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Mullet (haircut)
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Mullet (haircut)
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An example of a "modern mullet" hair style.

The mullet is a hairstyle in which the hair is cut shorter at the front, top and sides, but is longer at the back.

Etymology

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According to the Oxford English Dictionary, use of the term mullet to describe this hairstyle was "apparently coined, and certainly popularized, by American hip-hop group the Beastie Boys",[1] who used "mullet" and "mullet head" as epithets in their 1994 song "Mullet Head", combining it with a description of the haircut: "number one on the side and don't touch the back, number six on the top and don't cut it wack, Jack."[2] They expounded on the subject at length in a six-page article entitled "Mulling Over The Mullet" in Issue 2 (1995) of their magazine Grand Royal, offering a selection of alternative names for the cut, including "Hockey Player Haircut" and "Soccer Rocker".[3]

False etymology

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Although a widely circulated image from the Australian automotive magazine Street Machine appeared to show the term in use as early as January 1992, the Oxford English Dictionary was unable to verify the authenticity of this citation.[4][5][6][7][8] On an episode of Slate's Decoder Ring podcast, Willa Paskin discussed the etymology of the term[9] and discovered that the magazine image had been faked. In a 2018 apology posted to imgur, the creator had admitted to faking the text and adjusting the magazine dates.[10]

Fashion history

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In antiquity

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Historian Suetonius writes that the Roman emperor Tiberius "wore his hair rather long at the back, so much so as even to cover the nape of his neck", and that this was a tradition of his family, the Claudians.[11] One bust of Tiberius's great-nephew Caligula has short locks across the forehead and longer hair behind.[12]

A metal figurine, dated back to the 1st-century CE and found during 2018 preparations for a new car park at the Wimpole Estate, England, was hypothesised by archaeologists to indicate that natives in ancient Britain during the Roman occupation could have worn their hair similarly to mullets.[13]

In the sixth century, Byzantine scholar Procopius wrote that some factions of young males wore their hair long at the back and cut it short over the forehead. This non-Roman style was termed the "Hunnic" look.[14][15]

Researcher Alan Henderson describes the ancient hairstyle as useful, as it kept the hair out of the eyes, yet provided warmth and protection for the neck.[16]

Native America

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In Mourt's Relation, author Edward Winslow described the Plymouth pilgrims' first encounter with the Native Americans, Samoset of the Abenaki in 1621:

He was a tall straight man, the hair of his head black, long behind, only short before, none on his face at all; …

— Mourt's Relation[17]

Native Borneo

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Kayan people (Borneo) with a mullet hairstyle

Some tribes in Borneo also have mullet hairstyles, including Dayak Kayan, Kenyah and Iban.[citation needed]

1960s

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Tom Jones sported a mullet in two of his three 1965 performances of his hit song "It's Not Unusual" on The Ed Sullivan Show, May 2, 1965 and June 13, 1965.[18][19]

1970s

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David Bowie with a mullet in 1974
"The Ziggy Stardust" redirects here. For other uses, see Ziggy Stardust.

Mullets were worn by rock stars David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Keith Richards, and Paul McCartney in the early 1970s.[20][21] When writing Neil Peart's eulogy in January 2020, Greg Prato asserted Peart had a mullet, based on his observations of a 1974 video, further suggesting "he also may have been one of the first rockers to sport another hairstyle – the rattail", based on a 1985 video, "The Big Money".[22]

1980s

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See also: 1980s

In Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom in the 1980s, mullets were "everywhere", according to Tess Reidy writing at The Guardian in 2019.[23] The 1980s were also the high point of the mullet's popularity in continental Europe.[24] Chinese musician Cui Jian's mullet hairstyle became popular among young Chinese men in the 80s.[25][26]

Also in the 1980s, the mullet became part of lesbian culture, where it came to be used as a way of identifying oneself as a member of that culture in public.[27][28][29][30]

1990s

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A man with a mullet in 1992

After the much-publicized 1992 DC Comics storyline in which Superman apparently died, the character returned to the 1993 follow-up storyline "Reign of the Supermen", in which he was depicted with a mullet.[31] The cancelled Superman film project, Superman Lives, would have depicted Superman with a mullet.[32]

Punk rock band the Vandals sang of the mullets worn by country music singers and guests of The Jerry Springer Show and listed regional names for the style in the 1998 song "I've Got an Ape Drape".[33] In 1997, gay punk band Pansy Division released their single "Hockey Hair" in Vancouver, Canada about this hairstyle.

Vocalist Wesley Willis wrote and released the track "Cut the Mullet" in 1998 and frequently performed it at live shows.[34]

2000s

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The 2001 film American Mullet documents the phenomenon of the mullet hairstyle and the people who wear it.[35]

The same year Universal Records (Canada) released the album Mullet Years: Power Ballads, a collection of hard rock ballads.[36]

This hairstyle became popular with the bogan subculture in Australia and New Zealand.[37][38]

2010s

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The mullet was banned in Iran as one style on a list of "un-Islamic", "decadent Western cuts".[39][40]

The mullet was returned to the spotlight in 2015 by K-pop idol G-Dragon during his band BIGBANG's Made World Tour.[41] Baekhyun of EXO also sported a mullet in promotion for the group's 2017 song "Ko Ko Bop". K-pop artists who have worn mullets include Block B's Zico, Song Min-ho, Nam Joo-hyuk, Dean, Stray Kids' Chan and Han, VIXX's N,[42] B.A.P.'s Himchan,[43] Seventeen's Woozi and The8, and BTS's V.[44]

The mullet has also experienced a revival within American sports. After winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, Phil Kessel was spotted in Pittsburgh Penguins training camp in September 2017 bringing the mullet back to its native roots of Pittsburgh hockey (Jaromír Jágr wore a mullet with the Penguins in the 1990s).[citation needed] Similarly, Oklahoma State head football coach Mike Gundy wore a mullet starting in early 2017; the popularity of his mullet supposedly earned Oklahoma State millions of dollars in marketing revenue.[45] In addition, from 2010 to 2015, Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks popularized the "playoff mullet," an alternative to the traditional NHL playoff beard.[46] Then-Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner began sporting a mullet in 2018, continuing the Yinzer tradition of the hairstyle in Western Pennsylvania.[47] The revival also extended to Australia in the late 2010s, with Australian soccer player Rhyan Grant becoming widely known for his mullet haircut to the point that it was included within the video game FIFA 20.[48]

2020s

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In September 2020, i-D called 2020 "the year of the mullet", attributing its boom in popularity to COVID-19 lockdowns and the extended closure of hair salons.[49] In an article for Vice Media, the mullet-wearing teenagers interviewed all described getting the haircut as a joke, with one stating "There's an irony to the mullet haircut. It's this disgustingly gross haircut, which means it's definitely worn in an ironic way".[50] Magda Ryczko, founder of a barbershop in Brooklyn, notes that mullets allow for a professional front-facing look for COVID-19 era Zoom meetings, while maintaining a messier, more fun look off-camera, when the longer back section of hair may be revealed.[51] An annual national USA Mullet Championship began in 2020.[52][53] The versatility of the taper fade has modernized the classic mullet, giving it a cleaner look.[54]

In July 2023, Mexican singer Peso Pluma attracted attention for his mullet style, a hairstyle that he adopted as his signature haircut during his stardom as a musical performer.[55] The singer confirmed that his hairstyle was originally a mishap, when he visited the city of Medellín and his barber gave him a hairstyle that was "popular in Medellín", later realizing that it was not bad after filming a music video.[56][57]

58-year-old Tami Manis from Knoxville, Tennessee was awarded a Guinness World Record for a 172.72 cm-long (68.00 in) mullet in August 2023, a result of not having her hair cut for 33 years.[58][59]

In September 2024, 26-year old Trevor Hyland, of Shrule in County Mayo, Ireland, gained the nickname "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Mullet" after finding himself representing Ireland in a Swiss competition to find the greatest example of the hairstyle. A win might see him representing Ireland at European level.[60]

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In 2019, Kiefer Sutherland described himself as an unwitting instigator of the hairstyle, which he sported in the 1987 film The Lost Boys.[61] In 2022 press interviews marking the 35th anniversary of the film, Sutherland again recounted the story.[62][63]

See also

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References

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Further reading

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mullet (haircut)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The mullet is a , primarily worn by men, featuring cut short at the front, top, and sides while left long at the back. This distinctive contrast in length creates a layered appearance that has been documented in various forms across , with early examples traced to ancient Roman practices where poets like recommended short frontal paired with longer rear sections for aesthetic and functional reasons. The modern iteration surged in popularity during the and in the United States, adopted across social classes but particularly emblematic of rock subcultures, blue-collar workers, and figures seeking a blend of and defiance. Often satirized for its unconventional asymmetry, the mullet embodies a pragmatic duality—professional brevity upfront juxtaposed with unrestrained extension behind—earning informal descriptors that highlight its social signaling. Despite periods of ridicule, empirical trends show periodic revivals tied to cultural , as seen in its adoption by warriors, revolutionaries, and contemporary icons challenging normative grooming standards.

Definition and Characteristics

Physical Description

The mullet haircut features cut short at the front, top, and sides, while remaining distinctly longer at the back, often extending to or below the of the . This length contrast defines the style's silhouette, with the cropped frontal region creating a tidy, controlled appearance juxtaposed against the fuller, extended rear section. The back typically incorporates layers or feathering to enhance texture and movement, though the core characteristic remains the abrupt transition from short to long. Sides are often tapered or faded for a seamless blend into the longer back, emphasizing the style's business-like front and party-like rear. While primarily associated with straight or wavy , the mullet adapts to various textures, maintaining its signature disparity in length.

Variations and Types

The mullet haircut encompasses numerous subtypes differentiated by hair length, texture, techniques, and stylistic fusions, allowing adaptation across face shapes, types, and cultural contexts. These variations maintain the core principle of shorter frontal and lateral sections contrasting with elongated rear , but diverge in execution to suit contemporary or specific demographics. Classic Mullet: This foundational style, prominent in the , features closely cropped sides and top—often buzzed or clipped short—juxtaposed against rear hair extending 4–6 inches or more, creating a pronounced " in the front, in the back" . It suits straight or wavy hair and emphasizes volume at the through layering or feathering. Modern Mullet: Evolving from the classic, this subtype softens the transition with textured top layers (2–4 inches) and tapered sides, reducing the abrupt length disparity while preserving rear extension. Popular since the revival, it incorporates subtle disconnection for a less aggressive look, ideal for oval or square face shapes and versatile across professional settings. Short Mullet: A compact iteration with top and side lengths under 2 inches and back reaching just 2–3 inches, this version minimizes overall volume for a neater appearance, often seen in athletic or urban styles. It works well for fine or straight , requiring frequent trims to maintain . Long Mullet: Extending the rear to 6–10 inches or beyond, this subtype amplifies the party's "back" with flowing or layered lengths, sometimes incorporating bangs or fringes upfront. Suited to thicker or wavy , it demands styling products for control and is favored in rock or alternative subcultures. Faded Mullet (including Taper and Burst Fade): Integrating barbering fades—high, mid, or skin—on the sides and , this variation graduates from longer top (3–5 inches) to clipped shortness below, with the back retaining mullet elongation. The burst fade curves around the ears for a dynamic outline, enhancing angular faces and accommodating curly or coily textures through reduced bulk. Curly or Textured Mullet: Tailored for naturally curly, kinky, or coily , this type leverages ringlets or waves in the rear for volume, with shorter, shaped curls upfront to frame the face. Sides are often undercut or faded to prevent heaviness, making it adaptable for diverse ethnic hair types and requiring moisturizing . Shullet (Shag Mullet): A hybrid blending mullet structure with shag layering—feathered throughout for movement—this subtype features choppy, graduated lengths (top to back: 2–5 inches) and softer edges, evoking influences. It flatters round faces via added dimension and suits medium-texture hair without rigid contrasts. Specialized subtypes include the Mohawk Mullet, fusing a central ridge with rear extension for punk aesthetics, and the Takuache Mullet, a bold, often edged-up variant popular in Latin American with elaborate designs. These adaptations highlight the mullet's flexibility, though execution varies by stylist precision and client hair properties.

Etymology

Origin of the Term

The term "mullet" applied to the , denoting short-cropped hair on the top and sides extending to longer lengths at the back, emerged in the mid-1990s as a derivative of the earlier "mullethead," which denoted a dim-witted or foolish individual and traced to at least the late . This predated the 's nomenclature, with "mullethead" occasionally used in the 1967 film to deride individuals with unkempt, longish hair, though without reference to the distinct short-front, long-back configuration. The hairstyle-specific usage was coined and popularized by the hip-hop group in their 1994 track "Mullet Head," from the album , where the term mockingly described the look associated with certain subcultures. The attributes the term's entry into common parlance to this song, marking its first documented application to the style despite the haircut's prevalence in the and under alternative descriptors like "hockey hair," "ape drape," or "Camaro cut." Prior to 1994, no verified records exist of "mullet" denoting this precise hairstyle, underscoring the term's retrospective imposition on earlier instances.

False Etymologies and Misconceptions

A persistent folk etymology claims the term "mullet" derives directly from the visual resemblance of the hairstyle's long rear section to the tail of the mullet fish (Mullus spp.), with the short front evoking the fish's body or head. This explanation lacks linguistic support, as the hairstyle's nomenclature stems instead from the revived slang "mullethead," an insult for a foolish person dating to at least the late 19th century and possibly originating from the fish's perceived stupidity or appearance in regional dialects, rather than a specific morphological mimicry of the cut itself. Another misconception attributes the term's origin to the 1967 film , where characters derogatorily call long-haired individuals "mulletheads." While this usage reflects early 20th-century for unkempt or shaggy hair generally, it does not describe the distinctive bi-level mullet style—short on top and sides, long in back—but rather undifferentiated , predating the modern association by decades. Claims of the term's use in the or , during the hairstyle's peak popularity, are unsupported by print or recorded evidence; such assertions often trace to a image circulated from an Australian automotive magazine, Street Machine, purporting an early reference but exposed as an April Fools' fabrication. The records the hairstyle-specific sense as emerging in 1994, popularized by the ' song "Mullet Head" on their album , marking the term's verifiable debut for this context rather than retroactive application to prior eras.

Historical Development

Ancient and Pre-Modern Instances

Archaeological evidence from ancient , , and Asia Minor indicates the prevalence of mullet-like hairstyles among populations for functional purposes, such as shielding the neck from sun exposure while maintaining on the front and sides to avoid interference with helmets or visibility during labor and . In , around the 8th century BCE, the epic poet referenced a similar style in The Iliad, describing the Abantes warriors of as having hair "grown short in front, and long behind," which they could toss over their shoulders in battle, likely for aerodynamic and protective advantages under bronze helmets. During the , from the 1st to 5th centuries CE, elite factions such as the —young, wealthy supporters of teams—adopted the "Hun cut," characterized by cropped hair on the top and sides with extended lengths at the back, reflecting influences from nomadic Hunnic styles and serving as a marker of subcultural affiliation. Some Roman soldiers reportedly employed variants for tactical utility, with the posterior length insulating the neck against cold while the anterior brevity prevented snagging on armor or shields. A clay discovered in 2021 at Wanborough, , dating to the 1st century CE, portrays a figure—interpreted by archaeologists as either a local man or Celtic —with distinctly short frontal hair and elongated rear locks, providing material evidence of the mullet's adoption among and Romano-British . In the 6th century CE, Byzantine historian documented Constantinople's urban youth factions, particularly the Greens, styling their hair short on top and sides but long in the back, a practice tied to group identity amid factional rivalries and possibly echoing earlier Hellenistic or Eastern influences. This medieval iteration underscores the hairstyle's persistence in urban, competitive social contexts before its broader documentation in later European traditions.

Indigenous and Traditional Cultures

In various indigenous cultures, mullet-like hairstyles—characterized by shorter hair on the top and sides with longer lengths at the back—appeared for practical purposes such as functionality in , , or daily activities. Among Native American tribes in , men frequently adopted this style, with historical accounts from European settlers in the 16th and 17th centuries describing warriors and hunters cropping hair short in the front and sides while allowing it to grow long in the rear to keep it clear of the face and neck during exertion. This variation sometimes integrated with a central ridge or Mohawk element, emphasizing utility over ornamentation in pre-colonial societies. In , indigenous groups in , including the Dayak subgroups such as the Kayan, Kenyah, and Iban, traditionally wore hairstyles resembling the mullet, often as part of or communal identity markers. Ethnographic observations from the 19th and early 20th centuries document young males and warriors maintaining short frontal and lateral hair with extended back lengths, potentially aiding in practices or environmental adaptation in tropical climates by reducing entanglement in dense foliage. These styles persisted in traditional contexts until modernization influences in the mid-20th century. Nomadic tribes in also employed mullet approximations, where shorter upper hair facilitated mobility and protection under helmets or during horseback warfare, as evidenced in archaeological depictions from steppe cultures dating back to the 1st millennium BCE. Such adaptations underscore a pattern across disparate indigenous societies, prioritizing causal functionality—clear vision, reduced weight, and minimal interference—over aesthetic uniformity, distinct from later Western revivals driven by fashion trends.

Modern Emergence (1960s–1970s)

The modern mullet hairstyle, characterized by cropped sides and front with extended length at the back, began transitioning from broader long-hair trends of the late into a more defined form by the early , primarily through adoption in subcultures. This evolution stemmed from the 1968 long-hair movement, which built on the mid- hair length increases initiated by , allowing for stylistic differentiation where performers maintained shorter professional fronts while retaining rebellious rear length. By 1972, prominently featured a mullet variation during his Ziggy Stardust persona, with feathered back lengths contrasting shorter tops, marking an early high-profile instance that influenced subsequent rock aesthetics. In the mid-1970s, the style gained further traction among rock musicians seeking to embody nonconformity, as shorter frontal cuts accommodated stage visibility and proximity while longer backs signified ethos. Figures like and wore mullet-like shags, with Stewart's feathered extensions becoming emblematic of the era's blend of accessibility and edge. also adopted a similar profile during his Wings period around 1971-1975, reflecting broader adoption beyond into mainstream rock acts. These instances positioned the mullet as a practical yet defiant choice, diverging from uniform lengths toward a bifurcated structure suited to evolving musical performances and cultural rebellion. Though not yet termed "mullet"—a designation emerging later—the hairstyle's 1970s momentum in Western music scenes laid groundwork for its 1980s expansion, driven by empirical visibility in live shows and album art rather than prescriptive fashion dictates. Hair history analyses note this period's role in distinguishing the style from prior uniform extensions, attributing its rise to causal factors like amplified stage demands for controlled forward hair and retained symbolic length.

Peak Popularity (1980s)

The mullet hairstyle achieved widespread adoption during the , emerging as one of the decade's most iconic and ubiquitous looks, particularly among young men in Western cultures including the , , and parts of . This surge was propelled by its embrace in , professional sports, and , where it served as a visual marker of the era's blend of structured upfront and untamed expressiveness in the rear, resonating with the cultural shift toward bold amid economic and media expansion. Key influencers included rock performers like and , whose extended wear of variations popularized the style among fans, alongside actors such as and , who showcased it in high-profile films and television. Athletes, notably tennis star , further disseminated the trend through televised competitions, making the mullet a staple in locker rooms and spectator stands. Musicians across subgenres, from to emerging pop acts like , reinforced its status as a symbol of edgy nonconformity that contrasted with the era's polished power suits and corporate aesthetics. The style's appeal stemmed from its practical duality—short sides and top suited professional or daytime settings, while the flowing back length accommodated active lifestyles and evening socializing—aligning with anecdotal reports of its flattering in-person appearance despite later photographic critiques. By the mid-1980s, it had permeated diverse social strata, from urban youth to rural communities, often described as spreading rapidly due to emulation and the decade's permissive experimentation. While exact adoption rates remain undocumented in contemporary surveys, its prevalence in media and personal accounts underscores a cultural driven by trendsetters rather than institutional endorsement.

Decline and Niche Persistence (1990s–2000s)

By the early , the mullet experienced a rapid decline in mainstream fashion appeal, with anecdotal reports indicating a peak holdover into 1990–1992 followed by widespread abandonment by 1993, coinciding with the rise of aesthetics that favored unkempt, longer hair over structured styles. This shift rendered the mullet a symbol of dated excess, increasingly derided as tacky or emblematic of lower socioeconomic or rural stereotypes, such as "white trash" or backwardness, which accelerated its fall from urban and professional contexts. Despite this, the style persisted in niche subcultures, particularly within , where it retained cultural cachet among performers and fans. Billy Ray Cyrus exemplified this endurance; his prominent mullet, paired with the 1992 release of ""—which topped Billboard's chart for five weeks—became as defining as the song itself, sustaining the look's visibility in Nashville scenes through the mid-1990s. Cyrus's hairstyle influenced a wave of similar cuts among country artists, embedding the mullet in genre-specific identity amid broader societal rejection. Into the 2000s, mainstream derision intensified, with the mullet largely confined to ironic revivals or holdouts in working-class, rural, or entertainment niches like and heavy metal fringes, where it evoked rebellion rather than trendiness. By mid-decade, surveys of barber trends and media depictions showed it as a rarity outside these pockets, often satirized in films like (2001) for its perceived obsolescence, yet it endured practically in environments valuing low-maintenance back length for manual labor. This niche tenacity reflected not revival but residual affinity in demographics less swayed by coastal cycles.

Revivals and Evolutions (2010s–2020s)

The mullet hairstyle experienced a resurgence in the late , initially driven by subcultural scenes such as the movement, where its asymmetrical contrast appealed to those seeking retro-ironic amid broader vintage revivals in . By 2020, the style gained wider traction, particularly during the , as and relaxed grooming norms encouraged experimental, low-maintenance looks that evoked rebellion without requiring daily styling. This revival was amplified by Gen Z adopters, who embraced the mullet for its edgy, non-conformist vibe, contrasting with the uniformity of earlier decade trends like undercuts. Celebrity endorsements further propelled its popularity, with figures like sporting a mullet in 2013, channeling a rock-inspired version for her 2010 role as , and later adopters including , , , and incorporating variations in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Male celebrities such as , , and popularized the "mini mullet"—a shorter, textured iteration with tapered sides—in 2024, blending it with contemporary elements like mustaches and oversized clothing for a cheeky, fashion-forward appeal. These high-profile examples, often seen at events like red carpets and music festivals, contributed to salon searches spiking, with the style transcending gender lines as a versatile, gender-neutral option. Evolutions in the and shifted the mullet from its stark form toward softer, more refined interpretations, incorporating gradient fades, choppy layers, and textured tops for a less abrupt front-to-back transition. The "shag mullet," blending layering with mullet elongation, emerged as a popular hybrid by the mid-, while taper-faded versions added polish suitable for professional settings, reflecting adaptations to modern lifestyles where the " in the front" retains functionality. Curly and voluminous back sections also gained favor, allowing for personalization based on type, though stylists note the cut's success depends on face and maintenance to avoid dated appearances. This iterative refinement underscores cyclical dynamics, where the mullet's inherent contrast—professional anterior with liberated posterior—resonates in eras of cultural flux, evidenced by its integration into and high by 2025.

Cultural and Social Impact

Associations and Stereotypes

The mullet hairstyle has long been stereotyped as emblematic of working-class , particularly among blue-collar workers, truck drivers, and rural Americans, often evoking the archetype of the "" or Southern conservative. This perception ties it to fans and sports enthusiasts, reinforced by figures like in the , whose signature look amplified its association with culture and perceived lack of sophistication. The style's duality—short on top for , long in back for —underpins the mocking "business in the front, party in the back," which emerged in the late and crystallized its image as comically mismatched or . In heavy metal and rock subcultures, the mullet symbolized rebellion and toughness, worn by musicians like and in the 1970s, though it later became shorthand for dated excess linked to 1980s cocaine-fueled excess and "euro thugs." Negative portray it as inherently tacky or unintelligent, with one interviewee describing wearers as embodying the "southern idiot" trope, contributing to widespread in urban or cosmopolitan circles where it signifies cultural backwardness. In , however, mullets enjoy less derision and persist among working-class youth, contrasting American views of it as a "hideous" relic. Among women, the mullet gained traction in late-1980s communities, where it represented defiance against norms, though this evolved into broader alternative aesthetics rather than universal . In Black American contexts, contemporary mullets can signify cultural pride and resistance, diverging from white working-class associations to emphasize individuality. These varied perceptions highlight the mullet's role as a cultural signifier, often weaponized in media for humor or critique, yet rooted in its practical appeal for manual laborers needing functional yet expressive grooming. ![David Bowie in 1974][float-right] The mullet hairstyle appeared prominently in rock music during the 1970s and 1980s, adopted by artists such as , , and , who sported variations emphasizing a rebellious, edgy aesthetic. In the 1980s, it became a staple among glam and performers including , , Prince, and , often paired with bold stage personas that reinforced its association with musical innovation and defiance. Country music embraced the style in the 1990s, with Billy Ray Cyrus's mullet in his 1992 hit "" video exemplifying its mainstream appeal in genre-specific iconography. In film and television, the mullet symbolized rugged masculinity in 1980s action cinema, as seen in Kurt Russell's portrayal in Big Trouble in Little China (1986) and Mel Gibson's in Lethal Weapon (1987), where it complemented heroic, no-nonsense characters. Nicolas Cage's extended mullet in Con Air (1997) further entrenched its image as a marker of gritty anti-heroes, while Jean-Claude Van Damme frequently wore it in martial arts films like Hard Target (1993). Comedic representations emerged in the 2000s, such as David Spade's mullet-wearing Joe Dirt in the 2001 film, satirizing it as a relic of working-class Americana. The popularized the term "mullet" in their 1994 song "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)" B-side "Mullet Head," which humorously depicted the hairstyle's cultural stereotypes of partying and nonconformity. Recent revivals in popular media include Miley Cyrus's shag-mullet hybrid during her 2021 era, blending nostalgia with modern pop rebellion, and Rihanna's 2013 red carpet appearance, signaling a -forward reinterpretation. These instances highlight the mullet's persistent role as a visual for cultural shifts, from excess to ironic postmodern embraces.

Criticisms

The mullet hairstyle has faced widespread derision for its perceived incongruity, with short hair on top and sides juxtaposed against longer lengths at the back, often encapsulated in the satirical phrase "business in the front, party in the back." This structural mismatch has been ridiculed as inherently illogical and aesthetically unbalanced, contributing to its portrayal as a symbol of poor taste since the 1990s. The Beastie Boys' 1994 song "Mullet Head" amplified this mockery, popularizing the term "mullet" for the style and associating it with outdated excess, as credited by the Oxford English Dictionary for standardizing the nomenclature through humorous critique. Critics have linked the mullet to negative socioeconomic stereotypes, particularly in American contexts, where it became emblematic of "white trash," culture, or rural backwardness by the , evoking images of unrefined or low-class individuals. Such associations stem from its adoption among working-class groups, heavy metal enthusiasts, and sports figures like hockey players—derisively termed "hockey hair"—which fueled perceptions of it as unprofessional and unkempt, potentially hindering social or career advancement in conservative settings. In fashion discourse, the mullet has been faulted for appearing dirty, overly attention-seeking when untrimmed or curly, and unappealing to broader audiences, including women, due to its shoulder-length rear that clashes with modern grooming standards. Post-1980s decline amplified these views, positioning it as a relic of cocaine-era excess or unsophisticated , with revivals often met with as fleeting trends rather than timeless elegance. These criticisms reflect cyclical judgments rather than inherent flaws, yet they persist in , rendering the style a punchline in media and everyday commentary.

Defenses and Practical Advantages

The mullet hairstyle provides practical utility for individuals in physically demanding occupations, as the cropped frontal and lateral sections keep hair from obstructing the face or catching in machinery, while the extended posterior length can be secured or left to offer minor during exposure to cooler environments. This design facilitated its adoption among ancient combatants, including Roman legionaries and Viking warriors, who benefited from rear hair acting as a neck warmer on open battlefields without impeding helmet security or close-quarters combat. In modern contexts, such as or outdoor labor, the style minimizes grooming needs, with the short forward portions requiring infrequent trims and the back adaptable to ponytails or natural flow, reducing overall salon visits compared to fully long hairstyles. Proponents defend the mullet against aesthetic critiques by emphasizing its functional duality, termed "business in the front, party in the back," which permits a tidy appearance anteriorly while permitting expressive volume posteriorly, suiting environments demanding both and informality. This versatility extends to applicability and adaptability across casual to semi- attire, fostering self-expression without the of length. For those with receding hairlines or fuller facial structures, it can enhance perceived jawline definition and volume distribution, countering visual imbalances more effectively than shaggier alternatives. Advocates, including style commentators, argue it embodies unpretentious , resisting transient dictates in favor of enduring , as evidenced by its persistence among laborers and performers prioritizing utility over conformity.

Modern Interpretations

Styling Techniques

To obtain the exact mullet haircut desired, it is advisable to bring reference photos of the preferred style to the hairdresser or barber appointment. This practice facilitates precise communication regarding the specific lengths, contrasts, and variations, as recommended by professional stylists. Styling a mullet emphasizes the inherent contrast between shorter top and side sections and the longer rear, using products to add texture, , and light hold that preserve movement in the back. spray applied to towel-dried promotes natural wave and grip without stiffness, particularly effective for the extended rear length to avoid flatness. Light-hold or is then distributed sparingly from mid-lengths to ends of the back, finger-styled or diffused to enhance separation and dimension. For modern interpretations, hair clay or focuses on the front and for matte control and shape, often blown dry forward with a vent brush to build lift, while the back receives volume powder or texturizing spray for effortless fullness. This approach suits finer types by countering weight from growth, with air-drying viable for low-maintenance routines via finger-twisting sections. tools like diffusers minimize frizz in curly variants, applying curl enhancers pre-styling. Maintenance involves trims every 4-6 weeks to refine the , as unchecked rear growth can overwhelm proportions; extends intervals between washes to retain natural oils for styling efficacy. Volumizing shampoos support ongoing lift, avoiding heavy conditioners on roots to prevent limpness. Over-application of products risks buildup, so weekly clarifying washes are recommended for clarity in texture. In the mid-2020s, the mullet haircut has experienced a sustained revival characterized by refined, textured variations that depart from its stark contrasts, featuring tapered sides, voluminous tops, and graduated lengths at the back for enhanced wearability. This modern iteration, often termed the "mini-mullet" or "shullet," emphasizes natural flow and layering, appealing to both men and women seeking bold yet adaptable styles amid broader nostalgic fashion cycles. Celebrity adoption has significantly propelled its resurgence, with male figures like , , and sporting elongated, wavy versions on red carpets and in media appearances as early as 2023, influencing Gen Z preferences for edgy, low-maintenance looks. Female celebrities including , , and have adapted softer, shoulder-grazing shullets, integrating the style into high-fashion contexts and music performances, thereby broadening its appeal beyond traditional stereotypes. These endorsements, alongside K-pop idols and post-pandemic expressions of , have driven salon demand, with textured mullets cited as a top men's trend in 2025 styling guides. Broader cultural influences stem from 2020s retro revivals, where the mullet's punk and iconography intersects with contemporary and gender-fluid aesthetics, fostering hybrid cuts like the mohawk mullet or spiked shullet for festivals and urban settings. weeks and platforms, particularly , have amplified DIY tutorials and variations, such as blue-highlighted funky mullets, reflecting a shift toward personalized over uniform . This underscores the hairstyle's adaptability to diverse types and face shapes, sustained by its practical balance of short maintenance upfront and versatile styling options.

References

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