30 Contemporary Women’s Mullet Hairstyle Variations

Bold and rebellious, the female mullet has become one of this year’s biggest hair trends. Clearly nonconformist yet practical, it appears everywhere—from schoolyards to red carpets.

When celebrities known for distinctive hairstyles such as Rihanna and Miley Cyrus embraced the trend, it signaled that the girl mullet is becoming popular. If you want to try it, these styling tips are essential.

A Brief History of a Mullet Haircut

The mullet haircut dates back to prehistoric times, when people found it practical to trim the front strands to keep hair out of their faces while leaving the longer back portion to warm the neck and protect against rain. The style became truly popular in the 1970s, highlighted by rock star David Bowie’s iconic orange mullet.

The 1980s marked the peak of the mullet; the hairstyle was widely popular and regarded as cool and fashionable. In the 1990s the trend declined. Those who once proudly tossed their mullets began cutting off the long back sections, and the style soon became viewed as embarrassing.

After several years of resurgence, the mullet haircut has evolved for the 21st century, allowing anyone to wear it confidently. More women now sport the style, adding a level of sophistication it previously lacked. The mullet is back—and this time, it’s staying.

How to Style a Modern Mullet

I’ll share female mullet ideas and tips for easy, efficient styling to elevate your haircut. I’ll suggest some favorite products, but you can substitute any you prefer.

1. Glam It Up

A modern mullet can be styled sleek and elegant. To achieve this look, apply a leave‑in conditioner and heat protectant to damp hair. My favorite is Unite 7seconds Detangler. Comb the hair into place and blow‑dry using your fingertips to shape it. Finish with Unite Second Day hair wax to tame flyaways, smooth the back of the mullet, and complete the style.

2. Cropped Mullet

The style that flatters Úrsula Corberó focuses on the haircut. The top is cut like a pixie, while the back keeps length, giving the mullet a cool edge. It’s definitely one of my favorite looks. To achieve it, apply a leave‑in conditioner and comb through, blow‑dry with your hands to add texture, then use Sacha Juan hair wax for definition.

3. Punk Mullet

See how Úrsula elevated her mullet, turning it into a stunning red‑carpet style. To achieve this look, apply Unite Hair Blow & Set Lotion for body and hold. Blow‑dry with a round brush to add volume. Use a styler to create wavy texture on top, then style forward with hair wax. Take a comb, apply gel to the teeth, and smooth the sides of the mullet backward. Using a hairdryer on medium heat and speed, dry the gelled sides to set them.

4. Beach Mullet

Sophie Thatcher’s shaggy blonde mullet works well, and you can recreate it. Start with damp hair, apply a detangler, and comb through. Spray Sacha Juan Ocean Mist for texture and medium hold. Using a styler, form waves in various directions, keeping the plates angled downward to preserve length. Finish by applying texturizer spray and gently separating the waves with your fingers.

5. Wet Look

Kesha’s wet mullet is another hairstyle to love. After removing excess moisture, apply a moderate amount of gel to the top section and scrunch the rest into the ends. Shape the hair and dry it with a diffuser. Finish with a glossing spray to enhance the desired shiny wet appearance.

6. Naturally Curly Hair Mullet

For naturally curly hair, begin by applying a curly‑girl‑friendly styling product, such as Naughty Haircare Wave Hello Curl Taming Cream. Comb the hair with a Denman D3 styling brush, twisting the brush to form defined curls. Dry with a diffuser on low or medium heat to minimize frizz. Finally, massage Unite U Oil into your palms and scrunch it into the hair to loosen the curls.

7. Medium-Length Textured Mullet

A messy shullet can work wonders for curly hair. Because curls are often difficult to style and maintain, this cut simplifies your hair care routine. Simply cut the hair into layers of varying lengths and use hairspray to enhance definition.

8. Wolf Cut Mullet for Thick Hair

This modern mullet echoes the classic style, differing only by its bold retro vibe. Gradual, choppy layers add texture to your hair, giving you a look reminiscent of 1980s fashion icons.

9. Straight Mullet Haircut with Long Fringe

Make this sleek, thin mullet your signature style to attract special attention. Embrace your fine hair texture, as this cut demonstrates that your hair can look great without added volume.

10. Messy Mullet with Flipped-Up Layers

Flipped hair appears fancy and creative, making it hard to look away. This style provides inspiration for women who want to experiment with mid‑length hair to achieve a playful yet stylish cut.

11. Short Mullet Hairstyle for Brunettes

The mullet trend is gaining popularity among fashion enthusiasts, offering you an opportunity to stay current and impress with a feminine, modern mullet. Sexy and bold, this style instantly puts you in the spotlight.

12. Pixie Mullet in Pink and Blonde Tones

A short mullet is both very attractive and low‑maintenance. Brighten it by dyeing the hair blonde and adding pale pink highlights to the strands and fringe.

13. Long Blonde Shaggy Mullet

This attractive blonde shullet suits every hair type and texture. To achieve the look with long hair, keep the top and sides short while leaving the back longer. Add choppy layers to create movement and volume.

14. Spiky Shaggy Mullet for Longer Strands

If you need inspiration for a new haircut, consider looking at celebrity styles. For instance, a mullet with full textured bangs, inspired by Dolly Parton, can add a distinctive touch to your look and draw attention.

15. Mullet with Soft Curls

For straight hair, apply a hair mousse for hold and blow‑dry to set it. Next, use the Chopstick Styler No. 1 curling wand, taking 2 cm sections and wrapping each around the wand. Finally, rub Unite U Oil between your palms and scrunch it into the hair to loosen the curls.

16. Dimensional Textured Shullet

This short, shaggy haircut evokes the popular mullet Scarlett Johansson wore in the 2000s. Cute and flirty, the modern take on this classic mullet works best with highlights that add texture to the layers.

17. Charming Mullet with Face-Framing Bangs

The next mullet style is both delightful and striking—precisely what a fashion‑forward woman wants. Moreover, this layered, cropped haircut is highly versatile and works for both thin and thick hair.

18. Mullet with Bangs and Gradual Layers

Do you know how to quickly and effortlessly change your look? Bangs—yes, bangs—can highlight your facial features and make you appear younger, especially when paired with a stylish mullet.

19. Pixie Mullet with Choppy Layers

The pixie mullet, inspired by American singer Demi Lovato, is an appealing style. It appears effortless and attractive, and it is easy to maintain and style—important for contemporary women.

20. Edgy Mullet Cut with Shaved Sides

If you want to make a statement, this sassy mullet with micro bangs and shaved temples is an ideal choice. Pair the look with bold accessories to achieve a true rock‑star appearance.

21. Modern Wolf Haircut with Long Bangs

This contemporary take on the classic mullet offers ample volume and texture. Feathered bangs soften the look, highlight the layers, and frame the face.

22. Extra Long Shaggy Mullet with Ombre

The mullet is usually applied to medium‑length hair, though it can also be effective on long hair. The clear contrast between the short, textured layers on the crown and the longer hair at the back makes the style stand out.

23. Elegant Short Mullet for Thick Locks

Classic mullet haircuts focus on a textured top and messy layers, but you can style this retro look to be cleaner and softer, as shown in the picture. This versatile option can add volume to thin hair or, conversely, make thick hair feel lighter.

24. Layered Bouncy Curls with Highlights

Spiral curls instantly add volume and movement to your hair. Combine them with layers and highlights for a dimensional, absolutely gorgeous look. Save this idea for your next salon visit to give your curly hair a trendy style.

25. Platinum Mullet with Long Wispy Bangs

Blonde hair is often linked to femininity and charm, while a mullet haircut adds a touch of edge. Once extremely popular in the 1990s, the mullet is trending again, so don’t delay—embrace the mullet trend in 2026.

26. Thick Textured Mullet on Black Hair

This low‑maintenance style offers a great option for women who wish to try a new hair look without drastic changes. Subtle layers reduce bulk and highlight an oval face shape.

27. Sleek & Straight

With damp hair, apply Unite Lazer Straight (it already includes thermal protection, as most Unite products do). Blow‑dry your hair using your preferred brush. Then use your styler to straighten the hair for a sleek, smooth look. Finally, massage a small amount of hair serum into the palms of your hands and apply it to tame flyaways and add shine.

28. Girl Mullet with Flicked Ends

To achieve this look, apply Unite 7seconds Detangler and comb through. Spray a volumizing product over the hair—Unite Boosta works well. Blow‑dry using your hands to add volume. Style the back ends of the mullet upward with your preferred styler, then finish with hairspray to set the style.

29. Effortless and Textured

If you want thicker‑looking hair, first apply heat protection. Then use Unite Liquid Volume to add texture and hold, and blow‑dry your hair with your hands. Apply a texturizing spray for extra body, and finish by shaping the sideburns with a hair‑wax dressing.

30. Long Mullet

This longer mullet often looks like a shag haircut. Apply salt spray to your hair, then dry it while the product remains, using your hands to add texture. Pick random sections and curl them with a styler for an effortless, beachy effect, and finish by loosening the waves with your fingers.

I hope you enjoyed this brief guide to styling a modern mullet. Follow me on Instagram @mphairartist, or find my account on TikTok and Facebook to view my session styling and salon work.