Mullet Haircuts
Classic 路 modern 路 curly 路 textured 路 fade
The mullet is back but not how you remember it. Today's mullets are more versatile, more intentional, and more wearable than the 80s version. From subtle modern takes to bold statement cuts, there's a mullet for almost everyone. Here's every variation broken down.
originalClassic Mullet
Men + WomenAlso called: traditional mullet 路 80s mullet 路 business in front, party in back
What it is: Short on the sides and front. Long in the back. The original formula that started it all. The contrast is intentional and unapologetic. The back can be anywhere from collar-length to mid-back.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants to make a statement. Works on straight to wavy hair. Best for oval, heart, and square face shapes. Not subtle this is a commitment.
How to ask your stylist: "I want a classic mullet short on the sides and front, keep the length in the back. I want the contrast to be noticeable."
trending 路 368k searchesModern Mullet
Men + WomenAlso called: soft mullet 路 contemporary mullet 路 updated mullet
What it is: A cleaner, more intentional version of the classic. The sides are often faded or tapered rather than just short. The back is less extreme often just grazing the collar. More wearable for everyday.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants mullet energy without full commitment. Works in creative offices. Great first mullet for curious newcomers. Flattering on most face shapes.
How to ask your stylist: "I want a modern mullet keep the sides clean, maybe a slight fade. I want some length in back but not extreme. Make it wearable."
natural textureCurly Mullet
Men + WomenAlso called: textured mullet 路 natural mullet
What it is: The mullet shape adapted for curly or coily hair. Natural texture provides built-in volume and personality. Often paired with a fade or taper on the sides to keep shape defined.
Who it's for: Anyone with curly or wavy hair who wants to embrace their texture. The curls in back create a dramatic, beautiful shape. Particularly stunning on type 3a-4c hair.
How to ask your stylist: "I want a curly mullet work with my natural texture. Keep the sides short, let the curls in back do their thing."
piece-y 路 undoneTextured Mullet
Men + WomenAlso called: messy mullet 路 indie mullet 路 wolf cut adjacent
What it is: Heavy layering throughout creates a piece-y, undone look. Less structured than other mullets. Often blends into a wolf cut territory. Styled with texturizing products for that "just woke up" vibe.
Who it's for: Creative types, musicians, anyone with an indie aesthetic. Works on straight to wavy hair. Lower maintenance between cuts because the messy look is intentional.
How to ask your stylist: "I want a textured mullet lots of layers, piece-y ends. I want it to look messy but intentional. Think indie rock vibes."
sharp 路 cleanFade Mullet
MenAlso called: tapered mullet 路 skin fade mullet
What it is: A mullet with a fade on the sides and back. Combines the boldness of a mullet with the clean sharpness of a fade. The contrast is striking faded sides, longer top, longer back.
Who it's for: Men who want edge but also want to look clean. Popular in urban and street style communities. Works with any fade type low, mid, high, or skin fade.
How to ask your barber: "I want a fade mullet give me a [low/mid/high/skin] fade on the sides, leave length on top and in back. I want contrast."
mullet + shagWolf Cut
Men + Women135k monthly searches 路 also called: shag mullet hybrid
What it is: A hybrid of the mullet and the shag. Volume on top, choppy layers throughout, wispy ends. More aggressive layering than a traditional mullet. The most textured of all mullet-adjacent styles.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants maximum texture. Popular on TikTok and social media. Works on all hair types but really shines on wavy or curly texture.
How to ask your stylist: "I want a wolf cut lots of layers, choppy texture, keep the length. I want it to look piece-y and undone."
Mullet Comparison
Common Questions About Mullets
Are mullets back in style?
Yes but they're different from the 80s version. Today's mullets are more intentional, more varied, and more wearable. The modern mullet has been spotted on celebrities, runways, and everywhere in between since 2020 and shows no signs of slowing down.
Can women wear mullets?
Absolutely. Mullets are completely unisex. Many of the most iconic modern mullets are worn by women. The style adapts beautifully to all genders and hair types.
What's the difference between a mullet and a wolf cut?
A mullet focuses on the contrast between short sides/front and long back. A wolf cut is a hybrid of mullet and shag more aggressive layering throughout, more texture everywhere. Wolf cuts are generally more "undone" looking.
How do I style a mullet?
It depends on the type. Classic mullets can be air-dried. Textured mullets benefit from sea salt spray and scrunching. Curly mullets need curl cream and diffusing. Fade mullets need the fade maintained every 2-3 weeks.
Will a mullet suit my face shape?
Mullets are surprisingly versatile. Oval faces can wear any version. Heart and square faces suit classic and modern mullets. Round faces benefit from height on top (add volume). Your stylist can adjust the proportions to flatter your specific face.