If you’d have asked me a couple of years ago to name three styles I would have put money on *not* coming back into fashion, I would pretty easily have chosen juicy tracksuits, crocs, and (most definitely) the mullet.
Juicy tracksuits are a fave of every insta baddie from Kylie Jenner and Addison Rae to Bimini Bon Boulash. Crocs are a summer staple of Justin Bieber and Post Malone, and are selling out in Urban Outfitters. And most shockingly of all, the mullet is pretty much officially the coolest hairstyle out there – and I’m 100% here for it.
Whilst the rise of the iconic ‘business in the front, party in the back’ hairstyle might be a trend we didn’t expect, it’s for sure one that continues to grow – with a tonne of our fave celebs sporting the look over the past year. The modern mullet is edgy, sexy, gender-neutral, and surprisingly wearable – which goes some way to explain why everyone is kind of obsessed with it. We’ve gathered some info and tips for those bold enough to consider the chop. Read on to find out more.
By Beth Ryan
-
1 What is a mullet?Put simply, the mullet haircut is one that’s shorter in the front and longer in the back. There are a million variations, from the classic 80s rocker mullet, to much shorter, subtler versions.
The mullet was a staple on the 70s and 80s pop culture scene, with legends such as David Bowie and Billy-Ray Cyrus giving the look a serious *iconic* status. Since then though, the popularity of the mullet pretty much dive-bombed, and the cut became (for lack of a better term) a big fashion no-no.
Over the past couple of years, though, the mullet has been edging its way back to star status. Initially, this was thanks to fashion cool-kids in the likes of NYC and London. More recently, this has been thanks to the slew of celebs and influencers sporting the look: Miley, Rihanna, and Doja Cat to name a few. Tbh, we can’t thank them enough.
-
2 Who does the mullet work for?
For starters, you will need a good base of long-ish hair to get a mullet. Your hair should reach around mid-way down your neck to be able to contrast against the shorter cut at the front.
The good news is that mullets are pretty versatile, and they suit almost any hair type. If there’s one thing a mullet loves – its texture, so thick curly or wavy hair will work really well. Thinner, sleeker hair can also work though – it might just need a different approach in terms of styling.
Thicker and curlier hair tends to disguise the drastic-ness of the style, (and thinner hair can accentuate it) so it’s worth bearing this in mind when deciding the level of drama that you want in your chop.
-
3 What should you ask for?
Okay so the answer to this question might seem obvious – ‘can’t I just ask for a mullet?’ Really though, it totally depends on what style you want, as well as your natural hair texture and length.
If you’re going for a dramatic vibe – you can go down the traditional route: think shaved or a close crop on the sides, an inch or so on top, and pretty long at the back (around three-quarters of the way down your neck).
If you want a more subtle version, you can leave the sides a little longer, which will make the cut feel more connected, almost closer to a shag or wolfcut.
Because there are so many versions out there, we’d recommend taking a tonne of inspo pics to show your stylist, to make sure the length and texture of the cut will result in the look you’re going for. Make sure that the pictures roughly match your natural texture – again, this makes all the difference.
-
4 How to style it
How you style this cut will (again) depend on your hair type.
General advice would be to rough-dry the hair, using your fingers to brush through. It can then be styled with product (such as wax or pomade) for definition.
Wavy, thick-ish hair won’t require much styling at all, and can even be left to air-dry for a relaxed and edgy look. Curly hair can be scrunched up with your fave curl cream for definition and bounce. For thinner or straight hair, any texturising product such as salt spray will add the texture needed for an undone messy-chic look. We’re also loving the less traditional approach of a sleek mullet with flicked ends, which gives more glam vibes.
With Treatwell, you can book hair online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area.
FAQs
What is a mullet haircut and how does it look?
A mullet is a hairstyle that’s shorter in the front and longer in the back. There are many variations, ranging from the classic 80s rocker look to more subtle, modern versions. This versatile style was iconic in the 70s and 80s and has recently become trendy again.
Who can pull off a mullet hairstyle?
Mullets are suitable for almost any hair type and work best if your hair is at least mid-way down your neck. Thick, curly, or wavy hair is ideal, as mullets love texture, but people with thinner or straight hair can also wear the look with some tailored styling.
How do you explain the mullet you want to your stylist?
It’s best to bring multiple inspiration photos that closely match your own hair texture and desired length. For a bold, traditional mullet, you may want shaved sides and a longer back. For a less dramatic option, keep the sides longer for a look closer to a shag or wolfcut.
What’s the easiest way to style a mullet at home?
Rough-drying your hair and using your fingers, plus products like wax or pomade for definition, works well for most mullets. Wavy or thick hair can usually air-dry for a natural, edgy vibe, while curly hair benefits from curl cream. Texturising sprays help straight or fine hair achieve a messy, undone finish.
How long should your hair be before getting a mullet?
Your hair should reach at least midway down your neck to create the contrast between the shorter front and longer back. This length ensures the shape of the mullet is noticeable and balanced for the style you want.