Once considered a has-been hairstyle, the mullet is back. But unlike the 80s rocker mullet, modern mullets have shape, style, and finesse that gives you a contemporary but balanced look. That’s why it’s so popular with Gen Z A-listers and non-celebrities alike.
Considering cutting in a modern mullet? You need to know how to wear this on-trend look. Mullets need daily styling and more maintenance than many other mid-length male haircuts, so be prepared to put the effort in. Plus, you’ll need decent hair growth to make a mullet look good (although there are some workarounds, more on this later).
Let’s take a look at the modern mullet, how to wear it, and what you can do to make a mullet work if you have a receding hairline.
A brief history of the mullet
Back in the 70s and 80s, mullets were everywhere. Popularised by celebrities like Rod Stewart, Andre Agassi, and David Bowie, the mullet became an iconic look in the late 20th century.
Traditional mullets were characterised by thick bouffant fringes, narrow sides, and long choppy lengths (blonde highlights optional). They were also worn by men and women alike (Tina Turner, Joan Jett, and Dolly Parton all wore feminine variations on the classic mullet).
By today’s standards, these styles look pretty dated — so how have 21st century men modernised the mullet?
What does a modern mullet look like?
Modern mullets keep the same structure as traditional mullets: good length and thickness at the front and ends, contrasting with short, narrow sides. But they tend to be much more subtle than the traditional mullet. They’re also generally worn only by men (though Miley Cyrus and Rihanna have also experimented with mullets in recent years).
Here’s what to expect from the length, cut, and styling of a modern mullet.
1. Length
Modern mullets are much shorter than traditional mullets, with the hair usually brushing the shoulders or, at most, the collarbone. If you have curly hair, you may want to ask for a little extra length left in to account for your curls.
The modern mullet is all about contrast between the sides, front, and ends of your hair — so it goes without saying that you need decent volume to pull it off. If possible, grow your hair out to your shoulders before getting it chopped into your preferred silhouette.
2. Cut
One defining feature of a modern mullet is the accompanying fade. Not all men opt for this (see Joe Keery above), but it is one way to dramatically distinguish your mullet from the classic Rod Stewart-esque cut.
The modern mullet fade involves shaving off the sides of your hair altogether and blending them into your cut. This creates contrast without the need for a heavy fringe or thick lengths.
If you’d rather keep your sides intact, opt for narrower sides without shaving them off entirely. Just make sure you have enough length and volume through the fringe and lengths to achieve the required contrast.
3. Styling
Here’s where you can get creative. Whether you want a slick voluminous mullet (see actors Joe Keery and Jacob Elordi), a messy low-maintenance mullet (see singer Troye Sivan), or a highly stylised hairdo (see K-pop star Hongjoong) your end product is mostly in the styling.
In general, it’s best to work with your natural hair type, rather than trying to fight it. For example, if your hair is naturally curly, embrace your curls as part of your style. If your hair is straight, avoid curling tongs to achieve volume; instead, style choppy layers with mousse and/or salt spray to add texture and avoid straggly ends.
5 modern mullet styles to try in 2025
Undecided on which modern mullet style is the one for you? Check out these modern mullets for inspiration.
1. Short mullet
This mullet is only slightly longer than other hairstyles, so it’s a great entry-level mullet. Grow out your hair a little longer than normal, then get the sides cut or faded to create the typical mullet shape. Use clay or wax for a textured finish, or blowdry your hair for sleek, straight lengths.
2. Wolf cut
The wolf cut is a shaggy mullet that’s stylish and low-maintenance. The key is a voluminous textured fringe paired with messy lengths. Don’t go too short on the sides; this is an ideal mullet if you don’t want to fade the sides of your hair.
3. Mid-length mullet fade
Shaved sides and a mid-length cut is the go-to modern mullet. Fades are among the most popular haircuts for men, thanks to their versatility and style. (You can pull off certain fades even if you’re looking for a haircut for a receding hairline).
4. Curly mullet
If you have naturally curly or Afro hair, a mullet is a great way to make the most of your natural texture. Use a good leave-in conditioner and/or curl serum to highlight the curl pattern, and don’t brush your hair when it’s dry. For an ultramodern finish, pair with a fade or undercut. Alternatively, keep the sides longer for a more classic mullet.
5. Long mullet
Pay homage to the 80s original with a long mullet. Many men who opt for a long mullet start with a shorter one, then grow the lengths out while keeping the top, front, and sides trim. For a more modern take, consider a pompadour-style fringe.
7 steps to the perfect modern mullet
Follow these seven steps to achieve your ideal modern mullet.
1. Decide on your style
Browse the internet for mullet inspiration and choose the style that best suits you. Consider your face shape, preferred clothing style, and current rate of hair loss (if any). Men with a mature or receding hairline may benefit from a thicker fringe that covers the forehead.
A mullet may not be the best choice if you have more extensive balding. Take a look at the best and worst hairstyles for men with thin hair.
2. Speak to your barber
Before making any drastic decisions, consider speaking to a barber or hairstylist. They can advise on your preferred style including whether it’s likely to work well for your face shape and hair type, plus the level of maintenance required.
3. Grow out your hair
Most mullets require decent length through your hair, so you’ll need to grow it out. It might look a bit untidy for a while throughout this process, but it’ll be worth it when you can cut in the mullet you want.
4. Get your hair cut
Bite the bullet and get your mullet cut in. Make sure to take an inspiration photo along as a guide for your barber.
5. Style your mullet
Styling your mullet may take a bit of trial and error, especially when it comes to products. Take your natural hair type into consideration. Texturising salt spray or hair clay can help you achieve a messy, unfussy look. Mousses can add volume and refine curls.
6. Take a picture
When you’ve achieved the perfect mullet, take a photo from all angles. This will help you (and your barber) maintain your look for years to come.
Can you wear a modern mullet with hair loss?
It can be tricky to restyle your hair when you start experiencing male pattern baldness. Whether you have a receding hairline, crown hair loss, or a little of both, finding a flattering cut isn’t always easy.
Mullets can work even if you have some hair loss, although the more you’re balding, the harder it is to pull off this style. Here’s how to wear a modern mullet with different areas of thinning:
- Receding hairline — Choose a fringe-heavy mullet like a wolf cut to disguise any frontal balding. Don’t use too much product in your fringe, as this can cause the hair to separate and reveal your forehead.
- Crown bald spot — With plenty of length, a skilled barber may be able to chop your mid-scalp hair into flattering layers that effectively hide thinning through the crown. Extra length and a high contrast fade can also detract from crown hair loss.
- Mid-scalp hair loss — If you’re starting to lose hair through the mid-scalp, you’re likely entering the later stages of hair loss. It’s harder to wear a mullet at this point; an effective hair loss treatment like Finasteride may help you recover some density.
Maximise your mullet with a hair transplant
A modern mullet looks best when it’s thick, full, and bold. Hair loss can throw off the balance of your hairstyle, making it look less than perfect.
If your mullet feels a little thin or lacklustre, a hair transplant could increase your hair density and give your style renewed vigour. At the Wimpole Clinic, we help men of all ages design the hairstyle of their dreams with ultra-natural, long-lasting hair transplants.
Find out more about getting a hair transplant in these articles, then book a consultation at the UK’s best hair transplant clinic:
- Are hair transplants worth it?
- How do hair transplants work?
- Are hair transplants safe?
- Hair transplant recovery: what to expect
FAQs
How to ask for a modern mullet
The easiest way to ask your barber for a modern mullet is to take a guide picture with you. They can then suggest tweaks to best suit your face shape and/or style, and advise you on how to style and maintain your mullet.
You can also ask for a short mullet, wolf cut, or classic mullet — most barbers will have a good frame of reference for these cuts. But they might ask follow-up questions, so it’s always easiest if you have a photo.
Are mullets still in style in 2025?
Yes, mullets are still popular among men in 2025. With celebrities like Jacob Elordi and athletes like Rohan Browning continuing to sport mullets, this trend looks set to continue well into 2025.
Is a skullet a mullet?
Yes. A skullet is an extreme type of mullet in which the top of the head is completely shaved while leaving longer hair at the back of the head (skull + mullet = skullet).
The skullet is a pretty uncommon hairstyle, especially compared with modern mullets, which have more in common with other mid-length hairstyles than true mullets. But a skullet can help disguise extensive thinning if you’re looking for a more dramatic haircut for older men with thinning hair.
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