The modern mullet has officially shed its vintage reputation. By blending the rebellious length of the 80s with the precision of a taper fade, today’s man achieves a sharp, versatile look.
This hybrid style offers the best of both worlds. You get the rugged “business in the front, party in the back” energy while maintaining clean lines around the ears and neckline.
Whether you have curly, straight, or textured hair, there is a variation that fits your face shape. Here are 18 hairstyles for men mullet cuts with modern taper fades to inspire your next barber visit.
1. The Classic Taper Fade Mullet
The classic taper fade mullet is the perfect entry point for men who want a balanced silhouette. It features a modest length at the back that transitions smoothly into a clean taper around the ears.
This style works exceptionally well for professional men who need a look that feels controlled yet stylish. The taper ensures the sides stay neat, preventing the “overgrown” look often associated with traditional mullets.
To style this, use a medium-hold pomade to keep the top structured. Focus on smoothing the side hair down toward the ears to highlight the precision of the taper fade transition.
2. Curly Texture Mullet with Low Taper
Men with natural curls can leverage the mullet’s structure to manage volume effectively. The low taper fade creates a sharp contrast against the bouncy, textured hair at the crown and the nape.
This cut embraces natural movement while keeping the bulk away from the sides of the face. It is an ideal choice for men with square or oval face shapes who want to soften their features.
Maintain this look with a curl-defining cream or sea salt spray. Air-drying is usually best to preserve the natural coil of the hair while keeping the tapered sections looking crisp and fresh.
3. The Burst Fade Mullet
The burst fade is a modern variation that curves specifically around the ear, leaving more length at the back and top. It creates a circular fade effect that draws attention to the temple.
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Because the burst fade grows out quickly, you will need regular touch-ups every two to three weeks. Use a high-shine wax to define the “mohawk” influence that this specific mullet variation often carries.
4. Messy Top Mullet with High Taper
If you prefer a relaxed aesthetic, the messy top mullet with a high taper offers a “woke up like this” vibe. The high taper starts further up the head, providing a very clean side profile.
This cut relies on internal layers to create volume and movement at the top and back. It is particularly flattering for men with thick hair who want to reduce weight without losing their signature length.
Styling is effortless with a matte clay or texturizing powder. Simply work the product through your fingers and tousle the top, letting the back flow naturally over the collar for a rugged finish.
5. Slicked-Back Mullet with Skin Taper
For a more polished and aggressive look, the slicked-back mullet utilizes a skin taper that fades down to the scalp. This creates a high-contrast appearance that looks incredibly sharp from every angle.
The hair on top is kept long enough to be combed straight back, merging seamlessly with the length at the nape. This style exudes a modern “bad boy” aesthetic that remains groomed and intentional.
You will need a strong-hold gel or heavy pomade to achieve the slicked-back effect. Use a fine-tooth comb to ensure every hair is in place, emphasizing the transition between the long top and the bald taper.
6. Fringed Modern Mullet with Taper
Adding a fringe or bangs to a mullet helps balance out longer face shapes. The modern taper on the sides ensures that the fringe doesn’t make the head look too wide or bowl-shaped.
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Lightweight mousses work best for this style to keep the fringe from looking greasy or heavy. Blow-dry the fringe forward with your fingers to create a natural, effortless texture that complements the tapered sides.
7. Short Crop Mullet with Mid Taper
The short crop mullet is a subtle take on the trend, featuring a blunt-cut top and a modest tail. The mid taper starts at the temple, providing a gradual transition that isn’t too extreme.
This is a great option for men who want to experiment with the mullet shape without committing to long, flowing locks at the back. It is a highly functional cut that requires very little daily maintenance.
Ask your barber for a “crop” on top with plenty of texture. A small amount of matte paste is all you need to define the layers and keep the taper looking sharp throughout the day.
8. Wavy Mullet with Temple Taper
The temple taper focuses specifically on the sideburn area, leaving the rest of the sides slightly fuller. When paired with wavy hair, this creates a soft, voluminous mullet that feels very contemporary.
This style is perfect for men who want a more organic look that doesn’t feel overly “barbered.” It allows the waves to flow naturally while keeping the area around the ears tidy and accessible.
To keep waves from frizzing, use a leave-in conditioner or a light grooming cream. The temple taper should be kept short to provide that necessary bit of modern grooming to an otherwise wild style.
9. Pompadour Mullet with Sharp Taper
The pompadour mullet is a high-fashion choice that combines 1950s volume with 1980s length. The sharp taper on the sides makes the voluminous top and back stand out even more.
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A blow dryer and a round brush are essential tools for this hairstyle. Use a high-hold spray to lock the pompadour in place, ensuring the taper remains the focal point of the side profile.
10. Platinum Blonde Taper Mullet
Color can drastically change the impact of a mullet. A platinum blonde or bleached mullet with a dark taper fade creates a striking visual contrast that is popular in modern streetwear culture.
The dark roots at the tapered sides provide depth, while the lightened length at the top and back catches the light. This is a high-maintenance color choice but offers a high-reward aesthetic.
Since bleaching can dry out hair, use a purple shampoo to keep the blonde tones cool and a hydrating mask to maintain the health of the length. The taper should be trimmed often to keep the color contrast sharp.
11. Afro-Textured Mullet with Drop Taper
For men with 4C hair or tight coils, the mullet can be shaped into a stunning architectural style. The drop taper follows the natural curve of the head, falling behind the ear for a clean finish.
This style celebrates the natural volume and height of Afro-textured hair. The back is allowed to grow out into a “wolf” tail, creating a unique profile that is both cultural and modern.
Moisture is key for this look; use a high-quality hair oil or butter to keep the coils hydrated. Frequent edge-ups with your barber will ensure the drop taper stays crisp against the textured length.
12. Spiky Mullet with Undercut Taper
The spiky mullet borrows elements from punk rock and modern “e-boy” aesthetics. An undercut taper provides a disconnected feel, where the longer top hair hangs slightly over the buzzed sides.
This style is all about height and verticality. The back is often point-cut to create jagged, “spiky” ends that mimic the texture of the top, giving the whole head a cohesive, energetic look.
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13. Long Flowing Mullet with Low Taper
For the man who truly wants to embrace the “party in the back,” the long flowing mullet is the ultimate choice. A low taper fade keeps the sideburns clean without sacrificing the overall length.
This version is most successful when the hair reaches the shoulders or beyond. The taper at the ears prevents the hair from looking like a standard “long hair” cut, giving it that intentional mullet structure.
Regular conditioning is vital to keep the long back sections from developing split ends. When styling, use a light serum to add shine and prevent tangles in the length while keeping the tapered sides sleek.
14. Salt and Pepper Taper Mullet
The mullet is not just for the youth; older men can pull off a sophisticated version with grey or salt-and-pepper hair. A clean taper fade gives the style a mature, intentional edge.
The silver tones add a natural highlight effect to the texture of the mullet. Keeping the sides tapered very short helps to hide thinning areas around the temples that often occur with age.
Use a grooming cream with a natural finish to keep the hair looking healthy and soft. This style proves that the modern mullet is a versatile option for men of all ages and walks of life.
15. The Euro-Style Mullet with High Fade Taper
Popular in European fashion hubs, this mullet is characterized by extremely short, often blunt-cut sides and a very narrow strip of hair running down the back. It is almost a mohawk-mullet hybrid.
The high fade taper moves quickly into the skin, creating a very narrow and sharp look. It’s a bold choice for men who want a haircut that stands out in a crowd and looks great with high-fashion attire.
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16. Disconnected Mullet with Sharp Taper
A disconnected mullet features a sharp line where the long hair on top meets the short tapered sides. There is no blending here; the contrast is immediate and deliberate.
This style is perfect for men with straight, thick hair that can support its own weight. The “disconnection” highlights the architectural nature of the taper and the dramatic length of the back.
To maintain the sharp line, you will need to see your barber frequently. Use a flat iron if necessary to keep the top and back sections perfectly straight, emphasizing the clean “break” from the tapered sides.
17. The Mullet-Hawk with Mid Taper
The mullet-hawk is a hybrid that brings the center-focused volume of a mohawk into the elongated back of a mullet. The mid taper on the sides provides a “breathing room” for the eyes.
This is a very masculine and rugged look, often favored by men in the rock or motorcycle communities. It allows for significant height on the crown while maintaining that signature tail at the neck.
Work a heavy-duty clay through the center of your hair, pushing it toward the middle. The tapered sides should be left product-free to emphasize the contrast in texture and height.
18. Subtle “Office” Mullet with Taper
The “office” mullet is for the man who wants a trend-forward look that remains conservative enough for a corporate environment. The taper is gradual, and the back length is kept just at the collar.
This version relies on a very smooth blend between the top, sides, and back. It gives the impression of a standard taper cut from the front, with a stylish surprise when you turn around.
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How do I ask my barber for a taper fade mullet?
You should specify whether you want a low, mid, or high taper fade on the sides. Bring a photo of the specific length you want at the back, as “mullet” can mean anything from two inches to shoulder-length.
How often should I trim the taper part?
The taper fade is the first part of the haircut to lose its “crispness.” To keep the look modern and sharp, you should visit your barber every 2 to 3 weeks for a side touch-up, even if you are growing out the back.
Is the taper fade mullet suitable for all face shapes?
Yes, but the “height” of the taper and the “length” of the top should be adjusted. For example, men with round faces should opt for a high taper with volume on top to elongate the face, while men with long faces should keep the top flatter.
What hair products are best for a modern mullet?
This depends on your hair type. For texture and a natural look, use sea salt spray or matte clay. For a more polished or “wet” look, go with a water-based pomade or a medium-hold gel.
Can I get a mullet if I have thinning hair?
Actually, a mullet with a taper fade can be quite flattering for thinning hair. The short sides (taper) make the hair on top look thicker by comparison, and the length at the back adds a sense of overall volume.
How do I maintain the back of the mullet so it doesn’t look messy?
The key is to ask your barber to add “texture” or “layers” to the back rather than just letting it grow straight. Use a little bit of leave-in conditioner to prevent the ends from frizzing and keep the “tail” looking intentional rather than unkempt.
