Newsflash: The mullet haircut is still going strong. Traditionally longer in the back and shorter in the front, this iconic blast from the past continues to evolve with every decade. It’s equally perplexing and amazing, we know! And in even gnarlier news, this iconic cut is making a fresh comeback this year.
Ready to discover the mullet’s roots? Let’s take it back to where the magic began. Who knows? It might inspire you to rock the modern mullet. And we’ve got some handy tips for you if you do!
The History of the Mullet
The mullet haircut features long hair at the back and a short-to-medium length at the front and sides. This combination of a conservative, standard look with something generally seen as a ‘rebel’ style gave the haircut the memorable description: “business in the front, party in the back.”
The look came into fashion in the ’70s and ’80s, with classic mullets sported by celebrities of the era. During these decades, it was common to see heavily styled mullets with voluminous, blown-out hair worn loose or tied back into a ponytail.
The Revival of the Mullet
After the wave of man buns and braids, a resurgence of the mullet makes sense. So, what makes the modern mullet different?
While it still has the combination of short and long lengths, the modern mullet has less of a dramatic contrast between the two. Hair can be kept longer at the back, with a slightly shorter length at the front and sides.
Who should get the modern mullet?
This look works really well for hair with a lot of texture, so if yours is naturally thick, wavy, or curly and you’d like to try this style, the shorter lengths around the front can make a curly mullet much more manageable. But don’t worry if you have fine or straight hair; you can style out a straight hair mullet by applying a molding product like Bed Head for Men by TIGI Pure Texture Molding Paste to create a rougher tousled texture. Did we mention that it’s also great for emphasizing sharp cheekbones or adding length to a round face?
How do you keep a modern mullet fresh?
Avoid the heavily styled look of the past and stick to a more moderate length at the back of your head (just above the nape of the neck). You can also make your mullet haircut more unique by adding a brighter color or creating more contrast with a faux hawk. A modern mullet fade also looks pretty slick. See? Now, the idea of a mullet doesn’t seem so out there, right?
How to Wear the Mullet Haircut
The modern mullet has evolved out of its backwater roots and has now become one of the coolest hairstyles for men, especially for those willing to experiment with a punkier, grungier vibe.
Unlike the traditional mullet, you don’t need a head full of long hair (a.k.a. “party in the back” locks) to achieve this modern iteration. In addition, it can now work on straight, curly, or wavy-haired guys alike.
However, with a great mullet comes great responsibility. Read on to discover how to get the perfect mullet haircut:
- How to Get a Mullet Haircut
- Styling a Mullet
- Tips on Mullet Maintenance
How to Get the Modern Mullet Haircut
Like the sound of a short mullet hairstyle? With its new, even shorter length at the top, this modern-day spin on this vintage style is stylish and sharp.
Step 1. Grow out your hair.
First, you’ll need at least an inch of hair all around to achieve this haircut. Since you’re aiming for something more contemporary, you’ll need to give your stylist some specifics.
Step 2. Know what lengths you want.
Ask for a length at the back of your hair that you’re most comfortable with. A length that reaches the midpoint of the back of your neck is ideal if you have long hair. Be sure that the proportions are cut right, i.e., Give your front and back the right amount of balance so they can complement one another with some expert shearing and layering—or you’ll end up with too much disconnect between the top and bottom sections.
Step 3. Avoid the rat-tail.
Once this style is cut and groomed, it can be worn as a casual or formal hairstyle. The key is not to end up with a super-long rat tail.
For example, ask for a mullet with the right amount of balance all around. You may opt for a faded mullet with a low fade at the side, or if you have curly-textured hair, leave your sides just about the same length as the top of your hair. This plays well with the longer length at the back; it looks more uniform and not faux hawk-ish.
The top should be cut with just the right amount of length: long enough for a sleek, gelled look or a fun quiff so that you can carry out your daily styling routine.
Styling the Mullet Haircut
Step 1. Get ready to comb.
Depending on the direction your hair grows, brush or comb the sides of your hair forward or backward.
Pro tip: most men tend to brush their strands back.
Step 2. Apply product.
Apply gel or pomade like Dove Men+Care Defining Pomadeto add shine and keep your sides in place.
Step 3. Mold your style.
Comb the top section of your hair back and mold it into a pompadour-like style. If you want an edgy and spiky effect, rake wax or gel through your hair. Use your hands to give it an edgy finish, and comb the sides of your top inward.
AXE
AXE Messy Look: Matte Wax
For a smoother effect (most favored by curly- and wavy-haired guys), use AXE Messy Look Matte Wax to slick your hair back, using your fingers to mold your locks as you create volume in your beautiful curly mullet.
Step 4: Give your style hold.
Dove
Dove Extra Hold Non-Aerosol Hairspray
Mist the finished look with Dove Extra Hold Non-Aerosol Hairsprayto give your style some hold.
Tips on mullet maintenance.
The mullet is all about maintenance and grooming, so don’t miss out on your weekly or bi-weekly trims, especially if you’ve got a super low fade on the sides.
For those with curly or wavy hair, stylers can keep your mullet cut in check. Then, when the hair grows out a bit, it won’t look too obvious. Your sides will easily blend in with the overall length of your cut, but don’t go too long without a trim!
That’s all there is to achieving the modern mullet haircut. With the help of some inspo/reference photos and all the right styling products, you should be good to go.
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