The modern mullet just might be your secret path to a personal revolution. In this post you’ll learn about its history, along with some stylist insight on how to personalize, style and maintain it along your hair wellness journey.
What Is The Modern Mullet?
The mullet we once knew as a look that screamed “business in the front, party in the back” has since come back with a vengeance. But, like ourselves, it has evolved into something far trendier than I’d ever imagined. And it’s not going anywhere any time soon.
Enter the modern mullet: it’s far more blended, a little edgy, with a hint of texture, that combines the styles of mullets from decades prior. According to Revlon Professional it is a fusion of nostalgia and modern flair. Wearable for just about anyone, keep reading to see why this statement hair style has transcended multiple demographics and time periods.
The Hairstory of The Mullet
Before the current era of the modern mullet, we had the O.G. mullet. It was dramatic, short on the sides, and extremely lengthy in the back. It wasn’t necessarily a fashion statement, but more of a symbol of strength and rebellion.
Honestly, I didn’t know that mullets even had quite the history until I read about them in this post. So I figured in these next sections, why not take a quick journey through the time periods of this look to see its evolution.
Ancient Origins
Coined “the ancient neck warmer”, this hair style originated in the B.C. era amongst Native Americans, Romans, Vikings, and Celtics.
The Rock N Roll Era
As we journey through the early 60s & 70s, we see that the mullet started to signify a derogatory/ low class mindset. This was not a look of the wealthy or a proper gentlemen.
That being said, the rock and roll music scene changed the game. Musicians like Little Richard, David Bowie, and Paul McCartney reintroduced the mullet as a symbol of anarchy and androgyny.
Enter The Curly Permed Mullet
Now we can move along to the 80s, which to me just seems like it was such a time. I wish I could’ve experienced it. Billy Ray Cyrus and Patrick Swayze created a domino effect of achy-breaky hearts with their signature mullets (known also as the bi-levels) that signified playfulness and fun.
Adding big hair and curls into the mix, this evolved mullet transcended multiple demographics appealing to celebs, socialites, business folk, blue collar, and men + women alike.
Death of the Mullet
As we make our way into the 90s, the mullet excitement dies down. Like all trends, it came, it saw, it conquered. But somewhere along the way it turned into a symbol of class as well as intelligence, leading to the mullet stereotype.
Many moved on to different hairstyles, while the 90s generation of kids, myself included, grew up in a world that had adopted a ‘Death to the Mullet’ attitude.
Revived and Modernized: Enter The Modern Mullet
The revival of the mullet came about during the pandemic when Zoom meetings brought us further into the digital world. And thanks to popular celebs like Doja Cat, Miley Cyrus, and even Zendaya- they’ve proven that the modern mullet looks good in the spotlight whether you are on stage or on camera.
How To Spice Up Your Modern Mullet
If you had asked me back in high school what my thoughts were on a mullet, it’d be a complete 180 from what I’m sharing with you. In fact, that version of me would tell you that the words “mullet” and “style” shouldn’t even be on the same page, let alone the same sentence.
But, the evolved me is here now. And I’m sharing some tips to add some *spice* to your modern mullet.
Explore Different Styles
Here’s some different ideas you can bring up to your stylist:
- Add Color. You can do either a solid all over color or try something more edgy like Gemini hair or chunky highlights.
- Fade Or Taper The Sides. This look definitely adds the modern twist to the mullet and always keeps you looking fresh and put together.
- Make It Into A Faux/ Mohawk. With a little bit of gel, you can certainly slick your locks into the right shape. This is perfect if you have a little bit of a rebellious nature.
- Integrate Your Modern Mullet with the ‘Shag’ or ‘Wolf Cut’. The ultimate punk ish rocker look that still preserves a bit of length in the back. At the same time it offers more unified and blended layers that still sit shorter in the front.
- Perm It Up. I can’t stand the smell of perms. But to spice up a mullet? Whaaat, absolutely. A solid way to turn heads.
Individualize Your Aesthetic
No two mullets are the same. We see that throughout the history and timeline we discussed in the hairstory section. Miley Cyrus can be seen rockin’ the modern mullet, but she gives off a completely different vibe from Little Richard or Paul McCartney.
Make sure you add your own twist and flair to this look. Your personal aesthetic should shine through not just your mullet.
Flaunt Your Confidence
The modern mullet is a statement. It’s bold, edgy, and screams that you march to the beat of your own drum. If this is your style of choice, own it. And let that confidence shine from miles away.
Experiment With Various Styling Products
The modern mullet is versatile. But I recommend dedicating at least five minutes of your morning routine for some styling effort.
Depending on the look you are going for, try one of these style enhancers below
- Pomade: has a higher hold and shine factor. Great for the pompadour and keeping every hair in place.
- Texturizing Paste: has a low shine but higher hold. Awesome for creating edgy, textured looks with a natural shine that last all day. Also as I like to call them- the perfectly imperfect tousled look.
- Style Cream: great for keeping natural texture in check.
- Matte Clay Spray: great for second and third day hair as it is oil absorbing. Offers texture and hold, and is nice on fine hair because it won’t weigh it down.
Lastly, Mind Your Maintenance
Yes, even the modern version of the mullet requires some sort of maintenance, though I’d consider it easy to keep up with over all.
Depending on how short you choose to keep the sides, you may need a cut every 4-6 weeks. Though, if you’re choosing to rock a skin fade, maybe 2-3 weeks to keep it lookin’ fresh.
No need to worry about washing it daily, as the modern mullet looks best when washed about every 2-3 days. You know we love low maintenance looks here in hairadise.
So if you made it through this whole thing and you’re still seriously considering the modern mullet, I’d say go for it. Throughout its hairstory we’ve seen how it was more than just a style, but a symbol. And of course, they’re pretty cool to look at these days with the many ways they’re customized.
Besides, it just lets me know you probably don’t really give a damn about following status quo. And I respect that.
That was quite the journey, be sure to let me know in the comments what mullet era you’d be a part of!! (I’d be with the 80s mullets for sure).