Trending Mullet Haircuts for Men – Types, Inspiration & Styling Tips

If you're looking to up your hairstyle game and make a bold statement, then the modern mullet may just be the 'do for you.

This once frowned upon 80s hairstyle is now one of the top choices for men looking to experiment with their hair. Celebrities like Jacob Elordi and Paul Mescal are in on the trend, and you may have even noticed some of your pals sporting a modern mullet.

And, quite frankly, we can't be mullet-bashers. There's no denying this is a pretty cool hairstyle, and it's a nice refresher from the sea of crew cuts (but no hate to crew cuts, they're classic for a reason).

If you consider yourself influenced and you're debating switching up your current haircut for a mullet, too, we've got some great inspiration you can take to your barber .

There isn't just one singular mullet style.

While we can all vividly picture what a classic mullet looks like (think a blonde-haired Aussie wearing a tank top, a pair of cut-off jorts, and a can of Victoria Bitter), the modern mullet is a bit different. And even then, there are variations of that.

Credit: @jacobelordi

The modern mullet is pretty far from the original '80s mullet. The sides tend to have a slight low fade, although still keeping the hair quite long.

There's no classic tail, either, just a little extra length at the back. The top is kept longer than the sides, with some texture and volume added.

Credit: @jackharlow

A curly mullet combines the classic shape of a mullet with natural curls. The top is usually kept medium to long, and the sides are tapered or faded.

Curls can be natural, or many men might have their hair permed to achieve this look. Alternatively, texturizing products like sea salt spray can help enhance or create curls.

Credit: @lisandromartinezzz

Mullets most definitely don't have to be reaching down to your shoulders.

A shorter mullet is still very much a mullet, just with less length all over, and this is a popular option for men who want to try the trend but don't want to commit to a full-blown mullet.

Credit: @barbearia.mister

A taper fade mullet combines the classic shape of a mullet with the popular taper fade haircut. The sides are gradually shortened, creating a more modern and sleek look.

Your barber will be able to best advise on the clipper length for the fade, depending on your hair type and desired outcome.

Credit: @f.s_change

A burst fade mullet is a more extreme version of a taper fade mullet, with a sharper and more defined fade . The fade starts high on the sides and back of the head, creating a burst-like effect.

We think this is a great option for someone with thick hair , as it helps to remove some of the bulk and weight from the sides and back, but takes full advantage of the length and volume on top.

Credit: @wellcut_

Who would've thought a mohawk and a mullet could be combined? This edgy style features shorter sides, typically a low skin fade, and a longer top that’s styled up into a mohawk shape.

The top is typically textured and styled with a  strong hold product  to maintain the height and shape.

Credit: @lukenewtonuk

Rather than the typical curls or waves, a spiked mullet features a textured top that’s styled into spiky sections.

For those with straight hair, this might be a great option to add some interest and edge to the classic shape of a mullet.

Credit: @hectorbellerin

For a more laid-back, effortless look, the shaggy mullet combines longer, tousled hair all over with a bit of extra length at the back. Lots of layers are cut in to create a messy, shaggy texture.

This is a great option for men with naturally wavy or thick hair , as it can help to reduce some of the weight and create a more manageable style.

Credit: @bts.bighitofficial

Popular with Korean celebrities and K-pop stars, the curtain mullet features a middle part with long, straight hair framing the face . The sides are usually kept shorter and styled down, creating a "curtain" effect.

Spotted a mullet style that's caught your eye? Here's what to tell your barber to achieve the look:

The level of maintenance for mullets can vary depending on the style. A modern or short mullet may be easier to maintain, with trips to the barber every 4-6 weeks for trimming.

Curly, shaggy, or spiked mullets may require more styling time and product to keep the desired shape and texture.

But on the whole, they're a pretty low-maintenance hairstyle. It's one of the reasons why they're so popular.

Again, this hairstyle is popular for a reason – it can suit a variety of face shapes.

They do work particularly well for rounder face shapes , like oval and oblong, as the length at the back can help to elongate and balance out the face.

For those with sharper features, like square or heart-shaped faces, a mullet can add some softness and contrast to your look.

The style of mullet can also affect how it looks on different face shapes. For example, a curtain mullet with longer pieces framing the face may work well for those with rounder faces, while a shorter spiky mullet may complement angular facial features.

Mullets are low-maintenance for the most part, but you'll need to do some styling to keep it looking its best.

One of the key characteristics of this hairstyle is the volume and texture on top, so this is where most of your styling efforts will go.

Starting with the first step in any hair care routine – shampoo and conditioner.

To help achieve the typical volume of a mullet, a volumising shampoo and conditioner will go a long way. It'll essentially create a good base for the rest of your styling products to work their magic.

Volumising or thickening products work by plumping up the hair shaft, creating the appearance of thicker, fuller hair. This is particularly helpful for those with finer or thinner hair.

If you're sporting a curly mullet or any of the other textured styles we mentioned, a sea salt spray will be your best man.

It gives your hair that beachy, tousled texture without weighing it down or making it greasy. Especially for those with natural texture, a salt spray can enhance and define your curls.

Simply spray onto damp hair and scrunch or twist your hair with your fingers while it dries to create that effortless, messy look.

To amp up the volume even more, use a hair diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. This helps to dry your hair in a way that enhances its natural texture and creates more volume.

Simply attach the diffuser to your blow dryer and use it on a low heat setting, scrunching your hair while you dry it.

Doing this while your head is tipped upside down can also add extra volume at the roots.

After doing all the above steps, you may want to add some extra hold and definition to your mullet with a styling clay or compound. After all, you've put in the effort to achieve that volume and texture, so you want it to last all day.

Our product range includes our renowned Hybrid Hair – a men's styling compound that combines the benefits of a clay and wax in one hero product. It offers a strong, all-day hold and a matte finish , perfect for achieving that messy mullet look.

The formula also includes natural ingredients like Organic Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to nourish and protect your hair while you style it .

Or, a styling clay like our Compound Clay can also do the job well. The all-day reworkability and matte finish make for an easy-to-use product for any hairstyle , including a mullet.

Our clays are also formulated with natural ingredients like French Kaolinite Clay and Organic Mexican Jojoba Oil for healthy, strong hair.

By now, you should be well and truly equipped with the knowledge you need to confidently rock a mullet. To recap, here are some of the best styles to consider:

• Modern mullet : short and clean with a slight taper on the sides.

• Curly mullet : embraces natural texture and volume, with longer lengths at the back.

• Spiky mullet : shorter all over with a spiky top for a modern twist on the classic mullet.

• Curtain mullet : longer pieces framing the face for a softer look.

Whichever style you choose, just remember to have fun with it and make it your own.

And don't forget to explore our collection of next-gen hair care products to help you achieve the perfect mullet style.