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The mullet has made a bold comeback in recent years, combining retro charm with modern flair. From short and edgy to long and wavy, the mullet can suit various hair types and lengths. But how does one make a mullet feel fresh and current in 2024? The answer lies in pairing the classic mullet with a fade. This versatile combo adds structure, complements different face shapes, and can be tailored with low, mid, or high fades. Let’s dive into 23 trending faded mullet styles, each offering a unique twist on this iconic haircut.
Classic Low Fade Mullet
The Classic Low Fade Mullet is a timeless fusion of the old-school mullet with a subtle, modern twist. Featuring a low taper fade along the sides and back, this cut keeps the top longer while blending seamlessly into a longer tail at the nape. It’s an ideal choice for men looking for a modern yet conservative mullet. This style works well with both straight and wavy textures, suiting those with an oval or round face shape. A low fade keeps it classy, giving the hair a defined structure without sacrificing length in the back.
To maintain this look, use American Crew Fiber Cream to style the longer sections, providing hold without stiffness. Regular trims are essential to keep the fade sharp and the back from growing out too long. For added volume, especially for wavy hair, try TIGI Bed Head Matte Separation Workable Wax.
High Fade Textured Mullet
The High Fade Textured Mullet brings boldness to the forefront with a dramatic high fade that quickly tapers into longer hair at the crown and back. This style creates a striking contrast between the short sides and the voluminous top and back, perfect for men seeking an edgier look. Best suited for straight to wavy hair, the high fade emphasizes angular face shapes and gives a modern, high-fashion edge to the mullet.
To enhance texture, work in Bumble and Bumble Texture Cream on damp hair and use a blow dryer to lift the hair at the roots. Redken Brews Texture Pomade can add separation and definition to achieve that lived-in, textured look without shine.
Curly Mullet with Skin Fade
For those with natural curls, the Curly Mullet with Skin Fade is an ideal way to embrace texture while keeping a clean look around the sides. This cut features a skin fade that gradually blends into curly hair, adding depth and structure to the curls, making it low-maintenance yet full of character. This style works particularly well for men with naturally curly or coily hair and looks great on both oval and square face shapes.
Keep curls defined and frizz-free with Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream. To lock in moisture and maintain curl shape, apply Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel after washing and allow it to air dry.
Disconnected Mullet with Drop Fade
The Disconnected Mullet with Drop Fade introduces a unique twist to the mullet with a noticeable separation between the faded sides and the longer hair on top and back. This “disconnected” look creates a bold statement, especially when paired with a drop fade that curves down behind the ear. Suitable for thicker hair types, this style gives the wearer a high-contrast, modern look, especially on square and diamond-shaped faces.
Use L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty for a tousled look. For extra lift and volume, a spray of Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray can add light hold and prevent the hair from falling flat.
Undercut Mullet with High Taper Fade
The Undercut Mullet with High Taper Fade combines an undercut with a high taper fade, creating a bold look with a sharp division between the faded sides and the long, flowing back. This haircut offers a distinct contrast that suits men with thicker hair and a preference for a standout look. Ideal for men with square and rectangular face shapes, this cut keeps the length at the back while adding a polished look to the sides.
To maintain the volume and texture, use American Crew Boost Powder and finish with Layrite Cement Clay for a matte look. Regular trims are key for keeping the fade sharp and the undercut defined.
Messy Mullet with Burst Fade
The Messy Mullet with Burst Fade is all about embracing a relaxed, undone look with a burst fade that wraps around the ear. The messy texture at the crown and back provides a rugged appeal that suits guys looking for a casual, rock-inspired aesthetic. This style works well on both straight and wavy hair, with the burst fade adding dimension and framing the face for round or oval face shapes.
Use Kevin Murphy Rough Rider Clay for a textured, matte finish, and apply Sea Salt Spray to damp hair to enhance waves and achieve that effortless, messy look.
Wavy Faded Mullet with Long Tail
The Wavy Faded Mullet with Long Tail combines wavy texture with a longer tail that adds a unique twist to the traditional mullet. The fade starts low and subtly blends with the longer back, giving an effortless, bohemian vibe. Perfect for men with naturally wavy hair, this style suits both oval and heart-shaped faces, adding softness while keeping an edgy look.
For styling, apply Davines This Is A Curl Building Serum on damp hair to enhance waves, followed by Verb Ghost Oil to keep the hair shiny and frizz-free.
Slicked-Back Mullet with Mid Fade
The Slicked-Back Mullet with Mid Fade is a sleek, polished version of the mullet. This cut combines a mid fade that balances length and a slicked-back top and back. Ideal for straight hair, the slicked-back styling enhances a refined look, while the mid fade adds structure, making it ideal for men with square or oblong face shapes.
For the perfect slicked-back finish, use Baxter of California Hard Water Pomade for a strong hold with shine. Apply Redken Brews Thickening Spray to add volume to fine hair before slicking it back for extra lift.
Sharp Angled Mullet with High Skin Fade
The Sharp Angled Mullet with High Skin Fade adds a bold, edgy flair to the classic mullet by incorporating sharp angles and a high skin fade. This style transitions from a short, closely shaved fade up to long, pointed layers that follow the angle of the jawline, creating a striking silhouette. Best suited for straight to wavy hair, this cut is ideal for men with an oval or square face shape looking to make a statement with a high-fashion aesthetic.
To style this look, apply Hanz de Fuko Claymation for a firm hold and a matte finish, keeping the angles sharp and defined. For additional texture, American Crew Boost Powder adds volume at the roots without weighing down the longer layers.
Feathered Mullet with Low Taper Fade
The Feathered Mullet with Low Taper Fade channels a retro vibe with modern appeal. The feathered layers add soft texture and movement, while the low taper fade at the sides keeps the look grounded and contemporary. Ideal for men with fine to medium hair, this cut suits oval and diamond face shapes by adding volume and framing the face without overwhelming it.
For a lightweight finish, try Verb Sea Texture Cream to enhance the feathered layers without making them heavy. To keep the taper fade clean, visit your barber every few weeks and maintain the shape with Suavecito Matte Pomade.
Modern Mullet with Mohawk Fade
The Modern Mullet with Mohawk Fade merges two iconic styles into one bold look. This cut features a sharp fade on the sides that transitions into a mohawk-style mullet, creating a dramatic, elongated shape that’s edgy and high-impact. This hairstyle is ideal for men with thicker hair who want a statement-making look that emphasizes height and texture, suitable for square or oblong face shapes.
To style, use Johnny B Mode Styling Gel to define the mohawk shape and hold the longer top in place. For added volume, apply Redken Root Lifter before styling to give the top extra height and hold.
Choppy Mullet with High Bald Fade
The Choppy Mullet with High Bald Fade embraces a rugged, textured aesthetic, combining choppy layers on top with a high bald fade on the sides. This high-contrast look is perfect for men with thick or coarse hair, as the choppy layers add volume and shape, while the bald fade keeps the overall look sharp and modern. Best suited for square and heart-shaped faces, this cut adds structure and a rebellious edge.
For definition, use American Crew Defining Paste to separate the choppy layers and add a touch of shine. Finish with a spritz of Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to keep the style looking fresh and prevent flatness.
Shaggy Mullet with Burst Fade
The Shaggy Mullet with Burst Fade is a relaxed, tousled take on the mullet, blending shaggy layers with a burst fade that curves around the ears. The burst fade adds a unique framing to the face, while the shaggy layers bring a laid-back vibe, perfect for guys seeking a low-maintenance style. This cut works well on wavy or curly hair, especially on heart-shaped faces, giving a playful yet fashionable feel.
Use Ouai Wave Spray to enhance natural texture and add volume to the shaggy layers. For light hold, apply Kevin Murphy Gritty Business to keep the layers in place while allowing movement.
Tapered Faded Mullet with Layered Tail
The Tapered Faded Mullet with Layered Tail is a sophisticated approach to the mullet, combining a smooth taper fade on the sides with layered lengths in the back. The gradual taper adds dimension and shape, while the layered tail creates movement and flow, making it a versatile choice for both professional and casual settings. This style works especially well on thick or wavy hair, enhancing volume and adding a natural flow for oval or square face shapes.
To keep the layers defined, use Baxter of California Clay Pomade for a flexible hold with a matte finish. For additional volume and texture, apply Moroccanoil Texture Spray to the layered tail, giving it a full, polished look.
Blonde Faded Mullet with Highlighted Tips
The Blonde Faded Mullet with Highlighted Tips brings a fresh, sun-kissed vibe to the classic mullet. Featuring a fade that gradually blends into longer, textured lengths, this style includes highlighted tips that brighten up the hair and add depth. This look is perfect for men with light brown or blonde hair, as the highlights create a subtle contrast. It suits guys with straight to wavy hair who want a laid-back yet stylish cut.
To maintain the blonde highlights, use Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo to keep the color vibrant. Style with Kevin Murphy Free Hold Styling Cream for a soft hold that adds definition to the highlighted tips.
Textured Fringe Mullet with Drop Fade
The Textured Fringe Mullet with Drop Fade offers a unique combination of texture and structure. This style features a textured fringe at the front that adds volume and depth, while the drop fade tapers around the ear for a clean finish. Ideal for men with straight or slightly wavy hair, this mullet suits round and oval faces, providing a stylish contrast between the fringe and the faded sides.
For a tousled, textured look, apply Aveda Men Pure-Formance Grooming Clay to damp hair and scrunch the fringe with your fingers. To maintain the drop fade, a touch-up every three weeks is recommended.
Edgy Faded Mullet with Razor Line
The Edgy Faded Mullet with Razor Line is a bold, statement-making style that combines a faded mullet with a sharp razor line on one side. The razor line accentuates the fade and creates a high-contrast look, perfect for those who want an eye-catching haircut. This cut works best on thick hair and is ideal for square or diamond-shaped faces, offering a modern, rebellious edge.
For styling, use Hanz de Fuko Quicksand for a matte finish that adds volume without shine. To keep the razor line crisp, regular touch-ups are recommended, and Bumble and Bumble Sumotech can help keep the fade smooth and controlled.
Layered Mullet with Undercut Fade
The Layered Mullet with Undercut Fade is an effortlessly cool style featuring a high-contrast undercut that blends into layered lengths at the back. The undercut creates a stark division from the longer hair on top, while the layers add texture and movement. This cut suits both straight and wavy hair and is particularly flattering on men with oval or heart-shaped faces who want a daring yet refined look.
To add texture to the layers, apply American Crew Boost Powder and work it into the roots. For the undercut, a touch of Murray’s Beeswax can keep the fade sleek and smooth.
Tousled Mullet with Subtle Fade
The Tousled Mullet with Subtle Fade is a relaxed, low-maintenance cut featuring a subtle fade on the sides that blends seamlessly into a tousled, layered back. This style is ideal for men with natural waves or curls and gives off a laid-back vibe perfect for casual looks. It suits men with oval and round faces who prefer a natural, effortless aesthetic.
For added texture and volume, use Sachajuan Ocean Mist on damp hair, then scrunch with your fingers. To keep the fade looking clean, a quick touch-up every few weeks with Blind Barber 90 Proof Pomade can help maintain the style.
V-Shaped Mullet with Tapered Sides
The V-Shaped Mullet with Tapered Sides is a unique, angular take on the mullet, featuring a V-shape at the nape of the neck that adds a sharp, modern silhouette. The tapered sides create a clean transition, emphasizing the V-shape and adding a sleek finish. This style is perfect for straight or slightly wavy hair and suits men with diamond or oblong face shapes who prefer a sharp, defined look.
For styling, apply Living Proof Amp Texture Volumizer to the top for volume, while using Bumble and Bumble Grooming Cream to keep the sides smooth and the V-shape clean.
The faded mullet is a versatile and fashionable haircut, ideal for men looking to stand out. From low tapers to high fades, there’s a style for every face shape and hair type. Whether you’re opting for a rugged look with a messy mullet or a refined style with a slicked-back finish, these cuts offer endless ways to embrace the mullet trend. Let us know your favorite faded mullet style in the comments and how you plan to make it your own!
