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How to Style a Modern Mullet

Learn how to style a modern mullet with step-by-step tips that enhance texture, shape and balance for a polished, updated finish.

Updated on March 6, 2026 | 4 min read

Jaclyn LaBadia, Davines Writer

Key Takeaways

What to Know About the Modern Mullet

A modern mullet is a polished update with softer shape and better balance.
The style works across hair types and personal aesthetics.
Curly mullets need moisture and definition to control frizz.
Straight mullets benefit from added texture and lift.
Proper techniques and products keep the look modern and professional.

Rising Popularity of the Mullet

Shag haircuts have been trending for a while now, but the modern mullet is currently dominating. The iconic rocker hairstyle of the 80s is now the cool guys and girls haircut du’jour. Everyone from models and influencers to singers, actors and actresses are debuting their own takes on the mullet haircut. And it isn’t losing its grip on the A-list scene anytime soon. The cut’s versatility and low-maintenance level makes it perfect for all genders, hair textures and hair lengths. From longer, straight hair to uber curly short strands, all hair types can rock the modern mullet. It’s infinitely more wearable than its traditional counterpart, featuring short, choppy fringe, with shaggier sides and longer and wispier pieces at the back. It’s subtle, graduated and less dramatic. And because it's so textured, it looks fresh for longer in between cuts, growing into a long-layered shag over time.

How to Style a Modern Mullet for Curly Hair

When it comes to styling a modern mullet on curly hair, it’s almost as simple as wash and go. So wash your hair, grab a hair oil, curl gel and styling paste, follow these steps and go!

Start with clean, damp, towel-dried hair.
Use your fingers to scrunch This is a Curl Gel Oil through your hair from the bottom up to your crown.
Let it air dry, avoid touching it until fully dry.
Gently run This is a Medium Hold Pliable Paste through your curls with your fingers.
Finish with OI Oil on your ends to control frizz.

How to Style a Modern Mullet for Straight Hair

To style a modern mullet on straight hair you’ll need a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment, styling paste, dry texturizer and heat protectant. Gather your products, follow these steps and rock your straight mullet.

Apply a heat protectant to clean, damp, towel-dried hair.
Use a blow-dryer with a diffuser on high heat to dry the top and fringe, using your fingers to lift for volume.
Use This is a Dry Texturizer to add grit and a lived-in look through the front on top once dry.
Use a This is a Medium Hold Pliable Paste to smooth down the sides and define the back.
Finish with more This is a Dry Texturizer to hold the volume in place.

Essential Tips for Styling the Modern Mullet

These tips will help you to style the perfect modern mullet on curly or straight hair.

Regular trims and the right products keep your modern mullet looking fresh.
Styling essentials like a heat protectant, texture spray, styling paste, curl gel and hair oil are a must for an effortless finish.
Use a hydrating heat protectant to avoid heat damage when styling.
Apply This is a Dry Texturizer to boost the natural movement and add pieciness.
Add volume by blow-drying the top with a diffuser attachment, while lifting at the root with your fingers.
Define shape through the back and sides with a styling paste.
Control frizz and keep the look polished with OI Oil.
Shape waves and curls with This is a Curl Gel Oil.
Make your mullet messy by scrunching a This is a Medium Hold Pliable Paste into dry or damp hair.
Keep your mullet sleek with a comb to smooth hair back.

The Right Products for a Stylish Modern Mullet

These are the Davines product essentials for styling your cut. Stock up to maintain your modern mullet on curly or straight hair.

This Is A Dry Texturizer

A hair spray for texture and definition. This Is A Dry Texturizer gives the hair an instant full-bodied and tousled look without weighing it down. A must for adding volume and movement to your mullet.

OI Oil

A multi-function hair oil for adding shine and softness to hair while detangling and fighting frizz. OI Oil leaves hair protected, without weighing strands down. Perfect for keeping your mullet polished and frizz-free.

This is a Curl Gel Oil

A transformative curl gel oil for enhancing curls. This is a Curl Gel Oil provides moisture while controlling frizz and defining, leaving hair naturally soft and shiny. Ideal for styling a curly modern mullet.

This is a Medium Hold Pliable Paste

A natural finish, pliable styling paste. This Is A Medium-Hold Pliable Paste maintains the natural shine and movement of your hair, never leaving it stiff or sticky. Essential for smoothing and shaping your mullet.

OI All In One Milk

A multi-functional hair milk that tames, detangles and provides resistance to heat up to 446°F / 230°C. OI All In One Milk deeply moisturizes with a long-lasting sensory scent. A must for protecting your mullet from styling damage.

FAQs

Why do gen Z like mullets?

The modern mullet's versatility and low-maintenance level make it a favorite among gen Z, a generation that has come to embrace a natural, gender-fluid style. It’s the perfect haircut for all textures, lengths and genders, blurring the line between masculine and feminine, further adding to the gen Z appeal.

What is the modern version of the mullet?

The modern mullet is infinitely more wearable than the traditional. While it features the same short, choppy fringe, the sides are shaggier and the pieces at the back are longer and wispier. Today’s mullet is more graduated and less dramatic. And because it's so textured, it looks fresh for longer in between cuts, growing into a long-layered shag over time.

Can a mullet look professional?

Absolutely! The combination of the modern mullet’s clean lines, tapered sides and polished shape keeps it looking professional, especially when styled smooth and sleek. Keep the neckline trimmed and the hair clean to maintain a polished look.

What is the 5.5 haircut rule?

The 5.5 rule is a measurement technique that analyzes facial proportions and jawline structure to determine if short or long hair best suits a person's face. According to the rule, if the distance from earlobe to chin is less than 5.5 cm, short hair is more flattering, and if it’s over 5.5 cm, long hair is.