While cleaning my area, I found an old photo from 2019 of a client who asked for a mullet. I remember feeling a bit nervous while doing it, as if we were doing something wrong. I lost count on how many mullets I’ve done this month. Each person has a different vision for their mullet. People don’t realize that a mullet isn’t just one hairstyle; it’s many hairstyles that have different styles from each other, wrapped all together in a different hairstyle.
There is something interesting about how society views mullets in 2026. It is free from all traces of irony. People are not getting this haircut as a joke. Women come in wanting those inspired by rock from the 70s, the French new wave, or something that “moves differently from everything else;” and this haircut gives them everything. I’ve seen this haircut on all hair types and textures, and I agree that most haircuts don’t reward creativity, but this one does, and that’s why I think haircuts keep evolving instead of fading out. I’m excited to share my favorite examples of how women are doing it now.
#1: Textured Mullet Hairstyle with Bangs
The mullet style is medium length with layers that create movement. These bangs offer a modern touch and compliment oval and square face shapes. The model has medium waviness in her hair which gives this style an effortless voluminous look. This haircut is quick and easy to style which is ideal for people with a busy schedule. If you’re looking for depth and dimension, subtle balayage can be added. Enjoy this unique blend of modern and retro!
#2: A Modern Edgy Mullet That’s All About the Texture
I really like the way movement is captured in the layers. The crown is shorter and that creates lift, whereas the back cooly falls to longer layers. The contrasting lengths is what makes the whole thing work. With fine to medium thin hair this cut will be fantastic as the layers will create all the volume you need. Just a little texturizing spray and you’ve got the finish. It’s so interesting to me that this version doesn’t look like you spent hours finishing it, but the opposite is probably true.
#3: Soft Waves on a Modern Mullet
Wave patterns really make this cut stand out! The front is fun and messy with short layers and the back has longer flowing waves. It’s a retro style that won’t look like a costume. I’ve done other versions of this on clients with medium to thick hair and they are always surprised by how easy it is to maintain. You could wash and go, and with the right scrunching product, you could air dry and be done. It will look styled but still natural and that’s thanks to the layers. It’s a low maintenance cut that also helps you out more than other styles.
#4: A Short Shag with Lots of Choppy Energy
This is perfect for anyone with natural curls or waves who wants their cut to honour their natural texture. The chop adds movement and the best length is just grazing the neck so it feels short but not too drastic. The purpose of cuts like this is to allow the texture to do its thing without compromising so styling is simply scrunching in some curl cream when it’s wet and leaving it. My clients with this kind of haircut have spent less time on their hair which is a great perk.
#5: Short Layered Mullet with an Edge
I know this style can be striking in pictures, but the movement of this cut is more impressive in person; it is even more stunning in person! Each of the layers is cut to be shorter and more textured than the one before it, creating a very pronounced shape. To top it off, you can run your fingers through your hair, and like that, it goes from a styled, structured look to a more casual, relaxed look. This is particularly good for clients with fine to medium hair because the shorter layers will provide that volume without the need to fight gravity. You can even keep it formal and polished, or relaxed and tousled. It’s super versatile!
#6: A Textured Mullet with Highlights That Actually Look Natural
Less is more, and with this cut and color, that saying definitely applies. The front shorter layers that blend into longer back layers create that classic mullet shape, and the highlights really take it up another notch. The placement of the highlights is super natural and looks as though the sun just kissed some pieces. This gives a lot of dimension to the look without it becoming heavy. On hair this fine, that kind of technique with color creates the illusion of more hair. I wouldn’t go too overboard with product, but I think a light sea salt spray would be great to hold the style, show off the texture and maintain that effortless feel.
#7: Darker Roots Meeting Lighter Ends on a Modern Mullet
I did a cut almost exactly like this one last month and I had a client get a bit emotional in the chair. That’s a great sign you hit the mark! The soft layered finish combined with the textured top gives that lived-in look and the longer back section provides just the right touch of drama. My favorite part about this look is definitely the color. The dark roots melting into lighter ends is so dimensional and makes the layers pop! This look works best on medium to thick hair. Enough density to hold the shape and the layers will help it feel light. For styling, just add some product to your hands, work it through, and you’re set!
#8: Curly Mullet with Real Definition
It’s easy to see how the curling and shaping work to give effortless style. The short layers in front do exactly what they need to do in providing height and framing, while the longer layers in back allow those curls to really elongate and show off. If you’ve got textured hair and are considering a mullet, I’d give you this one. A non-crunch, curl defining product will be your best friend. This cut has personality for days.
#9 That Copper Color on a Layered Mullet Though
The warmth in the copper color makes it glow with richness. The layered texturing adds to the color variation with visual movement throughout the piece. This cut hits above the shoulders, which is the perfect length. The mullet shape is preserved too since it’s not too long. The fine layers on the edges keep it from looking flat, and everything feels light and airy. I have to tell you, the copper color is a commitment. It will NOT stay this color for long, and especially not without color safe products. The upkeep is a lot, but the payoff is worth it!
#10 Curly Mullet with the Softest Bangs
The bangs are fantastic! They are soft enough to blend with the rest of the curl pattern without looking like a separate piece which is a true pain point in the curly hair community. The mid-length of the bangs allows the curls to bounce freely and do their thing. We love to see that the natural texture is working with the cut (as opposed to against it). If you have medium to thick curly hair and have been wanting bangs but were to afraid (you know who you are), do this to your stylist. Maintaining h y drated curls is key to keeping puffs at bay. A good leave-in conditioner and a diffuser will be your best friends with this one.
#11 Effortless Waves on a Textured Mullet
The waves in this look so fresh, which is the whole vibe. The medium length, falling just below the shoulders, gives you enough hair to play with without it being too much to handle. The warm chestnut tones add such richness that I love. On fine to medium density hair, these types of soft layers create a look that is full of movement, but doesn’t require much work from you. Most days all this needs is a bit of a texturizing product on damp hair and an air dry. It’s the kind of cut that looks best when you don’t put too much thought into it.
#12 Shaggy Mullet with Layers That Actually Move
This style is shag classic where you do not have to do anything aside from just enjoying the look. It has nice soft texture and the longer back blends into the mullet type vibe without going too far. I have found that on finer hair the layering here is particularly effective as it creates a lot of volume and makes the hair look really full. The shape has a lot of nice bouncy retro looking vibes and I feel like it really works for a dress up occasion or running around on a Saturday. It will require a trim every 6-8 weeks to prevent the layers from growing into each other too much.
#13 Bouncy Curls on a Textured Mullet
When it comes to bouncy soft curls, it is no different than a mullet. The middle length holds everything back just right so the curls can let loose, and the layering adds volume and softness, as does the subtle layering. For those with wavy hair, if you are wondering if you could pull this off… you definitely can. Hair that is of medium density has a natural fall, and medium density hair will let layering do its thing. The only thing to keep in mind is if your hair is finer than medium. In that case, you may have to spend some extra time with a curling wand on the stubborn pieces so they are all consistent with the rest.
#14 Face-Framing Layers on a Soft Mullet
The blended face frames are soft and though they do not create a sharp line, they still provide some structure and intention to the cut. The balayage is nice and well done, and adds the right amount of dimension to keep things interesting and not too overdone. For medium to fine hair, this type of cut offers an airy, and effortless look that is difficult to achieve with other types. The one thing I always tell clients with this type of layered cut is that they must get regular trims. Once those layers start growing out, the shape and movement that makes it special is lost.
#15 Red Curly Mullet with Volume for Days
The bright red color and dynamic curls really stand out. The soft bangs meld beautifully into the layers, and the mid-length is perfect for that volume. It highlights the thickness of the hair, while still staying neat and not wild. For medium to thick hair, this cut is a dream. It will really add to all the shape. I will say that color, curls, and maintenance combined is a high commitment level. If you love to care for your hair, then it will definitely be worth it. The payoff is great!
#16 Defined Layers on a Textured Mullet
The cut features precise layering that has an overall polished appearance while maintaining a chill vibe. The wavy texture and a mid-length cut allow for ease of maintenance. The layering is done in a specific way so that you can see where each layer lands, adding some dimension to the style. This is a great option for someone wanting a more refined mullet that isn’t too crazy or messy. If you have fine to medium hair, be ready to put in some effort to keep the hairstyle looking fresh and defined.
#17 Soft Layered Mullet with Beautiful Movement
Here we see an amazing balance exemplified by the elegance of the layers paired with the strong mullet shape that gives a contemporary impression while still holding on to a classically timeless appearance. The length around the shoulders gives it the right amount of weight to flow beautifully, and with medium density wavy hair like this, the layers create a flow that is incredibly difficult to replicate with styling. The versatility is enormous, you could do this a dozen different ways and it would look amazing every time. If you want a bit more shape in the style, a lightweight mousse would help to hold the shape.
#18 Layered Mullet with Soft Bangs That Just Work
When people with fine hair ask for a lot of layering, I tend to get a little frazzled because fine hair can become thin quickly, so I appreciate this great example of it being done right. The soft bangs also help. The layering creates a lot of movement and structure without losing fullness. With the defined distinct layers, there is more dimension than what is naturally there, and that is what you need for finer hair. If your hair texture has made you feel like you can’t have layers, this is a great example to show your stylist.
#19 Textured Mullet with Soft Waves and Cropped Bangs
I like the new cropped bangs. They change the vibe of the mullet and make it look a little bit French which is cool. The waves in the hair add movement and the layers are right in all the right spots to add volume. If you have fine to medium hair, this shape works really well. The bangs add some interest at the top while the layers ensure it doesn’t look too flat. If you want some personality in your cut without the commitment of having to style it for 30 mins every morning, this is the way to go.
#20 Choppy Mullet with a Soft Fringe
This cut has a nice amount of character and choppiness, which is ideal when it’s layered and designed, but not overly so, and the soft fringe is a nice touch to tie it all together without being too precious about it. On fine to medium density hair the layered texture creates movement, with medium length hair, it gives fullness, rather than looking stringy. What I like about this is that it doesn’t lean too heavily in any one direction. It’s not super edgy or super polished. It sits comfortably in the middle. The fringe will need a little bit of work, whether that’s a flat iron for a minute or a quick blow dry to keep it falling how you want it.
#21 A Gentle Textured Mullet with Layers That Whisper
I call these “whisper layers” because they do a quiet but important job for you to create movement (and keep the shape from going flat or boxy) but are so subtle that you can almost not notice the layers soften. The soft face-framing pieces that are just barely shorter than the rest give such an effortlessly natural look. This is a perfect way to get a mullet on medium to thick hair without it feeling too dramatic, and the layers lighten things up and allow the natural wave to come through. If your hair tends to get heavy as it grows, this cut is going to be your best friend for the first several weeks, before it starts needing attention again.
#22. Curly Mullet with Face-Framing Layers That Flatter
I appreciate the creativity in this curly mullet. I would love to see more textured hair clients take this risk. The face framing pieces emphasize the frame of the curls in a nice way. For the warm light effect in the curls with the spring hair bounce to get enough room for curling the mid-length spring curls to bounce without being too short, I believe that the highlights are very well placed for the balayage. So for the ladies with medium to thick curls looking for mullet inspiration, your search ends here. Be honest with yourself though, as this is going to require some styling. You will need to use some defining product and exercise some patience in order to let the curls wash out on the day.
#23 Feathered Layers on a Mullet That Looks Fuller Than It Is
This is fantastic! The way layered feathers gives this so much more volume and I love how this is done. The medium length with a bit more at the back creates the mullet shape, then layering makes it so that the hair is lifted away from the head and looks bouncy and full. If you have fine hair, and think every haircut is just falls, then this is what you need to take to your next appointment! The layers are all in the cut, more than the style, so you get that movement even on a lazy day out.
#24 A Mullet with Soft Face-Framing That Catches the Light
The hair has a natural wave which works perfectly with the layers that soften the look around the face, giving a healthy, effortless, and just right vibe. The shine shows that whoever has this hair takes care of it, and honestly, that’s more important than any haircut or color. The layered cut for fine to medium density hair gives just the right amount of volume to create a shape with depth, and the medium length layering keeps the look intentional. You won’t need heat styling most days. The natural wave pattern means your hair will thank you for that.
#25 Short Mullet That Proves Less Is More
Thank you for your confidence in choosing a shorter mullet! The gentle layers around the face are gorgeous, and with your waves, that texture will look beautiful and styled with no tools required. These highlights will add depth, but will be understated enough to not steal the show from the hair. This is a good choice if you want to change your whole vibe without a major change to your everyday routine.
#26 Playful Waves with Bangs on a Textured Mullet
I love the bangs! They give a nice playful framing to the face, and soften everything. The relax shape and give it an ease. It looks beautiful in the photos, but I think it looks better in real life, especially with the wind because it will be stunning in motion. The subtle layers create the right amount of movement so the waves don’t fall flat which is always a concern with finer hair. The only effort this hairdo requires is defining the waves with a little bit of product, and that’s it!
#27 Clean Layers on a Modern Mullet
The layering here is very clean and structured. Instead of being messy or choppy, they did it in a way that gives the whole cut a polished look that many mullets don’t have. The length just above the shoulders is super easy to manage, and some soft layering around the face gently brings out features without being too much. The color variation is super flattering and gives nice depth, almost like a shadow root looks when it’s grown out. This shape also has good structure which holds fine to medium hair well between cuts.
#28 Copper Highlights Making a Textured Mullet Glow
What a joy to work with copper! I am especially excited when a client requests copper! On a textured mullet like this, it’s particularly good. The warmth of the copper makes the natural waves stand out and creates tons of visual depth and richness. The shoulder length hits just right for this shape. It’s long enough to show off the color and texture, but short enough to maintain the mullet proportions. The layers add dimension and movement to keep it from looking one note. If copper has been on your mood board, a cut like this is a beautiful way to sample it.
#29 Versatile Textured Mullet with a Natural Wave
I would recommend this cut If someone said to me, “I want something different, but I still need to look put together for work.” The cut look professional in neat layers but also allow you to have fun with them . They look great when they’re flowing and you can easily back and pin your hair since the length is on the shoulders. The cut is super lively, especially if you have thick or medium hair and natural waves . The layers around the face really soften and define it.
#30 Choppy Layers with Bangs on a Mullet
It’s great to see all these layers put to work. The variation really adds a lot of interest and movement. The soft bangs also anchor and hold this from getting too chaotic. On medium to thick hair, this is such a fun shape because you have enough density to support all that layering without it looking thin or sparse. This cut is designed for natural waves, so if you have any texture, the layers will do the work for you. You’ll want to get your trims to maintain the separation because once those layers start growing together, you begin to lose that great separation.
#31 Textured Mullet with a Fringe That Frames Perfectly
The bangs are cut to be wispy enough to look natural, but distinct enough to be an obvious design choice. The mid length and soft, gentle, waves help to create shape without being too complex. With fine to medium hair, the layers provide enough texture so it doesn’t fall too flat and the waves look great. Everything about this cut works; the fringe, the layers, the length, it’s the best type of hair cut. It looks effortless, but is so well planned out, it’s amazing.
#32 Wispy Bangs on a Soft Textured Mullet
I love wispy bangs; they look good on everyone and add more personality to a haircut while keeping it low-maintenance. This style’s bangs give the haircut a more polished and chic look than just having a straight cut. If you have fine to medium-density hair, it will create a light and airy effect, which will look lovely. The layers will create movement but won’t disrupt the shape of the hair, and look more than great. The style is simple and classic, and I think the mullet style is a good option. However, if you have thick hair, make sure your stylist removes enough weight so that the bangs don’t become heavy and split.
#33 A Polished Layered Mullet with Quiet Volume
Thank you for the restraint in this cut! The layers create depth and movement without causing the pieces to look chunky. It is truly shoulder length and the face framing pieces are super flattering, especially for fine straight hair, as the layers create lift without the bulk that can often come from lots of layering. This is a mullet for people who like the idea of the cut but aren’t ready to go all out and get really wild. It is subtle and easy to wear, but still has a modern touch that makes it a little edgy. The most important thing is going to be keeping those layers up to date with regular trims. Once they start to grow out the shape will flatten and you will lose that beautiful volume.
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