The Rise of the Mullet Hairstyle: 15 Ways to Make it Work (2024)

I had a mullet briefly in high school. It was not one of the faded, texturized mullets you see today but a full-on Joe Dirt South Georgia Redneck Special.

Thankfully, no photos exist of that dark time in my hairstory.

The mullet is one of the most requested men’s hairstyles, and I’m here for it. Granted, it’s not a look I could pull off, but if I had a nice wavy head of hair, I’d damn sure try.

If you’re considering trying the mullet trend, here are 15 ways to make it work with almost any hair type.

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The Flattop Mullet

The flattop mullet is no mullet for the faint of heart. No, sir. It takes a confident man with a certain devil-may-care attitude. And yes, gentlemen, a mustache is required for this look.

Greg executed this style flawlessly at Olde Dog Barbershop in Chicago. The top and sides are cut like a traditional flattop, while the back is left long enough to drape down to the shoulders.

The Modern Mullet

The Rise of the Mullet Hairstyle: 15 Ways to Make it Work (1)

Modern mullets are really on trend right now. I created this look for a client with great texture in his hair but wanted something a little less conservative but not too far out there.

The sides fade low to the skin, and I used a point-cut method to add texture to the top and back. After the cut, I used styling powder on dry hair to add texture.

This style may also be worn neatly parted and combed back on top for a more formal look with a bit of an edge.

The Old-Money Mullet

If you’re looking for something a bit classy but still want to rock the mullet, the old-money mullet is a good choice. Stephanie Howard did this mullet for a client who wanted to keep things a bit longer and flexible while giving him some swag to go with that rizz.

For this style, only scissors are used, as the hair is cut in long layers and neatly trimmed over the ears. The old-money mullet is best styled with some pomade to add shine and control. Once brushed back, you can run your fingers through it to give it a looser, more casual feel.

The Micro Mullet

The micro mullet looks like it could be just a regular men’s taper from the front, but the back has a little surprise.

For this style, the hair is cut as a traditional low fade on the sides and a short casual pomp on top. The back is left longer and shaped into a point at the back.

The micro mullet is a solid option if you want to rock a mullet but still need to look professional. I was on jury duty recently, and one of the lawyers was sporting a similar style, which worked well, even paired with a suit.

The Mod Mullet

If it was good enough for John, Paul, George, and Ringo, then it’s good enough for you. A contemporary take on the mod haircut, the mod mullet is cut in long layers with a wispy fringe. A blunt bang nicely contrasts the shaggy sides and back.

While this look works well with jeans and a T-shirt, you can also throw on a slim-cut suit for a look that exudes confidence and style.

The Curly Mullet

Have you got a head full of curls? No problem for the curly mullet.

The sides are faded or tapered tight with clean design lines around the ears, while the top and back are cut to about three or four inches long—enough for all the curls to take center stage.

For styling, a light curl cream adds shine and separation. To further enhance the curl, the hair can be scrunched and dried with a blow-dryer with a diffuser attachment.

The Perm Back Mullet

If you need to make a statement, the perm-back mullet speaks loud and clear. It says, “I’m sexy as hell, and I don’t currently have a job, but you want me anyway.”

Brodie Raeside from Heavy Hands Barber Studio created this look with faded sides, and a mid-length texturized top. The star of this show is the long, permed back, styled with mousse to add shine and separation.

The Undercut Mullet

This undercut mullet is the simplest of all mullet hairstyles. It can probably be done at home if you have a steady hand and some skill.

Simply create a low part, comb the hair on top over and out of the way, and buzz the side using a #1 blade. Repeat on the other side, and don’t touch the back. Easy peasy.

A light cream is used, and the hair is styled back with the fingers for a loose, casual flow.

The Mullet Quiff

The Mullet Quiff is another take on the modern mullet. Its sides are cut close and neatly around the ear, and the top and back are about four inches long.

A shear-point technique on the top and back adds a bit of texture. To style this cut, dry the hair and sprinkle some styling powder to add volume and texture.

The Tapered Mullet

One of the more conservative mullet varieties, the tapered mullet is cut with a tight taper at the sideburn with medium-length layers on top.

To style a tapered mullet, add a pea-sized amount of pomade and arrange the hair loosely with your fingers to add separation and shine.

The Edgar Mullet

The Edgar haircut features a blunt, straight bang across the forehead. The Edgar fades typically low to the skin in the back, but for this mullet variety, the hair is longer and blown up to add volume.

If you need a mullet but don’t want to jeopardize your career as a TikTok dancer, the Edgar mullet is your choice.

The Anime Mullet

Someone recently asked me for a Jay Jo mullet. Being a middle-aged white dude, I was, as you can imagine, clueless. I had to google this one, and apparently, Jay Jo is an anime character, and this is his style.

The hair is undercut on the sides with long layers on top for the anime mullet. The top and back are layered, while a razor is used around the fringe to give it a deconstructed feel.

The Textured Mullet

Another cut by the talented Brodie Raeside, this textured mullet is an excellent option for someone growing out a buzzcut or simply wanting a short, easy-to-care-for style.

Brodie cut this style with heavy texturizing and lots of length variations to allow the hair to move and lift a bit. Scrunch in matte clay or pomade for styling, and you’re good to go!

The Buzzed Mullet

You don’t get much easier than the buzzed mullet. The top is buzzed down to a #3, with the sides faded low to the skin. The top and sides fade flawlessly into the longer back.

The buzzed mullet is the most wash-and-wear variety; no styling or product is required.

The Wavy Mullet

If I had to pick one variety of mullet as my all-time favorite, it would be this wavy mullet. This style is edgy but still somewhat conservative.

The wavy mullet is an excellent option for guys with naturally curly or wavy hair. If you have straight hair but still want the wavy mullet, you’ll need to head to the salon for a perm. Don’t be shy; many guys are going the perm route.

I use a light cream for the wavy mullet to add texture or shine. To enhance the curl further, use a blow-dryer with a diffuser and scrunch the hair between your fingers while applying heat.

The mullet is back, and I think it will hang around for a while. Many believe it to be one of the most attractive hairstyles for men.

I get frequently asked, “What do I tell my barber to get this style?” My suggestion is to always take a photo with you to show the barber what you want. Because there are so many variations of the mullet, and there aren’t any standard names for any of them, a photo is always the best option to ensure you get as close as possible to the style you are seeking.

Stay handsome.

The Rise of the Mullet Hairstyle: 15 Ways to Make it Work (2024)
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