Hey there, fellow hair enthusiasts! Have you ever caught yourself scrolling through social media, spotting a guy with that effortlessly cool, edgy look, and thought, “Man, I could rock that“? As a professional barber with over 13 years behind the chair, I’ve seen trends come and go, but nothing quite like the resurgence of the mullet haircut. And when it’s paired with a clean taper fade? That’s the taper mullet – a modern twist on a classic that’s got everyone talking.
Let me share a quick story: Last week, a client walked in nervous about trying something new, but after we shaped up his low taper mullet, he left strutting like he owned the place. If you’re ready to dive into this versatile men’s hairstyle, stick around. I’ll break it all down with real barber insights, historical facts, and expert tips to make it your own.
What Exactly is a Taper Mullet?
Let’s start with the basics, shall we? A taper mullet combines the iconic mullet hairstyle – you know, business in the front, party in the back – with a smooth taper fade on the sides. Unlike a full fade that extends directly to the skin, a taper gradually shortens the hair, creating a seamless blend from longer lengths on top to shorter lengths on the sides and neck. This makes it one of the most adaptable mullet styles out there.
From my experience cutting hundreds of these, the taper adds a polished edge to the retro mullet vibe, making it suitable for everything from office days to weekend adventures. Historically, mullet-like cuts date back to ancient Greece, where warriors sported short fronts and longer backs for practicality in battle. Fast forward to the 80s, and it exploded in popularity, with about 20% of American men rocking some version during its peak, symbolizing rebellion and fun. Today, in 2025, the modern mullet revival is experiencing a surge, with searches for “mullet fade” increasing by 150% year-over-year, according to trend reports.
Popular Types of Taper Mullets: Find Your Perfect Variation
One thing I love about the taper mullet is its endless mullet variations. Here’s a breakdown of the most trending ones, based on what I’ve been cutting lately:
1. Low Taper Mullet:
Starts the fade low near the ears, keeping more length on the sides. Ideal for a subtle mullet that’s easy to grow out. I’ve given this to guys with round faces to add some elongation.
2. High Taper Mullet:
The fade kicks in higher up, creating a bolder contrast. Perfect for thick hair types, as it reduces bulk while highlighting the mullet length in the back.
3. Burst Fade Mullet:
This one’s exploding in popularity – a curved fade around the ears that “bursts” into the longer back. Great for curly mullet or wavy textures, adding that razor-sharp edge.
4. Mid Taper Mullet:
A balanced option, fading midway on the sides. It’s versatile for straight mullet or textured mullet looks.
Other cool twists include the undercut mullet for an extra edgy feel, the mohawk mullet for the daring, or the V-cut mullet with a sharp neckline. For cultural flair, there’s the Mexican mullet with bold layers or the Asian mullet adapted for finer strands. And don’t forget the mullet perm for added volume, or the mullet wolf cut for a shaggy, layered vibe.
Choosing the Right Taper Mullet for Your Hair Type and Face Shape
Not every mullet fade designs work for everyone, right? As a barber, I always assess hair types and face shapes first. For thick hair, a skin fade mullet thins things out without losing the party in the back. Thin hair? Go for a layered mullet to build volume – I’ve transformed flat locks into bold mullets this way.
Face shapes matter too: Oval faces suit almost any mullet with a taper, while round faces benefit from height on top in a high-taper mullet to slim things down. Square jaws pair well with softer, textured mullet edges, and longer faces shine with a short mullet to balance proportions. Curly-haired individuals, embrace the burst fade mullet for natural bounce; straight-haired individuals, add highlights or mullet dye for added dimension.
Pro tip from my chair: If you’ve got a beard, a mullet with beard combo is killer – think mullet mustache for that ultimate retro mullet swagger.
Step-by-Step: How to Get and Style
Ready to commit? Here’s how I guide clients through it. First, chat with your barber about your lifestyle – are you after a classic mullet or something more contemporary?
To get the cut: Start with clean hair. Use clippers for the side taper and neck taper, blending into the longer back. For a mullet haircut tutorial feel, ask for photos of mullet taper fade examples.
Styling? Keep it simple. Wash with a volumizing shampoo, then apply sea salt spray for texture. Blow dry with a diffuser for added movement, and finish with hair wax or pomade for mullet styling products to help hold the style in place. For curly mullet, scrunch in some curl cream. Have you tried blow-drying a mullet upside down? It adds reckless volume – trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Maintenance and Grooming: Keeping Your Mullet Fresh
Mullet maintenance is key to avoiding that awkward grow-out phase. Trim every 4-6 weeks to keep the taper crisp and the back from getting too wild. I’ve had clients transition to mullet by starting with a temp fade mullet, gradually letting the back grow.
Daily grooming: Use a comb for the front, fingers for the textured back. For colored mullet or highlighted mullet, protect with UV sprays. And if you’re growing out a mullet, patience is your friend – it takes 3-6 months to reach full length.
Pros and Cons
Let’s be real – every style has ups and downs.
Pros:
It’s super versatile for both thick and thin hair, boosting mullet confidence with its bold statement, and suits seasons like winter mullet for warmth or summer mullet for a breezy feel. Plus, it’s low-maintenance once styled.
Cons:
Daily styling may be required for some hair types, and the mullet style might not be well-received in extremely conservative offices (although subtle mullet versions are an option). Additionally, regular trimming of the mullet is part of your routine. But honestly, the pros outweigh the cons if you’re feeling adventurous.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Got questions? I’ve heard ’em all in the shop. Here are some common ones:
What’s the difference between taper vs fade in a mullet?
A taper gradually shortens hair, while a fade goes to skin – both work great for a mullet fade.
How long does it take to grow a mullet?
About 3-6 months, depending on your starting length.
Is a mullet suitable for all ages?
Absolutely! From kids’ mullet to pros in their 50s, it’s timeless.
Can I style a mullet for formal events?
Yes, slick it back with pomade for an office-friendly mullet.
What if my hair is fine – will it work?
Sure, add layers for a mullet for a thin hair boost.
How do I avoid mullet mistakes?
Communicate clearly with your barber – show pics!
There you have it – everything from mullet history to daily tips. If you’re considering jumping on this trend, visit our barber and mention that you want the modern taper mullet magic. What’s stopping you? Drop a comment below if you’ve got your own mullet story!
Alax, the mind behind hairecho.com, has spent 13+ years perfecting the art of hairstyling for both men and women. As a skilled barber and stylist, he crafts precise fades, clean cuts, and textured styles for men while creating flattering, versatile women’s cuts that enhance natural hair texture. Alax’s commitment to staying ahead of trends while delivering timeless, confidence-boosting results has made him a trusted figure in the modern grooming and hair community.