The mullet. That iconic hairstyle, beloved by some and mocked by others, has long held a place in the annals of pop culture. From its humble beginnings as a working-class symbol to its resurgence as a defiant fashion statement, the mullet has been through it all. But something’s changed. The mullet is not just a relic of the 80s or a symbol of rebellious youth; it’s undergone a transformation, morphing into a modern, versatile, and decidedly cool haircut. This evolution, fueled by a confluence of trends and cultural shifts, has brought the mullet back into the mainstream, paving the way for its newfound reign as a style icon.
History and Evolution of the Mullet Haircut
The mullet’s history is as diverse as its styling possibilities. While its origins can be traced back to the 1970s, the mullet truly exploded in popularity during the 80s, becoming synonymous with rock music, rebellion, and a certain flair for the unconventional. This classic mullet, with its shorter sides and long back, was a statement, a symbol of nonconformity, and a blatant disregard for the conventional beauty standards of the time. It was a statement that screamed “I’m different, and I’m proud of it.”
However, as the 90s rolled in, the mullet’s popularity waned. It became associated with outdated trends and a bygone era, relegated to the realm of fashion faux pas and embarrassing yearbook photos. But as we’ve seen time and time again, fashion is cyclical, and what was once considered passé can make a comeback in a bigger and better way. And that’s exactly what happened with the mullet.
In recent years, the mullet has experienced a resurgence, but with a modern twist. It’s no longer just a symbol of rebellion; it’s become a trendy hairstyle that exudes confidence, style, and self-expression. This evolution can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the influence of celebrities, changes in societal norms, and the growing trend of gender-neutral fashion.
The 80s Mullet vs. The Modern Mullet
To fully understand the modern mullet, let’s take a closer look at its predecessor, the 80s mullet. The classic 80s mullet was characterized by short, often spiky hair on the top and sides, with a long, flowing mane in the back. It was a bold and edgy look that was popularized by musicians such as David Bowie, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Bon Jovi.
On the other hand, the modern mullet is more polished and refined. It retains the shorter sides and longer back, but the overall look is more balanced and cohesive. It’s also more versatile, giving wearers the option to style it in various ways, from messy and textured to sleek and sophisticated. The modern mullet has shed its former associations with rebellion and instead embraces an air of sophistication and confidence.
Key Features of the Modern Mullet
So what exactly makes the modern mullet different from its 80s counterpart? Let’s take a closer look at some key features of this trendy haircut.
Shaggy Layers
The modern mullet is all about texture and movement. Unlike the traditional mullet, which had a severe cut, the modern mullet incorporates shaggy layers to add volume and create a soft, effortless look. These layers are usually concentrated in the back, creating a cascading effect that gives the mullet its signature flow.
Shorter Sides
While the classic mullet had short sides that were almost shaved, the modern mullet has longer, yet still tapered, sides. This creates a more balanced and flattering look that suits a wider range of face shapes and hair textures. The length of the sides can vary, but they are usually kept shorter than the back to maintain the mullet’s signature shape.
Longer Back
The defining feature of the mullet is, of course, the longer back. In the modern version, the back is usually longer and more voluminous than the front, giving the hairstyle its characteristic asymmetrical shape. This longer back also provides more styling options, allowing for a variety of looks from messy and tousled to sleek and straight.
Celebrity Influence on the Mullet Revival
One of the key drivers behind the resurgence of the mullet is undoubtedly celebrity influence. From musicians to actors and athletes, many celebrities have embraced the modern mullet, bringing it back into the spotlight. Here are just a few notable figures who have sported the trendy haircut.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus has always been known for pushing boundaries and breaking conventions, so it’s no surprise that she has fully embraced the modern mullet. Her signature blonde mullet has become her go-to look, and she often styles it in different ways, from slicked-back to tousled and textured. Cyrus’ mullet also symbolizes her journey of self-discovery and breaking free from societal expectations, making it an even more powerful statement.
Zendaya
Actress and fashion icon Zendaya is another celebrity who has rocked the mullet with style and grace. She first debuted her short, shaggy mullet at the 2016 Grammys and has since continued to experiment with the hairstyle, including adding a touch of pink for a bold and playful twist. Zendaya’s mullet is a perfect example of the versatility of this haircut and how it can be adapted to suit individual tastes and preferences.
Rihanna
Rihanna’s ever-changing hairstyles have always been a source of inspiration for fashion lovers, and her mullet is no exception. In 2020, she debuted a modern mullet with a sleek and sophisticated twist, complete with a deep side part and subtle waves. This elegant take on the mullet shows just how versatile and adaptable this haircut can be.
Styling Tips and Maintenance for the Modern Mullet
The modern mullet may look effortless, but it does require some maintenance to keep it looking fresh and stylish. Here are some tips to help you achieve and maintain a flawless mullet hairstyle.
Regular Trims
To keep your mullet looking its best, regular trims are essential. Depending on the rate of your hair growth, you’ll need to visit your hairstylist every 6-8 weeks to keep the length and layers in check. This will also help prevent split ends and maintain the shape of your mullet.
Use Texturizing Products
As mentioned earlier, texture is a key element of the modern mullet. To enhance the shaggy layers and create movement, use texturizing products such as sea salt spray, dry shampoo, or wax. These products will add volume and hold to your hair, making it easier to style and maintain throughout the day.
Embrace Your Natural Hair Texture
The great thing about the modern mullet is that it can be adapted to suit different hair textures. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, there’s a mullet style that will work for you. Instead of fighting against your natural hair texture, embrace it and work with it to achieve the perfect mullet look.
Versatility and Variations of the Modern Mullet
One of the reasons behind the modern mullet’s popularity is its versatility. Unlike its 80s counterpart, which was primarily associated with rock music and rebellion, the modern mullet can be styled in various ways to suit different occasions and settings.
Casual and Messy
For a laid-back, effortless look, opt for a more casual and messy mullet style. This can be achieved by using texturizing products and scrunching your hair to create loose, tousled waves. This look is perfect for everyday wear and gives off a carefree and edgy vibe.
Sleek and Sophisticated
On the other hand, if you want a more put-together and sophisticated look, you can style your mullet in a sleek and straight way. This style is achieved by blow-drying your hair with a round brush and finishing off with a flat iron for a smooth and polished finish. This versatile look is suitable for work or formal events and shows that the mullet can be elevated to suit different settings.
Gender-Neutral
One of the most significant shifts in fashion in recent years has been towards gender-neutral clothing and hairstyles. The modern mullet fits perfectly into this trend, as it can be worn by people of any gender. It’s not just a men’s hairstyle or a women’s hairstyle; it’s a unisex haircut that anyone can rock with confidence.
The Modern Mullet’s Impact on Fashion Accessories and Trends
The mullet’s revival has not only had an impact on hairstyles but also on fashion accessories and trends. As the mullet makes its way back into the mainstream, we’re seeing a resurgence of other 80s-inspired fashion and accessories such as statement earrings, chunky jewelry, and bold prints.
The mullet has also inspired a new wave of edgier and bolder fashion choices, with people taking more risks and embracing their individuality. This trend has also spilled over into the beauty industry, with more and more people experimenting with makeup, hair color, and unique hairstyles.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings as a working-class symbol to its current status as a versatile and trendy haircut, the mullet has undergone a remarkable evolution. Its resurgence in popularity can be attributed to a combination of celebrity influence, changes in societal norms, and a growing trend towards gender-neutral fashion.
The modern mullet is a far cry from its 80s counterpart, with shaggy layers, shorter sides, and a longer back that gives it a more polished and refined look. It’s also incredibly versatile, with various styling options and adaptability to different hair textures.
As the mullet continues to make waves in the fashion world, it’s clear that this once-controversial haircut has become a symbol of self-expression, confidence, and breaking away from traditional beauty standards. So whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or just want to switch up your hairstyle, the modern mullet is worth considering for a trendy and unique look.
