What is the mullet cut?

The mullet cut is characterized by hair that is longer at the nape of the neck and shorter on the top and sides with short bangs. This cut is done with both scissors and a blade, especially since the sides can sometimes be shaved. You can soften your cut with layered highlights.

The mullet cut, for whom?

As hairstylist Anouck explains for Marie Claire magazine, the mullet cut can suit everyone and all hair types with a certain length. However, this cut is not very recommended for fine hair. The gradient required to create the distinct levels characterizing this hairstyle can make hair appear to lack volume. On the other hand, the long nape is ideal for thick, even very thick hair. That said, the mullet cut comes in several variations: very long at the back, shaved on top, with bangs, etc. This is why this cut can be adapted according to your hair length, texture or personal preferences.

What are the advantages of the mullet cut?

If you are hesitant to wear the mullet cut, we reveal some of its advantages, as cited by France Bleu:

• Easy to maintain: The mullet cut is not difficult to maintain. It is also more accessible to non-professionals compared to classic gradient cuts.
• Protection against the sun: For fans of this retro look, the long locks at the back of the mullet cut offer effective protection for the neck against the sun’s rays.
• A reminiscence of the 80s: If you like retro looks, the mullet cut is a way to revive the style of the celebrities of the 80s who adopted this cut.

What are the different variations of the mullet cut?

Here are some variations of the mullet cut:

• The classic mullet: This classic cut is distinguished by its asymmetrical shape. The voluminous layered locks on top allow you to experiment with different hairstyles. The slightly longer back adds a modern and classic touch to the hairstyle.
• The Modern Mullet: This updated take on the classic style keeps the sides and top shorter, with the back longer, but this hairstyle can be curled, wavy, or incorporated into other styles.
• The short mullet: This very short version of the classic mullet is suitable for people looking for a more formal style. The sides are cut very short, even shaved, while the top and back of the hair are cut so that a neat hairstyle is achieved.
• The Medium Mullet: This hairstyle is characterized by a medium length at the back of the head.
• The long mullet: This hairstyle that does not go unnoticed is characterized by very long hair at the back, falling to or beyond the shoulders. The top and sides of the mullet are shorter than the back, but still long enough to be tucked backwards.
• The gradient mullet: This cut is a variation of the modern mullet. The layered mullet becomes shorter towards the bottom of the cut. The top is the longest part of this hairstyle, while the sides are the shortest.
• The mullet with central parting: Also called curtain mullet, this mullet is a relaxed variation compared to the others. The sides and tops of the mullet are short to medium length, while the rear is longer. This cut is distinguished by a parting in the middle.
• The wavy mullet: To add movement to your hairstyle, you can add slight waves to your mullet. You can also opt for a fairly wavy cut so that it resembles a curly mullet.

Why is the mullet cut becoming fashionable again in 2024?

Lately, kitsch has taken over from “cool” style. Initially present in the world of fashion, kitsch is now even extending into the field of beauty with the strong comeback of the mullet cut, as relayed by the magazine Journal des Femmes.

After big icons like Brad Pitt and George Clooney sported this cut, it’s the turn of young stars like Billie Eilish to adopt it. This has elevated the mullet cut to the rank of essential hairstyles. This trend was confirmed by the models who sported this cut when they walked the catwalks.

How to style a mullet cut?

• For a relaxed mullet, go for volume. You can then choose volumizing styling products. Apply them to your hair and let it air dry to achieve a tousled, casual look.
• For a neater fit, opt for a slicked-back mullet style. To do this, use a shampoo and conditioner, then apply a heat protectant. We dry the hair and straighten it using a styling product and a flat brush.

Tips for maintaining the mullet cut

Here are some tips for maintaining your mullet cut and keeping it looking fresh:

• Make visits to the hairdresser approximately every 6 months.
• Use a few styling and texturizing products every day, like a styling mousse.
• To dry your hair after a shower, depending on your hair type, you can let it dry naturally, or use a hair dryer to add movement to your hairstyle.
• Mullet cuts with highlights around the face and a subtle layer are easier to maintain.

10 mullet haircut ideas for women

Gothic mullet hairstyle

The mullet is not just a haircut, but also a style and an attitude. You can adopt this cut to express your style. A medium mullet dyed deep black is ideal for representing the gothic style.

Retro mullet hairstyle

This iconic haircut with its layered layered locks brings a trendy and stylish touch to this feminine mullet. The texture of this retro hairstyle is also part of the charm of this cut.

Mullet cut and wolf cut

If you are looking for a fearless hairstyle, opt for this mullet cut, combined with a wolf cut. This style uses several layered strands, in addition to bangs, to create a wider crown. Moreover, the wolf cut is characterized by layered locks combined with bangs, to create a textured effect.

Short mullet cut

Feminine mullet cuts are very versatile. For a tomboy style, you can opt for this cut. The temples are shaved, while the long locks fall to the sides.

Shaggy mullet cut in copper tones

For a tousled and casual look, opt for a mullet cut with a shag style. Moreover, current versions of the classic mullet hairstyle are more tousled and dyed in bright colors.

Slender and disheveled mullet

If you’re looking for a casual hairstyle, this razor-cut messy mullet is a great choice. This style features a layered cut that adds texture to blonde hair.

Straight mullet with long legs

If you are looking for an easy to style and trendy cut, you can try this straight mullet style with long sideburns that you can hide behind the ears for a conservative look.

Textured mullet

If you’re looking for a chic and fearless style, opt for a textured mullet. This cut is a good option to highlight the natural texture of your hair and bring out your natural waves.

The shixie mullet cut

The shixie cut is halfway between the shag or mullet cut and the pixie. This cut is ideal for flat and very fine hair. Shixie hairstyles represent a modern take on the messy mullet.

Mullet cut with thick bangs

This mullet cut with thick bangs is a look that is both trendy and bold. However, to sport this look, it is important that your hair is thick, with a straight or wavy texture. If your hair is very fine, you are not going to get the thick bangs characteristic of this look.

How to do a mullet cut yourself?

You will need:

• A good pair of scissors for cutting hair
• Two mirrors, one of which is quite large
• A water spray to moisten your hair
• A comb
• A hair dryer

After dampening your hair, start by separating your hair into 3 areas

• A back area in which you are going to have the longest hair.
• A middle area. For this front area you can make two partings, one on each side and one parting for the bangs. You will have 3 areas in total for the front part.
• The area on top, which is the shortest of the cut.

1. Using the comb and scissors, cut the hair in each area, according to the chosen length. Don’t forget to cut straight, short bangs.
2. Then dry your hair to get an idea of the volume level and make any necessary adjustments.

The mullet cut: what is the story behind this daring haircut?

As relayed by Brut, Rachael Gibson, author and founder of the Instagram account The Hair Historian, shares her point of view: “Originally, this short cut in the front and long in the back was worn by the military for practical reasons. The Vikings, Romans and Native Americans also wore cuts similar to the mullet. For soldiers, having long hair at the back of the neck protects against the cold on the battlefield and having it shorter at the front prevents the eyes from being cleared”

However, if the mullet cut gained notoriety in the past, it is because it was adopted by famous musicians, explains Pamela Church Gibson, author of the book A Century of Hairstyles. It was first popularized by 1970s rock icons such as Patti Smith and Joan Jett.

That said, over the decades, the mullet cut appeared in the stands of football stadiums before conquering the world of athletes, rockstars and other celebrities. And since it was adopted by stars such as Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Milla Jovovich, Zendaya and Kristen Stewart, the mullet cut has sparked a craze that continues to grow.