Once dismissed as a dated haircut from the past, the mullet hairstyle has made a major comeback in recent years. With its bold contrast of short front and sides and long back, the modern mullet is no longer just a nostalgic nod to the '80s, it’s become a statement style embraced by celebrities, stylists and their clients.
For a long time, this shaggy style has endured a bad rep – even Bono mournfully reflected on his mullet phase, sharing: “I regret that my hair looked like that when we did Live Aid. That’s still very hard to deal with.” But the mullet’s origins date back even further. According to the BBC, ancient texts suggest that versions of the cut existed as early as Ancient Greece, where the poet Homer described warriors with “forelocks cropped, hair grown long at the backs.” So, what exactly is a mullet today, and how can you make it work for your client's hair type and style?
How to Cut a Modern Mullet
Award-winning hairdresser, Sharon Malcolm, shares her steps for creating a mullet: "The main thing to remember when creating a modern mullet is to work with high elevation to maintain length and a contemporary shape. Start by taking a parting from ear to ear over the top of the head and clipping it away at the front. Begin the cut at the back, remembering to work with a high elevation of 180 degrees, point-cutting short to long on a downward angle."
"For the front of the hair, again use point-cutting and 180-degree elevation with over-direction. Take pivoting sections off the front hairline to connect the layers to the fringe. You can play with the fringe and sides of the hair, depending on how strong you want the look to be, either keeping it softer with a bit more length on the sides or really going for the modern mullet aesthetic by exaggerating the disconnection," explains Sharon.
Barbers may also consider incorporating techniques like razor cutting for added softness or using texture shears to break up weight. Adjusting length and angles based on face shape and hair density ensures a more tailored outcome.
Common Mullet Cutting Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
With so many different variations of the style, Eleni Tsesmatzoglou from Nūdo Studio notes: “It’s very important for me to have a vision of how the end result should look, using reference photos to know what sort of style the client is hoping for. Every mullet is individual and as such, may need to be approached differently." Sharon also advises: "Create plenty of texture in the hair, both on top and at the back to ensure you create a contemporary look."
Meanwhile, Oliver Hill from MaxOliver discusses the pressure points to watch out for when cutting this style, explaining: "I would say the trickiest part is connecting the back into the sides and tailoring the 'party' aspect. This is what can differentiate the modern mullet from a classic mullet."
Barbers should pay close attention to disconnection areas and ensure smooth integration of shape. Mismanaging the crown or misjudging the blend between top and sides can lead to an unbalanced finish. Use your mirrors frequently and refine as you go.
Styling and Product Recommendations
Styling the mullet requires client education and the right product toolkit. Lightweight texture sprays, sea salt sprays, and matte pastes help accentuate layers without making the hair feel heavy. Encourage clients to experiment with volume at the crown or define the fringe to shape their own version of the look.
For barbers, finishing products also offer a chance to upsell and guide clients toward long-term style maintenance. Consider recommending light pomades or volumizing powders depending on the hair type.
Consultations and Confidence
The key to a successful mullet cut begins with the consultation. Gauge your client’s confidence level, show inspiration images, and discuss how bold or subtle they want the outcome to be. The more collaborative the process, the better the result.
With the mullet's revival showing no signs of slowing down, barbers have an opportunity to reimagine and elevate the style. Whether executed as a fashion-forward editorial cut or a laid-back, wearable version, the mullet can be a staple in the modern barbering repertoire.
Image credit: Ross Mathieson
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