Menu
“Business in the front, party in the back” – only the mullet haircut comes with a catchy tagline. Popularized during the rebellious 1980s, this hairstyle has a polarizing effect – some think it’s a fashion-forward look with diverse appeal, while others see it as a lower-class style, a sign of someone from the unfashionable backwoods.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the mullet has seen a resurgence in recent years, with celebrities and trendsetters rocking the look unironically and without fear, drawing in daring individuals in search of an edgy, adventurous style.
Getting a mullet cut is not for the faint-hearted, though, and you may want to consider seeking professional advice before making the snip. Ready to debut a bold new look? Premium Barbershop is the next stop on your style journey.
According to some ancient artworks and historical texts, the mullet haircut for men has been popular among Greek soldiers, Roman chariot racers, and Native American warriors. If you’re following the thread here, mullets have typically been worn by those at the forefront of the action, fearless warriors with brave hearts, and, of course, stylish ‘dos. The practical style enabled men to keep some length in their hair without the distraction of long locks hanging around their faces. Having a clean-cut look from the front also made their hair harder to grab by an enemy soldier looking for any advantage they could get.
In the 1980s, the look soared in popularity thanks to influential pop and rock icons like David Bowie, Billy Ray Cyrus, and U2’s Bono. The hairstyle gained some mainstream appeal but somehow never entirely shook off its fringe vibes; even its most visible fans were iconoclasts, eclectic style icons for the alternative crowd. The style challenged rigid ideas of masculinity and gender identity by deliberately incorporating traditional elements of both male (short and cropped) and female (long and wavy) cuts with typically 80s flamboyance.
As the ‘80s turned into the ‘90s, the mullet’s tenuous hold on fame slipped away, and it started to move further into the outskirts of pop culture. It became something of a comedy beat, signaling in countless movies that a character wasn’t too bright or meant to be taken seriously. It became the style of the misfits, old-school and chronically out of style.
It wasn’t until the late 2010s, when fashion disruptors started sporting the style, that things slowly started to turn around for the good old mullet. Who would have thought this punky bottom-shelf look would turn into one of the top trends of the decade? With a little help from the home-haircut experimentation of the 2020 lockdowns, the mullet has once again become a part of the popular hair scene, getting a glow-up and some modern polish. It may never be considered 100% mainstream, but that’s kind of part of the charm, right?
Achieving the perfect mullet starts with researching the cut’s variations and choosing the best one for you. You’ll want to think about length, texture, and how classic or modern you’d like to go. Save a few inspiration photos, taking some time to think about what you like or don’t like about each one.
Then, a trip to your local barbershop is essential for the most precise cut. As much as the mullet has a loose, rough feel to it, there needs to be a certain level of intentionality to the shaping to avoid ending up with an uneven mess.
Consulting with a men’s barber who has cut mullets before will help ease you into the process and make it fun. You can tap into their experience and knowledge to fine-tune your mullet vision. They’ll consider your hair type, face shape, and personal preferences before making a professional recommendation, helping you decide on a final look. Once complete, you’ll be ready to enter the mullet Hall of Fame.
Your mullet will undoubtedly soon become your pride and joy. To ensure it stays that way, you’ll need to create a strong styling and maintenance routine to keep everything well-balanced, fashion-forward, and looking good.
Styling starts in the shower, so a deep conditioner is always a great choice to keep your hair silky smooth. Remember to avoid your scalp if you’re looking for more volume at the top – it’s the ends that need the most conditioning. Styling products like hair gels or waxes are a must for getting your hair to lay the way you like it. Don’t be scared of a little mousse either; it may become your best-kept secret for defining your look.
You’ll also want to book your next barbershop appointment for a trim. This might be the most important step, stopping your style from growing out and banishing split ends as soon as they appear. You may feel tempted to snip the ends yourself, but resist the urge. To keep things looking so damn good, a master barber is your friend.
Whether you’re looking to resurrect the bold Ziggy Stardust, embrace a more classic look, or upstage the fashionistas with a shaggy wolf cut, Premium Barbershop’s barber shop services have got you covered. Our barbers aren’t just well-trained – they also have years of experience behind them, including some mullet mastery.
Ready to start your style journey with expert advice and precision cutting techniques? Book an appointment and take the plunge to bring out your most authentic and adventurous self with a funky, iconic mullet haircut. You won’t regret it!