Mullet

What it is

This style features a distinct difference in length across the head. The hair is trimmed short around the forehead, ears, and crown. In contrast, the hair at the nape of the neck is left to grow long. This creates an asymmetrical silhouette that ranges from subtle variations to extreme lengths. While historically worn by men, it has also been adopted by women and used within specific subcultures like lesbian communities for identification. The look can be styled straight or textured, but the defining feature remains the sharp contrast between the neat front and the flowing back.

Where it comes from

Elements of this cut appear in antiquity, with Roman Emperor Tiberius noted for long hair at the back. Ancient Britons and Byzantine factions also wore similar styles. In the Americas, Abenaki people were recorded wearing long hair behind and short hair in front. The modern term gained traction through the Beastie Boys in the 1990s, though the style was already widespread. It reached its zenith in the 1980s across the US, UK, and Australia. Rock icons like David Bowie and Paul McCartney wore it in the early 70s. A revival occurred in the 2010s via sports figures and again in 2020 due to lockdowns and ironic fashion trends.

What it means

The style carries varied cultural weight. In the 1980s, it signified mainstream rock and pop fashion. Within lesbian communities, it served as a public identifier. In recent years, wearing it has often become an ironic statement or a joke, as described by teenagers who view it as deliberately unpolished. Conversely, in Australian and New Zealand contexts, it became associated with the bogan subculture. In sports, particularly hockey in Pittsburgh, it represents local tradition and identity. Some wearers also appreciate its practicality for video calls, offering a professional front view while allowing casual styling off-camera.

How it is made

The cut requires precision to balance the contrasting lengths. The stylist trims the hair above the ears and across the forehead to a short length, often using clippers or scissors. The top section may be layered or kept flat. The crucial step involves cutting the back significantly longer, extending well past the shoulders. Variations include adding a rattail, which is a single long strand left at the nape. Modern interpretations often pair the long back with a taper fade on the sides for a cleaner transition. The hair can be washed, dried, and styled with minimal product to maintain the natural flow of the longer sections.

Who and what it suits

It is generally considered suitable for any hair type, provided the wearer is willing to manage the length difference. The style relies more on personal attitude and cultural context than on geometric suitability for facial structures. Individuals with straight or wavy hair may find it easier to maintain the shape, while curly hair might require more definition techniques. Ultimately, the look is defined by the willingness to embrace the asymmetry rather than specific physical traits.

Versions

Several related styles exist alongside the classic mullet. The rattail involves leaving only one long strand of hair at the back, resembling a rat's tail. The skullet combines baldness on top with long hair at the back, famously worn by comedian Bill Bailey. Modern iterations often incorporate taper fades or undercuts to blend the short sides with the long back more seamlessly. These hybrid versions update the traditional cut for contemporary tastes. Other regional names include Hockey Player Haircut and Soccer Rocker, reflecting its adoption in sports cultures. The style continues to evolve with new techniques in barbering and styling.

In culture

The mullet has featured prominently in music and film. The Beastie Boys popularized the term in their 1994 song Mullet Head. Punk bands like the Vandals and Pansy Division referenced it in lyrics. Actor Kiefer Sutherland inadvertently boosted its fame after wearing it in The Lost Boys. In sports, players like Phil Kessel and James Conner revived it in hockey circles. Mexican singer Peso Pluma adopted it as a signature look in the 2020s. The style has also been banned in Iran as decadent. Competitions like the USA Mullet Championship celebrate it annually. Its presence in media reflects shifting attitudes towards gender norms and fashion irony.

Questions people ask about Mullet

Good reading and sources

• Movie ReviewsThe New York Times, Article
• Here’s the long and the short of itThe Guardian, Article

• Mullet (haircut) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data