The Modern Mullet Revival: How I Went From Hater to Half-Tempted

I’ll level with you—when my buddy Jake strutted into our fantasy football draft last fall rocking a modern mullet, I nearly spit out my beer laughing. That “business in the front, party in the back” look was straight out of my uncle’s faded Polaroids—the kind we’d rib him about over Thanksgiving leftovers. But fast forward to April 2025, and I’m eating my skepticism with a side of humble pie. This contemporary version of the mullet’s staged a comeback that’s got everyone from A-list celebs to the barista at my local spot in on the action. It’s not just some dusty relic anymore—it’s a full-on vibe, and I’m starting to catch the bug.

The Mullet’s Long, Winding Road Back

Rewind to the ‘80s, and the mullet was king. Picture Billy Ray Cyrus strumming through “Achy Breaky Heart,” Patrick Swayze smoldering on screen, or hockey legend Jaromir Jagr letting those locks flow under his helmet. Short up top, wild down the back—it was the haircut of rural dive bars, rock stages, and ice rinks. My dad still swears it was his peak look, proudly flipping through old albums while we groaned. By the ‘90s, though, it was toast, a punchline for bad taste and worse decisions.

Billy Ray Cyrus in the 90s — The singer Billy Ray Cyrus during a performance of “Achy Breaky Heart” late 80s-early 90s

Then, around 2018, something weird happened. Trendy stylists and designers started digging it up, playing with fresh takes on the old formula. At first, it screamed hipster irony—like a wink at mullet mugs on thrift store tees. But by 2020, legit stars were stepping out with it, and the modern mullet was officially off life support. Now, in 2025, it’s not just back—it’s everywhere, evolving faster than I can keep up with.

The Modern Mullet in 2025: A Glow-Up for the Ages

Today’s take on this cut is a far cry from the mullets of yore. Barbers have turned it into something sharp, deliberate, and honestly kind of cool. Here’s how the modern mullet’s shaking out this year:

modern vs traditional 80s vibe — A modern version of the mullet is having a *bold* come back. This version of the mullet includes a taper or a low to mid fade. Above a 2020 post from Indiana’s MK’S Barber Shop

Layers That Actually Work: The old-school version was all about that jarring short-to-long drop. Now? It’s smooth, textured layers that flow like they’re meant to be there. Stylists are snipping with ninja-level skill to give it bounce and shape.
The Cropped Modern Version or Short Mullet: One version I keep spotting is shorter in the back—just kissing the neck. It’s got the spirit of the classic without screaming “mullet” from a mile away. Jake’s rocking this one, and I’ll admit, it’s growing on me.
Shaggy Mash-Up: Some guys are blending it with shag vibes—choppy layers all over, crown to sides. It softens the silhouette but keeps that playful edge. You can slick it down for work or mess it up for the weekend.
Next-Level Craft: The real game-changer is the precision. In the ‘80s, mullets looked like a DIY disaster. The modern mullet’s different—we’re talking millimeter-perfect cuts, sculpted to your head like it’s architecture.

modern mullet with burst fade — Modern Mullet with Burst Fade

Back when I first noticed my friend Jake’s haircut, I figured it was a phase. But the more I see these polished takes—like the cropped modern mullet he’s sporting with very short almost skin fade sides and longer textured back and front—the more I get why it’s sticking.

Who’s Fueling This Modern Mullet Wave?

This isn’t happening in a bubble. There’s a whole crew pushing it forward:

soccer mullet haircut — A prime example of the *short* modern mullet. Should we call this the Soccer Mullet?

Athletes Owning It: It started with hockey players tipping their hats to the mullet’s glory days—think Jagr redux. Now, it’s footballers showing off fades with trailing locks, soccer stars pairing it with sleek kits, even tennis pros bouncing around with it. Their spotlight’s turning it into a flex, not a flop.
Fashion Breaking Rules: With gender lines blurring, the modern mullet’s hitting a sweet spot. Short sides feel familiar, but that bold back flips the script. It’s this weird mix of safe and wild—perfect for guys who want to mess with the norm.
Social Media Hype: TikTok and Instagram are the rocket fuel here. I’ve lost hours scrolling through transformation clips. It’s viral, global, and inspiring guys like my friend to hit up their barbers with “let’s try it” energy.
Nostalgia Meets Now: There’s something about digging up the past and making it better. My dad’s mullet was a hot mess, but seeing Jake’s version makes me wonder if I judged it too quick. Maybe it’s less about the ‘80s and more about owning what works today.

modern mullet with taper — Modern Mullet with Tapered Sides and Textured Hair

The Modern Mullet Goes Global

The beauty of the modern mullet is how it morphs depending on where you are—it’s like the haircut’s got a passport and a personality to match every stop. Around the world, people are putting their own stamp on it, and the variations are as wild as they are cool.

modern mullet with thin hair — The mullet really works with every hair type and texture from straight and thin to thick and wavy textures.

Europe’s High-Fashion Edge: In fashion hubs like Paris, Milan, or London, the modern mullet leans hard into editorial territory. Think sides buzzed down to the scalp, with the back left long and striking—almost like a runway statement. It’s often paired with bold, avant-garde fits that turn heads, giving it a polished, artsy flair that’s pure catwalk energy.
Australia’s Easygoing Flow: Down under, they’ve never fully let go of the mullet love. Here, the modern mullet’s got a sun-bleached surfer hair look—like someone just stepped off the beach after a surf session. It’s longer all over, worn loose with barely a dab of product, radiating that laid-back, no-worries vibe Aussies do so well.
America’s Mixed-Up Mash: In the U.S., it’s a free-for-all remix. The modern mullet pulls from every playbook—fades blending into undercuts, a hint of pompadour up top, or even a slicked-back ‘50s twist, all with that telltale length trailing behind. It’s a nod to multiple eras at once, making it as diverse as the states themselves.
Asia’s Sleek Spin: Across cities like Seoul, Tokyo, and Bangkok, the modern mullet’s taken on a slick, futuristic feel. Often paired with K-pop-inspired volume or anime-worthy texture, it’s got soft, feathered layers and sometimes a pop of color—think pastel tips or a bold streak. The sides might stay tight, but the back flows with a polished, almost sculpted look that’s big in street style scenes.
Other Global Twists: The trend doesn’t stop there. In South America, you might catch a modern mullet with extra curl and bounce, playing up natural texture. In parts of Africa, barbers are weaving in intricate fade designs, turning the sides into art while letting the back hang free. Every corner of the globe seems to have its own take, proving this cut’s got universal swagger.

It’s crazy how one hairstyle can look so different depending on where it lands. The modern mullet’s like a blank canvas—each region paints it with their own colors, and the results are anything but boring.

Styling the Look: Keeping It Real and Contemporary

Forget the crunchy sprays and wet-look gels of the past. Today’s vibe is all about natural flow. Guys are reaching for:

Sea Salt Spray: A quick spritz for that beachy texture—Jake swears by it to keep his looking effortless.
Matte Clay: Just enough grip without the glossy shine, perfect for taming the back.
Light Creams: Keeps flyaways in check but doesn’t weigh it down—I tried some on my own hair just to see, and it’s subtle but clutch.

grunge textured vibes — Modern Short Mullet. This modern textured haircut also has some grunge vibes on it. Somehow, the modern mullet does not look too much like the 80s.

The trick, Jake says, is letting your hair do its thing—straight, wavy, or even a curly textured mullet, whatever. He’s got this wavy mess that he barely touches, and it still looks good. I’m jealous of how low-maintenance it seems.

What’s Next for the Modern Mullet?

Trends usually fizzle, but this one’s got staying power. It’s not stuck in one place, every few months, there’s a new spin—that keeps it alive. I can see it. Jake’s already talking about growing his out longer, maybe adding a fade. The modern mullet’s like a chameleon—it shifts with you.

So here we are, mid-2025, and this haircut’s not going anywhere. It’s wild to think something I used to mock in old photos has turned into a legit style move. I’ve gone from roasting Jake to texting him, “Okay, where’d you get it done?” Maybe it’s time I stop overthinking and just tell my barber to have at it. What about you—could you see yourself giving the modern mullet a shot, or am I the only one getting sucked in here?

—by Fernando García, a New York-based fashion art director and M.A. in Journalism and Social Issues