Modern Mullet: Complete Guide to the Trendy Comeback Haircut in 2026

Curly mullet is for those who have naturally curly and wavy hair and want bold and expressive hair styles. This hair cut entails long hair at the back while curly hair with volume on the top. Sides will be shorter with fade or taper or can be kept slightly longer.

Permed Mullet:

There is slight difference in curly mullet and permed mullet although they may appear to be same. Curly mullet haircut is done on naturally curly or wavy hair while permed mullet is done on straight hair.

In permed mullet, curls are created through a chemical treatment through chemical perm for permanent waves in hair. This process gives a look of curly hair. For styling of this hair style, needs aftercare for example avoid harsh shampoos and use paraben and sulfate free shampoo, use curl cream and moisturizer.

Permed Mullet with Fade:

Permed mullet with fade is slightly different from permed mullet. This one has fades at sides that is done nicely with a clipper and it smoothly blends into the skin. In permed mullet side hair are short but done with scissor, so hair are not very short.

Fluffy Mullet:

This haircut is very suitable for straight to wavy hair, in fact curly hair can also be softened into waves. Top hair are voluminous and layered, sometimes styled with curtain bangs or fringe. Sides can be faded but not too much, and sides would mostly be layered lightly or textured. Back hair would be flowing in layers and the length would be medium to long.

Wavy mullet:

This hairstyle is a variation of classic mullet in which hair are kept short at the front and long at the back with natural wave texture of the hair. The usual mullet shape is kept but it adds flowing, voluminous and soft look, due to the waves.

Spiky Mullet:

In this haircut, hair at the front and sides are short and styled with spikes using hair gel or wax. Hair at the back are kept long for a mullet style. This style is popular among pop musicians, K-pop idols and those who want to go bold and want a unique look.

Textured Mullet or Messy Mullet with Texture:

This is an undone and messy version in which styling is done to make your hair look effortless and messy with volume. It has short or medium hair at top and long hair at back and it all is styled in a messy and textured way. This type of mullet haircut embraces natural movement and layers, while matte styling products are used to get best results. 

Slicked Back Mullet:

This haircut is a modern and polished version of mullet in which front and side hair are combed back smoothly, and the back hair are relatively longer but not too long. Back hair and even hair on top can have slight layering or texture depending on style preference and hair type.

Layered Mullet:

In layered mullet haircut, hair on top and back side are cut in visible layers rather than being one length. It is one of most popular styles because it suits many hair types including wavy, straight, or curly. Styling of this haircut is also very easy and another reason why people love it is because it blends lengthy back hair with the top hair easily and naturally. The overall look is more soft and modern thanks to the layers.

Modern & Creative Variations

Mohawk Mullet:

In this haircut, sides are completely shaved or kept very short while top hair are medium in length and are spiked or run from front to back. The back hair are long till the neck or past the neck line like a classic mullet.

Some people chose to spike the hair below the crown towards the nape, you can chose this style if you can manage to style and maintain the look. Otherwise you can go for straight hair at the back which is also advised by many barbers. Mohawk mullet has some variations like: Curly Mohawk Mullet, Fade Mohawk Mullet, Braided Mohawk Mullet, and Punk Rock Style.

Shaggy Mullet:

This haircut has shape of a mullet, short from sides and front and long from the back. But shaggy mullet has layers throughout your hairs. It has a messy look and textured hair with razored ends to give it an undone look. It’s for those who want to look bold carefree and keep hair in natural style.

Two Block Mullet:

Two block mullet is a hybrid haircut, a combination of two block haircut and mullet. Let’s discuss how these two cuts are combined to give it a modern two block mullet.

Two block haircut is particularly popular in Korea and many Korean celebrities like Jung kook and Park Bo-gum have styled it. In this haircut, one block which is sides and back are short or shaved. And second block which is top and upper sides are long.

In Two block Mullet, hair at the back (the tail) are kept long and can either be wavy, layered or straight. Overall hair at the back other than tail are kept about 4 to 6 inches long with layers and front hair often have bangs.

Korean Mullet:

Korean mullet is a modern and stylish version of mullet which is very popular in Korea, primarily because of K-pop idols and Korean actors. It has shorter sides and front with longer back hair. But the back hair are soft, neat and finished look. Key feature of Korean Mullet are layers that are kept with a natural flow. This hairstyle is often paired with fringe or bangs as well.

Faux Hawk Mullet:

In faux hawk mullet or fake hawk mullet haircut, the sides are trimmed short, faded or tapered but not shaved like in Mohawk. Hair on top are styles backward or towards the center for example kept spiky or messy. Back hair are kept longer to give style of mullet and the hair length can go beyond nape of the neck.

Sexy Modern Mullet from the back:

A modern mullet looks more refined and stylish from the back as compared to the classic mullet. Length of the back hair is mostly till neck, or the shirt collar and sometimes just about shoulder length. Texture of the hair can be wavy, curly or straight and it depends whether this texture is natural or styled it all depends on your own personal choice. The hair blends better from crown to the back, and the shift is gradual which was not the case in classic mullet was.

Classy Mullet:

This haircut is a modern, polished and refined version of classic mullet cut. It maintains the same shape as of iconic mullet – short front and sides, longer back. But classy mullet is more clean and sophisticated and is much more socially acceptable in professional and social settings. Classy mullet has overall neat and not wild look. Top hair will be controlled, combed or and can be parted. Sides are taper or faded but very neat. Back hair are mid length, but also styled and tidy, not messy. Styling can be done using hair brush or blow dry.

Classic Mullet:

Classic mullet is the old school classic version of mullet haircut which was famous in 1970s and 1980s. The phrase <business in the front, party at the back> got famous for this hairstyle. In this haircut, front hair are short or medium and often flat or slightly layered. Hair at sides are short although side hairs can be till the ears but side hair are not usually faded. Back hair are long and flowing, usually kept straight and are till the shoulder or at least till the neck. Overall hair shape has a very clear contrast of front and side hairs to back hair.

Flowing Mullet:

Flowing mullet is modern, much softer and natural looking mullet and it creates a different look through length, texture and movement of back hair. Hair are short at sides and front and long at the back but with loose, airy and layered aesthetics.

Flat Top Mullet:

This haircut is a combination of flat top hair style and mullet, as it blends both flat top haircut with classic mullet silhouette. In this haircut, top hair are cut very short and styled up with a very flat and straight level. If you are a hairdresser, you will need a clipper or a shears-over-comb to style this cut. Back hair are very contrasting to the front, long and flowing down till the neck or shoulder, like a classic mullet tail.

Wolf Cut Mullet:

This haircut has wild layering and fullness of a wolf cut, and shape of mullet (short at the front and sides and long at the back. Wolf cut mullet is a combination of two popular cuts; wolf cut and mullet. This haircut has lots of volume at crown, key feature is choppy hair throughout. Has some resemblance with shag, and mullet and it often includes fringe or bangs.

Who can wear Wolf Cut Mullet?

This haircut is for almost all hair types, be it curly, straight, wavy, thick or fine hair. Moreover, if you work in a professional environment this hairstyle might look too wild for you. Also, this hairstyle is for those who can do regular styling. 

French Crop Mullet:

French crop mullet is another type of modern mullet haircut and it’s a hybrid style which is a combination of French crop and mullet. It has short front and top with texture, and a blunt or choppy fringe – like a classy French pop! Hair at the back are long with sides often faded or tapered.

Mullet with Disconnected Undercut:

In this hair style front and sides are short and back hair are long, but the key element of this hairstyle is disconnect of side hair with the top hair. Side hair are very short, or even shaved but not fade and no blending with the top hair. The transition is sharp and abrupt and there for it’s called disconnected undercut mullet.

Caesar Cut with Mullet:

This haircut is a combination of caeser cut and mullet. It has short front with fringe which is clean and sharp and kept flat across the forehead. Sides are short and can be tapered or faded. Top hair are usually cropped short and textured. Back hair are kept long to give a mullet look.

Edgy Mullet with Beard:

This hairstyle is a modern and bold look and it combines modern high contrast mullet with beard for a masculine and fashion forward look. Key element are edges that come from the use of fade detailing, texture and sharp lines that gives an overall rebellious look. Beard can be sharp and shaped or natural and rugged depending on the choice. And hair would be short and faded at the sides with longer at the back for a classic mullet shape.

Spiky Mullet with Angular Fringe:

A spiky mullet with angular fringe is another creative variation in which three elements are combined together. Top hair are spiky and styled using a wax or pomade. Front hair have fringe but the difference is the fringe is cut with an angle and asymmetrically across the forehead. This gives the front hair an edgy look. Often with layers, hair at the back are longer, true to the essence of mullet.

Curtain Mullet:

Curtain Mullet is also known as Centre Part Mullet, is one of the modern styles of mullet in which top hair are parted down from the middle and has longer fringe. The fringe is swept back or casually kept to each sides rather than on the forehead (unlike blunt fringe). Curtain haircut is also called leaf cut hairstyle, very popular in Korea, has the front fringe hair are parted and kept back from the middle just like a leaf or curtain. Back hair are left longer which gives a mullet vibe.

Comb over Mullet:

In comb over mullet, front hair are neatly combed towards the right side, often styled using hair fixing spray or a wax. Side hairs are cut short, or faded either using scissor or a clipper. Back hair are long up to the shirt collar or shoulders. This look is perfect for those who want to style a mullet but also want a clean and sharp look.

Colored & Dyed Modern Mullets:

Mullet with Dyed Ends

This is a creative variation which can be given to any style of mullet, you just have to color the back ends or even some people dye the fringe as per choice. Color can be blonde or bright, or a neon whichever you like. This is popular among people who want to stand out, want to try a unique hairstyle but do not want to dye the hair completely.

Colorful Mullet:

In this type of mullet, hair cut is done as per your selected mullet styling with shorter sides and longer hair at the back. The key aspect are color on the hair which usually are non-natural vibrant colors, can be single color or a combination of multiple colors. Difference in this one and the one discussed above is that in this one not only the ends are dyed, but multiple sections of the hair are colored. It’s popular among K-pop, TikTok influencers, and fashion enthusiast who like bold statement.

Two-Toned Mullet:

Two toned mullet is same as colorful mullet, the only difference is that in two toned mullet, hair are dyed with two colors for a party look. It is for people who are bored with current hair and want something creative and colorful. You can one color say a darker color at the base and a brighter color say pink or purple at the ends to give it a completely unique look.

Important Tip: There are many temporary and semi-permanent hair dye available in the market which you can use and try a different look with bright colors.

Who can wear a Modern Mullet?

The modern version of mullet is far more versatile then the conventional mullet haircut, and almost anyone can wear it with right selection of its variation.

Benefits of Modern Mullet:

This hair cut is low maintenance, as they are short on the sides and easy to maintain and style. It’s highly versatile and suits almost all face shapes and hair types. It has so many variations that you can literally pick the one which you chose according to your personality. It gives you bold and fashion forward look with a very practical and easy to carry style.

How to get a modern mullet and what should I Ask My Barber For?

Look for an experienced and skilled hair stylist and book your appointment. Tell your barber that you need modern mullet cut, and to add detail you can tell him that you want short or faded sides with texture and some length on top and longer hair at the back. Nothing extreme or tough just a stylish, modern, sharp and clean look. To be specific you can tell which type of variation you are looking for and how you would you want to style it. Further, you can show him a reference picture to avoid any confusion, feel free to use any of the pictures you like on this blog as well.

Tips for Maintaining a Modern Mullet:

There are certain things that you need to consider if you are wearing mullet and maintaining your hair is the key.

1- Regular trim: Make sure you visit your salon regularly, depending on your hair growth frequency of your visit should be between 3-6 weeks.

2- Chose the right type of mullet: as per your hair type and face shape.

3- Use the right product: You need to select the right product for your hair. Use texturizing spray or volumizing spray to add volume and separation to your hair. You can use matte pomade to look your hair in control without a greasy look. You can use curl enhancing cream if you want to maintain curls, and leave in conditioner to control frizz. So, you have to select the product which is suitable and required for your hair.

4- Wash smart: You have to use a light weight conditioner, along with a good quality chemical free shampoo. Also do not over wash your hair. Twice or thrice a week would be enough to clean your hair.

5- Maintain neckline: A clean and sharp neckline is very important not only for hygiene but also for aesthetics and a groomed look.

6- Styling for occasions: For a casual look you can style a messy look by styling though fingers but for a formal event you will have to use styling products along with a comb or use a blow dryer.

How to Style a Men’s Mullet:

Wash your hair and dry them using a towel or a blow dry.

Apply a styling product like matte pomade, clay wax, or sea salt spray for texture and hold.

Using styling product, style your top hair according to your cut and choice whether you want messy or controlled hair.

Your back hair will fall back naturally as they are long, you can casually style them using fingers or a comb but note that most people like to give it a natural look.

Your styling of the hair may slightly vary depending on the type of mullet you chose.

FAQs:

What is the modern version of the mullet?

Modern mullet is a stylish and much more practical version of mullet, in which hair at the sides are kept short either taper or faded. Hair at the back are long and at the top are textured or layered for a very fashionable look.

Why does Gen Z like mullets?

Gen Z or Zoomers like mullet because it is bold, attention grabbing, and it mixes retro style with modern trends. The look is expressive and leaves an impression.

Is a mullet haram?

A mullet is not haram, unless it is done by a bad intention. If it’s modest, and done within religious and cultural boundaries it’s not haram.

What is a burst fade?

Burst fade is a hairstyle in which hair around the ears are faded in a semi-circle shape which leaves lengthy hair at the back. The fades on the sides blends nice with the top hair, and there is no harsh line or sharp transition. Back hair are slightly longer often with a v-shaped neck line.

Who popularized the mullet?

Mullet got popularity in 1970s and 1980s thanks to likes of David Bowie, Rod Steward, Paul McCartney, Keith Richards and other rock stars. It became symbol of rebellion and individuality and people loved wearing it. In recent years, tiktokers, Gen Z, K pop Idols rebranded this haircut as modern mullet with some changes that we discussed in this article.

Who had the best mullet ever?

David Bowie, Billy Ray Cyrus, MacGyver, Michael Bolton, Andre Agassi had one of the best mullet ever.

How to cut a mullet step by step?

Step 1: Section your hair into three areas; sides, back and top.

Step 2: Use a clipper or scissor to trim, fade or taper the sides.

Step 3: Cut the top, adding layers or texture as per choice and length would be medium.

Step 4: Trim to add layers or give shape to the back hair which will be the longest hair section of the three areas.

Step 5: Give it a neat and smooth look by blending the transitions between top, sides and back.

Step 6: Have a final look for shape and overall look and make required adjustments and balancing.

How to cut a modern mullet?

Start by cutting the sides short, either taper or fade. Keep the top hair medium, layers or texture. And leave the back hair longer but sharp and neatly blended. Add fringe or curls if you like but keep the overall look balanced and transition should be clean and smooth. 

How to style a modern mullet?

To style a it, you can use pomade, wax, clay along with volume powder on the top hair, while back hair can be kept natural or slightly defined. You can style your hair messy, with fringe, or slicked back. It is very versatile with lots of variations.

What does a modern mullet look like?

A modern mullet looks stylish, much more defined and balanced, less extreme then the classic mullet. It has short sides be it faded or tapered, layered or textured top, and long hair at the back. It has multiple variations which are discussed in detail in this article.  

How to grow a modern mullet?

You will need a few months to grow your hair and get a this hairstyle. You need 3 to 6 of back hair so that they are noticeably longer at the back, and 2 to 4 inches of top hair so that you can get layers or texture. You can get your side hairs trimmed during this growth months and ask your barbet to start giving hair the shape of mullet so that it doesn’t look messy.

Why is it called a modern mullet?

It’s called modern mullet because it has modern and latest trends like fade, texture, layered tops merged with classic mullet. And this cut is much more stylish, balanced and sharp rather than extreme and outdated.

How do sideburns affect the overall structure of a modern mullet?

Sideburns are section of the hair which is on both sides of your face, and is the center point or connection between your scalp hair and beard hair. It plays an important role in mullet hairstyle structure because if it’s done well, the shape gives very precise and clean look to the face. Barbers use scissors over comb or hair trimmer to blend the side hair into the rest of the hair on the top to create a flow.

Is a sleek or messy mullet better for coarse or frizzy hair?

Yes, a sleek or messy mullet is usually better option for frizzy hair. A sleek mullet is quite possible but you will need more use of styling products like wax or hair gel and regular styling. A messy mullet gives more modern and casual look while sleek mullet gives a clean and polished appearance.

Can women and girls pull off a modern mullet hairstyle?

Yes, definitely women and girls can also pull it off. There are multiple variations of this hairstyle for women which we have mentioned in detail in a separate article.

Are modern mullets suitable for kids, boys, and toddlers?

Yes, it suits well on kids, boys and toddlers. Versions of mullet for kids entails soft layers, shorter back hair and overall subtle appearance compared to the mullet for adults. Many parents prefer this haircut because it is trending and stylish and needs low maintenance.

What is the difference between a pixie mullet and a two-block mullet?

A pixie mullet features more texture and volume around the crown and cheekbones. The appearance looks feminine and is more popular among women.

A two block mullet is associated with men and women both, and more popular because of K-pop culture and Korean fashionistas. Two-block mullet is a combination of the Korean two block haircut and mullet.

Which hair colors like blonde, brunette, or ginger work best for mullets?

Mullet has no specific color requirement, and it can look equally well on hair colors. It all depends on your own choice individual features and styling.

Can I combine a mullet with facial hair like a mustache or goatee?

Yes, you can. Facial hair can add more charm and structure of the cut, and usually helps to create a stronger jawline. However, for a cleaner and professional style, a clean shave look would be preferable.

How often should trimming and grooming be done for a modern mullet?

Regular hair trimming is very important for a better appearance and feeling confident. For most variations of mullet, a haircut by 4 weeks is fine. If your mullet has taper, fade or detailing, a haircut between 2 to 4 weeks will be required.

What styling methods like blowout or brushing are best for a mullet?

Blowout is the best styling method to add volume using a blow dryer and a brush. Hair are styled and directed in the desired direction and shape. You can also use a hair brush or a comb to style your hair. Add hair spray or a wax once you brush your hair to keep the style intact.  

Where can I find inspiration, examples, or a gallery of modern mullets?

You can find lots of inspirations at different website galleries, online platforms, social media and you can also get lots of references on this website as well.

Is there any tutorial available to learn how to style a mullet?

Yes, multiple step-by-step tutorials are available online to guide how a mullet haircut is done and styled.

What is Benson Boone’s haircut?

Benson Boone’s haircut which is widely popular has a curly modern mullet, which is a shag inspired hairstyle. His hairstyle features texture with natural volume, and slightly messy finish. It has short taper sides and slightly more length at the nape of the neck. So Benson Boone’s hair style is a combination of modern mullet, curly mullet and shag haircut.

What is the 401k mullet?

The 401k mullet is more elegant and professional looking style of mullet. The name comes from the US retirement savings plan, which tells that this hairstyle is for career oriented professional looking and responsible men. This style has sleek and clean front and subtle drop of hair at the back. It is also called business mullet or corporate mullet.

Are mullets still in style in 2026?

Yes, mullet are still popular in 2026 and is one of the most popular hairstyles. The reason of popularity is the variety and variations it has and also the adaptability to different hair types, hair lengths and face cuts. This hairstyle is not only for man, but also versatile enough for woman and kids.

Does Modern mullet with hat looks good?

Yes, it looks well with hats and caps because the longer length at the back and textured sides are still visible. A hat adds a casual and stylish look. Many athletes, musicians and celebrities wear hats with mullet and carry it very stylishly. It looks fine with trucker hats, fitted caps and baseball caps.

Who can pull off a mullet?

Literally anyone can pull off a mullet if it the cutting properly done. Both men and women can wear modern mullet easily. The key is to select the right length and fade according to your features. It works well with straight, wavy, textured and curly hair. The most important thing is confidence, whatever your face shape and hair type is, just wear mullet with confidence and it changes everything.

What haircut makes you look 10 years younger?

If you select a haircut that suits your face shape and hair texture will make you look younger. Regular trimming and styling of your hair will also make you look and feel fresh and young. A texture mullet also usually softens facial features and light layers around the face helps to reduce the visibility of harsh lines by highlighting the eyes.  

Where is it illegal to have a mullet?

Mullet is not illegal by any law. However in some professional settings, a more formal looking hairstyle is preferred. Therefore in such environments a clean shave and neat glooming would be more acceptable.

Can you ask a barber for a mullet?

Yes you can ask any barber for a modern mullet haircut, and additionally you can show any picture you like from this website. Your barber will use his expertise and precision to achieve the finish and shape you desire.

How much tip for a $70 haircut?
For a $70 haircut, a $10 tip would be considered standard which is around 15% However, if your barber has given you an excellent look, detailed precision in the cutting, or has given you something extra like a head wash or blowout, and hairstyling, a higher tip would be preferred.

Are mullets out of style in 2026?
No, mullet are not out of style and still very much in fashion. The mullet has just evolved over the years and now has modern variants, which offer subtle as well as bold looks.

What is the hottest haircut in 2026?

The hottest haircut in 2026 is modern mullet which is widely popular among all age groups. Hairstyles like burst fade, curly mullet or textured mullet are considered most requested hairstyles at barbershops across USA and beyond.

Who is the most famous guy with mullet?

In recent years famous singer Morgan Wallen is the most famous celebrity having mullet. Other than him, many celebrities, influencers and sportsmen have styled mullet and got popularity as well.

Who wears a mullet now?

Mullet is equally popular among all age groups of men, women, and even kids. Many athletes, singers, actors, Tiktok influencers have helped popularize the mullet. Modern mullet is also popular among students, fashion savvy individuals, creative professionals who are looking or a a modern appearance.

Is mullet allowed in Islam?

Yes, mullet is allowed in Islam. There is no notable ruling that mentions about mullet being not allowed.

What is modern mullet called in different languages?

Mullet haircut has become a global trend and is being searched with multiple local language terms. For the easy of our readers, we are listing few terms in other languages so that audience from those countries can better understand the exact name of the haircut.

Conclusion:

Mullet haircut is popular since long time now with multiple modern variations and celebrities also have given it a whole new level of hype, Joe Keery’s tousled mullet hairstyle is one example. In most of the mullet hairstyles, hair are kept longer at the back while sides are generally shorter. If you are considering to style a modern mullet haircut, select a style which suits your personality and hair type. You can try any of the variations of modern mullet, and share us your look to get featured. We will try to accommodate your picture and feature it in our blog.