The mullet never left — it just keeps getting cooler

Doja Cat, Rhianna, Miley Cyrus

Some hair trends fade, but the mullet stays winning.

The mullet has never truly gone out of style. It may have had quiet moments, but it’s always been around, evolving with each era. No two mullets are ever the same, from shaggy, sleek, or choppy; the cut adapts to whoever wears it. In the 2020s, the mullet has taken on a sharper, more polished edge, proving that it’s not just a nostalgic throwback but a statement that keeps reinventing itself.

Alt Image: Rihanna rocking a black mullet,and eating cup noodles,via Pinterest
Image credit: Rihanna with black mullet via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for credit.

Razor-sharp or soft and tousled, the mullet adapts to whatever aesthetic you’re going for. Want edgy and rebellious? Go for choppy layers with dramatic volume. Do you prefer something chic and modern? Keep it sleek and polished. The beauty of the mullet is in its range; it works with every mood, every occasion, and every attitude. And with some of the most stylish celebrities leading the charge, it’s clear that the mullet isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving.

Why is everyone loving the mullet now?

Alt Image: Billie Eilish with a colourful mullet haircut, sourced from Pinterest
Image credit: Billie Eilish with a colourful mullet haircut via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for credit.

Fashion is all about self-expression, and the mullet embodies that spirit perfectly. Here’s why it’s having a major moment:

It’s effortlessly cool: The mullet has that “I woke up like this” energy that instantly makes you look like you belong in a fashion campaign or a music video.

It’s edgy but wearable:  Unlike some bold hairstyles that feel a tad too risky, the modern mullet is surprisingly wearable. You can style it to look as casual or as high-fashion as desired. .

It’s genderless:  The mullet doesn’t belong to one gender or one style. It’s for anyone who wants to make a statement.

It works with different hair textures:  Whether your hair is straight, curly, coily, or wavy, a mullet  works for you. The cut enhances natural texture while keeping things easy to maintain.

 

Alt Image: Nneka Ibeabuchi, the queen of mullets, showcasing another mullet style via  @africanjawn on Instagram.
Image credit: Nneka Ibeabuchi the queen of mullet just in another mullet style via @africanjawn Instagram

The celebrities who made us love the mullet

Nicki Minaj – The Barbie mullet moment

One thing Nicki Minaj will always do is give us a hair moment.  Playful yet powerful, it brought an ultra-feminine take to the look, proving that the mullet isn’t just for punk rockers and edgy fashionistas. Nicki’s version was sleek, sculpted, and full of attitude, exactly what we’d expect from the Queen of Rap.

Doja Cat – The punk princess

Alt Image: Doja Cat giving a rocker look with a black mullet with blunt ends,via  Pinterest
Image credit: Doja cat giving rocker look with black mullet with blunt end via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for credit.

Doja Cat is the queen of pushing boundaries, and her mullet was no exception. She went full punk with choppy layers, blunt ends, and a daring, futuristic feel that screamed confidence. Her kind of mullet makes you want to grab a pair of scissors and DIY your own.  (though I strongly suggest trusting a professional for this part).

Rihanna – The effortless cool girl

Alt Image: Rihanna with a black mullet haircut, looking stylish and edgy via Pinterest
Image credit: Rihanna with a black mullet haircut l via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for credit.

Rihanna has been rocking mullets for years, and every single time, she makes it look effortless. She’s worn it slicked-back, tousled, ultra-layered, and everything in between; proving that the mullet is one of the most versatile hairstyles. While some people hesitate to try it, Rihanna shows us that if you wear it confidently , you’ll always bethat girl.

Zendaya – The runway-ready mullet

Alt Image: Zendaya with a blonde mullet via  Pinterest
Image credit: Zendaya with blonde mullet on the red carpet via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for credit.

Zendaya knows how to make a trend feel fresh. Her take on the mullet was no exception. She embraced soft, feathered layers with just the right volume, striking the perfect balance between retro and modern. It was giving high fashion and effortless beauty at the same time—because, of course, it was.

Teyana Taylor – The streetwear edge

Alt Image: Teyana Taylor with a mullet hairstyle, accessorised for an edgy look via  Pinterest
Image credit: Teyana Taylor with mullet hair and added accessories to give it an edge

Teyana Taylor is the literal definition of cool, so it’s no surprise that she made the mullet look like the ultimate streetwear accessory. Her choppy, wet-look take on the mullet was edgy, bold, and full of attitude, giving it a rebellious yet stylish feel. The uneven cut added texture, while the glossy finish gave it a sleek, modern edge. It was the perfect blend of effortless and high fashion, proving that this hairstyle can be just as striking with oversized hoodies and sneakers as it is with couture gowns.

Debbie Harry – The original icon

Debbie Harry with her natural hair via Pinterest
Image credit: Debbie Harry with her natural hair in mullet via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for credit.

Before mullets became a high-fashion trend, Debbie Harry was already making them legendary. The Blondie frontwoman rocked the style in the ‘70s and ‘80s, pairing it with punk-inspired outfits that cemented its place in fashion history. Even today, her messy, rocker-chic mullet remains one of the most iconic versions of the style.

How to take care of a mullet

Beyoncé with a grey mullet, serving a bold and stylish look via  PageSix.com
Image credit: Beyoncé with grey mullet via pagesix.com

The mullet may be an effortlessly cool style, but keeping it looking sharp takes a little maintenance. Here’s how to make sure yours always looks its best:

Regular trims are key: The mullet relies on precise layering, so getting regular trims will keep it from looking unintentional or overgrown.

Play with texture: Whether you’re using mousse for volume, a flat iron for sleekness, or a curl cream for definition, styling products will help bring out the best in your cut.

Hydration matters: Because mullets often have several layers, keeping the hair moisturised prevents it from looking frizzy or dry. A good leave-in conditioner or hair oil will be your best friend.

Experiment with styling: Don’t be afraid to switch things up! You can try slicking it back; or adding waves for a little volume at the crown. The beauty of a mullet is that it doesn’t have to look the same every day.

Confidence is everything: The mullet is a statement hairstyle, which looks best when you own it. If you’re rocking it with attitude, you’ve already won.

 

Miley Cyrus rocking her blonde haircut, embracing her signature edgy style via  People.com
Image credit: Miley Cyrus rocking her blonde mullet haircut via People.com

Sleek, choppy, or tousled, the mullet is  a hairstyle with personality. This might be your sign if you’ve been thinking about switching things up.  The mullet is here to stay, even though it never left.

Author

  • Meet Oshorena, fashion-forward and redefining style one trend at a time. Oshorena brings a fresh perspective to the world of fashion and beauty writing, infusing her work with youthful energy and an unapologetic love for all things stylish. From dissecting the latest runway looks to uncovering hidden gems in the world of skincare, she's your go-to guide for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of fashion and beauty.

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