What is a Mullet Haircut?
A mullet haircut is a bold men’s style with short hair at the front and sides, paired with longer length in the back. First popularized in the 1980s, it has returned with modern updates like fades, textured layers, and stylish finishes. This versatile cut works across hair types and face shapes, allowing men to choose between edgy, casual, or polished looks. Its mix of history and trend makes the mullet both timeless and fashion-forward.
From modern fades to curly layers, mullet haircuts now come in endless variations. Here are the most popular trending mullet styles men are rocking today.
Trending Mullet Haircuts for Men
Modern Mullet
The Modern Mullet blends classic edge with a fresh twist, making it a bold choice for today’s style-conscious men. This cut features shorter, tapered sides that highlight the longer textured length in the back, adding volume and flow. To keep the front lifted and controlled, blow-dry with a vented brush and work in Styling Cream for flexible hold and natural movement.
Burst Fade Mullet
The Burst Fade Mullet is a bold comeback style that blends retro attitude with modern edge. This cut features a tight burst fade around the ears that melts into longer, textured layers in the back, delivering movement and contrast. Use the Texture Clay to add definition and control, and finish with a quick blow-dry and finger styling. Ideal for oval and square face shapes craving standout style.
Mullet Fade
The Mullet Fade is a bold hairstyle that blends retro influence with modern sharpness. This cut keeps the sides faded tight while leaving longer, textured layers flowing at the back for movement and edge. To style, blow-dry for volume, shape with your fingers, and finish with Texture Clay for hold and definition. The Mullet Fade is perfect for teens seeking standout style with effortless flair.
Curly Mullet
The Curly Mullet showcases natural curls with bold volume on top and extended length at the back, giving it a playful yet edgy feel. The tight sides highlight the textured shape, while the curls add movement and energy. Blow-dry with a diffuser to keep definition, then apply Styling Cream to control frizz and maintain softness for a balanced, trend-ready finish.
Classic Mullet
The Classic Mullet delivers bold contrast with its short front and sides paired with longer flow in the back. This hairstyle balances structure and movement, giving it a confident, fashion-forward edge. To style, blow-dry for natural lift, add Texture Powder for volume, and finish with Molding Paste for definition, making the Classic Mullet both youthful and effortlessly expressive.
Short Mullet
The Short Mullet delivers a sharp, low-maintenance take on the classic style with cropped sides, a neat top, and subtle length at the back. This cut balances edge and practicality, making it perfect for young guys who want style without extra effort. Blow-dry for light volume, then shape with Molding Paste to keep the finish clean, controlled, and trend-forward.
Pompadour Mullet
The Pompadour Mullet is a bold mix of volume and edge, designed for guys who want a statement style. The top is blow-dried high for dramatic lift, while the mullet shape at the back adds flow and texture. Using Texture Powder boosts fullness, and Styling Cream keeps the front structured. This cut balances sleek control with a rebellious, fashion-forward finish that stands out effortlessly.
Taper Fade Mullet
The Taper Fade Mullet mixes clean fades on the sides with layered length at the back, giving the haircut both sharpness and flow. Its cropped top adds structure, while the longer tail creates movement and edge. Blow-dry upward for lift, then style with Texture Clay to define separation and keep the mullet looking bold, controlled, and perfectly modern for young trendsetters.
Straight Hair Mullet
The Straight Hair Mullet blends sharp sides with a smooth flow of length at the back, giving you a stylish mix of edge and balance. Blow-dry the top for volume and define it with Texture Powder, then finish with Styling Cream for controlled movement. This cut highlights clean lines while keeping the hair natural, confident, and easy to manage.
Middle Part Mullet
The Middle Part Mullet is a bold hairstyle that blends balance with edge. This cut features a parted front that frames the face, while the mullet length at the back adds a rebellious vibe. The natural waves create movement, making it versatile and easy to style. Use Texture Powder for volume and Molding Paste for flexible hold after blow-drying to keep the shape fresh and youthful.
Curly Modern Mullet
The Curly Modern Mullet highlights natural curls with a sharp fade on the sides and length that flows at the back. This mix of structure and freedom creates volume, texture, and youthful energy in one look. Blow-dry gently to keep curls defined, then use Hydrating Argan Oil to enhance shine and softness while preventing frizz for a stylish, trend-forward finish.
Mullet Low Fade
The Mullet Low Fade combines sharp sides with longer, flowing layers in the back, creating a youthful yet confident hairstyle. The low fade adds clean edges while the top and back maintain natural movement and texture. Use Texture Clay to enhance definition and add control, then finish with Sea Salt Spray for lightweight volume. Blow-dry while finger-shaping to keep it stylish and easy to manage.
Mullet Skin Fade
The Mullet Skin Fade blends sharp edges with textured flow, making it one of the most expressive modern cuts for young men. The skin fade keeps the sides clean while the longer top and back create natural movement and volume. Use Styling Cream for lift and Texture Clay to define layers, finishing with Molding Paste for flexible hold and a polished look.
Wolf Cut Mullet
The Wolf Cut Mullet blends edgy layers with natural flow, giving you volume on top and movement through the back. This style works best when the hair is shaped with finger-styling after a quick blow-dry. Use Styling Cream to boost separation and finish with Molding Paste for flexible hold. The result is a trendy, effortless look that’s full of personality.
Mohawk Mullet
The Mohawk Mullet is a daring haircut that combines sharp sides with a textured top and flowing back for maximum attitude. This style creates contrast with a clean skin fade on the temples while keeping length through the crown and neckline. Use Molding Paste to enhance definition and Texture Powder for lightweight lift. Blow-dry upward with finger-shaping to highlight the bold movement and give the haircut lasting structure.
Wavy Mullet
The Wavy Mullet combines natural waves with layered length, creating a style full of flow and personality. The textured top adds movement, while the longer back keeps the look bold and distinctive. Blow-dry to enhance volume, then shape with Sea Salt Spray to bring out definition and keep the waves flexible, giving this cut a carefree yet fashion-forward vibe.
Long Mullet
The Long Mullet blends laid-back flow with sharp edges, making it a standout hairstyle for guys who want both volume and shape. The sides stay clean with a tight fade, while the back extends into textured length for natural movement. Use Texture Clay for flexible hold and Argan Oil to keep strands soft and frizz-free, creating a defined yet easy-to-maintain finish.
Shaggy Mullet
The Shaggy Mullet stands out with its layered, tousled texture that creates natural flow and effortless movement. Shorter strands frame the face, while the back stays longer for a laid-back yet stylish shape. Blow-dry for volume, then work in Styling Cream to keep the layers soft and flexible.
Mullet Perm
The Mullet Perm combines tight, bouncy curls on top with longer, layered ends at the back for a bold, fashion-forward look. This hairstyle thrives on movement and texture, making it perfect for young guys who want to stand out. Use Curl Defining Cream to enhance definition and Texture Clay for light control, shaping with your fingers for a natural, confident finish.
Fluffy Mullet
The Fluffy Mullet combines soft layers with extra volume, giving the hairstyle a relaxed yet fashionable edge. Its airy texture frames the head naturally, while the longer back keeps it playful and bold. Blow-dry upward for lift, then shape lightly with Volumizing Mousse to maintain fullness and keep the look flexible, making it perfect for guys who want effortless style with movement.
Curtain Mullet
The Curtain Mullet is a modern hairstyle that blends soft middle-parted layers with a longer, textured back. This cut frames the face while keeping natural flow and movement, making it versatile for both casual and edgy looks. Use Texture Powder for lift at the roots and Styling Cream to keep the curtain flow controlled yet flexible throughout the day.
Medium Mullet
The Medium Mullet is a stylish cut that balances textured volume on top with layered flow at the back, making it perfect for teens and young men who want movement and character. Blow-dry with a vented brush to add lift, then shape with Texture Powder for hold and Sea Salt Spray for natural waves, ensuring this modern mullet stays effortless yet striking.
Undercut Mullet
The Undercut Mullet blends edgy sides with longer textured layers on top and back, giving a striking contrast that stands out. This style highlights movement while keeping the sides clean with a sharp undercut. Use Texture Powder to boost lift, then shape the flow with Styling Cream for flexible control. Blow-dry while finger-shaping to lock in natural volume and definition.
Afro Mullet
The Afro Mullet blends natural curls with a modern mullet shape, creating volume on top and extended texture at the back. Its rounded afro form keeps the style full of energy, while the tapered sides highlight clean edges for balance. Blow-dry gently to keep definition, then apply Styling Cream to enhance curl shape and maintain soft, controlled movement all day.
Faux Hawk Mullet
The Faux Hawk Mullet is a sharp and youthful style that blends edgy detail with balanced flow. This haircut keeps the sides short and clean with a skin fade, while the longer top adds height that tapers into the mullet back. Use Texture Powder for lift. Blow-dry upward with your fingers to keep natural texture and movement alive.
Textured Mullet
The Textured Mullet delivers bold movement with choppy layers on top and longer flow at the back, making it stand out as a trendsetter’s cut. Its rugged finish gives hair energy and character, while the sharp fade on the sides keeps it modern. Blow-dry for volume, then work in Texture Clay to define separation and hold the style without losing flexibility.
Euro Mullet
The Euro Mullet is a daring hairstyle that mixes sharp edges with stylish flow, making it a favorite among teens who want standout vibes. This cut keeps the sides tight and faded while leaving length on top and back for dynamic movement. Blow-dry with a vented brush for lift, then lock it in place using Strong Hold Gel to keep the volume controlled and sleek.
Messy Mullet
The Messy Mullet brings textured layers and undone flow, giving hair a relaxed yet stylish edge. Its tousled top creates movement, while the longer back keeps the look bold and full of character. Blow-dry for natural volume, then shape lightly with Sea Salt Spray to enhance texture and keep the style flexible without looking overly polished.
Fringe Mullet
The Fringe Mullet blends a short, choppy fringe with layered length at the back, giving the cut sharp detail and youthful energy. Its textured top adds movement, while the mullet flow keeps it bold and stylish. Blow-dry upward for lift, then shape with Molding Paste to define texture and maintain structure without losing natural movement.
Layered Mullet
The Layered Mullet blends long flowing layers with a tapered shape, giving hair volume and free movement from front to back. Its textured body frames the face while the extended back keeps the cut bold and stylish. Blow-dry upward for lift, then finger-shape into place. Use Texture Clay for control and finish with Sea Salt Spray to enhance natural flow.
Old School Mullet
The Old School Mullet is perfect for guys who want a bold hairstyle with a timeless attitude. Its fuller top blends into long, flowing back layers, giving strong volume and movement. To style, blow-dry with a vented brush for lift and finish with Molding Paste for control and flexible hold. This cut delivers confident energy while keeping the vintage edge alive.
French Crop Mullet
The French Crop Mullet gives a sharp, edgy twist to a timeless cut, blending a neat cropped fringe with longer flow at the back. This look thrives on texture and bold contrast, making it a standout choice for young men. Use Molding Paste for controlled shape and finish with Styling Cream to keep the length light, flexible, and stylish all day.
Spiky Mullet
The Spiky Mullet is a bold cut that blends short faded sides with longer layers styled into sharp, textured spikes. This look delivers volume and edge, perfect for guys who want movement with attitude. Use Styling Cream for lightweight hold, then define spikes with Texture Clay for lasting shape. Blow-dry while finger-shaping to lock in the lifted, energetic finish.
Mullet Buzz Cut
The Mullet Buzz Cut is a bold hairstyle that merges sharp edges with playful flow. This look keeps the sides tight with a buzzed fade while the top and back carry longer, textured curls for movement. To style, blow-dry for lift, shape with your fingers, and finish with Molding Paste for definition and hold. The Argan Oil helps keep the curls healthy and frizz-free.
Mullet Asian
The Mullet Asian is a sleek and stylish take on the mullet that emphasizes natural flow and movement. This cut keeps the sides neatly tapered while the longer top and back create a smooth, layered shape. To maintain control and shine, apply Styling Cream for a soft hold, then finish with Argan Oil for a healthy look. The Mullet Asian works best with blow-drying and light finger-shaping to highlight its clean yet versatile texture.
Mullet vs Other Hairstyles: Key Differences
Comparing mullets with other hairstyles reveals how each cut changes style, balance, and personality. Explore these key differences to find your perfect standout look.
Mullet vs Wolf Cut
The Mullet vs Wolf Cut is a top choice for guys wanting bold, youthful styles. A Mullet features cropped sides with a longer back, delivering sharp contrast and edge. The Wolf Cut, however, uses layered texture for natural volume and flow. Apply Styling Cream for movement or Texture Powder to boost lift and keep everything looking effortless.
Mullet vs Burst Fade
The debate of Mullet vs Burst Fade highlights two bold choices for modern guys. The mullet focuses on layered length and textured movement at the back, while the burst fade offers sharp, curved fades around the ears for a sleek finish. Style the mullet with molding paste for volume, or define the burst fade with clay for a clean, sculpted look.
Mullet vs Mohawk
The Mullet vs Mohawk debate highlights two of the boldest men’s hairstyles, each offering its own statement. The mullet brings longer flow and layered movement in the back, while the mohawk emphasizes sharp height and sides shaved clean. Both styles suit confident personalities and can be styled with a Styling Cream for control or Texture Clay for added edge.
How to Choose the Right Mullet Haircut
Choosing the right mullet haircut depends on your hair type and face shape. These styling tips help you pick a mullet that enhances balance, texture, and style.
Hair Type
Pick a mullet style that matches your hair texture. Straight hair works best with sharp, sleek layers, while wavy hair adds natural flow. Curly textures benefit from longer backs for volume, and coily hair suits defined, tapered sides for easy control and standout shape.
Face Shape
Match your mullet to your face shape for balance. Round faces suit mullets with height for elongation, oval faces fit nearly all variations, square shapes benefit from softer layers, and long faces look best with fuller tops and controlled back length.
How to Ask Your Barber for a Mullet
Clear communication is key when asking for a mullet haircut. Use simple terms, bring photos, and avoid common mistakes to achieve your perfect style.
Use Simple Terminology
When explaining your mullet, stick to straightforward phrases like “shorter sides, longer back.” Specify whether you prefer a low, mid, or high taper or even a burst fade. Request “blended, layered texture” and mention guard numbers (#2, #3) for clarity. Let your barber know if you want a textured top or sleeker front, and confirm exactly where the transition from short to long should start.
Show a Photo Example
Always bring 2-3 reference photos that match your face shape and hair type. Point out details you like, such as fade height, fringe length, back layers, or neckline shape. Highlight what you don’t want to avoid mistakes.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Don’t skip crucial details like fade height, back length, or texture preferences. Avoid vague instructions, and don’t ignore how much styling time you can commit. Confirm beard blending and neckline shape early.
How to Style a Mullet Haircut
Styling a mullet requires the right prep, tools, and products. Follow these simple steps to add volume, texture, and long-lasting shape with confidence.
Wash and Prep Hair
Start by washing your hair with a Clarifying Shampoo and following with a lightweight conditioner. Towel-dry until damp, then apply a heat protectant. Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb. This prep routine lifts roots, controls texture, and creates the ideal base for strong, long-lasting hold.
Apply Pre-Styler
Choose a pre-styler based on your goal: sea salt spray for gritty texture, mousse for big volume, or curl cream for definition. Apply evenly through roots, mids, and ends. This step instantly boosts grip, enhances shape, and controls frizz before blow-drying.
Blow-Dry for Volume
Use a nozzle for sleek control or a diffuser for natural flow. Dry on low-to-medium heat, lifting roots with fingers or a brush. Direct airflow forward for fringe or backward for height. Finish with a cool shot to lock in volume and movement.
Define the Back & Sides
Work a small amount of paste or clay through the back to add separation and texture. Scrunch, twist, or rake for definition while keeping the sides smooth for contrast. Use light products near edges or fades to control frizz and maintain a sharp outline.
Finish with Product
Seal the look with a finishing product. Use clay or paste for matte texture, pomade or gel for sleek shine, texture powder for lift, or flexible hairspray for lasting hold. Always emulsify a pea-sized amount, apply from back to front, and build gradually for control.
How to Maintain a Mullet Haircut
Mullet haircuts need consistent maintenance to stay bold. These essential grooming tips keep the cut polished, voluminous, and healthy from roots to ends.
Regular Trims
Scheduling trims every 4-6 weeks keeps a mullet balanced and sharp. Clean edges, controlled back length, and shaped sides prevent the haircut from looking overgrown. Regular trims ensure the mullet maintains its stylish flow, fresh structure, and modern edge without losing definition.
Daily Hair Routine
A daily mullet routine includes gentle shampoo, conditioner, and minimal styling products. Wash less often to preserve natural oils, use dry shampoo when needed, and brush to maintain texture. This simple care keeps the mullet manageable, voluminous, and styled for everyday wear without losing its signature flow.
Hair & Scalp Care
Proper care keeps mullet hair and scalp healthy. Use moisturizing conditioner for hydration, apply nourishing treatments to longer back sections, and lightweight scalp oils to reduce dryness. This routine ensures fuller volume, smoother strands, and balanced scalp health, keeping the mullet sleek, strong, and well-maintained over time.
Best Hair Products for Mullet Hairstyles
Choosing the right products is key to styling mullets. Explore options that boost volume, smooth texture, and maintain your haircut’s bold structure.
Texture Clay
Texture clay adds strong hold, matte finish, and volume, keeping mullet hairstyles structured, sharp, and easy to style with natural-looking definition all day.
Molding Paste
Molding paste creates flexible hold and natural texture, adding movement and control to layered mullets while keeping the hairstyle modern, versatile, and easy to restyle.
Pomade
Pomade delivers sleek shine, control, and definition, making the front of a mullet polished and refined, ideal for modern, professional, or edgy variations.
Styling Cream
Styling cream smooths frizz, defines layers, and maintains natural flow in mullet hairstyles, ensuring soft, touchable texture and lightweight control for everyday grooming.
Sea Salt Spray
Sea salt spray boosts volume, enhances tousled waves, and adds effortless texture, giving mullet styles a relaxed, casual finish with natural fullness and movement.
Texture Powder
Texture powder adds instant lift, grip, and volume at the roots, keeping mullet hair full, structured, and lightweight for long-lasting shape and style.
Hydrating Argan Oil
Hydrating argan oil nourishes mullet hair, reduces frizz, and adds healthy shine, keeping the style soft, manageable, and strong without heavy buildup.
Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoo removes product buildup, refreshes the scalp, and keeps mullet hair lightweight, clean, and ready for effortless styling with sharper, longer-lasting results.
Hydrating Conditioner
Hydrating conditioner restores moisture, strengthens hair, and prevents dryness, keeping mullet hairstyles smooth, soft, and manageable while ensuring long-term health and style retention.
FAQs About Mullet Haircut for Men
What is a mullet haircut?
A mullet haircut is a men’s style with short front and sides, and longer hair in the back, creating contrast and edgy character.
What is a modern mullet?
A modern mullet combines the classic short-front, long-back shape with fades, texture, or layers, giving a more stylish, versatile, and trendy version.
How is a modern mullet different from a traditional mullet?
A modern mullet adds fades, texture, and balanced layers, while the traditional mullet keeps sharp contrast with short front and noticeably longer back.
Is the mullet coming back in 2025?
Yes, the mullet is trending again in 2025, with modern textured versions, fades, and casual variations making it a fashionable, versatile choice.
Why does Gen Z like mullets?
Gen Z likes mullets because they represent individuality, self-expression, and style versatility, offering a bold yet playful look that stands out confidently.
What face shape is a mullet good for?
Mullets suit oval, square, and heart-shaped faces, as the layers and length balance proportions while enhancing sharper jawlines and unique facial structure.
Who suits a mullet haircut?
A mullet suits confident men of any age with straight, wavy, or curly hair, especially those wanting a bold, low-maintenance, and trendy haircut.
How to style a mullet?
Style a mullet by blow-drying for volume, applying clay or cream for texture, and shaping layers with fingers for a modern, casual finish.
What products should I use to style a mullet?
Use clay for matte texture, pomade for shine, sea salt spray for volume, and cream for smooth control to style mullet hairstyles effectively.
How do you ask for a modern mullet?
Ask your barber for short front and sides, longer back, and optional fades or textured layers. Show a reference photo for accuracy.
How often should I get my mullet trimmed?
Trim a mullet every 4-6 weeks to maintain shape, clean sides, and balanced length, ensuring the hairstyle stays fresh, stylish, and manageable.
What are the different types of mullets?
Types of mullets include classic, modern, curly, shaggy, faded, wolf cut, and mohawk-inspired variations, each offering unique texture, shape, and personality.