12 Mullet Haircuts for Men Making a Comeback
The mullet is back, and it’s fiercer than ever. Gone are the days of it being a guilty pleasure; the modern mullet has been reclaimed as a bold symbol of anti-fashion and effortless cool. This revival isn’t about nostalgia—it’s a deliberate rebellion against polished, cookie-cutter styles. Today’s iterations blend business-in-the-front party-in-the-back with contemporary textures, fades, and a healthy dose of attitude. From grungy and unkempt to sharply tailored, this iconic cut is dominating trends. Get ready to explore the 12 mullet styles that are leading the charge and inspiring a new generation to break the rules with confidence.
1. The Modern Mullet Fade
The modern mullet fade masterfully bridges the gap between classic rebellion and barber shop precision. It features the iconic longer length in the back but introduces a sharp, high or mid-fade on the sides and back. This clean, tailored approach to the sides makes the flowing back party feel intentional and fresh, not dated. The top is often textured with scissors rather than clippers, allowing for movement and versatility. It’s the perfect gateway mullet for those hesitant to fully commit, offering a sleek silhouette that’s as comfortable in a creative office as it is at a weekend concert.
Styling this cut is all about contrast. Keep the faded sides crisp and the top can be styled in multiple ways: pushed back for a clean look, with a textured fringe for a modern touch, or even slightly curled for volume. Use a matte paste or pomade to define the layers on top without weighing them down, ensuring the hair has body and swing. The result is a look that pays homage to the mullet’s wild heritage while firmly rooting it in today’s grooming standards, proving that you can have your party and your business looking sharp.
2. The Grunge Mullet
The grunge mullet is the definition of effortless, “I-woke-up-like-this” cool. This version is all about raw texture and a deliberately unkempt aesthetic. Think shaggy, uneven layers, curtain bangs that frame the face, and a general absence of sharp lines. It’s heavily inspired by the ’90s alt-rock scene, embodying a nonchalant attitude that rejects over-styling. This cut looks best with natural wave or texture, embracing a bit of frizz and tangles as part of its charm. It’s less of a precise haircut and more of a growing-out shape that oozes personality and laid-back rebellion.
To achieve this look, ask your barber for point-cutting and heavy texturizing to remove bulk and create a piece-y, fragmented effect. Styling involves a healthy dose of sea salt spray or texturizing spray on damp hair, scrunching the ends to enhance your natural wave. Avoid brushes and let it air dry for the most authentic, messy finish. The grunge mullet is perfect for the man who views his hair as a form of self-expression rather than a grooming obligation, celebrating imperfect perfection and a timeless rock-and-roll spirit.
3. The Mullet with a Mustache
This combination isn’t just a haircut; it’s a full-throttle vintage statement. The mullet and mustache duo channels a specific, confident energy from the 70s and 80s, but with a modern, self-aware twist. The key is to ensure both elements complement each other. A well-groomed, thick Chevron or a subtle handlebar mustache pairs perfectly with the shaggy volume of a classic or modern mullet. This look screams charisma and a touch of swagger, appealing to the individual who isn’t afraid to lean into a bold, retro-inspired aesthetic with a sense of humor and style.
Pulling this off requires balance. If the mullet is particularly wild and shaggy, a neatly trimmed mustache keeps the look grounded. Conversely, a more subdued mullet can be elevated by a bold, statement mustache. It’s a look that works incredibly well in creative and subculture circles, from rockabilly to alt-country scenes. It demands confidence above all else, turning a simple style combination into a powerful personal brand. This is for the man who understands that true style is in the details and the attitude.
4. The Tapered Mullet
For those who find the stark contrast of a fade too sharp, the tapered mullet offers a more gradual and blended approach. This style keeps the sides and back longer than a fade, using clippers or scissors-over-comb to create a seamless transition from the short sides to the long back. It maintains a cleaner, more sophisticated profile than the grunge mullet while still boasting the iconic party-in-the-back silhouette. The tapered mullet is a fantastic choice for men with thicker hair, as it removes weight and bulk around the ears and neck for a polished yet rebellious look.
The styling versatility here is a major plus. The top and back can be worn sleek and smooth for a more refined appearance, or texturized and messy for a casual, day-to-day vibe. This cut is often paired with a defined side part, which enhances its classic-meets-modern feel. It’s a mullet that whispers rather than shouts, making it a brilliant choice for professionals in creative fields who want to express their individuality without sacrificing a sense of sophistication and groomed intention.
5. The Hard Part Mullet
The hard part mullet introduces a sharp, graphic element to the style, elevating it with precise barbering technique. A clean, shaved-in line—or hard part—is etched into one or both sides of the scalp, creating a stark separation between the top and the sides. This addition brings an architectural, almost industrial feel to the organic flow of the mullet. It’s a deliberate and high-contrast look that shows you’ve put thought and intention into your style. The hard part acts as a modern frame for the mullet’s classic shape, making it feel fresh and meticulously crafted.
This style requires regular maintenance to keep the hard part looking crisp and defined between barber visits. The sharpness of the part beautifully contrasts with the textured, often messy top and back, creating a dynamic and eye-catching visual. It’s a popular choice in modern barbering scenes, appealing to the fashion-forward individual who appreciates both the artistry of a precise cut and the rebellious history of the mullet. It’s a confident blend of discipline and anarchy, all on one head.
6. The Curly Mullet
When natural curls meet the mullet shape, the result is a voluminous, dynamic, and incredibly charismatic style. This cut celebrates the inherent texture of curly hair, allowing the ringlets or waves to form a lush, cascading party in the back. The front and top are typically left full to frame the face, while the sides can be scissor-tapered to allow the curls to form a clean shape without overwhelming the head’s silhouette. This version is joyful, full of movement, and uniquely personal, as no two head of curls will create the same effect.
Styling a curly mullet is all about hydration and definition. Using curl creams and leave-in conditioners is key to enhancing the curl pattern, reducing frizz, and allowing the shape to shine. A diffuser can be used to add volume at the roots while encouraging defined curls. The beauty of this style is its low-maintenance daily routine; once the cut is right, the curls do most of the work. It’s a bold, authentic look for the man who wants to showcase his natural hair texture in its most confident and rebellious form.
7. The Skullet
The skullet is the mullet’s most extreme and punk-rock incarnation. It combines a completely shaved or bald top and sides with a full, often long and untamed, section of hair at the back. This is not a style for the faint of heart; it’s a powerful, confrontational look that has deep roots in heavy metal and punk subcultures. The skullet makes no apologies, embracing a radical asymmetry that is both jarring and captivating. It’s the ultimate symbol of letting your freak flag fly, prioritizing raw personal expression above all else.
This style can be adapted to various lengths in the back—from a short, thick tail to a mane that flows down the shoulders. It’s a versatile canvas for self-expression; the back can be dreadlocked, permed, or dyed in vibrant colors. The skullet draws maximum attention to the wearer, making a statement that is both vintage and perpetually on the edge. It’s for the true non-conformist who sees their haircut as a declaration of independence from mainstream fashion and societal norms.
8. The Wolf Cut Mullet
The wolf cut is a viral sensation that is, at its core, a heavily layered mullet-shag hybrid. It’s characterized by a dramatic, cascading silhouette with lots of volume at the crown and choppy, feathered layers throughout. The front features heavy, face-framing curtain bangs that blend into the longer back, creating a cohesive, “wolf-like” mane. This cut is pure, unadulterated texture and movement, offering a more organic and fluid interpretation of the mullet shape. It’s a favorite among Gen Z and millennials for its artistic, gender-fluid appeal.
Achieving the wolf cut requires a skilled stylist who can use thinning shears and point-cutting to create its signature internal layers and remove weight. Styling involves blow-drying for volume at the roots and using texturizing products to separate the choppy layers and enhance the feathered effect. It’s a high-drama look that works exceptionally well with straight, wavy, or curly hair, adapting to each texture uniquely. The wolf cut mullet is for the trendsetter who embraces a wild, untamed aesthetic and isn’t afraid to be the center of attention.
9. The Bleached-Out Mullet
Sometimes, the power of the mullet isn’t just in the cut, but in the color. A bleached-out mullet, whether it’s a solid platinum, a silver-gray, or a stained, yellowed blonde, adds an extra layer of gritty, rock-and-roll attitude. This process strips the hair of its natural pigment, creating a high-contrast, eye-catching look that feels both vintage and modern. The bleached aesthetic pairs perfectly with the mullet’s rebellious nature, evoking images of 80s punk rockers and 90s grunge icons who played with harsh, DIY color treatments.
This style can be customized with different tones. An icy, white-silver blonde offers a more fashion-forward, avant-garde feel, while a warmer, brassy blonde leans into the authentic, lived-in grunge look. Maintenance involves purple shampoo to combat brassiness and regular deep conditioning to repair the damage from bleaching. The bleached-out mullet is a commitment, but the payoff is a head-turning style that screams rockstar confidence and makes the classic cut feel entirely new and dangerously cool.
10. The Business-Class Mullet
For the man who wants to sport a mullet in a more corporate or formal environment, the business-class mullet is the answer. This is the most polished and sophisticated version of the style. The “business” front is precisely cut, often with a neat side part or a sleek, textured crop. The transition to the back is subtle, and the “party” is kept relatively contained—perhaps just a few inches longer than the collar, neatly trimmed and layered. It’s a clever, subtle nod to the style that maintains a professional appearance from the front and sides.
The key to this cut is impeccable grooming. The lines are sharp, the layers are clean, and the overall look is tidy. It’s a mullet that you can only spot once someone turns around, making it a fun, personal secret. This style is perfect for entrepreneurs, creatives in conservative fields, or anyone who wants to express a rebellious spirit without compromising their professional image. It proves that the mullet’s versatility is limitless, adaptable to the boardroom just as easily as the barroom.
11. The Mullet with Design
Take your mullet to the next level of personalization by incorporating a shaved design. This involves etching patterns, lines, or symbols into the faded or shaved sides of the haircut. Popular designs include lightning bolts, geometric shapes, lines, or even more intricate artwork. This transforms your haircut into a unique piece of wearable art, showcasing your personality and interests directly on your scalp. It’s a bold, fashion-forward choice that highlights the modern barber’s artistry and the wearer’s confidence to carry a truly one-of-a-kind look.
These designs require a steady-handed, skilled barber and last for about one to two weeks before blurring as the hair grows out. This makes it a fun, semi-permanent way to experiment with your style for a special event, concert, or simply to make a statement. The design adds an element of surprise and detail that sets your mullet apart from the rest, ensuring that your party in the back is supported by a truly unique and artistic foundation on the sides.
12. The Micro-Mullet
The micro-mullet is the low-commitment, entry-level version of the style. It features all the elements of a classic mullet—shorter front and sides, longer back—but in a compact, abbreviated form. The back might only be an inch or two longer than the top, just enough to create a noticeable tail or a flick. It’s a playful, cheeky take on the trend that’s easy to manage and style. This is the perfect choice for anyone curious about the mullet revival but not ready to grow out a dramatic, shoulder-length party in the back.
Despite its small size, the micro-mullet packs a stylish punch. It’s often seen with textured tops and a clean taper on the sides, keeping it looking fresh and modern. It works brilliantly with messy, piece-y styling and can be a great foundation for experimenting with color. The micro-mullet is proof that you don’t need extreme length to participate in a trend; sometimes, a subtle nod is all it takes to show you’re in on the style, making it both cool and incredibly wearable.
