21 Top Short Mullet Haircuts: From Classic to Modern Styles for All Hair Types

The short mullet haircut is making a bold comeback, blending retro vibes with modern flair. Whether you’re inspired by the rockstars of the ’80s or looking to add some edge to your style, this versatile haircut is perfect for those who want to stand out. But what makes this hairstyle so captivating? And how can it be customized for different hair types and face shapes? In this article, we’ll dive into 23 variations of the short mullet, each tailored to suit various preferences, from soft and subtle to very curly or straight. Plus, we’ll give you practical tips on styling and maintenance, ensuring your short mullet haircut stays sharp and stylish.

Classic Short Mullet: The Timeless Cut

The classic short mullet is a timeless style that stays true to the original concept—a shorter top and sides with a slightly longer back. This haircut strikes a perfect balance between edgy and wearable, making it ideal for those who appreciate a low-maintenance yet distinctive look. The classic short mullet suits most face shapes and is particularly flattering for those with straight hair, as it emphasizes the sleekness of the cut.

To maintain this cut, use a lightweight pomade like Baxter of California Hard Cream Pomade to add texture and control without weighing down your hair. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will help keep the length in check while maintaining the mullet’s sharp silhouette.

Modern Short Mullet: A Trendy Twist

The modern short mullet takes the traditional style and updates it with contemporary elements like a fade on the sides or a textured top. This version is more versatile, offering a fresher look while still keeping the rebellious spirit of the mullet alive. It works well with both straight and wavy hair, making it a go-to for those who want to experiment with their style.

For styling, a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray will add volume and separation to the top, giving the mullet a modern, airy feel. Regular touch-ups on the fade and a bit of product will keep this haircut looking sharp and trendy.

Short Curly Mullet: Embrace the Curls

The short curly mullet is a playful take on this classic style, emphasizing natural curls for a voluminous, bouncy look. This version is perfect for those with very curly hair who want to showcase their texture while enjoying the unique shape of a mullet. The length at the back allows the curls to shine, while the shorter top and sides keep the style manageable.

To keep your curls defined, use a curl-enhancing cream like DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler. This will help maintain the shape and prevent frizz, ensuring your curly mullet stays looking fresh and lively.

Short Mullet with Bangs: A Bold Statement

Adding bangs to a short mullet haircut creates a bold, edgy look that frames the face beautifully. This style can be tailored to suit both straight and curly hair, offering a unique twist on the traditional mullet. The bangs can be cut blunt for a dramatic effect or kept soft and wispy for a more subtle approach.

To style bangs, use a light hold styling cream like Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream to keep them smooth and in place. Regular trims will ensure the bangs stay at the perfect length, complementing the rest of the mullet.

Short Shaggy Mullet: Effortlessly Cool

The short shaggy mullet is all about embracing a messy, lived-in look. With plenty of layers and texture, this haircut adds volume and movement, making it perfect for those with fine or limp hair. The shaggy mullet is easy to style and maintain, offering a relaxed vibe that still stands out.

For effortless styling, use a sea salt spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray to enhance the shaggy texture and add a touch of grit. This will give your mullet a beachy, carefree feel that’s perfect for everyday wear.

Short Mullet Fade: A Clean Look

The short mullet fade merges the classic mullet with a sleek, modern fade, creating a clean and polished appearance. This style is perfect for those who want a more structured look while still enjoying the edgy appeal of a mullet. It suits straight and slightly wavy hair types and is particularly flattering for those with defined jawlines.

To maintain the fade, use a matte finish pomade like American Crew Matte Clay to keep the sides and top neat and controlled. Regular visits to the barber will keep the fade sharp and the mullet’s length balanced.

Textured Short Mullet: For Added Volume

The textured short mullet is ideal for those who want to add volume and dimension to their hairstyle. By incorporating choppy layers and plenty of texture, this mullet variation adds movement and body, making it a great choice for those with thin or fine hair.

For added texture, use a volumizing powder like Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Dust It Mattifying Powder. Sprinkle a little at the roots and tousle your hair for an instant lift and a fuller-looking mullet.

Short Mullet for Thick Hair: Taming the Mane

The short mullet for thick hair is designed to manage and showcase a full head of hair. This version involves thinning out some of the bulk while still maintaining the mullet’s signature shape. The result is a well-balanced style that makes the most of thick hair without overwhelming the face.

To manage thickness, use a smoothing cream like Redken Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame to keep the hair sleek and manageable. This will help reduce volume while still allowing the mullet to have its characteristic flow.

Short Mullet for Fine Hair: Creating Fullness

For those with fine hair, the short mullet can be a game-changer. This style focuses on adding layers and texture to create the illusion of fullness, making fine hair appear thicker and more voluminous. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to add some dimension and interest to their hairstyle.

Use a thickening spray like Aveda Thickening Tonic to give your hair a fuller appearance. Apply it to damp hair before blow-drying to maximize volume and body.

Short Mullet with Undercut: Edgy and Defined

The short mullet with an undercut combines the classic mullet shape with a bold, edgy undercut. This style is perfect for those who want to push the boundaries and make a strong statement with their haircut. The undercut adds contrast, making the mullet’s length at the back even more pronounced.

To keep the undercut sharp, use a styling gel like Johnny B. Mode Styling Gel for a sleek finish. This product will help define the undercut while giving the rest of the mullet a clean, polished look.

Short Mullet for Women: Breaking Gender Norms

The short mullet for women is a bold and empowering style that breaks away from traditional gender norms. This haircut can be tailored to suit different face shapes and hair textures, offering a versatile option for women who want to experiment with their look. Whether sleek and polished or wild and textured, the short mullet is a statement of individuality.

For a soft, feminine touch, use a lightweight mousse like Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam to add volume and control. This product will help style the mullet without weighing it down, keeping it light and bouncy.

Short Mullet with Highlights: Adding Dimension

Adding highlights to a short mullet haircut can enhance its texture and depth, creating a multi-dimensional look that stands out. This variation is perfect for those who want to add some color and personality to their mullet. Highlights can be subtle or bold, depending on the desired effect.

To maintain the vibrancy of your highlights, use a color-protecting shampoo like Pureology Hydrate Shampoo. This will help keep the colors fresh and prevent fading, ensuring your mullet stays vibrant.

Messy Short Mullet: The Casual Approach

The messy short mullet is for those who prefer a laid-back, carefree style. With minimal styling required, this version of the mullet is all about embracing natural texture and movement. It’s perfect for anyone looking for an easy, everyday hairstyle that still makes a statement.

For a messy, undone look, use a texture paste like Hanz de Fuko Quicksand. This product adds grit and texture, making it easy to achieve that perfectly imperfect mullet.

Short Mullet for Round Faces: Balancing Proportions

A short mullet can be particularly flattering for those with round faces, as the longer back and shorter sides help elongate the face, balancing its proportions. This style works best with some added volume on top, creating a more oval appearance.

To enhance volume, use a root-lifting spray like Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus. This will give your mullet the height it needs to complement your face shape.

Short Mullet for Square Faces: Softening Angles

For those with square faces, a short mullet can help soften the angles and create a more harmonious look. By adding layers and texture, this style can round out the edges of a square face, making it appear softer and more balanced.

To soften the look, use a smoothing serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum. This will keep the hair sleek and reduce any harshness in the mullet’s lines.

Asymmetrical Short Mullet: A Unique Edge

The asymmetrical short mullet offers a unique twist on the classic cut, with uneven lengths that create a striking, edgy look. This style is perfect for those who want to stand out and showcase their individuality. It works well with both straight and wavy hair, adding a dynamic element to the mullet.

For styling, use a flexible hold hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep the asymmetrical layers in place without stiffness. This will allow the hair to move naturally while maintaining its shape.

Short Mullet with Sideburns: Retro Revival

Adding sideburns to a short mullet brings a touch of retro flair to this modern haircut. This style is a nod to the mullet’s origins, combining the best of both worlds—classic and contemporary. It’s ideal for those who appreciate vintage-inspired looks with a modern twist.

To keep the sideburns sharp and defined, use a beard oil like Jack Black Beard Oil. This will help maintain the sideburns’ shape and keep the hair soft and conditioned.

Sleek Short Mullet: A Polished Look

The sleek short mullet is all about clean lines and a polished finish. This style is ideal for those who prefer a more refined take on the mullet, with smooth, glossy hair that shines. It works best with straight hair, as the sleekness complements the mullet’s shape.

For a sleek finish, use a smoothing balm like Kérastase Discipline Keratine Thermique. This will help tame any flyaways and give your mullet a smooth, glossy appearance.

Short Mullet for Older Adults: Age-Defying Style

The short mullet isn’t just for the younger crowd—older adults can rock this style too, bringing a youthful, rebellious edge to their look. This version is slightly more refined, with softer lines and a more subtle length difference between the top and back.

For a youthful, healthy shine, use a lightweight hair oil like Moroccanoil Treatment Light. This will add gloss and moisture without weighing down the hair, keeping your mullet looking vibrant.

Short Mullet with a Quiff: Volume on Top

The short mullet with a quiff is a dynamic combination that adds volume and height to the front while keeping the classic mullet shape at the back. This style is ideal for those with straight or slightly wavy hair who want to create a bold, voluminous look.

To keep the quiff in place, use a strong hold gel like L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel. This will give you the lift and control needed to maintain the quiff’s height throughout the day.

Short Mullet for Athletes: Function Meets Style

For athletes, the short mullet offers the perfect balance of style and practicality. This haircut is low-maintenance, easy to manage, and stays out of the way during physical activities, making it a popular choice among sports enthusiasts.

To keep the hair in place during workouts, use a sweat-resistant hair gel like Gorilla Snot Gel. This will ensure your mullet stays styled no matter how intense the activity.

Conclusion

The short mullet haircut is more than just a hairstyle—it’s a statement. Whether you’re looking for something classic, modern, edgy, or playful, there’s a version of the short mullet that can suit your style and personality. By following the tips provided for each type, you’ll be able to maintain your mullet’s shape, texture, and overall look with ease. Ready to make a bold change? The short mullet might just be the perfect cut for you.