11 Curly Mullet Styles to Choose From

Rock your natural curls with this classic layered haircut

Co-authored by Martin Nepton and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 18, 2024 Fact Checked

Ready to switch up your hairstyle and do something edgy? The mullet cut is perfect for you! No longer a style of the ‘80s, this ‘do is back and better than ever. Plus, the short layers in the front and longer locks in the back enhance curly hair and make natural curl patterns pop. We’ll help you decide which style to go for and how to pick the right mullet shape for your hair. Keep reading for the best curly mullets for men, women, and anyone in between!

Things You Should Know

Go for a modern mullet with gradual layering for a professional style that can be worn anywhere.
Try a mullet with curly bangs to enhance your short front layers.
Ask for a pixie mullet to get a super short haircut with a longer fringe up top.
Try a mullet and an undercut to remove some of the bulky weight from thick hair.

1

Modern mullet

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Try a modern mullet to dip your toes into a mullet hairstyle. The “modern mullet” is kind of like a Mullet Lite—you still get the layers and choppiness of a traditional mullet, but the style is less noticeable (and can be worn professionally). When you get your haircut, ask for short layers in the front with a gradual, soft transition to the layers in the back.^{[1]
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Martin Nepton
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview} The result is an easy, effortless hairstyle that can be worn in multiple settings.
- To style your modern mullet, use a mousse or curl cream to bring out your natural hair texture.

2

Mullet and bangs

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Add curly bangs to emphasize your mullet. Who says people with curly hair can’t have bangs?! Ask your stylist to pull some of your hair over your forehead and use scissors to point cut your bangs.^{[2]
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Martin Nepton
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview} That way, they’ll fall effortlessly over your forehead and complement your short mullet layers in the front.
- The best way to style curly bangs is to use duckbill clips while they’re wet. Wash your hair and add a gel or a mousse, then clip your bangs into place while they dry.

3

Pixie mullet

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Go extra short with a cropped pixie mullet. Love the look of a mullet, but don’t want all that hair on the back of your neck? A pixie mullet is just what you need. Ask your stylist to cut the front of your hair like a pixie cut that frames your face, but leave the layers in the back slightly longer than a traditional pixie.^{[3]
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- Bring out your natural curl pattern by using a sea salt spray when your hair is wet. Scrunch your hair at the top where it’s the longest to get it to curl up as it dries.

4

Mullet and undercut

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Get rid of excess hair by adding an undercut to your style. If you have thick, long hair that gets heavy, ask your stylist for an undercut along with your mullet. Typically, your stylist will lift up the bottom 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) of hair and trim them off with a razor. Then, you can cut the rest of your locks into a mullet shape.^{[4]
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- To style your mullet, use a gel (for thick hair) or a mousse (for fine hair) to bring out your natural curl pattern.
- Your undercut will likely grow out faster than the rest of your hair. You can trim your undercut at home, or you can set up a standing appointment with your hairstylist every few weeks for a trim.

5

Shaggy mullet

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Ask for long layers to mix a shag cut with a mullet. Not sure if you want to commit to a mullet just yet? No problem! Ask your stylist to keep the length of your hair, but to shorten the layers in the front a little more than they would with a typical shag. The result will be a long, shaggy haircut that frames your face.^{[5]
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- This style works best with looser curl types and waves. To style your hair, use a sea salt spray or a light-hold gel to enhance your natural texture.

6

Mohawk mullet

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Embrace your edgy side with a mohawk-mullet combo. Instead of a traditional mohawk, which is all 1 length, ask your stylist to keep the top a little shorter than the bottom. Shave the sides, and you’ve got yourself a punk-rock special!
- Use some gel to make your curls pop, and spray hairspray at your roots for added volume.^{[6]
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7

Short mullet (shullet)

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Go for a lived-in look with a shorter mullet. If you can’t decide between a traditional mullet and a shag, this is the look for you. Ask your stylist for a haircut that is shorter in the front and longer in the back, with a gradual layering between them. Cut the length of your hair just above your collar bones to complement this style.^{[7]
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- This cut is a great length for women, especially if it’s your first mullet! Use your extra length on the ends to pull your hair into cute pigtails or a ponytail.
- Enhance your natural texture with some gel or mousse to style this cut.

8

Mullet with a fade

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Fade the sides of your mullet for a modern edge. Want to enhance the shape of your mullet? Ask your stylist for a tapered fade on either side of your temples. Then, keep the front short and the back long, just like a traditional mullet.^{[8]
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Martin Nepton
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview} The result is a super cool mixture of styles that’s perfect for the modern guy.^{[9]
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- To play up the shape of your mullet, use a pomade to push the front layers of your hair back and off your forehead. Add a mousse to make the long ends of your hair curl up.

9

Retro mullet

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Try a shorter mullet with a French crop for wavy hair. If your curls aren’t super tight and you want to enhance your waves, this style is for you. At the salon, ask for a mullet with short layers in the back and a slightly longer top. Then, ask for a French crop on the sides. The result is a subtle mullet that adds tons of layers, which is great for fine hair.^{[10]
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- Use sea salt spray to enhance your waves without weighing them down.

10

Extra long mullet

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Keep your length but add layers with an extra long mullet. If you’ve been growing your hair out for years, you probably don’t want all that hair to go to waste. Instead of chopping the back layers short, ask your stylist to keep all the hair in the back one length. Then, go super short on the sides and the front for a drastic transition.^{[11]
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- Add hairspray to your roots for extra volume in the front, and give your longer locks extra love with a curl cream.^{[12]
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11

Bleach blonde mullet

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Dye your hair blonde for the ultimate contrast. If you’re looking for a big change, why not take the plunge and bleach your hair? Adding a platinum blonde dye job to your new ‘do is the perfect way to turn heads. Ask your stylist how much a bleach and tone job would add on to your new cut.^{[13]
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- If you plan to bleach your curls, remember that adding moisture is key. Always use conditioner when washing your hair, and use a hair mask once a week to restore and repair your hair strands from the inside out.

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Tips

Go in for a consultation before getting your haircut. Everyone’s hair type is different, and your curl pattern might work better with one style than others.

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