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The mullet has made an impressive comeback from its 1980s heyday. This once-mocked hairstyle has become a versatile, fashion-forward choice for guys of all ages. Today’s mullet styles balance edginess and sophistication with variations to suit all face shapes, hair textures and styles. And with the right professional hair styling products, the modern mullet is more refined than you might think.
1. The Updated Classic Mullet
The updated classic maintains the signature “business in front, party in back” philosophy but with cleaner lines. This style works excellently for men with straight, medium-thickness hair. Ask your barber or stylists for two to three inches on top, tapered sides and three to four inches in back. For a subtle transition, the contrast shouldn’t be as dramatic as in a traditional mullet.
To style, use a matte pomade on the front and top sections while leaving the back relatively natural. Blow dry the top forward or with slight volume, depending on your preference.
2. The Textured Mullet
Guys with naturally wavy hair can capitalize on their texture with this variation. The textured mullet features choppy layers throughout — creating movement and dimension — and sides that remain short but not buzzed. Request point cutting on the top and back to create texture, with the back left three to five inches long. This style requires minimal maintenance: apply a sea salt spray to damp hair and let air dry for effortless texture.
3. The Curly Mullet
The curly mullet offers a playful yet stylish option for men blessed with curls. Trendy guys rock short, curly hairstyles for men that keep curls tighter on the sides and top while allowing them to grow longer at the back.
When talking to your stylist, emphasize that you want to maintain your natural curl pattern while creating the mullet shape. Ask for a curly top that’s not too short (to prevent poofiness) with more length toward the back. Daily maintenance includes using curl-enhancing creams and diffusing your hair to maintain shape and reduce frizz.
4. The Fade Mullet
Perhaps the most contemporary rendition, the fade mullet combines modern barbering techniques with the mullet silhouette. Learning how to do a fade haircut properly is essential for barbers attempting this style, as the fade’s precision makes or breaks the look.
This style features a high, mid or low fade on the sides that blends into a longer back. Request a specific fade height based on your face shape — higher fades elongate round faces, while lower fades work better for longer face shapes. You can style the top however you please — slicked back, textured or with a quiff. Finish with a fiber paste for texture and hold.
5. The Undercut Mullet
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The undercut mullet is a dramatic look that is perfect for guys with thick hair who want a bold look. Ask your barber for a disconnected side undercut (typically a #1 or #2 guard) while leaving the top three to four inches and the back four to five inches.
This look requires frequent maintenance to keep the undercut sharp, so plan on visiting your barber every two to three weeks. Style the top with professional hair styling products like matte clay for a textured finish or pomade for a sleeker look.
6. The Mullet with Fringe
Adding a fringe to your mullet creates a face-framing rock-and-roll aesthetic. This variation especially flatters oval or longer face shapes.
Ask your barber to leave your fringe long enough to reach your eyebrows or just above, with textured cutting to avoid a heavy, blunt look. Keep three to five inches in the back, depending on how dramatic you want your mullet to be.
Style by applying a light-hold product to damp hair and blow drying the fringe forward or slightly to the side. Finish with texturizing spray for separation and movement.
7. The Subtle Mullet
A subtle mullet offers a conservative approach for guys wanting to try a mullet without fully committing. It features a gradual transition from the sides to the back with less dramatic length differences, creating a nuanced look.
Ask for a tapered cut with slightly more length at the nape — perhaps only one to two inches longer than the sides to achieve the mullet silhouette without the full commitment. Air dry and finish with a light-hold styling cream for a natural look.
Closing Thoughts
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Whichever mullet variation you choose, regular trims are essential for maintaining the shape and preventing the style from becoming unkempt. With proper styling and maintenance, modern mullets offer fashionable options for men seeking something beyond conventional haircuts.
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