The mullet haircut is making a strong comeback, but with a modern twist. Combining the classic mullet with a trendy taper fade creates a stylish and edgy look that’s perfect for the contemporary man.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 variations of the taper fade mullet, each offering a unique style to suit different personalities and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or a bold statement, there’s a taper fade mullet here for you.
1. Classic Taper Fade Mullet
The classic taper fade mullet is the perfect introduction to this trendy hairstyle. It features a gradual fade on the sides and back, transitioning smoothly into longer hair on top and at the nape of the neck. The contrast between the short sides and the longer top and back creates a striking silhouette.
This style is versatile and can be adapted to suit various face shapes and hair types. The taper fade helps to create a clean, sharp look around the ears and neckline, while the longer top and back allow for styling flexibility. You can slick it back for a more polished appearance or let it flow naturally for a relaxed vibe.
2. Textured Top Taper Fade Mullet
For those who want to add some extra flair to their mullet, the textured top taper fade is an excellent choice. This style maintains the traditional mullet shape but incorporates texture and volume on the top.
The sides are tapered short, gradually fading into the longer top. The key to this look is the deliberate messiness and texture added to the longer hair on top. This can be achieved through various cutting techniques, such as point cutting or razor cutting, and styling products like sea salt spray or texturizing powder.
The result is a modern, edgy look that offers plenty of movement and dimension. It’s perfect for men who want a low-maintenance style that still looks intentional and fashionable.
3. High Contrast Taper Fade Mullet
For those who really want to make a statement, the high contrast taper fade mullet is the way to go. This bold style features an extreme difference between the short sides and the long top and back.
The sides are faded very short, often down to the skin, creating a dramatic transition to the longer hair on top and at the back. This high-contrast look is attention-grabbing and perfect for those who aren’t afraid to stand out.
To style this cut, you can slick back the top for a sleek look or leave it tousled for a more casual, rock-and-roll vibe. The key is to maintain the sharp contrast between the faded sides and the longer sections.
4. Curly Taper Fade Mullet
Embracing natural texture, the curly taper fade mullet is perfect for men with wavy or curly hair. This style combines the edginess of a taper fade with the softness of natural curls, creating a unique and appealing look.
The sides are tapered short, gradually fading into the longer, curly top and back. The key to this style is to work with your natural curl pattern, allowing it to add volume and character to the longer sections of the mullet.
To maintain this style, use curl-enhancing products and avoid over-washing, which can lead to frizz. A leave-in conditioner can help keep curls defined and moisturized.
5. Mohawk Taper Fade Mullet
For the boldest of the bold, the mohawk taper fade mullet combines three iconic hairstyles into one show-stopping look. This style features a central strip of longer hair running from the forehead to the nape, reminiscent of a mohawk, while maintaining the classic mullet shape and incorporating a taper fade on the sides.
The sides are faded very short, drawing attention to the longer central section. The top can be styled up for a true mohawk-inspired look or left down for a more subdued appearance. The back maintains the classic mullet length.
This style is not for the faint of heart but is perfect for those who want to make a strong style statement and aren’t afraid of turning heads.
6. Slick Back Taper Fade Mullet
The slick back taper fade mullet offers a more polished and sophisticated take on the mullet trend. This style features neatly tapered sides that fade into longer hair on top, which is then slicked back smoothly.
The key to this look is the contrast between the clean, faded sides and the sleek, controlled top. The back maintains the classic mullet length but is styled to blend seamlessly with the slicked-back top.
To achieve this style, you’ll need a strong hold pomade or gel. Apply the product to damp hair and comb it back, ensuring a smooth finish. This look is perfect for those who want to sport a mullet in a more professional or formal setting.
7. Asymmetrical Taper Fade Mullet
For those who like to push the boundaries of conventional hairstyles, the asymmetrical taper fade mullet offers a unique and edgy option. This style plays with balance and proportion, featuring a taper fade that’s more pronounced on one side than the other.
The asymmetry can be subtle or dramatic, depending on your preference. You might choose to have one side faded very short while the other maintains a bit more length, or you could opt for a more gradual difference between the sides.
This style requires regular maintenance to keep the asymmetry looking intentional rather than grown out. It’s perfect for those who want a conversation-starting hairstyle that showcases their personality.
8. Mullet with Shaved Designs
For the truly adventurous, a mullet with shaved designs takes the taper fade mullet to the next level. This style incorporates intricate patterns or designs shaved into the faded sides of the head.
The designs can range from simple lines or geometric shapes to more complex patterns or even images. The top and back maintain the classic mullet shape, creating an interesting contrast with the detailed sides.
This style requires regular upkeep to maintain the crispness of the designs. It’s ideal for those who see their hair as a canvas for self-expression and aren’t afraid to make a bold style statement.
9. Layered Taper Fade Mullet
The layered taper fade mullet adds depth and dimension to the classic mullet shape. This style features a taper fade on the sides, transitioning into longer, layered hair on top and at the back.
The layers help to remove bulk and add movement to the hair, creating a softer, more natural-looking mullet. This can be especially beneficial for those with thick hair, as it helps to manage volume while maintaining the distinctive mullet shape.
Styling this cut can be as simple as running some texturizing product through the hair and letting it air dry, or you can use a blow dryer for more control and volume.
10. Faux Hawk Taper Fade Mullet
Combining elements of a faux hawk with a taper fade mullet creates a bold, eye-catching style. This cut features very short, faded sides with a strip of longer hair down the center of the head, styled up to resemble a mohawk.
The back maintains the classic mullet length, blending into the faux hawk on top. This creates a unique silhouette that’s edgy from every angle.
To style, use a strong hold product to spike up the center section, creating height and texture. This look is perfect for those who want to combine punk rock edge with modern barbering techniques.
11. Disconnected Taper Fade Mullet
The disconnected taper fade mullet creates a striking contrast between the different sections of the hair. In this style, there’s a clear, abrupt transition between the faded sides and the longer top and back, rather than a gradual blend.
This disconnected look adds an extra edge to the mullet style, creating clear lines and sections in the hair. The top can be styled in various ways – slicked back, textured, or even forward for a more dramatic look.
This style works well for those with straight or wavy hair and is perfect for men who want a mullet that really stands out from the crowd.
12. Undercut Taper Fade Mullet
The undercut taper fade mullet combines the edginess of an undercut with the classic shape of a mullet. In this style, the sides are cut very short (often with a taper fade), creating a stark contrast with the longer hair on top and at the back.
The top section is left long enough to be styled in various ways – slicked back, swept to the side, or even braided for a more intricate look. The back maintains the traditional mullet length.
This style offers versatility in styling and is perfect for those who want the option to dramatically change their look day-to-day simply by styling the top section differently.
13. Pompadour Taper Fade Mullet
For a touch of retro cool, the pompadour taper fade mullet combines classic 1950s styling with modern barbering techniques. This style features a taper fade on the sides, with the hair on top styled into a voluminous pompadour.
The back maintains the mullet length, creating an interesting contrast between the sleek pompadour and the longer, often more textured back section.
To style, use a strong hold pomade and a round brush while blow-drying to create volume and shape in the pompadour. This look is perfect for those who want to combine vintage and contemporary styles.
14. Mullet with Low Taper Fade
For a more subtle take on the taper fade mullet, consider a low taper fade. In this style, the fade starts lower on the head, typically just above the ears, creating a more gradual transition to the longer hair on top and at the back.
This softer fade can be a good option for those who want to try the taper fade mullet trend but aren’t ready for a high-contrast look. It’s also a great choice for professional settings where a more conservative style might be preferred.
The low taper fade mullet can be styled in various ways, from sleek and polished to tousled and casual, making it a versatile choice for many men.
15. Spiky Top Taper Fade Mullet
For a punk-inspired take on the taper fade mullet, consider a spiky top variation. This style features a taper fade on the sides, with the longer hair on top styled into spikes.
The spikes can be uniform in length for a more structured look, or varied for a more chaotic, edgy appearance. The back maintains the classic mullet length, creating an interesting contrast with the spiky top.
To achieve this look, use a strong hold gel or wax to create defined spikes. This style is perfect for those who want to add some rock and roll attitude to their mullet.
16. Side-Swept Taper Fade Mullet
For a softer, more romantic take on the taper fade mullet, consider a side-swept style. This cut features a taper fade on the sides, with the longer hair on top swept to one side.
The side-swept top adds a touch of elegance to the edgy mullet shape, creating a versatile look that can be dressed up or down. The back maintains the classic mullet length, blending smoothly with the side-swept top.
To style, use a medium-hold product and comb the hair to one side while blow-drying for hold and direction. This look is great for those who want a mullet that can transition easily from day to night.
17. Mullet with Skin Fade
For the boldest contrast, consider a mullet with a skin fade. In this style, the sides are faded down to the skin, creating a dramatic transition to the longer hair on top and at the back.
This high-contrast look is edgy and modern, perfect for those who really want to make a statement with their hair. The top and back can be styled in various ways, from sleek and controlled to messy and textured.
Maintenance is key with this style, as the skin fade will need regular touch-ups to maintain its crisp appearance.
18. Textured Crop Taper Fade Mullet
Combining elements of a textured crop with a taper fade mullet creates a stylish and contemporary look. This style features a taper fade on the sides, with the hair on top cut into a short, textured crop.
The cropped top adds a modern touch to the classic mullet shape, while the texture keeps it from looking too severe. The back maintains the mullet length, creating an interesting contrast with the shorter, textured top.
To style, use a matte clay or paste to enhance the texture of the crop. This look is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance style that still looks intentional and fashionable.
19. Long Top Taper Fade Mullet
For those who love the versatility of longer hair, the long top taper fade mullet is an excellent choice. This style features a taper fade on the sides, with significantly longer hair left on top.
The long top can be styled in numerous ways – slicked back, swept to the side, left tousled, or even braided for a more intricate look. The back maintains the classic mullet length, blending with the longer top.
This style offers maximum versatility, allowing you to change up your look frequently. It’s perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with different hairstyles but still want the edgy appeal of a mullet.
20. Messy Taper Fade Mullet
For a laid-back, effortlessly cool vibe, the messy taper fade mullet is the way to go. This style combines the clean lines of a taper fade on the sides with deliberately tousled, messy hair on top and at the back.
The key to this look is embracing natural texture and movement in the hair. The messiness adds a touch of rebellious charm to the structured taper fade, creating an interesting contrast.
To style, use a texturizing spray or sea salt spray on damp hair and let it air dry, or use your fingers to tousle it while blow-drying for added volume. This low-maintenance style is perfect for those who want a cool, casual look with minimal effort.
In conclusion, the taper fade mullet offers a wide range of styling options, from sleek and polished to edgy and bold. Whether you prefer a subtle, work-appropriate look or a head-turning statement style, there’s a taper fade mullet variation to suit your taste. Remember, the key to pulling off any of these styles is confidence – wear your chosen mullet with pride and you’re sure to turn heads for all the right reasons.