The mullet haircut, with its iconic “business in the front, party in the back” shape, has been making waves in the world of fashion for decades. Originally gaining popularity in the 1970s and 80s, the mullet has recently made a surprising comeback, transcending its retro roots to become a statement style embraced by celebrities, influencers, and everyday people alike. Whether you prefer short or long variations, the modern mullet offers endless versatility and flair. Below are unique mullet hairstyle ideas that showcase the cut’s adaptability across different hair types and lengths.
Soft and Textured Mullet for Women
The soft, textured mullet is perfect for women looking to balance femininity with the edgy appeal of a mullet. With medium to long hair, this look can incorporate soft layers and waves, giving it a romantic, yet bold aesthetic. This style works particularly well for heart-shaped faces, enhancing the cheekbones while maintaining a soft frame around the jaw. With straight hair or a natural wave, the texture adds dimension, making it ideal for events where you want to stand out but still keep things chic—think music festivals or casual social gatherings. The soft mullet complements a variety of eye colors, from bright blues to deep browns.
To achieve this look, use a curling iron to add soft waves to the hair, focusing on the back for added volume. A texturizing spray like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray will help maintain the tousled effect without weighing the hair down. Regular trims will keep the mullet’s shape intact, ensuring the layers stay fresh.
Short and Choppy Mullet for a Tomboy Look
If you’re into short hair styles and want something that exudes confidence and attitude, the short and choppy mullet is the way to go. This style keeps the top of the hair short, while the back maintains that iconic length. Perfect for round or square face shapes, this mullet adds a rebellious flair and is great for both casual and semi-formal occasions. With a blend of 90’s grunge and indie influences, this look is for those who want to tap into a more daring, non-conventional aesthetic.
To achieve this tomboy-inspired mullet, a razor or thinning shears are essential for creating those sharp, choppy layers. Use a matte pomade or styling wax to enhance the texture, like Hanz de Fuko’s Claymation, which provides strong hold with a natural finish. Maintaining this cut requires regular visits to the stylist to keep the back from growing too long.
Curly Mullet for a Soft, Modern Twist
For those with curly hair, the mullet provides an opportunity to play with natural texture while embracing a modern twist on this classic cut. The curls give the mullet a soft, voluminous look, making it perfect for oval or heart-shaped faces. This style is ideal for casual outings, concerts, or even a fun date night. The medium length adds to the versatility, allowing for easy styling options for different occasions.
To style a curly mullet, use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to enhance the curls’ natural shape. A lightweight mousse like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Mousse will add volume and definition without crunchiness. To keep the curls hydrated, use a curl-specific shampoo and conditioner, such as DevaCurl’s No-Poo Original Cleanser and One Condition Original Conditioner.
Shaggy Mullet for an Indie Vibe
Channeling the spirit of the shag haircut, this mullet variation is all about embracing layers and messiness for an effortless indie aesthetic. Suitable for both medium length and long hair, the shaggy mullet is perfect for square and oval face shapes. It’s an ideal everyday look that can be dressed up with accessories or left loose for a casual vibe. Pair it with retro fashion, and you’ve got yourself a perfect blend of 90’s and Y2K style.
To get this look, focus on long, face-framing layers and keep the back feathered. A volumizing mousse or a sea salt spray, such as Bumble and bumble’s Surf Spray, will add texture and body. Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner to prevent the ends from becoming dry, ensuring that the shaggy mullet retains its playful charm.
Sleek and Straight Hair Mullet for a Polished Look
For those with naturally straight hair, the sleek mullet offers a more polished, sophisticated take on this edgy style. With sharp lines and minimal layering, this style looks great on heart-shaped and oval faces. It’s a fantastic choice for formal events, such as a cocktail party or an evening out, and offers a futuristic twist on the classic mullet. The sleek finish adds a modern elegance, making it stand out while maintaining an air of refinement.
To achieve this sleek mullet, use a flat iron to straighten the hair and finish with a high-gloss serum like Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum. Regular trims are essential to keep the edges sharp and smooth, while a smoothing shampoo and conditioner set, like Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste, will help maintain frizz-free straightness.
K-pop Inspired Mullet for the Trendsetters
Inspired by the vibrant world of K-pop, this mullet is a hit among trendsetters looking to make a bold statement. Often paired with bright hair colors, this style works well for both men and women with short to medium length hair. It’s ideal for heart-shaped or round faces and can be worn to concerts, parties, or simply to showcase your unique sense of style. The Korean influence gives this mullet a pop-culture twist, making it a fun and youthful choice.
To replicate the K-pop mullet, use texturizing products to keep the top voluminous and slightly tousled. A color-safe shampoo, such as Joico’s K-PAK Color Therapy Shampoo, is a must if you opt for vibrant colors. Finish the look with a light-hold hairspray to keep it in place all day.
Grunge Mullet for an Edgy 90’s Throwback
Bringing back the rebellious energy of the 90’s, the grunge mullet is perfect for those who want an unpolished, raw look. It’s an ideal style for those with medium length hair who want a low-maintenance cut with a lot of character. The layers are jagged and rough, giving it a carefree, “I woke up like this” vibe, suitable for everyday wear, especially for music lovers and those embracing a more alternative fashion scene.
To maintain this edgy style, a bit of dry shampoo, such as Batiste’s Original, will keep the hair looking fresh without the effort. A texture spray can enhance the messiness of the look, while regular trims will ensure the style doesn’t lose its edge over time.
Retro Glam Mullet for a Bold Statement
This mullet style combines the classic mullet shape with a touch of old Hollywood glamour. The long, voluminous layers in the back flow elegantly, while the front is sleek and smooth, creating a dramatic contrast. Perfect for formal events like galas or weddings, this mullet suits oval and diamond-shaped faces, adding a touch of high-end sophistication to an otherwise edgy cut. Whether paired with a sleek gown or a vintage-inspired outfit, the retro glam mullet is all about making a bold, confident statement.
To create this look, use a large-barrel curling iron to add soft waves to the back, and a flat iron for the front to keep it smooth. A heat protectant, like TRESemmé’s Thermal Creations, is essential to avoid damage. Finish with a shine spray for extra gloss, and use a lightweight hairspray to hold the look without stiffness.
Shoulder-Length Mullet with Bangs for a Balanced Look
A shoulder-length mullet with bangs is a perfect balance between edgy and practical. The bangs frame the face, making it ideal for round and heart-shaped faces, while the mullet in the back adds just enough drama without overwhelming the overall look. This style is versatile for both casual and semi-formal events, allowing you to style it up or down as needed. The bangs also make it a great choice for those who like a more youthful, playful appearance, as they can soften the angularity of the traditional mullet.
To style this look, use a round brush and blow dryer to create volume in the bangs, while the back can be styled with a flat iron for a sleeker finish. A root-lifting spray like Living Proof’s Full Root Lift will help keep the bangs looking fresh all day. Regular trims are essential to maintain the shape and prevent the back from getting too long.
Curly Shoulder-Length Mullet for Maximum Volume
This shoulder-length mullet is a dream for anyone with curly hair. The curls add natural volume and texture, while the mullet shape provides a fun and rebellious edge. Perfect for oval and heart-shaped faces, this look works beautifully for everyday wear or more relaxed social settings, such as brunch or a day out shopping. The curls add movement and life to the mullet, making it a playful and eye-catching style for those who want to embrace their natural hair texture.
To style, use a curl-enhancing cream, such as Ouidad’s Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel, to define the curls while keeping frizz at bay. A diffuser attachment on your hairdryer will help enhance the curls’ shape. Regular deep conditioning treatments will keep the curls hydrated and bouncy.
Emo Mullet for a Dark and Edgy Look
The emo mullet is a perfect fusion of grunge and sleekness, with long, choppy layers in the back and a dramatic side-swept fringe in the front. This style is ideal for oval and square face shapes and is great for those who love the goth or alternative fashion scene. It’s a perfect look for concerts, nightclubs, or just making a statement in your everyday wardrobe. The combination of sleek, straight hair in the front and jagged layers in the back creates a visually striking contrast that adds to the emo aesthetic.
To style the emo mullet, use a flat iron to keep the front smooth, and a texturizing spray like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray to add volume and grit to the back. Use a light-hold hairspray to keep the fringe in place, and a shine serum to give the hair that signature glossy finish.
Kawaii Mullet for a Japanese Street Style
Inspired by Japanese street fashion, the kawaii mullet combines cute and edgy in one playful look. This style works best with short hair, especially with pastel or bright colors, and suits heart-shaped or round faces. The short layers in the front give off a youthful vibe, while the longer pieces in the back add a quirky, fashionable touch. Ideal for fans of Ulzzang or K-pop aesthetics, this mullet is great for fashion-forward events like conventions or casual meetups with friends.
To achieve this look, you’ll need a sharp razor to create the precise layers, and a vibrant hair dye, such as Arctic Fox’s semi-permanent color. Use a texturizing pomade to style the front pieces, and finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the layers in place all day.
Indie Shag Mullet for a Laid-Back Vibe
The indie shag mullet combines the relaxed, tousled layers of a shag haircut with the length of a mullet, giving it an effortlessly cool vibe. This look is perfect for those with medium length or long hair and works especially well for oval and diamond face shapes. The shaggy layers create a casual, laid-back feel, making it a great option for music festivals, road trips, or any occasion where you want a low-maintenance yet stylish appearance. The indie mullet pairs well with oversized sunglasses and retro fashion for a fully coordinated look.
To style, use a sea salt spray like Verb’s Sea Spray for texture and body. Scrunch the hair with your fingers to enhance the tousled effect, and use a leave-in conditioner to keep the ends hydrated and soft.
Korean Soft Mullet for a Modern Twist
This Korean-inspired soft mullet is sleek and polished, perfect for those who prefer a more refined look. It’s great for medium length hair, and works well on heart-shaped or oval faces. This version of the mullet keeps the top soft and voluminous, while the back is slightly longer, creating a subtle, modern contrast. This style is perfect for everyday wear, from the office to a casual night out, and adds a contemporary twist to the traditional mullet.
To style, use a volumizing mousse like Big Sexy Hair Root Pump to lift the top, while the back can be smoothed with a flat iron. Use a light styling cream to keep everything in place, and finish with a shine spray for that sleek, modern finish.
Indian Mullet with Braided Details
For a more intricate and cultural twist on the mullet, try adding braids to the back of the haircut. The Indian mullet incorporates traditional braid styles into the longer part of the cut, while the front remains sleek and simple. This look is best suited for oval or diamond-shaped faces and is perfect for special events like weddings or cultural celebrations. The braids add a sense of tradition and detail, while the mullet shape keeps things edgy and modern.
To create this style, use small elastics to secure the braids, and finish with a strong-hold gel like Eco Styler Gel to keep the hair sleek in the front. A light mist of hairspray will ensure the braids stay in place all day.
Long Wavy Mullet for Y2K Nostalgia
The long, wavy mullet is a nod to the early 2000s (Y2K) aesthetic, bringing back a sense of nostalgia with its voluminous waves and long layers. This style is perfect for long hair and works well for oval and round face shapes. The waves give the mullet a softer, more romantic look, making it perfect for date nights or casual outings with friends. Paired with Y2K fashion staples like low-rise jeans and crop tops, this mullet is both fun and trendy.
To style, use a curling iron to create loose waves, and finish with a texturizing spray for added volume and movement. A shine serum will enhance the natural gloss of the hair, and regular trims will keep the layers from getting too heavy.
Goth Mullet with Dramatic Length
For those who love a dark, dramatic style, the goth mullet is the way to go. This look features long, flowing layers in the back, combined with short, choppy pieces in the front, creating a striking, edgy appearance. It’s perfect for oval or heart-shaped faces, and works beautifully for formal events like goth-themed parties or concerts. The long layers in the back add drama, while the shorter pieces in the front give it a rebellious edge.
To achieve this look, use a razor to create sharp, jagged layers. A texturizing pomade like Bed Head’s Manipulator will add definition and hold, while a black hair dye, such as Manic Panic’s Raven, will complete the goth aesthetic. Finish with a shine spray for added gloss and depth.
Messy Punk Mullet for a Rebellious Look
The messy punk mullet brings together the chaotic energy of punk with the structured silhouette of a mullet. This style is perfect for short hair and works well for square or oval face shapes. With its choppy layers and disheveled look, the punk mullet is a great choice for concerts, parties, or any event where you want to embrace your rebellious side. This style exudes attitude and pairs well with leather jackets and distressed jeans for a full punk vibe.
To style, use a texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe for a messy, gritty texture. You can also use a small amount of styling gel to create more defined spikes or layers, adding to the wild, untamed look. A pomade will keep the back from falling flat, ensuring the mullet’s signature shape remains intact.
Conclusion
The mullet has come a long way from its origins, evolving into a versatile and bold haircut that appeals to different tastes and personalities. Whether you’re looking for something sleek and polished or wild and rebellious, there’s a mullet style out there for you. Let us know which style speaks to you in the comments below! Feel free to share your own mullet experiences and tips as well.
Hi! I’m Alena Forushchenko, and I’ve been passionately creating beauty for over 8 years. My journey into the world of beauty started with an unexpected twist—I was studying art and realized my true canvas wasn’t paper or paint, but people. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to help others see the best versions of themselves.
