The mullet is no longer a relic of the past. Modern men are reclaiming this iconic silhouette with a sharp, contemporary twist.
By adding tapered sides, the traditional “business in the front” look transforms into a high-fashion statement. This combination offers a clean, masculine aesthetic that suits various hair textures.
Whether you have tight curls or straight locks, there is a version for you. This guide explores the most versatile variations of the modern tapered mullet.
1. The Classic Low Taper Mullet
The classic low taper mullet is the perfect entry point for men who want to experiment with length without looking too radical. It features a subtle graduation of hair length around the ears, which keeps the look tidy while allowing the back to flow naturally. This style bridges the gap between a standard haircut and a bold fashion choice.
This specific cut works exceptionally well for men with straight or slightly wavy hair. By keeping the taper low, you maintain a fuller look around the temples, which helps balance out more elongated face shapes. It is a sophisticated take on a rugged classic that works in almost any setting.
To style this, use a light-hold pomade to keep the top in place while letting the “tail” move freely. It requires minimal effort in the morning, making it ideal for the busy man who still wants to look sharp. Regular trims every four weeks will keep the taper looking crisp.
2. Curly Crop with Mid Taper
Curly-haired men often find the mullet to be their most flattering silhouette because it embraces natural volume. The mid taper on the sides removes bulk from the widest part of the head, preventing the hair from looking “poofy.” This creates a structured, intentional shape that highlights your natural texture.
This style is particularly effective for men with thicker hair densities. The contrast between the skin-tight taper and the voluminous curls on top and back creates a striking visual. It provides a youthful, energetic vibe that is currently dominating urban street style and high-fashion runways alike.
Maintenance involves using a curl-defining cream or sea salt spray to enhance the bounce of the hair. Avoid heavy waxes that might weigh down the curls. Because curly hair grows in different directions, the tapered sides help keep the overall look looking deliberate and well-groomed.
3. The Textured Euro Mullet
The Euro mullet has gained massive popularity for its aggressive texture and sharp transitions. By incorporating a high taper, the sides are kept extremely short, which makes the longer hair on top and in the back pop significantly. This is a high-contrast look for men who aren’t afraid to stand out.
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This cut is best suited for men with square or angular jawlines, as the height on top helps elongate the face. It often features a blunt fringe or a messy, cropped top that adds a gritty, modern edge. It is a favorite among younger men and athletes who want a style that looks great even when active.
To achieve this look, ask your barber for a lot of point-cutting on the top to create “shredded” texture. Use a matte clay or styling powder to give the hair a “dry” look with plenty of volume. The tapered sides should be refreshed frequently to maintain the sharp contrast.
4. Slicked-Back Mullet with Skin Taper
For the man who wants a more polished and mature appearance, the slicked-back mullet is a top-tier choice. By tapering the sides down to the skin, you create a very clean profile that transitions into a sophisticated, swept-back top. The length at the back adds a hint of rebellion to an otherwise formal style.
This hairstyle is highly versatile and fits perfectly into a professional environment when styled correctly. It works best on medium-to-thick straight hair, providing enough weight to stay back throughout the day. It’s an excellent way to wear a mullet while maintaining a high level of “grooming prestige.”
Styling requires a high-shine pomade and a fine-tooth comb. Start by combing the hair straight back from the forehead and letting the back taper naturally down the neck. The skin taper on the sides ensures that even when the top is long, you never look unkempt or shaggy.
5. Afro-Textured Mullet with Temple Taper
The Afro-textured mullet, often called a “shag” or “south of France” variant, is a powerful look for Black men. Focusing the taper specifically at the temples creates a streamlined look that emphasizes the height of the hair. It is a culturally rich style that has been modernized for the contemporary man.
This style celebrates the natural volume and coil of the hair while providing a modern frame for the face. The tapered temples allow for sharp line-ups along the forehead and sideburns, which adds a level of precision to the overall aesthetic. It is a bold, confident choice that exudes personality.
Hydration is key for this look, so use leave-in conditioners and oils to keep the hair healthy and vibrant. Using a sponge brush can help define the coils on the top and back for added dimension. This cut is low-maintenance in terms of daily styling but requires a skilled barber for the initial shaping.
6. The Fringed Mullet with Drop Taper
The fringed mullet utilizes a heavy bang in the front to create a balanced, symmetrical look. By adding a drop taper—which curves down behind the ear—the transition from the short sides to the long back is smooth and organic. This is a great option for men who want to soften their facial features.
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This look is particularly popular among men with larger foreheads, as the fringe provides excellent coverage and style. It leans into the “indie” or “skater” aesthetic while remaining grounded through the clean tapered sides. It’s a relaxed, effortlessly cool hairstyle that doesn’t feel overly “try-hard.”
Use a lightweight mousse on damp hair to give the fringe and the back some body. You can let it air dry for a more natural look or blow-dry it forward for a more structured finish. The drop taper ensures the back of the head looks contoured and intentional.
7. Salt and Pepper Mature Tapered Mullet
Who says mullets are only for the youth? Mature men can pull off a tapered mullet with incredible sophistication, especially when working with graying or “salt and pepper” hair. The key is a conservative taper that doesn’t go too short, maintaining a dignified and rugged appearance.
This style adds volume to thinning hair and provides a masculine frame that highlights a distinguished jawline. It moves away from the “outdated” styles of previous decades and embraces a modern, groomed version of the flow. It’s a fantastic way for the older gentleman to show he still has a finger on the pulse of style.
Keep the hair well-conditioned to prevent the gray hairs from looking wiry or frizzy. A medium-hold cream will provide enough control without making the hair look stiff or artificial. This style is all about confidence and embracing the natural evolution of your hair color.
8. Bleached Blonde Punk Taper
If you want to make a loud statement, combining a tapered mullet with a bleached blonde color is the way to go. The color contrast between the dark roots (as they grow in) and the blonde length emphasizes the layers of the cut. This is a high-energy look for men in creative industries or those who love the punk-rock aesthetic.
The tapered sides are crucial here to prevent the bleached hair from looking like a “mop.” By keeping the sides tight and dark, the blonde portion on top and in the back becomes the focal point. It’s a daring choice that requires a certain level of swagger to pull off effectively.
Since bleaching can damage hair, it is vital to use protein-rich shampoos and conditioners. A purple toner will help keep the blonde looking “cool” and prevent it from turning brassy or orange. This style is high maintenance but offers a massive visual payoff for the effort.
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9. The Pompadour Mullet Hybrid
This style merges the classic 1950s pompadour with the 1980s mullet, creating a “best of both worlds” scenario. The hair on top is styled with high volume and swept back, while the back remains long and tapered. The result is a sculptural, masculine look that feels both vintage and futuristic.
This hybrid is excellent for men with thick, straight hair that can support the weight of a pompadour. The tapered sides are essential for creating the “ramp” effect that characterizes this style. It’s a powerful look that conveys authority and a strong sense of personal branding.
A blow dryer and a round brush are your best friends for this style. You need to “set” the volume on top before applying a strong-hold wax. While it takes more time to style in the morning, the impact it makes when you walk into a room is undeniable.
10. The Wavy Surfer Mullet
The wavy surfer mullet is all about effortless “ocean” vibes. This cut features longer, beachy waves at the back paired with a clean mid-taper on the sides. It’s a relaxed look that suggests a man who spends his time outdoors and doesn’t want to spend an hour in front of the mirror.
This style is perfect for men with natural waves or those who use sea salt sprays to create them. The taper prevents the hair from looking too messy around the ears, which is often a problem with longer, wavy styles. It keeps the “cool” factor of long hair without the “unprofessional” baggage.
To style, simply apply a sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch it with your hands. Let it air dry to get that authentic, sun-tossed texture. It’s a low-stress hairstyle that looks better as the day goes on and the hair gets a bit more “lived-in.”
11. Razor-Edged Mullet with High Taper
For a sharp, aggressive look, the razor-edged mullet uses a straight razor for the finishing touches on the taper and the neckline. The high taper goes up past the temple, creating a very narrow strip of long hair that runs down the center of the head. It is a variant of the “mohawk mullet.”
This style is highly masculine and works well for men with rounder face shapes, as the narrow sides help create the illusion of a slimmer face. The sharp lines of the razor work provide a “fresh from the barber” look that is unmistakable. It’s a high-impact choice for the modern urbanite.
Maintenance is high for this cut, as the sharp lines begin to blur within a week. You will need to visit your barber frequently to keep the “edges” looking crisp. Use a matte product to keep the central strip of hair textured and upright.
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12. The Discreet “Office” Mullet
Yes, you can wear a mullet to a corporate job if you choose the “discreet” version. This cut features a very conservative taper and a back length that only just touches the collar. It provides the silhouette of a mullet without being so extreme that it violates traditional dress codes.
This style is ideal for the professional man who wants to maintain his individuality. From the front, it looks like a standard, well-groomed taper cut. It’s only when you turn to the side or back that the subtle length becomes apparent, offering a hidden “rebel” detail.
Style this with a matte paste for a natural, “no-product” look. The goal is to make the hair look healthy and well-groomed rather than “styled.” It’s the ultimate way to balance a professional career with a modern, trendy personal aesthetic.
13. Hard-Part Tapered Mullet
Adding a “hard part”—a shaved line into the scalp—provides a clear division between the short tapered side and the longer top. This creates an asymmetrical look that is very modern and visually interesting. It adds an element of “engineered” precision to the rugged mullet shape.
This cut is perfect for men who want to add a “designer” feel to their hair. The hard part can be placed on either side, depending on your hair’s natural growth pattern. It helps guide the hair in one direction, making the styling process much more straightforward for the wearer.
The hard part will need to be touched up every two weeks, as the hair growth will quickly fill in the shaved line. Use a comb to emphasize the part and a high-hold gel to keep the hair on the other side neatly in place. It’s a sharp, clean-cut look with a hidden edge.
14. The Burst Taper Mullet
The burst taper is a specific technique where the taper “bursts” or radiates out from around the ear. This leaves the back and the top long while creating a circular short area on the sides. It is one of the most popular ways to wear a mullet in contemporary barbering circles.
This style is particularly favored by men with thick or coarse hair, as it provides a very structured frame. The burst taper gives a sporty, athletic appearance that looks great from every angle. It bridges the gap between a mohawk and a mullet perfectly.
To style, focus on building volume in the “mohawk” section of the hair. Use a blow dryer to lift the roots and a styling clay to provide texture. The burst taper is a modern classic that continues to evolve with different hair lengths and textures.
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15. Minimalist Mullet with Tapered Sideburns
The minimalist mullet focuses on clean lines and subtle transitions. Instead of a full-side taper, the focus is placed on tapering the sideburns and the immediate area around the ear. This leaves more hair on the sides than other versions, resulting in a fuller, more traditional masculine shape.
This style is great for men who prefer a “scissors-only” look or a more natural finish. It doesn’t rely on extreme contrasts to make a statement, but rather on the quality of the cut and the health of the hair. It’s a timeless version of the mullet that feels very grounded.
Use a light grooming cream to keep the hair in place without sacrificing its natural movement. This cut is very forgiving and grows out beautifully, meaning you can go a bit longer between barber visits. It’s the “gentleman’s” version of the modern mullet.
16. Spiky Mullet with Drop Taper
Taking inspiration from the 90s, the spiky mullet features short, textured spikes on top that transition into a long, tapered back. The drop taper on the sides ensures that the transition is smooth rather than jarring. It’s a high-energy, youthful look that works well for men with active lifestyles.
This cut is best for men with straight hair that has enough “internal strength” to stand up. The spikes add height, which is excellent for men who want to appear taller or more imposing. It’s a fun, expressive style that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Use a strong-hold styling gel or fiber to create the spikes. You can make them as messy or as structured as you like. The drop taper provides a “buffer” zone that makes the spikes look like they belong with the longer hair in the back.
17. The Mullet with Tapered Beard Fade
For men with facial hair, connecting the mullet taper to a beard fade is a masterclass in grooming. The taper starts at the temple, goes down to the skin, and then “fades” back into the beard. This creates a seamless, continuous look that frames the entire face perfectly.
This style is incredibly masculine and provides a very “put-together” appearance. It shows that you pay attention to every detail of your grooming routine. It works with any beard length, from heavy stubble to a full, long beard, provided the transition area is kept clean.
You will need a beard trimmer with various guards to maintain the “fade” between your hair and your beard. Beard oil is also essential to keep the facial hair looking as healthy and groomed as the hair on your head. This is the ultimate “full-service” barber look.
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18. Long-Tail Mullet with Low Skin Taper
The long-tail mullet is for the man who wants maximum length at the back. By pairing an extremely long tail with a low skin taper, you create a dramatic silhouette that is the hallmark of the true mullet enthusiast. The skin taper keeps the front and sides looking fresh and intentional.
This look is a favorite among men in the music and arts scenes. It requires patience to grow out the back, but the result is a unique look that is entirely your own. The low skin taper ensures that even with long hair, you still have the “clean” feeling of a fresh haircut.
As the hair in the back gets longer, you must treat it like “long hair.” This means using conditioner every time you wash and getting regular “micro-trims” to prevent split ends. A little bit of hair oil on the ends of the tail will keep it looking healthy and prevents it from looking “ratty.”
Can a tapered mullet work for men with thinning hair?
Yes, a tapered mullet can actually be very beneficial for men with thinning hair. By keeping the sides very short with a taper, you create a visual contrast that makes the hair on top and in the back appear fuller and more voluminous.
How often should I get the tapered sides trimmed?
To keep the look sharp, you should visit your barber every 2 to 3 weeks for a side touch-up. While the top and back can grow out for several months, the taper is what defines the “modern” aspect of the mullet.
What is the best styling product for a tapered mullet?
For most men, a matte clay or styling paste is the best choice because it provides hold and texture without a greasy look. If you have curly hair, a curl-defining cream is better, while a pomade is ideal for slicked-back versions.
Does this hairstyle work for professional work environments?
The “discreet” or “slicked-back” versions of the tapered mullet are perfectly acceptable in most modern offices. The key is to keep the taper clean and the length in the back well-groomed and neatly trimmed at the neckline.
How do I explain a “tapered mullet” to my barber?
The best way is to show a photo, but you should specify where you want the taper to start (low, mid, or high) and how much length you want to keep in the back. Mention if you want a skin taper or a more conservative scissor taper.
Is the tapered mullet suitable for all face shapes?
The style is highly adaptable. Men with round faces should go for higher tapers and more height on top, while men with long or angular faces should choose lower tapers to maintain width and balance.