The Mullet Is Back — Here’s How to Give It a Modern Spin

The ‘90s have made a comeback in many ways, especially in the beauty world. When it comes to hairstyles, namely, several hair trends from the era are having a major renaissance. Most of us probably thought we’d never see the day, but the mullet is one of those styles. Not your Uncle (Jesse’s) mullet, this modern take on the throwback haircut is loved amongst Gen Z and has gained popularity on Instagram, TikTok and other social platforms. 

But we can see how one may be skeptical. That’s why we’ve rounded up five ways that the style has evolved to give it a new edge. Don’t worry, it’s still the old “business in the front, party in the back” style, it’s just a much chicer affair all around. Check out these five modern mullets to get you on board with the trend.

1. Pixie Mullet

Exactly as it sounds, a pixie mullet combines the traditional pixie haircut with the mullet. The front section of your hair can sport a piecey pixie look to frame your face or a swept pixie, while the back of your mane has longer, choppy layers with a slim shape. 

The style is becoming a favorite among twenty-somethings, who have also embraced the ‘90s bixie haircut in recent months. We advise going to a professional hairstylist if you want either cut as it’s pretty easy to get the layering wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing. 

2. Shullet

The shullet, or shag mullet is a great option if you’re looking to try a shaggy haircut that fits many face shapes. It’s one of the edgier of the mullet styles but also one of the most versatile. Because the shullet leaves more hair for you to work with (both front and back) you can still put your hair in a top pony or low pigtails whenever you want to try something more girly and playful and less alternative. 

3. Curly Mullet

We’ll be the first to admit that the curly mullet of the ‘90s left much to be desired. Often paired with baggy shirts and Z. Cavariccis, the look is pretty dated for 2022. The problem was mainly the fact that most curly mullets were dripping with jheri curl chemicals and other styling products. 

For today’s curly mullet, lose the excess oils. Whether you have loose curls or coily hair, you can rock this style with confidence. All you need is the right curl-friendly products, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvie Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner to give your curls moisture and bounce, or the L’Oréal Paris Elvie Dream Lengths Curls Refresh & Reshape Leave-In Spray when your curls are days old and need a pick-me-up.

They both nourish your hair without the product weigh-down or greasy look and feel.

4. Mullet With Doobie Wrap

Combining two ‘90s hairstyle trends (one clearly beloved, one disputably stylish) the Doobie Wrap Mullet lets you exude nothing but cool girl vibes. Just a few seasons ago one of our favorite red carpet beauties gave us euphoria when she donned the style at the 2016 Grammys. While it wasn’t as well received then, we have our suspicions that it has influenced this new iteration of the vintage ‘do.

Try a mushroom cut on top or a layered pixie to complement the layered, wrapped strands in the back. Since you’ll want your doobie wrap to sit perfectly in place all day, it will take extra work every night giving your strands the bobby pin (wrapping) and silk scarf (setting) treatment, but the result is worth it. 

To save yourself some time in the morning, use a dry shampoo like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Air Volume Dry Shampoo when your roots need a refresh but you’re in-between wash days. 

5. Mullet Undercut

Just when you thought the mullet couldn’t get any more eclectic, the mullet undercut entered the room. This tapered mullet, also known as a mullet-hawk, features shaved hair at the sides and sometimes nape of the neck. It creates a sort of mohawk shape throughout the haircut, making this the ultimate edgy style.

Want to make your mullet undercut even more interesting? Just add some color. Grab a bright and fun shade from the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray collection and give your strands a new hue. The temporary hair color will wash out with just one shampoo so you can test drive a new shade as often as you desire.

Next: The Octopus Haircut Is Kind Of Weird — and We Love It

Written by: Shalwah Evans, Photo Credit: IG/@andreaappp_mua