The mullet, once a controversial hairstyle, has made a triumphant comeback in recent years. This versatile cut, characterized by shorter hair on the top and sides with longer locks in the back, offers a unique blend of edgy and classic styles.
Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or just want to try something new, these 20 cool mullet hairstyles for men will inspire you to embrace this iconic look.
1. Classic Modern Mullet
The Classic Modern Mullet is a contemporary take on the traditional style. This version features a medium-length top with tapered sides, gradually transitioning into longer hair at the nape of the neck. The key to this look is maintaining a clean, well-groomed appearance while still embracing the mullet’s signature shape.
To achieve this style, ask your barber for a medium fade on the sides, leaving enough length on top to style with texture. The back should be left longer, typically reaching just above the collar. This versatile cut can be styled sleek for a more professional look or tousled for a casual, effortless vibe.
2. Textured Crop Mullet
The Textured Crop Mullet combines the popular textured crop top with the classic mullet silhouette. This style features a short, textured top with lots of movement, faded sides, and a longer back that adds an edge to the overall look.
To style this cut, use a matte pomade or clay to create piece-y texture on top. The contrast between the choppy, textured top and the smooth, longer back makes this mullet a standout choice for those who want a modern, fashion-forward appearance.
3. Curly Mullet
Embracing natural texture, the Curly Mullet is perfect for men with wavy or curly hair. This style allows the curls to shine on top and in the back, creating a voluminous and eye-catching look. The sides are kept shorter but not too tight, maintaining some curl definition.
To maintain this style, use curl-enhancing products and avoid over-washing to keep your curls defined and frizz-free. The Curly Mullet is an excellent option for those looking to combine their natural texture with a trendy silhouette.
4. Punk Rock Mullet
The Punk Rock Mullet takes the traditional mullet to new heights – literally. This edgy style features a mohawk-like top that’s longer and often spiked up, with shaved or very short sides, and a long, sometimes colorful back.
This bold look requires confidence to pull off and regular maintenance to keep the contrast sharp. Use strong-hold gel or pomade to create spikes or a swept-back look on top. The Punk Rock Mullet is perfect for those who want to make a statement and aren’t afraid to stand out.
5. Surfer Mullet
The Surfer Mullet embodies a laid-back, beachy vibe. This style features medium-length hair on top that’s often sun-bleached or highlighted, with longer, wavy locks in the back. The sides are kept relatively short but not buzzed, maintaining a relaxed appearance.
To achieve this look, embrace your hair’s natural texture and use sea salt spray for added waviness. The Surfer Mullet is ideal for those who want a carefree, sun-kissed aesthetic that looks great both on and off the beach.
6. Hipster Mullet
The Hipster Mullet combines vintage inspiration with modern styling. This variation typically features a medium-length top styled with a side part or quiff, moderately short sides, and a longer back that’s often styled with natural texture.
To nail this look, use a combination of pomade and texturizing powder to create definition and hold. The Hipster Mullet is perfect for the fashion-forward man who appreciates retro styles with a contemporary twist.
7. Fade Mullet
The Fade Mullet incorporates one of the most popular barbering techniques – the fade – into the mullet silhouette. This style features a high, medium, or low fade on the sides, a textured top, and the characteristic longer back of a mullet.
The fade adds a clean, modern touch to the mullet, making it more versatile for various settings. Style the top with a matte product for a contemporary look, or slick it back for a more polished appearance. The Fade Mullet is an excellent choice for those who want to try a mullet but maintain a somewhat conservative edge.
8. Mullet with Bangs
The Mullet with Bangs adds a frontal focus to the classic mullet shape. This style features longer hair on top that’s cut into textured bangs, often swept to the side or allowed to fall naturally. The sides are kept short, while the back maintains the traditional mullet length.
This variation adds versatility to the mullet, allowing for different styling options for the bangs. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to soften the mullet’s appearance or add a youthful touch to their look.
9. Undercut Mullet
The Undercut Mullet combines two bold styles into one striking look. This variation features an undercut on the sides and back, with longer hair on top that transitions into the mullet’s signature long back.
The stark contrast between the shaved sides and the longer top and back creates a dramatic, edgy appearance. Style the top smooth for a sleek look, or add texture for a more casual vibe. The Undercut Mullet is perfect for those who want to push the boundaries of traditional hairstyles.
10. Pompadour Mullet
The Pompadour Mullet merges the classic pompadour style with the mullet’s long back. This sophisticated variation features voluminous, swept-back hair on top, shorter sides, and the longer back typical of a mullet.
To style, use a strong-hold pomade to create height and shape in the front, sweeping the hair back smoothly. The Pompadour Mullet is ideal for those who want to maintain a polished look while still embracing the mullet’s edgy nature.
11. Shaggy Mullet
The Shaggy Mullet embraces a more relaxed, tousled appearance. This style features layers throughout the hair, creating a textured, lived-in look. The top and sides are cut to medium length, with the back left longer in true mullet fashion.
To achieve this look, ask your stylist for lots of texture and layers. Style with a light-hold product to enhance the natural movement of your hair. The Shaggy Mullet is perfect for those who prefer a low-maintenance, effortlessly cool aesthetic.
12. Mullet Fade with Design
The Mullet Fade with Design takes the Fade Mullet a step further by incorporating intricate patterns or designs into the faded sides. This bold style combines the clean lines of a fade with artistic expression, all while maintaining the mullet’s signature long back.
The designs can range from simple lines to complex geometric patterns or even images. This style requires regular maintenance to keep the design sharp and the fade clean. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to showcase their personality and creativity through their hairstyle.
13. Long Mullet
The Long Mullet is for those who truly want to embrace the “party in the back” ethos. This style features longer hair all around, with the back reaching well past the shoulders. The top and sides are still kept shorter than the back but are left long enough to create a flowing, rock-star-inspired look.
This style requires commitment to growing out your hair and regular trims to maintain the shape. Use quality hair care products to keep your long locks healthy and shiny. The Long Mullet is perfect for those who want to fully commit to the mullet lifestyle and aren’t afraid of making a bold statement.
14. Mullet with Rattail
The Mullet with Rattail takes the mullet concept to its extreme. This daring style features a traditional mullet cut with an extra-long, thin section of hair at the center back – the rattail. The rest of the hair is cut in a standard mullet fashion, with shorter sides and top, and a longer back.
This style is not for the faint of heart and requires confidence to pull off. The rattail can be braided, left loose, or even wrapped with colorful thread for added flair. The Mullet with Rattail is for those who want to push boundaries and embrace a truly unique look.
15. Textured Quiff Mullet
The Textured Quiff Mullet combines the popular textured quiff with the mullet’s longer back. This style features a voluminous, textured top styled into a quiff, with shorter sides that blend into the longer back.
To style, use a combination of blow-drying and texturizing products to create height and movement in the quiff. The contrast between the styled top and the flowing back creates an interesting and modern take on the mullet. This style is ideal for those who want to maintain a trendy, fashionable look while still incorporating the mullet aesthetic.
16. Mullet with Skin Fade
The Mullet with Skin Fade offers a high-contrast, sharp look. This style features a skin fade on the sides, where the hair is buzzed down to the skin, gradually blending into longer hair on top. The back is kept long in classic mullet style, creating a striking contrast with the faded sides.
This cut requires regular maintenance to keep the fade looking fresh. Style the top with a matte product for a modern look, or slick it back for a more polished appearance. The Mullet with Skin Fade is perfect for those who want a clean, sharp look that still embraces the edginess of a mullet.
17. Subtle Mullet
The Subtle Mullet is for those who want to dip their toes into the mullet trend without fully committing to a dramatic style. This variation features a more graduated transition from the shorter top and sides to the longer back, creating a softer, more blended look.
The back is kept only slightly longer than a traditional haircut, making this style more versatile for various settings. Style with a light-hold product for a natural look. The Subtle Mullet is ideal for professionals or anyone who wants to try the mullet trend in a more understated way.
18. Mohawk Mullet
The Mohawk Mullet combines two iconic rebellious hairstyles into one bold look. This style features a traditional mohawk on top – a strip of longer hair running from the forehead to the crown – with the sides buzzed short. The back is left long in mullet fashion, creating a striking silhouette.
To style, use strong-hold gel or pomade to spike up the mohawk section. This look requires confidence and regular maintenance to keep the contrast between the mohawk, shaved sides, and long back sharp. The Mohawk Mullet is perfect for those who want to make a strong statement with their hair.
19. Mullet with Fringe
The Mullet with Fringe adds a soft, face-framing element to the mullet shape. This style features a textured fringe or bangs that fall over the forehead, with the classic mullet shape of shorter sides and a longer back.
The fringe can be styled in various ways – swept to the side, allowed to fall naturally, or even cut choppily for added texture. This versatile style works well with various face shapes and can soften the sometimes harsh lines of a traditional mullet. The Mullet with Fringe is great for those who want a more approachable, youthful take on the mullet trend.
20. Messy Mullet
The Messy Mullet embraces a carefree, tousled look. This style features a textured, deliberately disheveled top and sides, with the characteristic longer back of a mullet. The key to this look is creating an appearance of effortless cool.
To achieve this style, ask your stylist for lots of texture and layers throughout. Use a texturizing spray or powder to enhance the messy, lived-in look. The Messy Mullet is perfect for those who prefer a low-maintenance style with a rock-and-roll edge.
In conclusion, the mullet has evolved from its 1980s roots into a versatile, modern hairstyle with numerous variations to suit different tastes and personalities. Whether you prefer a subtle nod to the trend or a bold, statement-making look, there’s a mullet style that can work for you. Remember, the key to pulling off any mullet is confidence – wear your chosen style with pride and make it your own.