Whether you like it or not, the mullet hairstyle is back in a big way. The signature cut, which involves a little business in the front and a whole lot of party at the back, spent a good 30 years in the hairdressing wilderness, reserved for VK Commodore drivers and those with an above-average affinity for AC/DC, but the times are changing. With seemingly every AFL player sporting some kind of a new-age mullet, the iconic men’s hairstyle is arguably the most fashionable cut of the modern era.
As a barber, I’ve seen the mullet hairstyle undergo a series of evolutions. While the ‘80s belonged to the permed blowout style, many forget the mullet’s early 2000s resurgence. Back then, it was David Beckham who led the charge. The English football star’s signature frosted blond faux hawk also featured an elongated flowing section at the nape, not quite long enough to tie up but with sufficient weight for that deliberate spiked, unkempt look that Becks was known for. In reality, you could argue it was the catalyst for today’s contemporary iteration, shorter and more manageable than the traditional mullet but replete with the same free-flowing ethos.
This haircut was huge at the time, and practically every boy under the age of 17 was demanding this cut from their barber, but by the mid-2010s, styles had changed and many people had moved on. I still had a few clients that held on to the tight mullet look well into the early part of this decade, and perhaps they knew something I didn’t.
At the start of 2021, the mullet resurgence hit full steam, courtesy of some lockdown-inspired hair growth and a healthy dose of youthful irony. Even I’ve gotten on board, growing my mullet out to a respectable, if not slightly conservative, length. In truth, the mullet is versatile, rebellious and entirely on-trend. With that in mind, I’ve pulled together a handy guide to the best mullet hairstyle for men, explaining the differences between them, the ideal face shapes for each and how best to manage the evolving style.
Best Mullet Styles at a Glance
- Best mullet hairstyle for short hair: Guppy Mullet
- Best mullet haircut for long hair: Modern Mullet
- Best low-maintenance: Classic Mullet
1. Classic Mullet
Classic Mullet Characteristics:
- Longer Length on at Nape: The classic mullet is all about keeping the sideburns short and the nape long.
- Messy Styling: With the hair short and spiky, styling for this cut should be messy, so look for a matte product that highlights the texture.
Best Face Shapes for Classic Mullet:
- Oval
- Round
- Square
The most basic variation of the mullet, the classic option combines shorter side and top sections with an elongated nape area at the back. Think of this as the most typical of all mullet styles: simple and straightforward, with enough length to create an obvious contrast between the top and back.
In most cases, the hair is blended in from the sideburns to the top, with the longer sections falling naturally at the base of the neck. You could opt for a harsh disconnect, where the hair is not blended between sections of length, but this can often make you look like Jean Claude Van Damme from the ‘80s. And as much as I love Bloodsport, it’s certainly not a look for everyone. Variations such as this are rife with the classic mullet, however, I always recommend keeping the hair long enough to sit comfortably behind the ears without too much styling or product.
In order to achieve the classic mullet, you will need significant growth at the back to create the contrast in length, while the top and sides can essentially remain as a stock-standard short, back and sides. In essence, this haircut will stand out in a crowd, but it is far from the most extreme iteration of the mullet.
2. Modern Mullet
Modern Mullet Characteristics:
- Natural Flow: The hair on top and at the back will flow naturally, embracing waves and curls.
- Seamless Blending: The hair on the sideburns will be blended seamlessly with the hair on top and back to create a natural, polished look.
Best Face Shapes for Modern Mullet:
- Oval
- Round
A contemporary take on the classic cut, the modern mullet is a more stylized version of the famed hairstyle. With this iteration, the hair on the sideburns is blended smoothly with the hair on top and back, creating a deliberate uniform look. This noticeably shorter section can employ a variety of different approaches, from high skin fades to more subtle taper options.
The key difference here is texture and flow, so I definitely recommend this cut for men with wavy or slightly curly hair, as this adds an element of dynamism to the style. Alternatively, a few minutes with a blow-dryer and diffuser, alongside some texture powder and product will help to give you the desired look. As with most contemporary mullet styles, tightly curled hair can be tricky as it doesn’t necessarily allow for the visual contrast between lengths.
For inspiration, I would look at NFL player Sam Hartman, who has perhaps the best example of a modern mullet around. He has significant length at the top and nape, styled uniformly back, and sideburns taken extremely short. This cut has all the hallmarks of a contemporary mullet, with additional length thrown in.
3. Undercut Mullet
Undercut Mullet Characteristics:
- Disconnected Lengths: With this cut, there is no clean blend between short and long sections, accentuating the contrast.
- Fades: With many undercut mullets, a faded sideburns section will be employed to add a touch of flair and personal style.
Best Face Shapes for Undercut:
- Oval
- Round
- Triangular
When it comes to more extreme variations of the men’s mullet hairstyle, the undercut option is hard to miss. Taking the short sideburns approach, this style typically shaves the sideburns very tight, under a clipper blade 1 and features no blending whatsoever. This will ultimately create a harsh disconnection line that accentuates the contrast in lengths and textures.
Importantly, the lack of blending means the hair on top and at the back is entirely up to you. The style is predicated on extreme contrast, so medium to longer lengths work best when coupled with texturizing components through the fringe and top. For this style, I would definitely recommend incorporating a fade element to the sideburns as it adds a level of refinement to an otherwise blunt style. As a general rule, I wouldn’t necessarily advocate for this cut, particularly if you work in any sort of corporate role, however, the right person can certainly pull it off.
4. Mullet Fade
Mullet Fade Characteristics:
- Faded Sides: This cut’s defining characteristic is the gradually shortened sideburns that fade upwards toward the top section, creating a smooth transition from the hair on top to the skin.
Best Face Shapes for Mullet Fade:
- Oval
- Oblong
A very modern twist on the mullet hairstyle, the fade takes it to a new level of trend and style. The defining characteristic of this style is the gradually faded sideburns, which generally start at skin and increase in length as they go up the head. The soft fade can be made at any height according to your preferences and face shape but will undoubtedly add a fresh, modern edge to your mullet. The fade style can vary, with high fades giving a more dramatic look, while low fades make for a subtle and balanced aesthetic.
Unlike other mullet styles, this option does work well with tight-curled hair, as this hair type can be faded effectively. Additionally, faded sideburns give a more polished look and tend to suit most face shapes. If you have a rounder face, a higher fade with more volume on top can help elongate your face, while more oblong face shapes can employ a low fade for added structure and refinement.
5. French Crop Mullet
French Crop Mullet Characteristics:
- Blunt Textured Fringe: The key characteristic of the French crop is the blunt, point-cut fringe.
- Forward Styling: To make this haircut work, you will need to style the hair forward and down, covering the top section of your forehead.
Best Face Shapes for French Crop Mullet:
- Oval
- Square
- Round
A daring haircut, to say the least, the French crop mullet is an interesting take on the traditional hairstyle. The key characteristic of this cut is the blunt fringe section at the front, which is achieved through sectioning of the top and point cutting. This will ultimately add greater texture and can also help to draw attention away from a wider forehead if you have a heart or triangle-shaped face.
As with most French crop styles, the messy textured silhouette is extremely versatile, working well with most face shapes, especially oval, oblong, and square faces. This is because the textured fringe can help soften a strong jawline for rounder faces and help add a level of balance to uneven features. Additionally, I’ve often found that this style works best with wavy or slightly curly hair, as it helps to accentuate the natural texture and flow of the hair. Conversely, achieving the textured fringe with very curly hair is tough without regular styling.
6. Guppy Mullet
Guppy Mullet Characteristics:
- Short Mullet Section: The mullet section of the hair at the back should be kept very short, with minimal length beyond the base of the skull.
- Tidy, Clean Styling: For a Guppy Mullet, keep the hair short, tidy and styled with wax or gel.
Best Face Shapes for Guppy Mullet:
- Oval
- Square
For those who are still wary of the mullet’s reputation, the guppy mullet offers a safe entry point. This haircut features a short mullet section, barely extending beyond the base of the skull, providing a subtle nod to the traditional mullet without the full-on commitment. This cut is ideal for those who prefer to keep their hair tidy and manageable.
To achieve the guppy mullet, start with a classic short back and sides haircut, ensuring the length at the nape remains slightly longer than the rest. This minimalistic approach creates a discreet, yet distinct style that suits most face shapes, especially oval and square. For styling, keep the hair tidy with a light wax or gel to maintain the clean and sharp appearance.
7. Curly Mullet
Curly Mullet Characteristics:
- Curly Texture: The hair’s natural curls create the bulk of the mullet, providing volume and texture.
- Length at Nape: Keep the curls longer at the back for a noticeable contrast with the shorter sides.
Best Face Shapes for Curly Mullet:
- Oval
- Round
Embrace your natural curls with the curly mullet, a style that highlights the hair’s texture and volume. This variation works particularly well for men with naturally curly or wavy hair, as the curls add a unique dimension to the mullet.
To achieve the curly mullet, keep the hair on top and at the nape longer, allowing the curls to create volume and movement. The sides should be trimmed shorter to accentuate the length at the back. This style suits most face shapes, particularly oval and round faces, as the curls add softness and balance. Use curl-enhancing products and a diffuser to maintain the curls’ shape and definition.
8. Mohawk Mullet
Mohawk Mullet Characteristics:
- Mohawk Strip: The hair is styled into a mohawk strip down the center of the head, with the sides shaved or clipped very short.
- Extended Length: The mohawk extends down the nape, creating the mullet effect.
Best Face Shapes for Mohawk Mullet:
- Oval
- Square
Combining the edgy mohawk with the classic mullet, the mohawk mullet is a bold and striking hairstyle. This style involves shaving or clipping the sides very short, while leaving a strip of hair down the center of the head, extending to the nape.
To achieve the mohawk mullet, start with a mohawk haircut, ensuring the central strip of hair is long enough to extend down the back. This style suits oval and square face shapes, as it adds height and structure. For styling, use a strong-hold product to keep the mohawk in place and maintain its shape.
9. Shaggy Mullet
Shaggy Mullet Characteristics:
- Layered Texture: The hair is cut into layers to create a shaggy, tousled look.
- Length at Nape: The hair at the nape remains longer, with layers adding volume and movement.
Best Face Shapes for Shaggy Mullet:
- Oval
- Round
The shaggy mullet is a relaxed, tousled take on the traditional mullet, featuring layers that add volume and movement. This style is perfect for those who prefer a low-maintenance, carefree look.
To achieve the shaggy mullet, cut the hair into layers, keeping the nape longer for the mullet effect. The layers should be uneven to create a natural, messy appearance. This style suits most face shapes, particularly oval and round faces, as the layers add softness and balance. Use a light texturizing product to enhance the shaggy look and maintain the layers.
10. Spiky Mullet
Spiky Mullet Characteristics:
- Spiky Top: The hair on top is styled into spikes, creating a textured, edgy look.
- Longer Nape: The hair at the nape is kept longer, contrasting with the spiky top.
Best Face Shapes for Spiky Mullet:
- Oval
- Square
For a bold and edgy take on the mullet, the spiky mullet combines a spiky top with a longer nape. This style is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hairstyle.
To achieve the spiky mullet, keep the hair on top longer and style it into spikes using a strong-hold product. The sides should be trimmed shorter, while the nape remains longer. This style suits oval and square face shapes, as the spikes add height and structure. Use a texturizing product to enhance the spikes and maintain their shape.
Maintenance Tips for Mullet Hairstyles
Maintaining a mullet hairstyle requires regular trims and styling to keep the look fresh and polished. Here are some tips to help you keep your mullet looking its best:
- Regular Trims: Visit your barber regularly to keep the sides and nape in check, ensuring the mullet maintains its shape.
- Use the Right Products: Depending on your mullet style, use the appropriate styling products to enhance texture, volume, and hold.
- Experiment with Styling: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styling techniques to keep your mullet looking fresh and dynamic.
- Keep It Clean: Regularly wash and condition your hair to keep it healthy and free from buildup.
With these tips and styles in mind, you can confidently rock a mullet hairstyle that suits your personality and face shape. Whether you prefer a classic look or a modern twist, the mullet offers endless possibilities for self-expression and style.