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Shorter hair, straight hair, or wavy curls – anyone can rock a stylish mullet. You can find a ton of cool looks and mullet ideas just by looking at some of your favorite celebrities. On the other hand, you can also read this article to find your next inspo. Are you ready?
First off what is a mullet?
“Business in front. Party in the back.” Is the most iconic description of the mullet. Essentially it’s just that; neat short layers through the top and sides then left to grow long in the back. The term ‘mullet’ was first used to describe the hairstyle by none other than the Beastie Boys according to the Oxford English dictionary. This is seen in their 1994 song “Mullet Head” where Ad-Rock sings: “You wanna know what’s a mullet? Well, I got a little story to tell about a hairstyle that’s a way of life.” Along with: “Cut the sides, don’t touch the back.”
The Mullet In Popular Culture
Mullets came onto the scene in the early 1970s with the likes of Bowie, Paul McCartney, and Rod Stewart rocking the look. It was the 80’s glam rock era to the early 90s however when it truly found its stride and was soon adopted all over the West. It became especially popular with country singers such as Billy Ray Cyrus and Alan Jackson and even Superman wore the style for a while.
The haircut’s popularity, unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately for some) didn’t last and today it’s become somewhat controversial with few having the guts to attempt it. Its luck may be beginning to change however as it’s experiencing somewhat of a resurgence amongst hipsters and millennials. Kpop bands such as BTS and BIGBANG, who are currently at the front of daring new looks, are also experimenting with the signature 80’s style.
How To Cut A Mullet
A well-cut mullet though on the controversial side can be more flattering than you might expect. It can generally suit any face type however it works best for round faces. The contrast of short/long elongates the face a little while creating the angles the face type is generally known to lack. It usually looks the best with short hair fringe bangs, but the outcome is fully left to you.
Generally, you’ll want to ask for medium-short on the top and sides and cut short and clean around the ears. The hair should be left longer round back but a great blend is key for a more modern take.
1. The Modern Mullet
It’s a diverse title that essentially applies to all ten of the haircuts we’ll be covering. The ‘modern mullet’ is generally a shorter, more edgy, and experimental take over its 80’s/90’s predecessors. Long hair and a tad bit of beard are a true ’80s bowl cut inspiration. If you want to look retro and you have found inspiration with one of your old-school rockstars, why not book this classic mullet?
2. The Mohawk Mullet
Playing no small part in reviving the 80’s signature sound in modern music it stands to reason he’d try reviving the mullet too. You can also work in a mousse with your fingers or a comb to maintain the volume. The shaved sides really make an impact here so get them trimmed very regularly to maintain the sharp style. Go for a blunt bang and ask your stylists for an accurate redo, you’re going to love the cool mullet outcome.
3. The Faux Hawk Mullet
Love the profile of the Mohawk mullet but want something less extreme? The faux hawk or ‘fohawk’ mullet might just be for you. The faux hawk keeps the mohawk’s silhouette yet has less of an edge as it maintains some length on the sides. This is not to say the faux hawk alternative is inferior to its cousin, in many ways it’s far more practical for the day-to-day. Go for a wavy back and try out this shag haircut for informal moments.
4. The Curly Mullet
This cut demands a lot of texture. Scrunch in some sea salt spray and work in a mousse to towel dry hair. With your hairdryer on a mid setting use your fingers or a round brush to comb. Push the sides back while brushing the top up to create a greater volume. Apply a medium hold clay and rough it up through your hair to achieve a perfectly imperfect disheveled look. If you have long sideburns you can also easily complete this look.
5. The Short Mullet
Known for his flamboyant style, it should come as no surprise that ‘Thirty Seconds To Mars’ frontman Jared Leto once rocked a mullet. This short variation is perfect for guys who are keen on the style but could do without the extra length. His short alternative has a great blend and the ‘mullet effect’ is subtle. It’s great if you aren’t looking to go overboard and are just wanting a slight edge to your next hairstyle.
6. The Pompadour Mullet
This look fuses the popular 80’s mullet with the timeless pompadour to create a distinctly unique style. Superbly blended, the hair is a medium length all over while left a little longer on the top and back. The sides are cut slightly shorter to stay closer to the face so as not to take away from the mullet silhouette. Joe Keery adapts Johnny Depp’s 80’s look with this combo to create a party in the back and the front.
7. The Mullet Pony Tail
Perhaps the most difficult to pull off on our list, if you’re really looking for a standout look then the rat tail/ponytail mullet is for you. If you do decide on this style, however, we advise keeping the rest of your hair simple yet on-trend like Bowie’s above. Cool taper that you can pull off if you have wavy hair and healthy strands.
8. The Asian Mullet
Whether you’re Asian or otherwise, the Asian mullet is a great option. Japanese and Korean mullets tend to have a choppier style but it’s the Kpop mullets we are here to discuss. Kpop members have been right at the centre of daring new styles in recent years and the mullet is apparently next on that list. On the left, we have an extra long style that incorporates the aforementioned ‘choppy’ look. On the right, we have a longer more contemporary style which looks great with longer hair hugging the neck,
9. The Long Mullet
Really want to emphasise the ‘party’ of your mullet? Know longer styles suit you? This might just be the cut to go for. This look is clearly a more extreme version of the regular ‘do and is far more disjointed. If you really want to embrace the mullet to the nth degree then look no further. Consider adding mustache to your temple fade and show off this blonde sharp fade look!
10. The Dyed Mullet
There are plenty of dyed mullets out there. If you’re looking to dye yours we suggest peroxide blonde. The colour has become a massive trend over the last few years with the likes of Zayn Malik, Justin Bieber and Lucky Blue Smith being among the front-runners. If you’re already brave enough to attempt mullet-hood then you might as well go the full hog. With a peroxide mullet, you’ll truly be giving your ‘do a very modern twist.
On That Note
So there you have 10 amazing mullets, nine of which don’t belong to David Bowie. A mullet is essentially any hairstyle that’s left longest at the back. Because this definition is so loose it greatly hands itself to potential adaptability. Mix it up and make it all your own. A mullet will go in and out of trend so it’s up to your creativity to shine through and make the fads work for you!
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5 Classic Preppy Haircuts Any Guy Can Pull Off! 10 amazing redhead styles that any guy can pull off! 5 Men’s Spiky Hairstyles Any Guy Can Pull Off!
Jamie Wilson
Jamie Wilson (BA) is a professional tattooist, blogger and passionate photographer! After graduating with a BTEC Level 4 in tattoo design he has gone on to work for both private clients in tattoo parlours across the UK, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. He is also the editor in chief at Outsons. The brains behind the brand: a veteran of the industry working for some of the biggest fashion and grooming brands in the UK. Jamie has been writing for Outsons tattoo section since the beginning of 2017, providing informed and passionate content about the fascinating world of inked body art. If you would like to know more about Jamie or further details on our editorial policy then just click the links in the footer.
