Table of Contents
Introduction

The summer season is upon us, and the fade mullet haircut is one of the most unique, dangerous, and beautiful hairstyles of the century so far, blending the old-school showmanship of the mullet with a modern twist. But for the mullet itself, it’s rooted in the 1980s, though it’s had some resurgence in the last few years with younger generations wanting to hybridize classic retro with modern fashion trends.
Fade mullet haircut has been the new thing for those people who would like a haircut that is edgy, versatile, and will have character. But for our purposes in this article, we will go into detail about what the fade mullet is, how you can style it, and who it best suits. In this post, we will address the pros, cons, and maintenance tips and answer some common questions people have about this trending hairstyle.
What is a Fade Mullet Haircut?
The fade mullet haircut consists of a mix of a fade haircut and the modern way of mullet. The combination is bold, yet classy, meeting the line between a style and also a practicality.
The mullet is often termed as the ‘business in the front, and party in the back’ – referring to the way the cut comes together. They’ve been cut at the front and sides and left longer at the back to produce a stark contrast. But, the fade mullet and it rises this iconic cut to the next level by merging the sides into a sharp fade that generally commences at a very short length at the top and lengthens towards the nape of the neck. The fade also creates a nice sharp contrast to the longer back, so no one will think the mullet looks chopped up or unkempt.
Considered a classic, mullets have been around for years, but the fade mullet haircut is a more modern approach and one that’s relevant to today’s fashion-conscious people. In this style, the wearer opts for the definition of the mullet while still getting slick, sharp lines thanks to the fade.
Key Features of the Fade Mullet Haircut
Their defining feature in creating the fade mullet is how traditional and contemporary these elements are put together. The key characteristics include:
- Distinctive Fade Transition: If there is a fade mullet, it is the fade itself. Whereas the old-school mullet treated the sides a little untamed, leaving them sharper and shorter than the back, the fade mullet just blends everything, resulting in a smoother, blended top and longer back. It has a smooth gradient fade starting at the top, and getting longer with each side.
- Short, Tapered Sides: Other fade hairstyles like this buzz cut the sides of the fade mullet quite short, but not as extra short, yet the look is not created like this fade mullet. To allow for a seamless transition from the top and the back, these sides are done with a trimmed finish. Typically faded from very short length around the ears, to slightly longer length towards the back of the head.
- Longer Back and Top: The fade mullet works like the traditional mullet, save the back and top of the fade are left longer. As preferred, the top can be slightly spiked, voluminous, or some other kind of style on the top. The characteristic of the mullet is that the back is even the longest part of the hairstyle that flows past the neck.
- The Modern Edge: The nostalgic way to those sideburns is with epoxy, shaved, and mullet chopped. The fade is much cleaner and more deliberate feeling this hybrid cut than its retro counterpart, thanks to its sharp edges and modern look. Despite being not as wild or untamed as the old-school mullet, it still has the crazy, rebellious spirit of the cut.
How to Style a Fade Mullet Haircut?
The fade mullet can easily get styled once the haircut is done. They want to call attention to the difference between sides and top and back that are longer and sides that are shorter using the same sharp fade
Here are some steps to style a fade mullet:
- Step 1: Dry Hair and Prepare for Styling
Wash your hair, and towel dry it gently. If the hair is slightly damp, that’s the best time you should style the fade mullet because the hair needs that texture to make the products work.
- Step 2: Apply Product
If you want your hair to look good (both from the top as well as the back), apply some lightweight styling gel or mousse for volume and hold to the top and for the back. If you’re going for more of a slicked-back look, you may wish to opt for a thicker pomade. If you’re looking for something less formal, or you want a tussled look, a textured styling cream or a texturizing spray will do the trick.
- Step 3: Create Volume on Top
To add a little volume to the top use a round brush with a blow dryer. To lift your hair, blowdry it away from your face. If you want to wear the top a certain way, then you can use a little little of pomade or wax to change the spikes, curls, or a smooth, stylized finish depending on how you want to wear the top.
- Step 4: Style the Back
You can style the back of the fade mullet in different ways. Brush it down gently if you want it sleek and controlled: apply some product to the back. To keep things relaxed, run the back with a natural flow, or use the tips of your fingers to tousle it.
- Step 5: Finish with a Light Hold
When you’ve styled your fade mullet, finish with a light-hold hairspray so your fade mullet shape stays intact. The idea is that it should work well enough to be flexible and move, but with a very sharp clean look.
Who Should Consider a Fade Mullet Haircut?
The fade mullet isn’t for everyone, but it can be the perfect style for the right guy. It’s great for those who want a statement with their hair without having to settle on a dirty, antique style.
Here’s who might consider getting a fade mullet:
- Those with a Sense of Adventure: The fade mullet is ideal for those who love trying out original unique and different styles. A hairstyle that is crazy and makes you bold.
- People with Square or Oval Faces: It’s not for everyone; the fade mullet works best for individuals with a strong jawline or an oval face shape. These face shapes are balanced well by the sharp contrast between the shorter sides and the longer back.
- Those with Thick Hair: If you have thicker hair, the fade mullet works particularly well as you can keep the volume on top and back, tapering the sides for sleek hair. If you have finer hair, the top will look too flat so you may want to adjust the style.
- People Who Like to Stand Out: It’s about making a statement with your fade mullet. If you’re ready to sacrifice a little attention but you want a hairstyle that is unconventional and unique then the fade mullet may be for you.
Checkout: Undercut Mullet Haircut: The Bold Fusion of Vintage and Modern Styles.
Pros and Cons of the Fade Mullet Haircut

The advantages of the fade mullet are the same as any hairstyle, and the disadvantages are the same. Let’s take a look at both sides of this trendy cut:
Pros:
- Low Maintenance: Once the fade mullet is cut, it’s sort of following a basic ‘fade’ up the head, they’re rather easy to maintain, as long as you get some regular trims to keep the fade nice and sharp.
- Versatile Styling: The fade mullet can is so loose and messy, and works so seamlessly with so many different styles, that it is incredibly easy to style in your way for a sleek, modern look or a messy, textured finish.
- Bold and Unique: The fade mullet stands out in a crowd that allows wearers to express themselves and push their personality and confidence.
- Modern Take on a Classic Style: The fade combines the mullet’s nostalgia with a modern look, and it’s a fashion moment for today.
Cons:
- Not for Everyone: The fade mullet is a bold, in-your-face style and not for everyone.
- Requires Regular Maintenance: The fade mullet is easy to style, but as easy as it is you’ll need to keep coming back to the barber every once in a while to keep it looking sharp.
- Can Be Challenging for Fine Hair: But if you have fine or thin hair, you may find it more complicated to create the volume and structure needed for your top and back.
How to Maintain the Fade Mullet Haircut?
A fade mullet survives on regular upkeep to keep the fade and the back going at the same time.
- Regular Trims: Every 3-4 weeks, the fade will need frequent touch-ups to keep the gradient effect and the sides from growing too long.
- Maintain Length at the Back: The sides should taper, however, the back should stay long, thus regular trims will be necessary to keep it from becoming box-shaped.
- Avoid Over-Styling: This brings me to the second reason the fade mullet is awesome: Don’t over-style it with too many products. Style it simple and fresh.
Conclusion
If you love the brazenness of the mullet, yet hanker for the fresh feeling of a fade, then you’ll be right at home with the fade mullet haircut. For anybody that wants to up their fashion game to the extreme, while remaining modern and stylish it’s the perfect choice. Among the fade mullet’s clean lines, sharp fade, and numerous styling possibilities, this fade mullet carries the message: not only are mullets a thing of the past, but they are making a comeback in a thoroughly modernizing way.
FAQs
Is the Fade Mullet Haircut Suitable for All Hair Types?
For people with thicker hair, a fade mullet is an excellent way to do both; the fade mullet offers volume on top and a clean fade on the sides. If you have fine hair, you may need to change the length or styling to prevent your top from looking flat.
How Often Do I Need to Get a Fade Mullet Haircut?
It’s recommended to have touch-ups at the barber every 3-4 weeks so the fade stays sharp. Over time the hair on the back of the hair can grow longer, but you need to keep the balance by regular trimming.
Can the Fade Mullet Haircut Be Styled Differently for Formal Events?
Sure, the fade mullet can be made more formal for certain formal events. To keep the top neat and smooth, use a light styling product, let’s say to keep the back more controlled. The equation is balanced: edgy vs polished.