The mullet is back, and it looks nothing like the 1980s version.
Modern barbers have refined this cut. They’ve added fades, texture, and clean lines. The result is a hairstyle that turns heads for the right reasons.
These modern mullet fade show how versatile this cut can be. From conservative to bold, there’s something here for every guy.
Each style brings its own character to the table.
What is a Modern Mullet Fade Haircut?
A modern mullet fade combines short, faded sides with longer hair in the back. The fade creates a smooth transition from skin or very short hair up to the longer top and back sections.
Unlike the classic 80s mullet, today’s version is cleaner and more refined. The fade can be low, mid, or high on the sides.
The back length varies based on personal preference and style goals.
This updated take works in professional settings while still showing personality.
Modern Mullet Fade Styles
The mullet comes in many forms. Each variation brings something different to the table.
The following are modern takes on this classic cut.
1. Textured Mullet
This style adds layers and movement throughout the hair. It works well for guys who want a relaxed look.
The fade keeps sides clean while textured layers create volume and dimension.
- Face Shape: Oval and square faces
- Growth and Longevity: Needs trims every 3-4 weeks to maintain texture and fade
- Styling Tips: Use sea salt spray for natural texture and matte finish
2. Burst Fade Mullet
Image Credit: @Boldsir
The fade curves around the ear in a semicircle shape.
This creates a unique look that frames the face differently. The burst effect adds visual interest to standard sides.
- Face Shape: Round and oval faces
- Growth and Longevity: Requires maintenance every 2-3 weeks for clean burst lines
- Styling Tips: Apply light pomade to the back, keep sides clean and fresh
3. Skin Fade Mullet
Image Credit: @Modern Gentleman Magazine
The sides go down to bare skin at the bottom. This creates maximum contrast between short and long sections.
It’s a bold choice that makes a statement.
- Face Shape: Oval and heart-shaped faces
- Growth and Longevity: High maintenance, needs barber visits every 10-14 days for sharpness
- Styling Tips: Use styling cream on length, let the fade speak for itself
4. Taper Fade Mullet
Image Credit: @pinterest
The hair gradually gets shorter as it moves down the sides. This creates a softer transition than a skin fade.
It’s more conservative while still being modern and stylish.
- Face Shape: Suits all face shapes
- Growth and Longevity: Grows out gracefully, trim every 3-4 weeks as needed
- Styling Tips: Blow-dry back with a round brush for volume and shape
5. Low Fade Mullet
Image Credit: @VAGA magazine
The fade starts lower on the head near the ears. This keeps more length on the sides overall.
It’s a subtle approach that works in professional settings.
- Face Shape: Long and rectangular faces
- Growth and Longevity: Lasts longer between cuts, about 4-5 weeks before reshaping
- Styling Tips: Use light wax to define the back without weighing it down
6. High Fade Mullet
Image Credit: @Muhaimin
The fade starts high up on the head. This creates a dramatic contrast between the top and sides.
It’s a modern take that draws attention to hair texture.
- Face Shape: Round and oval faces
- Growth and Longevity: Needs frequent touch-ups every 2 weeks for a clean appearance
- Styling Tips: Style top forward, use a firm hold product for structure
7. Drop Fade Mullet
Image Credit: @CURIOUS EYES
The fade drops down behind the ear, following the natural head shape. This creates a unique curved line that flows smoothly.
It adds extra style to the standard fade approach.
- Face Shape: Works well for most face shapes
- Growth and Longevity: Maintain every 2-3 weeks to keep the drop line defined
- Styling Tips: Blow-dry back hair up and out for fullness
8. Undercut Mullet
Image Credit: @Gents Osprey
A hard line separates the top from the sides completely. The disconnect creates a clear division between sections.
It’s edgy and works for guys wanting maximum impact.
- Face Shape: Square and oval faces
- Growth and Longevity: Grows out distinctly, needs cuts every 3 weeks for definition
- Styling Tips: Slick back top with pomade, keep undercut line sharp
9. Shaggy Mullet
Image Credit: @VAGA magazine
Layers throughout create a messy, lived-in appearance intentionally. The fade keeps it from looking unkempt on the sides.
This style balances structure with casual, carefree vibes that appeal widely.
- Face Shape: Oval and oblong faces
- Growth and Longevity: Low maintenance between cuts, trim every 4-5 weeks maximum
- Styling Tips: Scrunch with texture spray while damp for movement
10. Curly Mullet Fade
Image Credit: @FASHION TRENDS DAILY
Natural curls get to shine in this version beautifully. The fade controls bulk on the sides effectively.
Curls in the back create volume and personality that straight hair can’t match.
- Face Shape: Works for all face shapes
- Growth and Longevity: Trims every 4-6 weeks, depending on curl tightness and growth
- Styling Tips: Use curl cream on damp hair, air dry naturally
11. French Crop Mullet
Image Credit: @Joel Cruz Torres
Short fringe in front meets longer back hair. The fade blends everything smoothly and cohesively.
It’s a unique combination of two popular styles merged into one.
- Face Shape: Round and square faces
- Growth and Longevity: Maintain fringe every 3 weeks, back grows out well naturally
- Styling Tips: Push fringe forward, add texture powder for a matte finish
12. Fringe Mullet
Image Credit: @Pepe
Longer bangs in front add coverage and style. The back flows freely while the sides stay controlled.
This creates an interesting contrast between all three sections working together harmoniously.
- Face Shape: Perfect for long faces
- Growth and Longevity: Trim fringe every 2-3 weeks, back less frequently as desired
- Styling Tips: Blow-dry fringe to the side, use light paste overall
13. Quiff Mullet
Image Credit: @WiseBarber.com │ Wise Grooming Products for Confident Men
Volume on top gets styled upward and back. The fade keeps sides tight and controlled always.
Length in the back completes this three-part hairstyle combination that works surprisingly well.
- Face Shape: Round and square faces
- Growth and Longevity: High maintenance style, needs styling daily and trims biweekly
- Styling Tips: Blow dry quiff up with mousse for lasting height
14. Faux Hawk Mullet
Image Credit: @Mack Rahmani
Hair on top stands up in a mohawk shape. Faded sides emphasize the center strip’s height dramatically.
The back adds unexpected length to this already bold style statement.
- Face Shape: Oval and diamond faces
- Growth and Longevity: Requires daily styling effort, barber visits every 2-3 weeks
- Styling Tips: Use strong gel on the center, spike upward firmly
15. Spiky Mullet Fade
Image Credit: @Gents Osprey
Short spikes on top create texture and dimension. The fade transitions smoothly to longer back sections.
It’s playful while maintaining a put-together appearance throughout the entire head.
- Face Shape: Works for most face shapes
- Growth and Longevity: Style daily with product, trim every 3-4 weeks regularly
- Styling Tips: Use fiber paste, twist pieces upward with fingers
16. Permed Mullet
Image Credit: @MensHairCuts
Chemical processing adds permanent waves or curls throughout. The fade keeps sides manageable and clean-looking.
This gives straight-haired guys the texture and volume they naturally lack otherwise.
- Face Shape: Oval and square faces
- Growth and Longevity: Perm lasts 3-4 months, fade needs weekly maintenance though
- Styling Tips: Scrunch with mousse when wet, let air dry
17. Layered Mullet
Image Credit: @Hairstyle King | Modern Cuts & Male Grooming Inspiration
Multiple layers throughout add depth and movement to the hair. This creates a dimension that catches light beautifully.
The fade provides clean sides while layers prevent the back from looking heavy or flat.
- Face Shape: Works for all face shapes
- Growth and Longevity: Trim every 4-5 weeks to maintain layer definition and shape
- Styling Tips: Apply texturizing spray, scrunch layers for a natural, separated look
18. Dyed Tips Mullet Fade
Image Credit: @Bowie
Color at the ends of the hair creates visual interest. The fade stays natural while tips show off personality and style.
It’s a fun way to experiment with color without full commitment.
- Face Shape: Oval and heart-shaped faces
- Growth and Longevity: Color touch-ups every 6-8 weeks, fade every 2-3 weeks
- Styling Tips: Use color-safe products, style tips outward for maximum impact
19. Blonde Mullet
Image Credit: @Hairstyle King | Modern Cuts & Male Grooming Inspiration
Light blonde color brightens the entire look dramatically. The fade contrasts with blonde length in the back sections.
This creates a sun-kissed appearance that works year-round for most guys.
- Face Shape: Oval or square face shapes
- Growth and Longevity: Tone hair every 4 weeks, trim fade every 2 weeks
- Styling Tips: Use purple shampoo weekly, and style with shine serum lightly
20. Colorful Mullet
Image Credit: @Claudio Barbetti Top Hair Guide
Bold colors like blue, green, or pink make statements. The fade keeps things grounded while color shows creativity.
It’s perfect for guys who want to stand out in any crowd.
- Face Shape: Works for all face shapes
- Growth and Longevity: Color fades quickly; refresh every 3-4 weeks as needed
- Styling Tips: Use color-depositing conditioner, style with lightweight products only
21. Straight Mullet
Image Credit: @VAGA magazine
Blunt bangs across the forehead create a striking look. The fade balances the weight of straight fringe nicely.
Back length adds contrast to this geometric, structured style that commands attention.
- Face Shape: Oval and diamond faces
- Growth and Longevity: Trim bangs every 2 weeks, back grows slower naturally
- Styling Tips: Flat iron bangs straight, use anti-frizz serum for smoothness
22. Caesar Mullet
Short horizontal fringe meets faded sides and longer back. This Roman-inspired cut gets a modern update here.
It’s a unique combination that few guys are wearing right now.
- Face Shape: Round and oval faces
- Growth and Longevity: Low maintenance style, trim every 3-4 weeks for neatness
- Styling Tips: Push fringe forward slightly, use matte clay for texture
23. Curtain Bangs Mullet
Image Credit: @Alec Chinchilla
Hair parts in the middle with bangs framing both sides. The fade keeps things modern while curtains add softness.
This 90s-inspired element works surprisingly well with mullet length in the back.
- Face Shape: Long and rectangular faces
- Growth and Longevity: Maintain the part and length every 3-4 weeks as it grows
- Styling Tips: Blow-dry bangs away from the center, use light mousse
24. Wolf Cut Mullet
Image Credit: @Hair Aide: Haircut Ideas and Hairstyle Inspirations
Heavy layers create a shaggy, voluminous appearance throughout. The fade tames sides while keeping the wild vibe.
It’s edgier than a standard mullet and works for fashion-forward guys.
- Face Shape: Works for most face shapes
- Growth and Longevity: Grows out well naturally, trim every 5-6 weeks maximum
- Styling Tips: Scrunch with sea salt spray, embrace the messy texture
25. Horseshoe Mullet
Image Credit: @Modern Gentleman Magazine
The fade creates a horseshoe shape around the head. This vintage style gets updated with modern fading techniques.
It’s bold and works best for guys who commit fully.
- Face Shape: Oval and square faces
- Growth and Longevity: Requires weekly maintenance to keep the horseshoe shape clean and defined
- Styling Tips: Keep the top slicked back, let the back flow freely, naturally
26. Flat Top Mullet
The top sits perfectly flat and level horizontally. Faded sides create a strong contrast with the structured top.
Length in the back adds an unexpected twist to this military-inspired cut.
- Face Shape: Square and rectangular faces
- Growth and Longevity: High maintenance, needs shaping every 2 weeks for flatness
- Styling Tips: Use strong gel, brush the top flat with a paddle brush
27. Comb-Over Mullet
Image Credit: @MensHairCuts
Hair sweeps to one side on top smoothly. The fade provides clean sides while the back adds length.
This professional-looking style works in office settings surprisingly well despite being a mullet.
- Face Shape: Great for all face shapes
- Growth and Longevity: Trim every 3-4 weeks, style daily for best appearance
- Styling Tips: Blow dry to the side, use pomade for shine and hold
28. Mohawk Mullet
Image Credit: @Slap Stick Sally
A strip of hair runs down the center. Faded sides emphasize the mohawk strip dramatically and boldly.
Back length completes this punk-rock-inspired look that turns heads everywhere you go.
- Face Shape: Oval and oblong faces
- Growth and Longevity: Daily styling required, barber visits every 2 weeks for maintenance
- Styling Tips: Spike center strip upward, use maximum hold gel firmly
29. Flowy Mullet Fade
Image Credit: @Angela Bowden
Loose, flowing hair in the back moves naturally and freely. The fade keeps sides controlled while the back cascades down.
This romantic take on the mullet works for guys with softer styles.
- Face Shape: Flatters all face shapes
- Growth and Longevity: Low maintenance between cuts, trim every 4-5 weeks when needed
- Styling Tips: Use leave-in conditioner, let air dry for natural movement
30. Angular Fringe Mullet
Image Credit: @pinterest
The fringe cuts at a sharp diagonal angle. Faded sides complement the geometric fringe shape perfectly here.
Back length adds contrast to this architectural, modern styling approach that’s very current.
- Face Shape: Square and rectangular faces
- Growth and Longevity: Maintain angle every 2-3 weeks to keep lines sharp
- Styling Tips: Blow-dry fringe at an angle, use strong paste
31. Short Quiff Mullet
Image Credit: @You’ll never get my show
A smaller quiff on top stays manageable daily. The fade transitions smoothly from quiff to longer back.
This toned-down version works for guys wanting subtle style without too much fuss.
- Face Shape: Round and square faces
- Growth and Longevity: Style every morning, trim every 3 weeks for shape
- Styling Tips: Use mousse, blow dry quiff back and up slightly
32. Advanced Curtain Mullet
Image Credit: @Wendy Tran
Longer curtain bangs frame the face with more drama. The fade balances the weight of extended curtains nicely.
Back flows freely, creating a complete look that’s very on-trend right now.
- Face Shape: Best for long and oval faces
- Growth and Longevity: Grow curtains out slowly, fade every 2-3 weeks regularly
- Styling Tips: Blow-dry curtains outward, use texturizing cream throughout
33. Exposed Sideburns Mullet
Image Credit: @Tamara Kraljevic
The fade stops above the sideburns intentionally here. This leaves sideburns visible and adds vintage character overall.
It’s a unique detail that sets this apart from standard fades completely.
- Face Shape: Square and rectangular faces
- Growth and Longevity: Maintain sideburn length weekly, fade every 2-3 weeks
- Styling Tips: Keep sideburns groomed neatly, style back hair casually
Some Extra Tips When Going for a Modern Mullet Fade Haircut
Getting a mullet with a fade sounds simple. Just ask for short on the sides and long in the back, right? Wrong.
Several pitfalls can turn this style from sharp to sloppy.
- Skipping the consultation: Walk into the barber shop with reference photos. Show exactly what you want. Don’t assume your barber reads minds.
- Going too long, too fast: Start with a moderate length in the back. You can always grow it out later. It’s harder to fix an extreme cut you hate.
- Ignoring your hair type: Straight hair and curly hair need different approaches. What works on thick hair might flop on thin strands.
- Neglecting the fade: The fade is what makes this cut modern. A clean fade separates the outdated from the current. Make sure your barber knows how to blend properly.
- Forgetting about maintenance: This style needs regular trims every 3-4 weeks. The fade grows out fast. The back needs shaping to avoid a messy look.
- Skipping styling products: The back needs texture and hold. Without a product, it just hangs there lifelessly. Invest in a good pomade or styling cream
To Wrap Up
These modern mullet fade styles prove one thing clearly. This cut has come a long way from its retro roots.
Today’s versions blend classic elements with fresh techniques that actually work.
Don’t skip the consultation with your barber. Bring photos. Ask questions. Make sure they understand your vision before the first snip happens.
Ready to try something different?
