The mullet is short in the front and sides and longer in the back. It rose to fame in the 70s and 80s with icons like David Bowie and Billy Ray Cyrus. Today the cut mixes that throwback charm with precise, contemporary techniques.
Tapered or faded sides, texture on top, and a refined nape make this version adaptable for straight, wavy, or curly hair. You can choose a neat, office-ready shape or a longer, rock-influenced silhouette with bold contrast.
The cut works because it is flexible. Pick a subtle taper for a clean profile or a skin fade for high contrast. Add sea-salt spray for grit, a volumizing wash, and a matte clay or powder for touchable hold to finish the look.
Key Takeaways
- The mullet balances short front and sides with length in the back for a distinctive profile.
- Roots in the 70s and 80s meet current cutting methods like tapers and fades.
- It suits many hair types and ranges from subtle to statement versions.
- Simple products—volumizing wash, sea salt spray, matte clay—make styling easy.
- Regular side and nape trims keep the outline crisp while length stays in the back.
From 70s and 80s icon to 2025 essential: why the mullet is back
From locker rooms to runways, the mullet’s return blends nostalgia with precise technique. The classic mullet peaked in the 80s with names like Billy Ray Cyrus and athletes such as Jaromir Jagr. Around 2018–2020, barbers smoothed abrupt transitions and added blended layers, turning an ironic look into a serious option.
What changed? Today’s version relies on tapered or faded sides, a textured top, and a deliberately shaped nape. That balance keeps the front neat while the back stays bold.
Fringe updates matter: swept bangs gave way to short, choppy fringes that help tailor the shape to a face.
Social feeds, K‑pop idols, and pro athletes have amplified the cut. Viral barber clips show millimeter-level detailing that separates a polished result from a DIY chop.
- Evolution: abrupt old-school lines → smooth blends and proportion.
- Markers: faded sides, textured top, refined nape.
- Appeal: rebellious yet wearable—suitable across genders and ages.
Next: choose your version—from subtle and office-ready to full statement—based on texture and lifestyle.
Modern mullet haircut styles to try right now
Barbers blend sharp fades with layered tops to give each version its own personality. Below are popular 2025 variations and quick notes to help you choose.
Short mullet with low taper fade
Neat sides make this office-friendly. The low taper keeps the profile clean while the top and back stay lively. Use matte clay for touchable grip.
Curly mullet with mid fade
Let natural curls lead the shape. A mid fade removes bulk around the ear and keeps crown-to-nape flow intentional.
Shaggy mullet with choppy layers
Choppy layers and a lived-in fringe give movement that works messy or sleek. This version nods to 70s energy with a current edge.
Burst fade and taper variations
The burst fade sculpts a circular blend near the ear and highlights a fuller top back. A taper fade offers a subtler graduation for everyday wear.
High contrast looks and nape detail
From high skin fade for crisp edges to a V-shaped nape with razor detailing, contrast and a sharp exit line sharpen the silhouette.
| Style | Fade Type | Best for | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short, low taper | Low taper | Office, short length | Matte clay |
| Curly mid fade | Mid fade | Natural texture, volume | Light cream |
| Burst fade | Burst fade | Full top back emphasis | Sea salt spray |
| V-shaped nape | Taper or skin fade | Sharp neckline detail | Texturizing powder |
For cut guidance and fade options, see this fade mullet guide to prep questions for your barber.
How to style a mullet: products, tools, and everyday routine
Start styling by boosting fullness at the wash so every strand has something to work with.
Build volume from the wash: Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to lift the roots. These formulas expand each strand so the top and back feel fuller without heavy residue.
Sea salt spray for grit and movement
Prime towel‑dried hair with a light sea salt spray to add grip and texture. Scrunch or tousle while blow‑drying for that lived‑in look that keeps the style lively.
Diffuser techniques for waves and curls
Use a diffuser on low heat and low speed to define curls and reduce frizz. Flip your head and dry from underneath to build lift at the crown and keep the sides and back airy.
Finishing holds and quick refresh
Finish with a pea‑sized amount of matte clay for reworkable texture, pomade for separation, or texturizing powder to boost volume midday.
- Wash smart: volumizing formulas make shaping the top back easier.
- Prime with salt spray on damp hair for natural texture.
- Diffuse gently—cup and lift curls for shape and volume.
- Quick refresh: mist water, reactivate spray lightly, and pinch powder at roots.
Find your best version by hair type, face shape, and length
Start by pairing your hair type with a length that suits your lifestyle and face shape. That makes styling easier and keeps the look intentional.
Straight hair: clean fades and sharp fringe
Straight hair thrives with crisp tapers or fades and a structured fringe. Precise lines add architectural shape and visual depth.
Choose a sharp fringe to frame the brow and keep the sides neat. This gives a defined top and controlled back that reads polished.
Wavy and curly hair: layers and airy volume
Wavy and curly hair benefits from layered tops and a soft, blended nape. Layers preserve natural bounce and avoid bulky weight.
Keep the sides trimmed but not stripped; maintain enough length so curls fall with movement and volume at the back head.
Face shape tips and length choices
Taller foreheads suit a longer fringe; narrow faces gain balance with slightly fuller sides. Round faces can use extra nape flow to elongate the profile.
For length: short is low-maintenance, medium fits office and trend alike, and a long mullet brings drama and more upkeep.
“Bring two or three reference photos to your barber so expectations match the result.”
- Fine hair: use tapers and texturizing powder for thicker look.
- Thick hair: ask for internal thinning and diffuse-dry for volume control.
- Work vs weekend: subtle sides for work; add texture on top for off-duty looks.
Global spins on the mullet: how regions remix the look
Different regions give this cut distinct personalities, from polished to beachy.
United States mash-up
U.S. barbers often fuse fades, undercuts, and pompadour elements with trailing length at the back. This version favors sharp front shapes and bold contrast on the sides.
Seoul-to-Tokyo sleek
Seoul and Tokyo favor feathered layers, center parts, and soft fades. Precise shaping and color pops make the look camera-ready and very polished.
Australia’s easygoing flow
In Australia, styles lean longer and looser. Sun-bleached texture and low-product routines create an effortless, beach-friendly vibe.
- Texture translation: straight hair gets feathering; waves keep air-dried movement.
- Regional fades range from burst fades near the ear to high skin fade details.
- Practical tip: keep the short sides and longer back as your core, then borrow details you like from each region.
| Region | Key details | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Fades, undercuts, pompadour front | Statement, editorial looks |
| Seoul/Tokyo | Feathered layers, center parts, color accents | Photo-ready, polished style |
| Australia | Longer lengths, sun-bleached texture, low product | Casual, travel-friendly maintenance |
Want regional fade ideas before your next cut? See this fade resource for visual references and talking points to bring to your barber.
Barber playbook: getting the cut and maintenance right
A clear brief makes the difference between a great cut and a missed expectation. Tell your barber the fade height you want (low, mid, high) or if you prefer a skin fade. Decide how much length to keep on the top and back and how your fringe should sit.
How to brief your barber
Be specific and show photos that match your hair density. Point to the sides, fringe, and nape in each reference so there is no guesswork.
- Specify fade type and contrast: taper fade, mid or high, or a skin fade for sharper edges.
- Define fringe length: over the brows, above, blunt, choppy, or side‑swept.
- Pick a nape finish: soft for easy grow-out or a V‑shape for a crisp line.
- Agree on how the top connects into the back so the head follows a smooth silhouette.
Upkeep schedule and practical tips
Plan for side and nape touch-ups every 2–3 weeks and top/back shaping every 4–8 weeks depending on length goals.
Daily care: light salt spray or cream for control, matte clay for definition, and texturizing powder to refresh root lift without residue.
| Area | When | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sides & nape | 2–3 weeks | Keep clean lines and fade contrast |
| Top & back | 4–8 weeks | Preserve length and shape |
| Growth plan | As needed | Internal layering to reduce bulk while keeping back length |
Ask your barber to blend sideburns into facial hair for balanced proportions. Before leaving, turn in the chair and check the back head silhouette and neckline symmetry.
Conclusion
A great result comes from balancing clear lines up front with deliberate movement in the back.
In short, the modern mullet blends classic short‑front/long‑back DNA with precise fades, layered texture, and a refined nape. Pick a subtle taper, a mid fade, or a high skin fade and match the fringe and length to your face and routine.
Lean into your hair type: build volume at wash, use salt spray for grit, diffuse curls, and finish with matte products to keep the top and back connected.
Plan upkeep for quick side and nape touch‑ups and bring clear reference photos. If you want examples and prep tips, see this mens mullet haircut guide.