What is it about the mullet, exactly? Some regard it as one of the most ridiculed hairstyles in the world, a neon billboard of bad taste; more just burst out laughing at the mere mention of the cut. And those that don’t… well, they might have actually worn the look during its heyday in the ’80s, as it was actually a practical way for those who wanted longer hair to look neat and professional by day (hence it’s popular motto, because of course it had a motto: business in the front, party in the back). Whatever the reason, its widespread appeal once earned it its fair share of superfans back in the day. Definitely as iconic as disco waves or the afro in its own right, it was a pop culture phenomenon that made its mark in history—and on the heads of everyone from famous rockstars to yes, your average backwater Joe. Whatever its long-standing appeal is, mullet hair, which features a short (almost buzzed) front and sides and long back, is one for the books. And contrary to what most might think, this recent resurgence isn’t a case of it’s-so-bad-it-flips-over-to-good; it’s actually a cut that can flatter certain facial structures—and only if you’re bold/punk/carefree/nostalgic/directional enough to rock it! Here’s how:
How to Rock Proper Mullet Hair, the Non-Ironic Way
1. Start with straight to wavy hair
These textures help show the details of this cut best, and curly hair that’s cut in this way can seem too top-heavy (try the shag instead, which is similar but more flattering for your texture).
2. Ask your stylist for a cut that’s shaggy in the back, with layers that gradually thin out from your nape till your collarbones
The front is trimmed and cut as in a regular bob, with subtle layering all around—also, adding a blunt fringe makes it more modern.
3. As mullet hair can lengthen a profile, it’s usually more flattering on those with rounder or heart-shaped faces
To keep the look more graceful, ask your stylist to shear out some layers that hit your cheekbones; otherwise, feel free to work it in all its retro-inspired glory.
4. Style with some volumizing mousse or sea salt spray
As it was during its head-banging prime, texture is key to this look. Run a quarter-sized pouf of mousse from roots to tips and blowdry with a diffuser. We like the touchable bounce of Suave Professionals Luxe Style Infusion Volumizing Weightless Blow Dry Spray, and the tousled—i.e. very ’80s—effect of finger-drying Suave Professional Sea Mineral Infusion Texturizing Sea Salt Spray throughout your strands. Would you try mullet hair?
