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 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 stylised 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 power 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 texturising 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, just visible, flicking out behind the ears.
Best Face Shapes for Guppy Mullet
- Oval
- Oblong
The guppy mullet is the shortest and most simple variation of the classic cut. With this style, the hair on top and sides is kept relatively short, with the mullet section only slightly longer than this. The nape will be cut naturally to create a more feathered look that tends to flick up the sides. Best of all, this cut is one of the easiest and best mullet styles to pull off, as it doesn’t require much maintenance.
If you are wondering, the term ‘guppy’ was coined by Laura Johnson, founder and CEO of Mulletfest. In an interview with ABC, she described them as “guppy” or “first-haircut” mullets, with the main giveaway being the little swish behind the ears.
7. Mohawk Mullet
Mohawk Mullet Characteristics
- Spiked Mohawk Section: With this mullet hairstyle, the hair on top is styled to stand up in a defined mohawk section.
- Gradual Transition: Due to the dramatically shortened sides and added length on top, the mullet section at the back should be blended gradually so as to not appear to extreme.
Best Face Shapes for Mohawk Mullet
- Square
- Round
- Triangular
One of the more popular options I’ve seen in recent years, the mohawk mullet essentially takes the traditional mohawk or faux-hawk style and combines it with additional length at the nape. With this cut, it’s quite common to see a gradual transition between the top and back, with the sideburns taken extremely short. You may even choose to point the hairline at the back to accentuate the mohawk component of the hairstyle, but it’s really up to you.
8. Afro Mullet
Afro Mullet Characteristics
- Afro Hair: This mullet style highlights tightly wound curls, embracing the natural volume and texture of Afro hair.
- Shorter Nape Lengths: As Afro hair does not fall with added length, it’s better to keep the mullet section at the back shorter and more manageable.
Best Face Shapes for Afro Mullet
- Oval
- Oblong
As the name would suggest, the Afro mullet combines the classic mullet with the natural volume and texture of Afro hair. With this style, you want to highlight the hair type’s unique density and texture characteristics, so avoid shaping and layering where possible. Instead, I would recommend keeping a light taper on the sideburns, graduating up to a decent length on top. The back section should be kept slightly longer than the sides, however, it’s important not to add too much length here.
By having an excessively long nape section, the natural texture of the hair can throw off the weight and balance of the style. Instead, the back section should transition gradually into a mullet that is only slightly longer than your standard taper.
9. ’70s Shag Mullet
‘70s Shag Mullet Characteristics
- Layers: The hair throughout, from the top to the back, will be heavily layered to create movement and a shaggy, feathered texture. Think of rock legends like David Bowie or Mick Jagger.
- Blunt Ends: Unlike other mullet hairstyles for men, the shaggy look employs a more gradual length change, smoothly transitioning between wispy areas and longer lengths.
Best Face Shapes for ‘70s Shag Mullet
- Oval
- Oblong
Over the past five or so years, the ’70s shag mullet has become one of the most popular variations of the style. This iteration is best characterised by its wispy fringe, which helps to frame the face naturally, and the use of layered elements. As with Mick Jagger and David Bowie in the ’70s, the hair on the top and back is heavily layered to create movement and a feathered texture, a technique that requires significant length.
As a result, this style of mullet works best with medium to long hair. The top section should sit naturally just above the eyebrows, while the back transitions into a mullet, reaching shoulder length or even longer. Importantly, this style of cut is achieved through a lot of sectioning and traditional hairdressing techniques, so you are better off skipping the barber and going to a salon for this one.
10. Wolfcut
Wolfcut Characteristics
- Soft Fringe: The fringe should hang softly around your brows, helping to frame your face.
- Layers: The key characteristics of this cut are volume and layers.
Best Face Shapes for Wolfcut
- Round
- Square
- Oval
A style born out of the TikTok age, the wolfcut blends vintage style and cutting techniques to create a contemporary look that helps to frame the face. According to Tim Hui from New York City barbershop 12Pell, the look originated in post-lockdown in Korea, before rising to fame on TikTok due to how easy it is to DIY.
“The hairstyle is essentially a cross between an ‘80s mullet and a shag. It originated from K-pop in the ’80-90s, but has been making its rounds back today from TikTok. With longer hair becoming a thing and the rise of K-pop, it’s not a shock as to why the wolfcut became a hot topic.”
The wolf cut hairstyle is characterised by choppy layers on top, and longer layers on the side, with some volume up top and a taper towards the ends. The fringe should hang softly around your brows, which is great for framing your face. If you have a rounder face shape, this style of cut can help draw attention away from the wide forehead and lower jaw, giving the illusion of balance.
What is a Mullet?
The traditional mullet haircut is defined by shorter hair at the front and sides of the head, with a much longer section of hair at the back of the head. Today, however, you will see various mullet hairstyles, each with its unique touch. Mullets today can come in the form of a perm, an afro, with bangs, and even with a fade. Due to its versatility, it’s become a popular, timeless haircut that has survived the test of time.
History of the Mullet
The mullet haircut has had a long and colourful history. If you go way back, the first documentation of a mullet was in the sixth century. During this time, men donned a haircut called the ‘Hunnic’, which denoted very similar features to what we know as today’s mullet. The 1970s was the beginning of the modern mullet, when stars like David Bowie and Rod Stewart started rocking the business at the front, party at the back hairstyle. This is when the mullet truly took off and was popularised in the 1980s. However, the term mullet wasn’t coined until later on when the Beastie Boys released their single ‘Mullet Head’ in 1994.
Is the Mullet Coming Back?
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, it’s pretty apparent that the mullet is well and truly making a comeback. Although they may not be as widespread as in the 80s, they are versatile haircuts that work for most hair types and are timeless. Mullets are also a unisex haircut, which is why they have made a comeback in modern times.
In recent years, the mullet has seen an enormous resurgence, spurred by both the post-COVID growth and a healthy dose of irony. A number of young people used lockdown to grow their hair long and the relaxed approach to dress and attire has seen more and more Aussie embrace the party at the back. Throw in the heightened popularity of the cut in sporting circles and you start to get a picture of why the mullet is making a comeback.
A recent investigation conducted by ABC found that roughly 19 per cent of all AFL players on a current team roster sported a mullet of some description, led primarily by the younger age demographic. Thirty-eight per cent of players aged 19-years-old opted for the iconic haircut, while remarkably, not a single player over the age of 31 had a mullet this season. In Hollywood, the trend is very much the same.
A number of the world’s most popular youth actors are fans of the unique hairstyle, with Academy Award-nominated star of Aftersun, Paul Mescal one of the most vocal proponents. For the past few years, the Irish star has sported a variation of the ‘guppy mullet’, an interaction that combines a blunt fringe with a small amount of length at the nape, just enough to flick out at the sides. Similarly, Austin Butler, Jacob Elordi and Joe Keery have all been lauded for their mullet stylings, taking the men’s hairstyle from the outskirts of pop culture to the mainstream.
Things to Consider for Mullet Hairstyles
The mullet, much like any hairstyle, will invariably suit some men more than others. In my years as a qualified hairdresser, I had to talk a number of guys out of the cut purely due to the fact that it would do nothing for them. If you are considering a mullet hairstyle, keep these considerations in mind and don’t be afraid to ask your barbers some tough questions.
Face Shape
While it might not necessarily be considered the epitome of style, you might be surprised to learn that the mullet haircut suits practically any face shape. This is due to the hairstyle’s unique dual-length structure, which elongates the neck and jawline, whilst also keeping the forehead small by keeping the temple edges tight. When I am cutting a client’s hair, the major thing I look for is a sense of harmony, particularly when it comes to how a style frames the face. With the mullet, you have the ability to create a perfect silhouette, varying the lengths at the front of the face to best accentuate the key features.
For example, if you have a rounder found, keeping a slightly longer section at the top will add the illusion of height, giving you more structure and sharpening the silhouette. Combine that with a medium-length mullet section at the back, and you again are playing with the extremities, elongating the face to aid in structure and hide the rounder, less sharp sections of the face.
Conversely, if you have sharp facial features, a feathered wolfcut with added length on the fringe will help to frame the face naturally, giving a softer, more approachable look. This works well when it is set against a ’70s-style shag mullet, as the natural flow will offset the harshness of the jawline, cheeks and nose. The most important thing to look for when considering a mullet hairstyle is how the font sections and nape work in unison to accentuate your key facial features. Think about the sections that work in your favour and ask your barber to highlight them rather than bury them under a mountain of hair.
Styling
When it comes to styling a mullet, the key consideration is length; the longer the nape section of the hair, the more options you have to choose from. For styles that lend themselves well to wavy hair hair, I recommend styling the hair immediately after a shower when the hair is still damp. Using a wide bristle comb, style the hair directly back, starting from the fringe. In my personal opinion, allowing the hair on top to air dry, rather than using a blow dryer, will give the hair a more natural flow, which is great for creating movement and texture.
As for the back, particularly if your mullet has any significant length, five to ten minutes of blow drying will help out a lot. The last thing you want is wet, mattd hair getting your collar drenched. Start by blow drying the hair from the crown backwards in a uniform direction, with the machine on a medium heat. This will give you the most natural dry look and remove unnecessary kinks and knots.
Why Trust Our Men’s Hairstyle Advice?
As a qualified hairdresser and barber with an SHB30516 Certificate III in Barbering from The Queensland Hairdressing Academy, Nick Hall is an expert on men’s haircuts and styles. Prior to joining Man of Many as Editor-in-Chief, he spent five years as a senior stylist at Brisbane salon The Chopspot and two years at Sydney-based barbershop Kings Domain. The men’s hairstyle expert has personally chosen every haircut on this list, providing extensive first-hand details and insights related to each style.
Mullet Hairstyles for Men Inspiration
Alternatives to Mullet Hairstyles
- Short Hairstyles for Men
- Medium-Length Hairstyles for Men
- Long Hairstyles for Men
- Curly Hairstyles for Men
- Straight Hairstyles for Men
