted for all hair types, although it tends to appear more natural on curly or wavy hair.
To achieve those striking spikes, start by applying pomade or wax to towel-dried hair, sculpting soft peaks of your preferred size and height. When incorporating this look with a mullet, the emphasis is primarily on the back and top of the head. Don’t hesitate to explore various lengths for the back, as well as the top and sides, to find your unique style.
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7. Blonde Mullet
Blonde hairstyles have enjoyed immense popularity among A-list men in recent years, and their allure continues to endure. If you’re contemplating embracing the bleached hair trend, consider the mullet as an equally attention-catching choice.
The fusion of these two styles exudes a fashionable Mod revival essence, especially when paired with a sharp suit. Given that bleaching can potentially dehydrate and weaken your hair, it becomes essential to incorporate hydrating products into your haircare routine to maintain the vibrancy and health of your mullet.
8. Shag Mullet Haircut
The shag mullet hairstyle is undeniably bold and unconventional. It embraces a dishevelled appearance, typically styled with wax or men’s pomade, featuring long top and side sections reminiscent of a bowl cut while leaving the back considerably longer, allowing it to graze the shoulders.
9. Reverse Mullet Haircut
This haircut is precisely as it sounds: a reverse mullet, frequently referred to as a ‘mop top.’ The front of the hair is kept long, often draping down the sides of the face, resembling a side fringe, while the back is typically short, sometimes even shaved entirely.
10. K-Pop Mullet Haircut
K-pop has established a reputation for its diverse range of mullet styles over the years, evolving from subtle and elegant to daring and rebellious and then back again. The classic K-pop mullet typically features a straight-cut fringe, unblended shaved sides, and an extended length cascading down the back to the neck.
11. Mullet Haircut with Shaved side
In recent years, this hairstyle has gained significant popularity thanks to its edgy and masculine aesthetic accentuated by the shaved sides. It bears a strong resemblance to the Edgar haircut’s interpretation of a mullet.
The sides are shaved entirely, eschewing any fading into the rest of the hair, resulting in a distinct separation line that forms a striking and bold contrast.
12. Mullet Undercut
A hybrid haircut that blends elements of the undercut and pompadour, the undercut mullet hairstyle is a unique fusion. To achieve this look, you’ll need to let the hair at the front of your head grow out so that it can be slicked back, creating the illusion that it extends all the way to the back of your neck.
Trimming the sides short can aid in this effect. While most undercuts involve cutting the sides to the same length, you can also experiment by adding some fading over the ears if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Conclusion
Finding the perfect mullet hairstyle can be tricky, but with your trusted stylist’s help and research, you can find the one that suits you best. This list of modern mullets can assist you in choosing between short and long, straight or curly, and traditional or unique options.
Interested in changing your look? Try the Mullet Haircut today.
If there are any questions, post them below.
FAQs About Modern Mullet Haircut
What made Mullet Haircut popular again?
One theory about the mullet comeback is that it is a product of the Covid pandemic, as a result of people who previously had short hair letting it grow out and the closing of hair salon
Who started the Mullet Trend?
The hairstyle didn’t have the name “mullet” until 1994, though, when the Beastie Boys released a song called “Mullet Head.” The hairdo was on its way out not long after the name mullet was christened.
Do Mullet suit round faces?
The fringed mullet hairstyle can suit a variety of face shapes and hair types, although it is typically best suited for those with oval or oblong face shapes and medium to thick hair types.
Are Mullet and Wolf Cut the same?
No, but it’s way edgier. Think of it as a hybrid between the Mullet and the Shag Cut. Inspired by the Mullet, the Wolf Cut is heavily layered with short, choppy layers on top and longer layers around the sides and back, ending just past the nape.