People seem to have very different opinions about the mullet haircut; some people love mullets, while others think they’re a joke, and personally, I can say I have been on both sides multiple times throughout my career. Most people do not consider the fact that while your uncle may have rocked a mullet in 1987, the current mullet is a manifestation of a completely different ideology. The construction and silhouette in their entirety is going to differ, and the layering adds movement and shape in a way that the original mullet variants simply could not.
Let me give you an example. Last year, I had a customer that came to me saying, “Just a trim, please.” One of my other customers before her had a mullet and I showed her the reference photo, and she made a face and said, “I can’t do that.” Fast forward three appointments, and that customer has one of the best shaggy mullets I’ve ever done. She sends me messages with pictures of her hairstyles all the time. And that’s what this cut does. Once that person sees an incredible cut on somebody with the same type of hair, the result becomes contagious, and they want one too!
I’ve put together some more inspiration for you, from modern mullet styles that are going to be all the rage in 2026. It has taken a lot of time to put these looks together, and I have some very strong opinions on them. Some of these mullets I am obsessed with, and others I think are horrendous, and I’m going to be sharing my opinions with you, because *that’s what we do here!
#1: Modern Textured Mullet with Soft Bangs
This fresh mullet features some added cul and bangs for an extra touch of play and fun! The model’s hair is fairly fine, so it has been styled in a way that adds volume to the fine hair and gives some shape to the style. This cut is aimed at the oval and heart-shaped face and will work with different hair textures. It is very easy maintenance and with just a little mousse to hold and define those curls, you’re set. Go for it if you’re wanting a nice brave look!
#2: Trendy Modern Mullet with Textured Layers
Modern mullets give the impression of movement and dimension; this is because of the texturizing. The length is mid-range, with shorter layers in the front that go to the face, while the back has longer wavy layers. This will look best on wavy and even curly textures, and is great for almost all face shapes, especially oval and square. In order to maintain the shape in the hair, a light mousse is recommended to be used while stlyign. The unique layering brings a more contemporary look to the style, meaning this is saved for people who want to be more bold and daring with their look.
#3: Edgy Modern Mullet with Textured Layers
A modern mullet features an assortment of layered texture and face-framing specifics. The shorter front pieces enhance the edginess of the cut, while longer lengths in the back provide fluidity. Best suited for an average to thick density of hair, it flatters all face shapes but is particularly good on oval and heart shapes. The beachy, messy look just requires a quick spritz of sea salt spray. Almost no styling is required. The fringe is distinct and fun, which makes this look great for someone wanting to change things up.
#4: Trendy Modern Mullet with Textured Layers
The modern mullet is a hairstyle that has special choppy layers that add to the carefree vibe of wavy or curly hair. These layers are medium length, with shorter layers in the front and longer layers in the back. This hairstyle provides styling ease, with the only requirement being some spray to define texture/ waves. The color gradient is beautiful and adds to the overall dimension of the haircut. The modern mullet is a great option for people wanting to do a makeover.
#5: Textured Modern Mullet with Wispy Layers
This new mullet style has layered textures and a wispy short top that beautifully frames the face. For straight to wavy hair, this cut adds body and movement to the style, particularly if your hair is finer. The drastic difference in lengths between the short top and long back provides an edgy vibe. Most face shapes can wear this style, but it’s particularly nice on oval and heart shapes. A great spray is a must if you want to achieve the tousled look and keep it looking effortless.
#6: That Edgy Textured Mullet That Makes You Look Like You’re in a Band
I love how the short bangs are choppy and the back is really long and has a lot of texture. If your hair is straight or wavy and is medium to thick, this will work really well. You have the right density to hold the movement in the back. I would add some volumizing texture spray and scrunch it. The bangs are all the hard work, so you don’t have to think about styling, which is awesome.
#7: Soft Layered Mullet with That Perfect Fringe Situation
This is the mullet I show people when they say, “I want a mullet but I don’t want to LOOK like I have a mullet.” The layers are so softly blended that it translates as a really cool shag until you see the length in the back and then it’s like oh WAIT. I also love that you can wear this sleek or tousled depending on the vibe. A little mousse through damp hair and you’re practically set.
#8: The Pixie Mullet That’s Quicker to Style Than Your Morning Coffee
I really like a mix of a pixie and a mullet! It has the courage of a short style and a party in the back. The height is created by the short layers on top, and the longer layers in the back give a little dimension without too much weight. I think this style is best for finer hair. It’s so quick to do, and I love that. Do a tiny bit of light mousse and you’re ready to go!
#9 Soft Textured Mullet That Can’t Decide If It’s Retro or Modern (and That’s the Point)
This looks good and has a modern yet vintage touch. I love how the soft framing face layers are not stiff or heavy, and the longer layers in the back provide flow so you don’t have to try hard. If you have wavy hair, this is the cut because you won’t have to do anything. Just a quick spritz of texture spray and you’re good to go. Honestly, I love this because it’s so effortless.
#10: Layered Modern Mullet with That Playful Volume on Top
This haircut gives a ton of volume and the back layers make it look super blended. It looks like a story that flows through the hair! If you’ve got thin hair and you think it looks super boring then you need to get this cut. You don’t need a ton of product when you’re styling. Just some blow drying and finger combing is all you need for that nice messy look.
#11: Short Bangs Mullet That’s Giving All the Attitude
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the bangs. Short, choppy bangs on a mullet is a CHOICE and I’m here for it! The bangs open the face in such an interesting way, plus you’ve got all that layered movement in the back doing its own thing. If your hair is fine to medium, managing this is easier than you think because there’s not too much bulk. Just tussle it up and let it be messy, that’s literally the vibe.
#12: Wavy Textured Mullet with All That Fun Movement
This is the kind of mullet that makes me want to grab your arm and be like “do you SEE this??” Those beautiful textured layers, and the natural wave create so much movement to the hair, it looks almost alive, in a good way. The longer back gives you that classic mullet contrast, and the layers keep it from feeling dated. If you want to play with color on this one, go for it, because the texture will show off every single dimension. You will only need a quick hit of texturizing spray to get that perfectly tussled look.
#13: Wavy Mullet with the Softest Bangs You’ve Ever Seen
The bangs are really nice and go really well with the waves too. The real layers are in the medium/ long territory (as in, you can actually see and feel the layers, not those “invisible” layers that do nothing). If you have wavy hair, then this is pretty much the cut for you. If you want to add some dimension to the cut, then I’d recommend some subtle highlights. The best part? It’s low maintenance! It looks really expensive, but it’s actually a pretty good deal.
#14: Shorter Top Mullet with Layers That Actually DO Something
It is awesome to finally see a mullet that’s top section cut to make an actual statement. The top layers have an awesome vibe, and the way they fall into the longer back is really nice. If your hair is medium to thick and wavy, this look is going to style itself, no lie. The difference in lengths from front to back is what really makes this look, plus it looks good without trying.
#15: Shoulder Length Mullet with Face Framing That Actually Flatters
The soft bangs and layers make such an amazing curtain effect while the rest of the hair smoothly falls to the shoulders. Look at that color gradient! It gives the cut depth so you almost can’t see where the layers finish and the color starts. If your hair is fine to medium and you want something that looks special without a lot of styling effort, this should be top of your list.
#16 Wavy Layered Mullet That Moves Like a Shampoo Commercial
This haircut will have you looking fab! It will show off your layers with every head turn. The cut falls super well on your shoulders. This hairstyle is perfect if you have natural waves, as it will enhance them! One thing I will say is that you may want to keep some product on hand to help define those waves on days when your hair isn’t cooperating. We all have those days!
#17: Curly Tapered Mullet That’s Not Messing Around
Shaved sides combined with large amounts of hair on the back and top make this hairstyle very powerful. This is the best option if you want a powerful mullet and you have thick and curly hair. Tapering removes volume where it is not needed, and it also curls where it is desired. This is not the type of hairstyle that is meant to be low-key, it is meant to be very confident and I love that.
#18: Defined Layer Mullet That Makes Fine Hair Look Amazing
If you’ve got fine hair, and you’ve been told that you can’t have a mullet, please show them this photo because it’s proof that’s simply not the case. This cut looks amazing with plenty of volume in the front and a nice defined back that looks intentional. For this cut, I would suggest a richer and darker color as it will give the illusion of even more density. Just know that keeping the layers really crisp will mean a trim every 6 – 8 weeks and it’s so worth it.
#19: Angular Blonde Mullet with the Prettiest Fringe
Thanks for the effort on the style. This has an easy-chic vibe. Detail is everything. The chin-length bob soft blended bangs are great for oval faces and flattering on all shapes. The light blonde color is good, but make sure to check your skin tone so it doesn’t wash you out. Lastly, this style will need frequent trims to maintain the angular shape so it doesn’t just look grown out.
#20: Choppy Wave Mullet That’s Just FUN
This haircut brings me joy. Even better than the haircut is the look on the person’s face. The layered, face framing waves, all of it, just *chef’s kiss.* Fine hair? The choppy texture will add more LIFE. The layers will complement your natural curls and waves. I feel like you could look at the hair and think it required a lot of effort, but that just won’t be the case. Honestly, a defining cream will be needed to keep the waves looking nice in the days after. The haircut will be nice, and it’ll be worth the effort.
#21: Curly Mullet with Gorgeous Natural Texture
Hey friends with curly hair, This is amazing! the way the technology has advanced in the way it cuts curly hair is allowing short curls to really fall and define the layers. The highlights that were put in also define the curl. Really define the curl. Use good curl defining products. I’m sure if you naturally have curls you have a whole stash. Use them!
#22: Wispy Layered Mullet with All the Edge
I can tell this cut has an edgy vibe that works really well! I can totally see the person rocking this cut probably having an eclectic taste in music, which I would love to hear. I really love the way the medium length combined with shorter top layers, and longer, tapered layers in the back sort of gives this really nice, light, and airy feeling. I think this cut is gonna look amazing while moving! If you want to go all the way with this cut, I would suggest doing some contrasting colors in the layers, as I think this would showcase the texture and depth really well!
#23: Bold Layered Mullet with Serious Volume
If you have thick hair and want to MAKE use of all that hair instead of trying to tame it, this is for you. The voluminous layers on the top create an amazing shape. I love how it creates a really strong silhouette. The shorter pieces at the crown and the longer ones at the back are in the most perfect blend. I won’t lie to you, those layers do need sharpening, so you’re looking at regular maintenance appointments. This is the structure you have been waiting for if you want to do something bold with a fun colour.
#24: Curly Ends Mullet with That Beautiful Ombre Fade
The soft curls make this mullet look effortlessly cool! The gradual ombre from dark roots to lighter ends is a great choice, as it adds depth to the curls. The wig on top is a good height, and it balances nicely with the long wig that has soft curls. If your hair has some natural wave or curl, it’ll look much better!
#25: Airy Textured Mullet with the Most Effortless Vibe
This style gives off that vibe where you kinda just woke up and left the house. Honestly, that’s a compliment to the hair. The layering and matching shorter hair to longer waves creates a really good balance and look especially good with oval and heart shapes. This cut is great for finer hair because it helps with the worry of everything looking flat. I recommend a balayage if you want to do something extra with this style as it would create beautiful depth to the different lengths. I think it would look a lot better.
#26: Bold Bang Mullet That Has PERSONALITY
There are so many styles when it comes to bangs and all can say something different about the person, but personally, I think these types of bangs say “I don’t care”, and I love that. The face-framing layers and bangs give definition and character to the look, while all those layers create tons of movement. The texture is the most important part here. With the right texture, it won’t look messy, but intentional and clean. If we’re being honest, bangs like this will require some upkeep. I know going to the salon to get trims is not something people want to do, but honestly, this haircut will have so much character and interest that you’ll forget you ever hated it.
#27: Irregular Layer Mullet That Breaks the Rules (in a Good Way)
I enjoy the feeling of a cut that feels like it has its own rules, and this definitely does. The various lengths and textured layers create that wonderful, lived-in vibe that you just can’t get with a more polished look. With thick, straight hair, the chopped layers create a really intriguing visual contrast that is super draws people in. Because all the different lengths will reflect light in fantastic ways, this cut is going to look amazing with a bright color. Just make sure you keep your trims because once the layers grow out to the point where it’s uneven, the look can go from intentional to “I forgot to go to my appointment” really fast.
#28: Wispy Layer Mullet That’s Light as Air
I really like the light layers here. They give a really nice ethereal look and the longer pieces in the back will create a lot of movement when you walk! If you have fine to medium hair the light wisps will keep them feeling really airy and not heavy. There’s a subtle wave throughout that adds so much body and honestly that wave does a lot of the styling for you. On days you want a bit more boom I’d suggest a lightweight texturizing product, but other than that this is ideal and low effort for how amazing it looks.
#29: Choppy Contrast Mullet with a Playful Edge
The short, textured top and longer back are an amazing combo. A choppy mullet just makes my day. I love the mid length there’s just the right amount of hair to play with, while not being too much. If your hair is wavy or straight and fine to medium, you’ll get an awesome light airy texture that moves beautifully. It’s pretty low maintenance overall, but you might want some product days when your hair just needs texture.
#30: Soft Bang Mullet That Goes from Brunch to Night Out
I really like what this hairstyle says. Those soft bangs are nice, and mid-length waves are so versatile. You could wear it all tousled and casual during the day and then do a smooth texture for night time to create a totally different look. The wavy texture gives loads of volume without the fight. Plus, the density is just perfect to keep everything in balance. With a quick trim, the bangs will stay shaped and everything will be pretty much good to go.
#31: Curly Layered Mullet with So Much Character
I absolutely adore the personality that the natural curls in this mullet show! The curls are lively and move and bounce around in a fun way. Straight hair can’t replicate this kind of movement, and I love and appreciate all types of hair. I understand that between cuts curls tend to lose their shape, but this kind of layering would help the curls ‘spring back’ and help maintain their definition for a longer time . In order to show all the movement and dimension in these curls, I would add some soft highlights. This is because curls catch highlights differently than straight hair, and the end result is beautiful!
#32: Curly Volume Mullet That Brings the Energy
The nice bouncy energy is contagious, and I can’t stop staring at it! The defined curls and mid-length cut are the perfect mix of fun and polished. My favorite part is the gentle edges of the frame. It softens the overall look and gives you a lovely frame that compliments your features instead of fighting with them. If you wavy or curly hair by nature and are looking for a mullet that will ACTUALLY work WITH your hair, this is the one I’d point you to. It is very low maintenance, but if you want to keep the definition looking sharp, a curl enhancing cream will be necessary.
#33 Defined Curl Mullet That Frames Your Face Like a Portrait
One of the coolest things about this mullet is the curls around the front of the face. The shorter layers in front provide a nice frame for the face while the longer layers in back give that classic mullet shape. When it is curly it looks so nice and natural. This will be great on you if you have a round face shape. The combination of curls and layers will draw attention to the be face. For this hairstyle, you’ll definitely need some curl-defining products, and I’m sure you know that already!
#34 Wispy Modern Mullet with the Freshest Vibe
I think hair styled with thin/misty layers gives a sense of flow, making it look like the hair is moving. This cut has the traditional mullet shape, with a slightly shorter top and a longer back, but the thin layers make it more modern. If you have light hair, this will be a great option for you, as the layers will not make it heavy. It will also look airy because of the light color. Just one thing, keep some texturizing spray easily accessible. Finely textured hair can go flat in the afternoon, and a spritz will bring those layers back to life.
#35 Copper Highlight Mullet That Catches Every Single Light
I’m in love with the copper tones on this mullet. The highlights create a glow that really adds to the look overall. They catch the light at just the right angle so each layer is visible and gives this mullet a lot of dimension. The ends that were layered give it movement. The small detail of a slight taper at the nape prevents the back from looking bulky and heavy which is a detail that really makes this grow out well. If you are considering adding color to your mullet, the warm copper tones are one of the best selections as they show off the texture really nicely.
#36 Soft Curl Layered Mullet That’s Cozy and Cool at the Same Time
The soft and curly layers look very cozy and friendly. I think a cut like that is best right after washing your hair and looks fantastic when you reach that three day mark. I think that really demonstrates the quality of the cut! It’s medium length, so it’ll be super easy to take care of, and you won’t need to put in any work to get volume with the waves. It will definitely suit your hair if it moves a lot. And on those days when your curls need some extra TLC, a lightweight curl cream will become your bff!
#37: Sharp Bang Mullet That Knows Exactly What It’s Doing
I appreciate how intentional this cut is. The attention to detail is clear using varied lengths, shorter in the front and longer in the back. This will work perfectly for fine, wavy hair and will achieve the tousled look without the bulk at medium density. The texture looks fun from every angle. I will say, sharp bangs like this will require some maintenance. And I’m sure you will agree, for a cut this good, it’s a small price to pay!
#38: Layered Mullet with Textured Bangs and Beautiful Color
The balayage really suits this haircut. It makes the hair look more high quality and increases the value with how it increases the dimension with all the layers. I like how the bangs are textured at the front and how I back is longer and shorter giving it a nice shape that drapes beautifully. If your hair is medium to fine, the layers will give it so much more volume. This is the kind of haircut that you get so many compliments on, and you get to say, “oh this? Yeah, I love my stylist!” And that is exactly how it should be.
#39: Playful Fringe Mullet in the Prettiest Blonde
The fun little bangs and short style gives such fun editorial vibes, I NEED to style this hair!! The layers add gorgeous bounce and keep the whole haircut alive. If your hair is fine to medium, the shorter length will work to your advantage because you won’t be fighting gravity to gain volume. I’ll be honest, this length isn’t for everyone, and if you like hiding behind your hair, it can feel pretty exposed. But the light blonde color with this cut? It gives main character energy and that’s definitely brave deserving.
#40: Dynamic Curly Mullet with the Most Beautiful Movement
I let out a little gasp when I saw this because I love the contrast between the long curls and the shorter tops. For medium to thick curly hair, this will best showcase your curl structure and the shorter top layers will keep volume exactly where you want it. The movement in this cut is insane and it’s going to look good from every angle. Curls take a little extra maintenance so I would suggest a deep conditioning treatment and to use it regularly because healthy curls are happy curls and happy curls will make this cut look its best.
#41: Choppy Layered Mullet with Highlights That Add All the Depth
I am saying this with love, but this cut makes you want to shake your head and see how everything moves! The short and long layers create a really nice texture, especially with medium to thick hair. Those highlights look amazing with the cut and make it look almost 3D. It adds depth. Layering will really bring out your bone structure naturally if you have a square or oval face. It might take a little more time to do those ends, but stylistically this mullet is a blast and I think most people can rock it.
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