I remember the first time I truly appreciated the power of a long mullet. It was a woman in her late thirties with an old school blunt cut. This was what you might call a ___risk taker___. She was trying to do something with purpose, that was a bit __unruly and sort of romantic__. More than most people would express, she wanted a lot of __personality__ in her cut. I remember saying I would take the length from around her face, leaving the back long, and when she saw it, she went very __quiet__. At that moment, I knew she loved it. Long mullets do that. The best long mullets change the way you think about hair and the way you carry yourself.
Perhaps the best part about the mullet cut is the endless adaptability. This cut has a ton of directions it can go and some of these variations are barely mullets at all and more like shags with a secret, while some really play up the contrast between the short and the long. I know a lot of these aren’t going to be what you’re looking for, but I’ve put together 15 variations to help you think about what could be the winning version.
#1: That Auburn Shift with All the Movement
Haircuts can be taken to another level by dyeing the hair a different color. Of course, the good hair was already there, but the previous warmer color made everything… Well, underwhelming. The warm auburn color amplified the transformation, making the layers look intentional and full, rather than just long. This kind of volume should be rather easy to achieve with your hair thick with thick as the right layers will be placed. A color this rich is going to require some upkeep though. A good color-depositing conditioner will help keep your color from fading out, but you will need to come in for toning every few weeks.
#2 A Softer Take, with Waves That Don’t Try Too Hard
The length of the back creates a mullet shape while remaining relaxed due to the wave. It adds a softness to the cut so it doesn’t look too sharp and feels a little more easier to manage. The cut has so much movement from the texture even when it is standing still. The style is best when it is easy and not overdone, but the use of a spritzing or texturized spray will likely be necessary to create the wave pattern to help the look along. This length in the back looks like it has a playful look and that’s harder to achieve than it sounds.
#3 Chocolate Shag with That Swooping Bang
For me, the fringe is the most significant aspect of this particular cut. It really helps soften the style without hiding anything. The rest of the cut is classic shag; layers that give volume to the top and taper longer. The bangs walking with the rest of the cut is what gives this style a finished look rather than just getting two haircuts stacked on top of each other. This cut should really show off your natural wave if you have one. The overall length of the cut will depend on the length of the layers. The look will change as the layers grow out, so plan to come in for a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep the shape looking sharp.
#4 Brunette with Bangs That Soften Everything
A quick photo scan may miss the cut’s “gentleness.” The wispiness of the bangs adds lightness, while the rest of the hair falling into waves contributes to the ease of the style. Technically, but not obtrusively, it’s a mullet. It shows as a fantastic cut on a woman who knows her mind. The waves are not the typical default, so to get that barrel- curling-iron- effortless- look- a- wide- barrel- curling- iron would definitely be worth it.
#5 Layered Brunette with Just a Hint of Light
The hidden highlights are so subtle some people might not even notice them. That’s what makes them effective. The way they capture light creates dimension in the layers of texture and avoids being overly processed. The shorter layers at the front and longer layers at the back create that mullet-like contrast. This doesn’t come off as retro; it comes off as more rock and roll. This is one of those cuts where the weight distribution of the hair is really key. If your hair is quite thin, you lose the effect of the design, but if you have medium to thick hair, the layers work to tie back the bulk and let the shape shine.
#6 Beachy and Honeyed, Without Trying
It’s nice to think about walking towards you from all angles, plus not every mullet can do that. The front of your hair can get nice and toasty warm from the sun and the back will be long enough to remind you of summer waves even in January. Your highlights look good since they’re where they naturally fall. Your hair gets to show off that natural texture that most people have to fake with product, so it should be pretty easy to style. You’ll just need to keep the back trimmed so it doesn’t get too out of shape, but some length is fine with this one.
#7 Tousled and Feathered, with an Edge to It
These bangs really complete the look. They have enough weight to sit where they need to sit, but are also light enough to give some movement. The way the bangs transition to the choppy layers on top of the head keeps the look smooth. It keeps a nice fullness and wave in the back that provides contrast, but isn’t too harsh. You can wear this type of mullet to a fancy dinner or a dive bar and fit right in! The tussled look is my favorite. It looks like you just woke up but I guess that’s some effort. I recommend using a texture paste and then lots of scrunching while it’s drying.
#8 Silver Layers with a Feathered Fringe
Different colors have different levels of versatility, and this option is all in! The silver is sleek and simple while the feathered fringe distracts from the seriousness of the metallic tones that can happen when cuts feature too much softness. The layers are doing some heavy lifting to keep fine hair from falling flat. This version stands out because of the choice not to go long. Since nothing else is overly dramatic, a cut like this really gives you that modern feel. The only thing is that you need to be realistic about the maintenance. Silvers go brassy and purple shampoo only does so much. It’s a professional job that you need to keep on top of.
#9 Clean Lines and a Razor-Cut Bang
The precision of this one is great. The razor cut bangs give it a certain sharpness that is complimented by the rest of the cut with smooth layers and a nice fall that doesn’t over do anything. If your hair is on the finer side, the volume created at the top is worth noting because it also doesn’t rely on bulk. It relies on placement. The silhouette stays close and neat throughout the length which gives it a sleekness that some of the more textured mullets here are lacking. It’s a quieter version of the look, and sometimes that is all you need.
#10 Textured Layers That Just Cascade
The most remarkable part of this hairstyle is that it looks great. The shorter pieces that frame the face really open everything up, while the longer pieces in the back drape down in a nice way that looks effortless. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into the layering. This cut is awesome for people who want a mullet shape, but don’t want it to be the first thing people notice. On hair that is wavy by nature, this style will basically be done for you. If your hair is straighter, you will probably want to use a waving iron to create some movement, but the cut will look good even if you don’t.
#11 Curls, Fringe, and All That Warmth
This hairstyle has nice looking loose curls that are defined enough to give the whole style some shape and dimension. The bangs create some separation so it doesn’t look too uniform. I think this hairstyle deserves more credit than other similar styles because of the color. The multi-tonal brunette shades in the curls add dimension to the hairstyle. If the hair was one solid color, it wouldn’t be as dimensional. This hairstyle uses a lot of hair, so it doesn’t work as well on someone with less hair. The hairstyle looks like it needs maintenance so that it looks intentional rather than just grown out.
#12 Sun-Kissed Layers with a Lived-In Feel
The hair looks as if it has been on holiday for a week and returned fully recharged. The mid-length highlights are warm and perfectly positioned, and they catch just the right amount of light. The layered bangs are the type that grow out well, which is actually more important than a lot of people think when it comes to choosing a bang cut. I like that it is the natural wave that is doing most of the work. If you have that type of texture, a good texturizing product scrunched in damp hair is probably all you would need most days. This haircut has shape that is more forgiving and in the best way possible.
#13 Chestnut Waves That Feel Effortless
I was first attracted by the stunning colour gradient warm chestnut brown with an even lighter summery blonde at the ends. People would assume this has been done in a salon. The layers also help to avoid the hair being too weighed down, and with the hair being thick and wavy that is an even better balance to achieve. As for the fringe, its subtle and the way it falls down across the forehead is soft and nice and its just a suggestion and nothing too serious. Overall, the hairstyle is lovely whether worn pulled back or left down. The hairstyle works best on a freshly washed day or an unwashed hair day, and that is most definitely the biggest compliment I could give to this haircut.
#14 Blonde Waves with a Fringe That Whispers
I appreciate how soft this mullet haircut is. The soft waves and light bangs seem to blend into the rest of the cut. The mullet has a fluffiness to it that makes you forget that there is some sort of plan beyond just flowing hair. Blondes also catch the light and create the illusion of transparency with the layers. If your hair is medium to thick, this cut will give you all the movement you want without sacrificing the length. On the layered wavy hair days, a large barrel will be needed, unless you prefer messy waves- and with this cut, there is beauty even with imperfect waves.
#15 Copper with Feathered Ends and Quiet Confidence
Your hair’s copper shade is sophisticated and works well with the warm hues in your skin. The shimmer completes the look and adds richness to the cut. Lightness on the ends adds ease to the structure. Shoulders give you plenty of options without taking forever to style. The front layers will need more frequent trims to keep the cut looking intentional.
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.