Tellum

What it is

The tellum is a haircut that reverses the traditional mullet shape. Instead of keeping the forehead area brief and the nape extended, this look maintains lengthy front sections while the rear is clipped very close. The frontal strands are typically straight and reach down to the cheeks or chin. The rear is buzzed near the scalp and often styled to stand up in spikes. People wearing this look sometimes dye the rear layers a different shade or add bold streaks to the frontal sections for extra contrast. It is a striking choice that draws attention to the face.

Where it comes from

This reversed mullet shape first appeared during the late seventies as the devilock, a look popularised by the punk band The Misfits. That early version featured a central front section gelled over the eyes. By the late eighties, the aesthetic evolved within the emo subculture, eventually becoming a staple of the broader emo fashion movement. The early nineties saw another surge in popularity when a leading actor sported the look in a major science fiction film, inspiring many teenagers. Decades later, a reality television star introduced a bob-like variation that sparked widespread public debate before a rhythm and blues singer revived the bold aesthetic at a music event.

What it means

This haircut serves as a marker of alternative identity and musical subcultures. Its early adoption by punk musicians established it as a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity. When the emo movement embraced the aesthetic, it reinforced the connection of the style to youth counter-culture and emotional expression. Later iterations on reality television shifted its meaning, turning it into a subject of mainstream fashion debate and public scrutiny rather than a purely musical statement.

How it is made

A stylist cuts the rear sections very close to the scalp, often using clippers to create a buzzed effect. The frontal sections are left to grow down to the chin or cheeks, then trimmed to maintain a straight, even line. The short rear strands can be textured with product to stand up in spikes. For added visual interest, the colourist might apply a contrasting dye to the back layers or paint bright highlights through the longer frontal pieces. A strong holding gel is usually applied to keep the central or spiked sections firmly in place.

Who and what it suits

This look works best on straight hair that can hang smoothly at the front while allowing the back to lie flat or spike up neatly. The contrasting lengths create a bold frame around the facial features, making it a striking option for those who want to draw attention to their eyes and cheekbones.

Versions

The devilock was the earliest version, featuring a single long section gelled over the eyes. A later reality television variation resembled a standard bob at the front while keeping the nape closely cropped. Some wearers also experiment with colour, dyeing the short rear sections a completely different shade or adding extreme highlights to the longer frontal strands to increase the visual contrast.

In culture

The aesthetic has strong ties to punk and emo music scenes, serving as a visual identifier for fans of those genres. It crossed over into mainstream cinema when a prominent actor wore it in a blockbuster science fiction sequel. Later, it became a frequent topic of discussion on reality television, where public opinion heavily criticised its practicality. Despite this mainstream pushback, it remained a bold fashion statement in the music industry, spotted on prominent rhythm and blues artists at high-profile events.

Questions people ask about Tellum

Good reading and sources

• Tellum on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data