The Mullet – A Haircut That Divides Opinions
The mullet has been around since the 1970s and has been notoriously polarizing as a hairstyle. Despite its checkered past, the dramatic and attention-grabbing look that the mullet offers is quietly making its big-budget return – and it’s slowly beginning to win over the more conservative masses.
History of the Mullet: From 80s Hair to 21st Century Comeback
The mullet was believed to have originated from the United Kingdom in the 1970s, and was made famous by the likes of rockstars Mick Jagger and Rod Stewart – who were seen sporting the cut. The style then made its way to the United States and quickly grew in popularity, becoming the hairstyle of choice for 1980s celebrities such as David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen.
The mullet was then made even more popular by a couple of 90s protagonists, most notably Pat “SquarePants” from the beloved cartoon show SpongeBob SquarePants. The character’s slick, still-long-in-the-back hairstyle was characterized by its low-maintenance edginess, making “the mullet” a household hairstyle that was discovered by the younger demographic.
The style however lost favor in the 2000s, resulting in accusations of tackiness and unkempt styling. The style was again brought to light between 2010-2015 by Zac Efron’s character in the iconic teen movie franchise High School Musical, in which Efron’s neck-length mullet-style look played an integral part in his much-publicized transformation.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Look
The mullet has been enjoying a revival since its low-key reintroduction in 2015. It’s being embraced by influencers and celebrities, which has empowered more people to pay homage to the hairstyle.
The Celebrities Who Accidentally Unleashed the Mullet’s Revival
Jason Momoa
Momoa made a strong statement at the 2017 Emmy Awards when he showed us all that the mullet was far from dead. His luscious, curly mullet made everyone forget about the style’s checkered past, and sparked a large-scale mullet revival.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus put a signature spin on the mullet look when she unveiled her “party in the back” hairstyle at the 2017 iHeart radio music awards. Miley doesn’t shy away from making a statement and the haircut further cemented the pattern of the modern-day mullet.
Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner has taken mullet-styling to a whole new level in recent years. Jenner has been seen sporting the look on many occasions, channeling retro vibes with a sleek layered curl falling down her back.
Other Classic Mullet Cuts
The Classic Mullet
The classic mullet cut is one that we all remember, with a simple and sleek design. The traditional classic mullet is short at the front and sides, blending into a long neck-length at the back.
The Undercut Mullet
This look is similar to the classic cut, but with cool and contemporary undertones. The buzzed side and back contrast to the long braids that hang down the neck and the sides, creating a unique and edgy look.
The Curly Mullet
The curly mullet exudes confidence, personality and style. The traditional cut is blended with curls and waves, coupled with an added edge of color.
The Man Bun Mullet
The man bun mullet merges the traditional beard-with-long-hair look with an edge of ponytail appeal. This look features longlocks that are shaven at the sides and connected to a classic man bun in the back.
The Best Products For Styling and Maintaining the Mullet
Hair Growth Products
To achieve the full-length look that is typical of the mullet, it’s best to start off any style with a great hair-growth regime. Products like hair vitamins and oils can help lay the foundation for a healthy mullet.
Sea Salt Spray
Since the mullet exudes an effortless, low-maintenance style, a good sea salt spray can help create the ultimate ‘bed-head’ look.
Texturizing Sprays
Texturizing sprays create the perfect texture without leaving any signs of over-styling. When carefully applied onto the tips of the hair, it can help to create a unique, defined shape to the cut.
Pomade
Pomade can be a savior when it comes to styling difficult-to-manage long hair. It can be worked into long locks to tame flyaways and add a level of definition.
Appreciative or Offensive?
The mullet is making a strong comeback, but some are still less than impressed with the much-maligned style. While the trend’s revival is slowly beginning to win over the more conservative masses, many still view the iconic look with apprehension. Whether you find it appreciative or offensive – there’s no doubt that this distinctive hairstyle will remain etched in the minds of many for years to come.
