Six Modern Mullet Variations Making the Cut in 2026
From shaggy fringe to a bixie-inspired crop, these mullet hybrids bring soft layers, personal styling and wearable edge to the look.
The mullet’s 2026 appeal lies in its range: the defining contrast between shorter front layers and longer back pieces can be softened, sharpened or blended into a cut that suits different textures and lengths. Once closely associated with the bold silhouettes of the 1980s, it’s being reworked by Gen Z and Zillennials into styles that feel more personal than throwback.
“The mullet is making its way back, providing a versatile, built-in style that gives options,” says hairstylist Elba Rodriguez. The androgynous shape can read edgy and fashion-forward without demanding elaborate daily styling. Today’s versions span Suki Waterhouse’s shaggy, softer take and Olandria Carthen’s cropped, fashion-led interpretation.
Six ways to wear the modern mullet
Modern mullet
This is the closest of the six to the classic shape, but soft shaping changes its mood. Shaggy layers, thick swooping bangs and feathery edges create movement without a hard break between the lengths. Rodriguez describes softer, more feminine mullets as flowy, with wispy ends, fringe and pieces framing the face.
For lift at the crown, work volumizing spray or mousse through damp hair before air-drying or using heat. Rodriguez recommends John Frieda Volume Lift Mousse with the matching texturizing spray for touchable body and a light, feathery finish.
Style the modern mullet
Bixie mullet
Olandria’s cropped cut pairs the bob-pixie, or bixie, with the mullet’s rock-inspired edge. Wispy fringe and a flick of length at the back give it the signature outline, while short, choppy top layers make the finish feel deliberately undone. Rodriguez calls this a rebellious option, with visible disconnections and piecey sections at the back; it’s a strong starting point for anyone considering a shorter mullet.
A styling paste or smoothing cream can help separate the layers and define the wispy ends. The products featured here are R+Co Mannequin Styling Paste and John Freida Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-Up Hair Styling Cream.
Style the bixie mullet
Fringy mullet
For a mullet influence that preserves more length, Waterhouse’s shaggy style offers a useful reference. Thick bangs meet longer, piecey side fringe that melts into long layers, creating the shape through the front and sides instead of relying on a dramatic chop at the nape.
Rodriguez says the cut can bring together details from different styles, from rock-inspired fringe to shorter layers around the ears. A thorough consultation helps translate those preferences into a shape that works with the wearer’s hair texture and face-framing features. Styling options include Rōz Santa Lucia Styling Oil and IGK Body Language Rice Water Plumping and Thickening Mist.
Style the fringy mullet
Wolf-cut mullet
Miley Cyrus’s layered look leans into rock-star texture, concentrating a heavy curtain fringe and short crown layers at the front before tapering into a wispy bob at the back. Rodriguez describes the wolf-cut version as a layered shape that flows from the crown into longer back lengths.
To define separated pieces, try a dry shampoo paste and flexible hairspray. The source recommends R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste and Amika Fluxus Touchable Hairspray.
Style the wolf-cut mullet
Sweeping mullet
Olandria’s long, inky waves and tousled, feathery bangs show how the cut can keep its movement while feeling softer and more romantic. The sweeping fringe borrows from mullet styling without requiring a short, androgynous crop, making this a natural fit for someone who wants to retain length.
Hairstylist Rodger Azadganian advises choosing a cut around facial features, hair texture and personal style, rather than chasing a particular trend. For curls, the suggested products are John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Reviver Mousse and PATTERN Curl Mousse for Curls & Coils.
Style the sweeping mullet
Pixie shag
Iris Law’s short crop sits between a pixie and a full mullet: loose in shape, slightly longer at the back and finished without a full fringe. Rodriguez notes that androgynous cuts tend to have an edgier feel. Pomade or styling cream can bring out small curls and add definition; for precise placement on short hair, the source singles out the Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Wand.
Style the pixie shag
Across all six versions, the cut’s defining idea is adaptable layering. Bring reference photos to your stylist, name the details you want in the fringe, sides and back, and discuss how your texture and preferred length can shape the result.
