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If you’ve ever wanted to try a shag mullet, then now is the time—and let’s be honest, a lot of us have thought about it, kind of like how we’ve all tried a 70s-esque mustache out of pure curiosity. And you know what? Just as the mustache actually suits every fifth or tenth guy who tries it, so does the shag. In fact, this haircut probably suits even more of them, so long as they’re working with enough hair up their dome.
To help you pull off the modern shag, we got some expertise from celebrity stylist Cynthia Alvarez, who readies A-List talent like Maluma for the camera and red carpet. With her tips, you should come away with some different ways to make your mullet really stand out from the others—and for the right reasons.
Alvarez starts with some words of encouragement: “The appeal of this haircut is in its rebelliousness. The mullet needs no specific gender, age, face shape or hair type to work; all it needs is the right attitude.” And while this more common “shag mullet” might be the style du jour, it’s ushering a lot more respect for the mullets of all kinds. “Everyone and anyone can rock a mullet,” Alvarez adds. “They are a strong look, but as long as you've got the confidence, you can flaunt it.”
Different Ways to Pull Off the Shag
The modern mullet really comes down to the sides—you can go a little longer over the ears or taper it back for more of an undercut.
Alvarez has a “try it all” mentality, and encourages her clients to take the sides even more step further—after all, your foundation is a mullet, so anything goes: “You can cut designs into it and make it really punk or you can add pops of color,” she says. “The creative possibilities are endless with faded sides.”
Again, this is a mullet. It is playful by nature. So why not play with some color contrast? “Grown out roots [with dyed ends] give an added dimension that would be nice,” she says. “Roots also add a bit of grunge to the look,” Alvarez adds. “If you do decide to add color or even would like to maintain your color, be sure to use a color preserving shampoo and conditioner.”
Biolage shampoo and conditioner for color-dyed hair, $68
One of the joys of growing your hair out is that your canvas possesses limitless potential for all of the styles you can sport on the way back down. And that is punctuated every more with mullets. If you’re starting with a lot more length, then enjoy something extremely bulkier before you pare it all the way down.
“I personally enjoy a longer mullet,” Alvarez says. “Especially where the back becomes more of a tail. It adds personality to your cut and allows you room to be creative. Maybe you can twist or braid a small section and have hair jewelry hanging from it. Or maybe now that you have a lot of length to play with, you can curl it or straighten it.”
If your hair has large, voluminous curls, then you’ve got even more potential for an eye-catching mullet compared to your wavy- and straight-haired brethren. “Curls offer loads of versatility with this style,” Alvarez says. First of all, nobody is going to say that your mullet lacks bounce.
In general, the more texture one’s hair has, the more definition it enjoys (though it’s often harder earned in terms of upkeep). “You can add definition by using a gel or mousse into wet hair. This will provide hold while leaving hair touchable and maintaining movement.”
Marc Anthony curl lotion, $7
Again, following the rule of texture and definition: People with tighter curls and coils might enjoy those same high-definition styles with a broader range of short and long styles. Alvarez enthusiastically endorses the mullet afro, for starters. “It’s very scarcely seen but I’m always in awe of those who can rock it,” she says. “The key to marrying this (tight-curl) texture and style is to maintain the health of the curls. You want to keep your curls shiny, healthy, and moisturized by using products specifically formulated for ‘type 4’ curls. I recommend a combination of leave-in creams and oils to lock in moisture and put frizz at bay for as long as possible.”
Curlsmith curl conditioning oil-in-cream, $26
Carol’s Daughter coil-enhancing butter, $10
Here’s one rule of bangs and mullets: “The longer the bangs, the softer your mullet will look,” Alvarez says. “Cropped bangs are edgier while wispy curtain bangs add a feminine flair to an otherwise edgy cut.” So, act accordingly; we’re not promoting one over the other, since we are an equal opportunity endorser when it comes to mullets.
Everyone can rock a mullet, even guys with thinning or fine hair. That said, you’ll want to add as much texture and fullness to the top of your head, to maximize fullness (as is the case with any haircut for thin hair). “The key is to cut the mullet bluntly,” Alvarez says. “This will give the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.” We’d suggest using a texturizing styler for the top, too—like clay.
Firsthand Supply texturizing clay, $24
Never underestimate how your facial hair helps sell a hairstyle, and vice versa. And never forget that a lack of facial hair, or a grown-from-scratch/unstyled beard is just as much an intentional style as one that you customize and clean up with precision. “This is all a matter of personal preference, and my personal opinion is that a full beard makes the mullet infinitely cooler,” Alvarez says. Especially when you see that beard fade cleanly into the shorter, buzzed sides of the mullet; it’s like two very intentional styles pulling their weight, rather than one continuous mane of caveman shag.
Don’t be discouraged if you have short hair but want to rock a mullet. In fact, you can start with a short one, and continuously clean up the faded sides, enjoying the mullet every step of the way as it grows. If you’re starting with a very closed buzz cut, then let it grow out a centimeter or two. Then let your barber have at it with their clippers: “The key here is to leave the back a bit longer, even just a smidge. If you can do that, you’re in with the cool kids!” Alvarez says.
Bottom line: A pair of identical twins could both wear the same mullet, and yet you’d probably be able to pick out the one whose mullet looks better—and it’s the guy who wears it with more assurance. “There’s an ‘IDGAF’ attitude about the mullet,” Alvarez says. “There’s a defiance to it! A freedom to push the boundaries.” Embrace that, and the mullet will never wear y