Modern Mullet Haircut: 30+ Trending Styles and Expert Tips to Maintain the Look

The modern mullet haircut men are adopting today is defined by a less drastic disconnect between the front and back sections than its predecessor. Unlike the stark, jarring contrast of the classic version, the modern iteration features a gradual fade or taper on the sides which blends more seamlessly into length at the nape. It prioritises texture, choppy layers, and a unified silhouette over the severe 'two haircuts in one' vibe of the past. It is softer, cooler, and far more wearable.

• Versatility: It adapts surprisingly well to virtually any hair texture, from dead straight to coily.

• Low Maintenance Growth: The 'lived-in', textured nature of the cut means it grows out nicely between barber visits without awkward phases.

• Face Framing: The shorter front and side layers can be tailored to accentuate cheekbones and define the jawline.

• Statement Style: It instantly adds an alternative edge to your aesthetic without necessarily requiring daily hour-long styling sessions.

Here are trending variations of the cut, detailing who they suit best.

Heavily layered throughout with tons of texture and a messy finish. Best suited for oval and heart face shapes.

Features a semi-circular fade around the ears, focusing attention on a wider mohawk strip. Excellent for round and square faces to add structure.

Combines a blunt, short fringe at the front with a flowing, textured back. Ideal for oval and diamond shapes

Dramatic disconnected sides for a sharper, punk-inspired look. Suits square face shapes well.

A softer, shaggier hybrid borrowed from K-pop trends, featuring wispy, framing layers. Flattering on almost all face shapes.

Short, textured spikes on the crown leading to a longer tail at the nape. Good for round faces needing added height.

Using high-shine pomade to push the front hair back for a modern rockabilly feel. Suits oval and square faces.

Adding platinum blonde or vivid colours to highlight the choppy layers. Suits anyone bold enough to carry it.

Features a very short, aggressive fringe for an edgy, alternative vibe. Best on strong oval faces.

A subtle approach where sides are scissored short rather than shaved to the skin. Great for professional environments.

Features a voluminous, swept-up front that gradually blends into the longer back sections. This adds height and sophistication, making it excellent for round or square faces that benefit from vertical lift.

A shorter, choppier fringe at the front that is styled for movement and separation, paired with the longer back. Ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces, as the fringe can soften the forehead and draw attention to the eyes.

One side is noticeably shorter or faded higher than the other, creating a dynamic and unconventional look. Best for those with oval or long face shapes, as the asymmetry can add interest and break up uniformity.

A clear, abrupt line separates the shorter sides from the longer top and back sections, often with shaved or very short sides. Suits square or strong jawline face shapes, emphasising sharp angles.

Embraces natural waves, allowing them to flow freely in the longer sections and adding texture to the top. Excellent for oval and long face shapes, as the waves add width and movement.

Features very short, clean sides that sharply contrast with a much longer, often unstyled, back section. Suits round and square faces, as the tight sides create definition while the back adds flair.

Drawing heavily on 70s and 80s inspiration with more pronounced length at the back and often a feathered front, but with a modern, softer blend. Ideal for oval and long face shapes, adding a touch of vintage cool.

A very short, precise fade on the sides and back, with only a small amount of length retained at the nape and a slightly longer top. Best for square and round faces, providing a clean, structured look while retaining the mullet's essence.

A gradual, gentle fade on the sides and back, with less contrast than a skin or burst fade, leading into the longer hair. Suits most face shapes, offering a versatile and less aggressive interpretation of the style.

Features a middle parting with hair falling forward on either side of the face, blending into the longer back. Excellent for oval and heart-shaped faces, providing a flattering frame for the face.

Incorporates numerous short and long layers throughout, often with a full or textured fringe, creating significant volume and movement. Suits round and square faces, adding softness and height.

Characterised by spiky, often coloured, hair on top and significant length at the back, embodying a rebellious, edgy aesthetic. Best for bold individuals with oval or diamond face shapes, as it's a statement look.

A short, choppy top with a textured finish, seamlessly transitioning into the longer back section. Ideal for oval and round faces, offering a modern, low-maintenance take on the mullet.

The beauty of this cut lies in its adaptability. Here is how the modern mullet works across different hair types.

The curly modern mullet thrives on volume and natural shape. It utilises natural bounce to create a significant silhouette at the back without needing heavy styling.

• The Coily Fro-hawk: Keeping the sides faded tight to let natural coils erupt in the centre and maintain length at the back.

• The Ringlet Shag: Longer layers throughout that allow tighter curl patterns to form distinct, bouncy ringlets.

A modern mullet straight hair variation needs added texture cut in by the barber to avoid looking limp. Choppy layering is essential here.

• The Choppy Texturised Mullet: Inspired by Japanese street style, featuring razor-cut layers for intense movement and separation.

• The Curtain Bang Mullet: A softer front with a centre parting that frames the eyes, blending into a longer, straighter back.

Wavy hair is perhaps the easiest texture for a mullet, providing natural movement and a 'cool vibe' without much effort.

• The Beach Wave Mullet: Salt-spray textured for a matte, surfer aesthetic that looks effortlessly undone.

• The Retro Flow: Longer wavy layers brushed back loosely, embracing a 70s rock icon feel.

A modern short mullet haircut is subtle and easier to maintain, making it perfect for beginners testing the waters.

• The Baby Mullet: Very little length difference between front and back; just a slight, textured kick at the nape.

• The Skin Fade Shorty: A high skin fade on the sides contrasting with a very short, textured top and only an inch or two of length at the back.

For those who want drama, the long mullet offers the most significant contrast and undeniable presence.

• The Rockstar Mane: Shoulder-length or longer hair at the back, heavily layered, combined with a much shorter, textured top.

• The Braided Tail Mullet: Incorporating small plaits into the longer back section to add unique texture and interest.

1. Start Damp: Styling is most effective on towel-dried, slightly damp hair.

2. Pre-Styler: Apply a sea salt spray for grit and texture, or a leave-in conditioner if you have curls.

3. Blow Dry Directionally: Use a hairdryer to push the front hair forward (for crops) or back (for quiffs), while scrunching the back section with your hands to encourage volume and wave.

4. Product Application: Work a matte clay or texturising paste through the mid-lengths and ends for separation. Avoid the roots to prevent greasiness.

5. Define: Use your fingers to twist small sections at the back to enhance the piecey, textured look.

• Regular Trims: Visit your barber every 4-6 weeks. The fade on the sides needs maintenance, and the layers need re-texturising to stop the back looking heavy.

• Efficient Washing: For guys on the go, efficient washing that doesn't strip the hair is vital. Twice a week, use a quality dual-action product like Dove Men+Care Fresh & Clean 2in1 Shampoo+Conditioner for a deep clean that leaves hair hydrated.

• Weekly Hydration: The longer sections of hair at the back are older and more prone to dryness. To ensure they don't become straw-like, especially if you use heat, apply a treatment like the Tresemme Keratin Smooth Deep Smoothing Mask once a week to restore shine.

• Scalp Care: If you are using lots of clays and sprays to style your mullet, product buildup can occur. Occasionally swap your daily wash for something purifying, such as the LBP Onion, Blackseed & Patchouli Shampoo from the Love Beauty and Planet range, to keep the scalp healthy.

The modern mullet has shed its ironic past to become a genuine staple of contemporary male grooming. It is a confident, adaptable style that allows for immense personal expression. Whether you opt for a subtle short fade or a dramatic curly shag, the modern mullet is a testament to hair that refuses to be boring.

A: Yes, because the length, fringe style, and fade height can all be adjusted by a skilled barber to balance out round, square, or oval faces.

A: Actually, no. Because the style is already heavily layered, it tends to grow out into a decent medium-length shag haircut without too many awkward stages.

A: You generally need at least 3-4 inches of length at the nape of the neck to establish the silhouette, though shorter 'baby mullet' versions do exist.