The mullet has gone from a punchline to one of the most requested men’s cuts. The modern version is far more refined than the 1980s original: shorter, textured sides, a blended or faded transition and controlled length at the back, so it reads as deliberate and stylish rather than retro fancy dress.
Below are 21 modern mullet haircuts for men, from subtle office-friendly versions to bold disconnected, neon and braided styles. For each one we explain who it suits and what to ask your barber for.
Before you commit: a mullet needs at least two to three inches at the back to look intentional, so you may need a few weeks of growing first. Thick and wavy hair gives the most natural shape, while fine hair looks best with plenty of texture on top. For a messier take, see our shaggy mullet haircuts.
1. Classic Modern Mullet
The classic modern mullet keeps the top and front short and textured, tapers the sides, and leaves extra length at the nape. It is the easiest version to start with. Ask your barber for a “textured top, tapered sides and two to three inches left at the back.”
Save2. Textured Mullet with Fade
Adding a fade to the sides gives the mullet a sharper, cleaner shape. The faded sides contrast with the textured top and the longer back, so the cut looks modern and tidy. A mid or low burst fade around the ear is the most popular choice.
Save3. Slicked-Back Mullet
The slicked-back mullet combines a mullet’s length with a polished finish. Leave the top long enough to comb back, use pomade or gel for shine, and keep the back sitting neatly at the collar. It is a strong option for evenings and events.
Save4. Shaggy Mullet
A shaggy mullet adds layers throughout the top and back for a relaxed, lived-in look. It suits wavy and thick hair best and needs only sea salt spray and a little cream to style.
Save5. Undercut Mullet
The undercut mullet shaves the sides short with no blending, leaving a clear line between the sides and the longer top and back. It is bold and edgy, and it suits men with thick hair that can hold volume above the undercut.
Save6. Mohawk Mullet
The mohawk mullet keeps a strip of length running from the front to the back, with very short sides. It is one of the most dramatic versions, so it suits creative workplaces and anyone who enjoys a statement cut.
Save7. Modern Mullet with Highlights
Highlights add dimension to a mullet, especially on the longer back section. Blonde, ash or caramel highlights make the texture stand out. Ask your colourist for soft, face-framing pieces rather than heavy stripes for a natural look.
Save8. Business Casual Mullet
The business casual mullet is the most subtle version, with only a little extra length at the back and neatly tapered sides. From the front it looks like a classic short cut, which makes it a safe choice for conservative workplaces.
Save9. Tousled and Tapered
Tousled and tapered mullets combine messy texture on top with a clean taper at the sides and neckline. Style with matte clay or paste and let the hair fall naturally for an effortless look.
Save10. Curly Mullet
Curly mullets are one of the best uses of natural curls. Keep the sides short or tapered and leave the curls longer on top and at the back. Use a curl cream or leave-in conditioner instead of clay to define the curls and reduce frizz.
Save11. Artistic Undercut Mullet
An artistic undercut mullet adds shaved designs, such as lines, waves or geometric patterns, into the undercut sections. It needs a skilled barber and regular touch-ups every two weeks to keep the lines sharp.
Save12. High-Volume Mullet
High-volume mullets are cut and styled with lift at the crown and front. Blow-dry upwards with a round brush, then add texture powder at the roots. It suits thick hair and gives the face more height.
Save13. Disconnected Mullet
A disconnected mullet leaves a sharp contrast between the short sides and the longer top and back, with no blending at all. The result is bold and fashion-forward, and it works best on thick, straight or slightly wavy hair.
Save14. Faux Hawk Mullet
The faux hawk mullet pushes the hair on top upwards and inwards into a soft peak, while the back stays long. Use a strong-hold paste on dry hair. It is a playful option that adds height without shaving the sides.
Save15. Wavy Mullet
Wavy mullets rely on natural movement. Keep the back slightly longer so the waves can form, and use sea salt spray on damp hair before air-drying or diffusing. It is a low-maintenance look that suits men with naturally wavy hair.
Save16. Grunge Mullet
The grunge mullet is deliberately rough and undone, inspired by 90s rock. Leave the cut a little uneven, skip heavy products and let the hair dry naturally. It pairs well with a bit of stubble and a relaxed style.
Save17. Sleek and Straight Mullet
Sleek and straight mullets work best on naturally straight hair. Use a flat brush and a light shine product so the back lies smooth and neat. This version looks especially sharp with a defined taper at the sides.
Save18. Layered Mullet
Layered mullets add structure throughout the cut, from shorter layers on top to longer layers at the back. Layers remove bulk from thick hair and make the shape grow out more gradually between trims.
Save19. Side-Swept Mullet
A side-swept mullet keeps the fringe longer and sweeps it to one side, softening the overall shape. It is a good choice for round or square faces, because the diagonal fringe breaks up strong lines.
Save20. Neon Mullet
Neon mullets add a bold colour, such as electric blue, green or pink, to the whole cut or just the back section. Bleaching is usually needed first, so book with a colourist and use colour-safe shampoo to make the shade last.
Save21. Braided Mullet
A braided mullet adds small braids or cornrows to the top or sides while keeping the longer back. It is a creative, eye-catching style that works especially well on curly or textured hair.
SaveFrequently Asked Questions
Who can pull off a modern mullet?
Most men can wear a modern mullet if the proportions are adjusted. Oval and square faces suit almost any version, round faces look best with more height on top and shorter sides, and long faces should avoid extra height and keep the sides a little fuller.
Are modern mullet hairstyles low-maintenance?
They are easier to style than they look, but they need regular trims. Expect to visit the barber every four to six weeks to keep the sides and neckline tidy, or every two to three weeks if you have a fade or shaved design.
Can modern mullets be worn formally?
Yes, if you choose a refined version. A business casual or slicked-back mullet with a clean taper looks smart with a suit, especially when the back is neatly styled and the neckline is sharp.
Are modern mullets considered a trend?
They have moved from a short-lived trend to a mainstream men’s cut. Barbers now offer many variations, and the modern mullet has become a regular choice for men who want something with more personality than a classic short back and sides.
Wrapping Up!
The modern mullet is versatile, from subtle business cuts to bold neon and braided styles. Start with a classic or business casual version, then experiment with fades, texture and length once you know how your hair behaves. For more ideas, see our Mexican mullet hairstyles and short shaggy haircuts for men.
