Mullet haircut

A mullet is a men’s cut where the hair is shorter at the front, on top and at the sides, while the back is left noticeably longer and falls onto the neck. Contrast is the whole point: from the front it looks like a neat, ordinary cut, and from behind it shows character.

A mullet is a men’s cut where the hair is shorter at the front, on top and at the sides, while the back is left noticeably longer and falls onto the neck. Contrast is the whole point: from the front it looks like a neat, ordinary cut, and from behind it shows character.

The classic ’80s mullet had short, even sides, a big top and hair down to the shoulders. Today’s men’s version is softer: the temples are often faded or cut with scissors, the top is textured, and the back usually ends 5–15 cm below the hairline, so it touches the collar rather than resting on the shoulders.

The shape rests on three zones. The front and crown decide how the cut looks in the mirror. The temples set how bold it is: the shorter the sides, the sharper the contrast. The back is the mullet’s signature, and its length and shape are what your barber will discuss with you most carefully.

A mullet is not the same as neglect. If you simply stop cutting the back, you get a grown-out haircut. A real mullet has a planned weight line at the back, a clear transition and a clean outline above the ears, so even long hair looks put together.

Technically a mullet is a full Men’s Haircut: the top and back are cut with scissors, and the sides with scissors or clippers, depending on how strong a contrast you want. It takes time and precision, not just a clipper with a guard.

People often confuse the mullet with the undercut and with long-hair cuts. The difference is simple: an undercut keeps the length on top with the sides and back cut short, while a mullet does the opposite and keeps the length at the back. There is a detailed comparison at the end of the page.

The main photo shows a Viking look with long hair and braids. It is not a mullet, just inspiration with the same long-at-the-back attitude. Below you will find the cut’s history from ancient Rome to mullet championships, its key specs, tips and photo ideas for your first talk with a barber.

The mullet is a haircut with character, and that character takes a little work. Here are the upsides and the trade-offs.

The mullet is a haircut with character, and that character takes a little work. Here are the upsides and the trade-offs.

Not sure? Start with a soft mullet: a gentle contrast and collar-length hair at the back. If it is not for you, your barber will take off the back at the next visit and you will be left with a tidy medium-length cut.

Pro: people remember you. A mullet stands out at first glance and says something about your style straight away.

Pro: nothing in your eyes. The front and sides are shorter, so the length never gets in the way at work or in the gym.

Pro: made for curls and waves. Natural texture gives the back volume without a daily fight with your hair.

Pro: little styling. A modern mullet needs only some cream or salt spray and a couple of minutes.

Pro: flexibility. From a mullet you can easily move to a short cut or to long hair, as the length is already there.

Con: not for every dress code. A strict office only allows the restrained version.

Con: the length has to grow. It usually takes a few months before the back becomes noticeable.

Con: regular touch-ups. Without tidying the sides the contrast fades and the mullet becomes simply grown-out hair.

Con: hard to recreate yourself. You cannot shape the transition and the weight at the back with clippers at home.

Con: fine hair. Thin strands at the back look sparse, so fine hair is better served by a short version.

Allow 45–75 minutes for a mullet at Lumberjack. The barber works through five steps, and the most important is the first one: the talk.

Allow 45–75 minutes for a mullet at Lumberjack. The barber works through five steps, and the most important is the first one: the talk.

1. Consultation. The barber checks your hair density, natural wave, cowlicks at the back and the neck hairline, and asks how bold a contrast you are after and how many minutes a morning you will give it.

2. The back. First you agree on how much length to keep at the back, and the barber shapes the weight: a straight line, soft choppy ends or curls that fall into place on their own.

3. The sides. The temples are shortened with scissor-over-comb or clippers, up to a fade. This decides how sharp the transition to the long back will be.

4. The top. The crown and front are cut with scissors and texturised so the top connects with the back instead of living apart from it.

5. Outline and styling. A trimmer sets the line above the ears, then comes a wash and drying. The barber applies product in front of you and explains how much to use so the back doesn’t clump.

If it is your first visit, show your barber a photo of a mullet you like and a photo of the back of your head: it makes agreeing on the length at the back much easier.

Scissors, combs and clipper guards are cleaned, disinfected and sterilised after every guest. If you wear a beard, add a trim to the visit: a shaped beard makes a mullet look even more rugged.

You can book a mullet at any of the ten Lumberjack barbershops in Kyiv; every one is open 10:00–21:00, seven days a week. Choose your barber and their level in online booking, as that sets the cost.