Skullet Haircut Guide: 10 Bold Skullet Styles for Men

The skullet haircut is one of the greatest hairstyles known to man. Why fall in line with the same safe fades, crops, and side parts when you can walk into the world with a haircut like no other? The skullet’s been doing exactly that for decades, and somehow it’s still as glorious, absurd, and attention-grabbing as ever.

It’s the outlaw cousin of the mullet, the haircut you choose when you want every pub within a 10km radius to know you’ve arrived. A real skullet hairstyle isn’t subtle, and it shouldn’t be. It’s for guys who like their grooming with a bit of menace, some humour, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

If that sounds like your lane, here’s everything you need to know about the skullet haircut, including what it is, how it differs from a mullet, the best styles to consider, and how to stop it looking like a complete accident.

Related: Our complete guide to the best haircuts for men serves as your reference for hairstyles.

What is a Skullet?

A skullet haircut is a hairstyle where the top of the head’s shaved, buzzed, or clipped very short, while the back’s left long. In simple terms, it’s a bald or cropped crown paired with mullet-like length through the rear.

The name’s a mash-up of “skull” and “mullet,” which is about as direct as hair terminology gets. The appeal lies in the contrast. You’ve got almost nothing happening up top, then plenty going on at the back.

Today, the skullet might be considered a new trend. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Versions of this haircut have been spotted on powerful men dating back to ancient Rome, the American Civil War, and more recently in music subcultures, the footy field, and even Urban Dictionary (where the skullet is defined with suspicious pride). Celebrities and personalities such as Matt Damon, Hulk Hogan, Dustin Martin, and even Charles Manson have all rocked a daring skullet, either by choice or pure coincidence.

Skullet vs Mullet: What’s the Difference?

A lot of people lump the skullet and mullet together, but they’re not the same beast.

Style	Top	Sides	Back
Mullet	Keeps visible length on top	Usually short or tapered	Long
Skullet	Shaved, thinning, or clipped very short	Often shaved, faded, or tight	Long

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A mullet still wants the top involved. A skullet haircut doesn’t. It strips that back and throws all the drama into the rear, which is why it feels more rebellious and a fair bit less concerned with conventional good taste.

Why the Skullet is Trending Again

The return of the skullet says a lot about where men’s grooming is at. We’re well past the point where every haircut needs to be clean, corporate, and approved by someone in middle management. Guys are leaning back into personality, irony, and anti-polish, and the skullet hairstyle fits that brief beautifully.

It also helps that modern barbers have got much better at shaping one. Today’s versions can be faded, textured, tapered, or softened through the back, which means the cut can look more deliberate than deranged.

Who Suits a Skullet Haircut?

Truthfully, the skullet suits confidence more than it suits any specific face shape. If you’re the sort of guy who already dresses like you’ve got opinions on natural wine, obscure punk records, or which servo does the best midnight pie, you’re probably halfway there.

From a practical standpoint, straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair can all work, as long as there’s enough length at the back to create some contrast. It can also be a handy move for men dealing with recession or thinning on top. Rather than pretending everything’s business as usual, a balding skullet leans into the situation and turns it into a look.

That said, this isn’t the haircut for a timid man. If you’re going to wear it, wear it with gusto.

Best Skullet Haircuts and Hairstyles for Men

The general rule of thumb for the skullet is ‘the filthier the better’. This subspecies of mullet is for those who refuse to conform to the traditional and frankly blasé short back and sides. We have compiled a list of the best skullets in the hope of explaining what on earth is going on with these expressions of pure excellence.

1. Skullet Fade

You can start safely with this skullet. This hairstyle is perfect for the type of man who’s looking for a little more function than form. A short, tight taper fade is one of the classiest hairstyles there is, and combining that with the party that’s going on in the back, boy oh boy! Don’t worry too much about the top; just ask your barber to fade it up.

2. Crew Skullet

The crew skullet is a contemporary take on an old classic. The crew cut is the traditional hard-yakka style cut for blokes who like to get their hands dirty. When it comes to the top of this mullet-style haircut, you wouldn’t want anything to get in your way. It’s as simple as shaping that skinhead crew top into a show-stopping staple. Aim to control the shape by keeping a natural flowing motion as you move into the traditional mullet back.

3. Lion’s Mane Skullet

Talk about a statement. Don’t put on a hat; this skullet is perfect for those of us with a bit of patchiness up top. On a scale of  1 to party, the lion’s mane skullet is a party all the way. For this man’s haircut, you can do most of the work with your trimmer. Hell, if you can mow a lawn, you can probably pull this one off, no wuckin forries. Draw a straight line with your clippers from the top of one ear to the other. After you cut the lint, you can shave everything in front. If you want to scale this one up, add a beard to create a medieval ‘viking skullet’.

4. The Double Take Skullet

This one deserves a second look. Sometimes referred to as the Dustin Martin, this skullet means business. If you’re on the way to creating a masterpiece of a lion’s mane skullet, this is a great men’s hairstyle to get you on your way. For those of us who don’t have a built-in sun visor or hair covering the back of our neck, this works wonders. To get this look, treat it like any other skullet and proceed with caution. Make sure the line-ups are straight, then shave the whole top portion, leaving only the back. Now you’re done. Apologies for all the necks you’re going to break.

5. Curly Skullet

So you’ve read our guide on the best curly haircuts and hairstyles for men, and you still can’t think of a good way to style your natural curls? Luckily, we have one more tucked away, waiting just for you. If the lion’s mane skullet is for those with long straight hair, the curly skullet is for those with curly hair, go figure. This curly hairstyle for men is achieved in much the same way. First, line that bad boy up, then shave it forward, simple. If you want to take it to the next level, add some low-shine product to the party at the back and watch it glow like the beacon it is, for you know what.

6. The Afro Skullet

One of the most technically advanced skullets out there. First of all, if you can’t grow a natural afro, this one isn’t for you. You need maximum commitment to pull this bad boy off. Be prepared to dive deep when attempting this men’s hairstyle. The method is simple: tie back those follicles and line up the lochs. Don’t even attempt this at home unless you know what you’re doing; there’s no room for error.

7. Balding Skullet

This is the full-strength version. Bare or near-bare on top, longer at the back. A real balding skullet doesn’t try to hide anything. It embraces the crown, doubles down on the shape, and turns thinning hair into part of the charm.

8. Shaggy Skullet

A shaggy skullet softens the look with messier layers through the back. It sits closer to punk, indie, and rock-and-roll territory than the cleaner faded variations, which gives it a more lived-in feel.

9. Long Skullet

The long skullet haircut isn’t here to behave. The top stays short, while the back drops further down the neck and sometimes onto the shoulders. It’s dramatic, a little ridiculous, and strangely magnificent. Just remember that long hair still needs conditioner, trims, and a vague sense of discipline.

10. Skullet with Beard

Pairing a skullet with a beard gives the whole thing some balance. It adds weight around the jaw, sharpens the silhouette, and makes the cut feel more deliberate. If you’re dipping a toe into the skullet hairstyle world for the first time, a beard can help tie the whole operation together.

How to Ask Your Barber for a Skullet Haircut

Do yourself a favour and bring a photo. Saying “I want a skullet” without context can land you anywhere from polished alt-fashion to backyard wrestling energy.

At minimum, tell your barber three things: how short you want the top, whether you want a fade or shaved sides, and how much length you want through the back.

If you’re leaning into a skullet fade, say so. If you want a rougher balding skullet, make that clear too. The more deliberate you are, the better the result will be.

How to Maintain Your Skullet

While the skullet gives off “couldn’t care less” energy, keeping it sharp still requires a little upkeep.

• Fade lightly, trim often: The sides and top need regular buzzing to keep the shape tight — once every 2–3 weeks is ideal.
• Let the back go wild: The business end grows out naturally, but you can refine the shape with a quick tidy-up around the neckline.
• Use the right product: A matte clay, low-shine pomade or sea-salt spray will keep the back looking intentional rather than feral (unless feral is the plan).
• Check your lines: A skullet lives and dies on clean line-ups. Visit a barber who understands mullet culture, AFL culture, or both.
• Commit fully: Half-hearted skullets look accidental. A great skullet looks deliberate, defiant, and a bit dangerous.

More Men’s Hairstyle Guides

• Best Short Hairstyles for Men
• Best Medium Hairstyles for Men
• Best Long Hairstyles for Men
• Best Curly Hairstyles for Men
• Best Buzzcut Hairstyles for Men
• Best Beard Styles for Men
• How to Choose a Hairstyle for Your Face Shape
• How Often Should Men Shampoo Their Hair?
• How to Bleach Your Hair Safely at Home
• How to Talk to a Barber
• How to Deal With Grey Hair
• How to Shave the Right Way Using Shave-Oil

Skullet Haircut FAQs