The mullet hairstyle traces its roots to 1500 B.C., with evidence in ancient Greek statues and etchings. The 90s maxian mullet and modern mullet man share this rich historical legacy, though they might seem worlds apart. Rockstars like David Bowie and Rod Stewart made this style a symbol of rebellion in the 1970s and 1980s.
The modern version has changed substantially from its earlier forms. Today’s mullet showcases cleaner lines and sharper finishes, with variations like the Soft Mullet and Modern Fade Mullet taking center stage.
Celebrities such as Timothée Chalamet and Jacob Elordi sport a more refined, wearable version that Gen-Z trendsetters have embraced. These two distinct eras of the mullet show its remarkable transformation and might inspire you to try this classic style yourself.
The Origin Story: Where Did the Mullet Originate From?
The mullet’s story goes way beyond its 1980s popularity peak. This distinctive hairstyle has decorated human heads for thousands of years, making it one of the longest-lasting hairstyles that people keep reinventing.
Ancient roots of the mullet hairstyle
Most people think the iconic “business in front, party in back” style came from the 1980s rock scene. The truth reaches much further back. Ancient Greek warriors chose this two-length style to keep their vision clear during battle while protecting their necks from weather and enemy strikes.
Scientists have found evidence of even earlier versions. Research suggests that Neanderthals and our earliest ancestors might have worn similar styles. A metal figurine from the 1st century AD, unearthed in England in 2018, shows native Britons with what archeologists clearly identify as mullet-style cuts.
When were mullets invented and first documented?
Homer’s “The Iliad,” written around 750-700 BC, provides the earliest written record of the mullet. The text describes warriors with “their forelocks cropped, hair grown long at the backs”. Roman records show that Emperor Tiberius “wore his hair rather long at the back, so much so as even to cover the nape of his neck”.
Byzantine scholar Procopius wrote about young men in the 6th century AD who wore their hair “long at the back and cut short over the forehead.” He called this the “Hunnic look”. The style appeared in a variety of cultures throughout history, though people didn’t use its modern name.
Cultural significance across different eras
The mullet meant more than just practicality to many societies. Native American tribes, both past and present, wear the mullet among other traditional hairstyles. These styles represent their strong cultural identity and connection to family and community values.
The style became a powerful political symbol during the French Revolution. The “sans-culottes,” French revolutionary men, wore mullets to rebel against the powder-wigged elite. The Byzantine Empire saw similar rebellion when sports hooligans turned anti-government revolutionaries called the “Greens” adopted mullet-like cuts to challenge cultural norms.
The mullet keeps coming back—from ancient battlefields to today’s streets—showing just how adaptable and appealing this hairstyle remains.
90s Mexican Mullet: Style and Cultural Impact
The 90s Mexican mullet was more than just a hairstyle—it became a symbol of cultural identity, rebellion, and regional pride. Stars of grupera music (a synth-heavy style of conjunto norteño popular in northern Mexico) made this look popular in the 1970s, and it quickly spread throughout Mexican society.
Defining characteristics of the 90s Mexican mullet
The classic Mexican mullet of the 90s stood out with its short, often flat-top styling on the crown and dramatically longer hair at the nape. This unique version managed to keep thicker volume throughout. The practical style helped protect the neck from harsh sun and kept vision clear during work. Many people used Three Flowers brilliantine to style their hair. This lightly scented petroleum jelly gave their hair a tight hold and distinctive shine.
Popular Mexican celebrities who rocked the style
The mullet reached its peak popularity in 1990s Liga MX (Mexican soccer league). Miguel “Piojo” Herrera’s memorable blonde, spiky cascade became an iconic look. Soccer stars like Efraín “Cuchillo” Herrera, Octavio “Picas” Becerril, and Sergio Almaguer proudly showed off their mullets on the field. “The Knife” Herrera later revealed in interviews that he wore his mullet to rebel against his military father and show his love for punk music.
Connection to Latino identity and self-expression
Mexican men saw the mullet as a way to express their individuality and cultural pride. The hairstyle became such a big part of Latino identity that Eddie Guerrero made it part of his wrestling persona, using it to build his “Latino Heat” character. Young Latinos felt more confident with this hairstyle, especially when they had physically demanding jobs.
Regional variations across Mexico and border towns
Different regions created their own unique takes on the mullet. Cholombianos in Monterrey (teens who loved Colombian Cumbia music) came up with distinctive styles—sharp fringes with tails, gelled mullets, flat mullets, and curly mullets. Border towns added American influences to their styles but kept the distinctly Mexican character alive.
Modern Mullet Men: The Contemporary Revival
The mullet has made a remarkable comeback after losing popularity in the early 2000s. This once-ridiculed hairstyle now symbolizes individuality and self-expression for a new generation.
The mullet’s return to popularity
The mullet quietly resurfaced in underground fashion circles and alternative subcultures during the 2010s. K-pop idol G-Dragon helped spotlight the style at the time of BIGBANG’s Made World Tour. Sports figures amplified its return – hockey player Phil Kessel rocked the look in 2017, and Australian soccer player Rhyan Grant became famous for his signature mullet.
The hairstyle boomed in 2020—[dubbed “the year of the mullet” by i-D magazine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mullet_(haircut)—as COVID-19 lockdowns shut down hair salons. These unique circumstances created the perfect environment to experiment, since growing out shorter styles naturally created mullet-like shapes. The style took over pop culture by 2021, sparking a complete “mullet revolution”.
Modern mullet’s distinctive features
The mullet today looks nothing like its 80s version. The modern mullet stands out with:
- single guard setting (#4) for the sides and left the back much longer. This created that unmistakable “business in front, party in back” look. Modern barbers take a different approach. They blend multiple guard lengths to create smooth transitions. A typical cut might start with a #2 guard near the ears, move to a #3, then finish with a #4 toward the back. This technique creates what we call “the modern mullet” – a subtle blend that makes people wonder if it’s even a mullet at all.
Product evolution: What men used then vs. now
The styling game has changed completely since the 90s. Heavy pomades and gels ruled back then, giving that wet, slicked-back look. Today’s mullet enthusiasts reach for different tools:
How modern barbers have reimagined the classic cut
Barbers have transformed the mullet through subtle yet important innovations. The modern version rarely features the classic “tail.” Instead, it keeps slightly more length throughout. Expert stylists say great mullets depend on shape, layering, and balance. Barbers now customize cuts to boost natural texture—especially when you have curly hair, which adds depth to the modern look.
Clients still need touch-ups every six weeks. The focus has moved from maintaining stark contrast to preserving the cut’s shape and texture. The rise from 90s styling to today shows how men’s grooming has changed. We’ve moved from bold, dramatic statements to versatile, tailored expressions of style.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | 90s Mexican Mullet | Modern Mullet |
|---|---|---|
| Defining Characteristics | – Short, flat-top styling on crown – Longer hair flows down the nape – Rich volume throughout – Clear contrast between front and back | – Refined, textured styling – Subtle length variations – Smooth, blended transitions – Pairs naturally with taper/skin fades |
| Cutting Technique | – Simple cuts with single guard setting (#4) – Bold, intentional contrast | – Multiple guard lengths – Uninterrupted transitions – Graduated technique – Emphasis on shape and layering |
| Styling Products | – Rich pomades – Gels – Three Flowers brilliantine – Sleek, wet-look finish | – Texturizing agents – Salt sprays – Volumizing products – Light hybrid compounds |
| Cultural Significance | – Cultural identity symbol – Grupera music connection – Rebellion statement – Regional pride | – Personal expression – Fashion statement – Gender-neutral style – A social-first trend |
| Notable Influencers | – Miguel “Piojo” Herrera – Efraín “Cuchillo” Herrera – Eddie Guerrero | – Jacob Elordi – Paul Mescal – Harry Styles – Timothée Chalamet |
| Maintenance | Not specifically mentioned | Regular six-week upkeep maintains shape and texture |
Conclusion
The mullet’s remarkable trip from the 90s to today shows clear differences between the Mexican mullet and its modern version. The 90s style made a bold statement of cultural identity with dramatic contrasts and heavy styling products. Today’s mullet shows a refined progress of this classic cut.
Barbers have turned this once-controversial style into a versatile, customizable look. The stark contrasts have given way to sharp fades, textured layers and smooth transitions. Modern styling uses lightweight products that create natural movement and texture, unlike the heavy pomades and gels of the past.
Social media platforms definitely played a significant role in this transformation. What people once saw as dated became a trendy expression of personal style. Jacob Elordi and Harry Styles helped cement the modern mullet’s place in fashion. Their influence proved this adaptable haircut exceeds its historical roots.
The mullet’s core appeal stays strong – a perfect blend of boldness and practicality for unique style expression. Some appreciate the cultural significance of the 90s Mexican mullet, while others prefer today’s refined esthetic. Each era brings its own interpretation of this enduring hairstyle.
FAQs
Q1. How does the modern mullet differ from its 90s counterpart? The modern mullet features more refined styling with blended transitions, less dramatic length contrast, and is often paired with fades. It’s more customizable and wearable compared to the bolder, more contrasting 90s version.
Q2. What are some popular variations of the modern mullet? Popular modern mullet variations include the classic mullet, curly mullet, shaggy mullet, undercut mullet, faux hawk mullet, messy mullet, and long mullet. These styles offer versatility and can be tailored to individual preferences.
Q3. When did the mullet make its comeback? The mullet’s resurgence began in the 2010s, gaining momentum through sports figures and K-pop idols. It exploded in popularity during 2020, partly due to COVID-19 lockdowns, and by 2021 a full “mullet revolution” had swept through pop culture.
Q4. Why has the mullet become popular among younger generations? Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, embrace the mullet for its individuality and rebellious nature. It represents a break from conventional beauty standards and allows for personal expression, aligning with their desire for uniqueness.
Q5. How has mullet styling evolved from the 90s to today? Styling has evolved from using heavy pomades and gels for a wet, slicked-back look to employing texturizing agents, volumizing products, and lightweight compounds. Modern styling emphasizes texture, volume, and natural movement, creating a more refined and versatile appearance.
