Business in the front, party in the back? The resurgence of the mullet hairstyle might have you grasping your pearls, but these days the look is a lot more wild and free than it was in its heyday. Less Saved by the Bell-era Mario Lopez and more Benson Boone feeling magical and mystical, if you know what we mean.
Featured Experts
- Kasper Heemskerk is Balmain Hair’s international education director
- Harry Josh is a celebrity hairstylist and KERASILK ambassador
- Kim Kimble is a celebrity hairstylist and creator of Kim Kimble Hair Collection by HairUWear and Kimble Beauty
The Comeback of the Mullet
For men’s hair, the look is seeing a particular jump in popularity we can associate with a certain backflipping musician.
“The return of the mullet can be credited to one thing: cool people making it cool again,” explains celebrity hairstylist and KERASILK ambassador, Harry Josh. “When you see pop stars like Benson Boone wearing a mullet with confidence—and looking amazing while doing it—it changes the narrative, allowing young men to embrace it now because they see it as aspirational.”
The style meshes a curly, flirtatious look with something slightly edgy.
“The mullet’s back because it’s retro, rebellious and fun,” adds Balmain Hair’s international education director, Kasper Heemskerk.
And that rebellion is exactly what the moment is about.
“I think we’re in a moment where people want to express themselves without rules—and the mullet gives you that freedom,” notes celebrity hairstylist and creator of Kim Kimble Hair Collection by HairUWear and Kimble Beauty, Kim Kimble. “It’s edgy, unexpected and totally customizable. The resurgence is really about individuality. We’re seeing more people embrace their texture, go shorter, take risks—and the mullet checks all those boxes.”
Party All Over, the Modern Mullet
If you notice a difference between the modern mullet and the looks of the past, you’re not mistaken.
“The modern mullet is less stiff, more lived-in and usually paired with texture or curls for an effortless vibe,” Heemskerk explains. “It’s about movement, shape and personality. Curly mullets especially feel fresh because they blur the line between structure and wildness, which is exactly the energy right now.”
At the same time, the wild, playful look is underpinned by a haircut that’s actually pretty precise.
“Today’s mullet is all about intention,” Josh adds. “Unlike the haphazard, rebellious cuts of decades past, the modern mullet is precise, clean and tailored to the wearer. It’s edgy, yes—but it’s also elevated.”
Styling the Modern Mullet
If you’re thinking of trying out this year’s hottest look, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.
“Styling a mullet really depends on your natural texture,” Josh explains. “Since the main change is the cropped sides, most people can stick with their usual styling routine—just with a little extra finesse to define the contrast and shape.”
Along the same lines, Heemskerk recommends keeping your styling minimal. “Don’t overstyle it,” he notes. “Work a curl cream or mousse through damp hair and scrunch it, let it air dry or diffuse if you want to. Sea salt spray can help, too, to give it a slept-in texture. A tiny bit of matte paste at the crown if you wanna play with shape. That’s it!”
Kimble adds that it’s the approach to styling this version of the mullet that will keep it from looking like mullets of country songs past. “The modern mullet is all about balance and shape,” she says. “It’s not that super sharp, extreme mullet from the ’80s. Today’s version has softer layering, more movement and a lot more texture—especially with curly or coily hair. I love seeing curly mullets because they celebrate volume and shape in such a cool, wearable way.”
Products to Nail the Wild Modern Mullet
