Haircut & Style- Modern Taper Mullet
The Modern Taper Mullet with a Side-Part
One of the most trending hairstyles of 2021 & 2022, but is the modern taper mullet the next haircut for you? Let's explore the pros and cons of such a look and things to consider if you're thinking of asking for this at your next visit to the barbershop.
What to ask for?
Simple Answer:
"A mullet, with tapered sideburns (either to match facial hair or a skin taper). Length in the back kept to about 2-3 inches. Transition from sides to back is kept blended instead of a harsh disconnect. Length of the fringe is cut to around eyebrow level and top is cut to match fringe length."
Long Answer:
Simply asking for a mullet, or a modern mullet may not be enough to encompass what you're envisioning as the mullet is a highly customizable haircut. As different sections can be cut to different lengths, depending on your own preference. Although it is divisive with many people against the very thought of it's existence, it can be a very technical haircut, that requires a wideset of knowledge and skill for a barber to properly execute.
Let's start with the distinction between the traditional mullet, and the modern take on the style. The key difference is that the focal point of a traditional mullet is the very long back, while the focal point of the modern mullet is actually the tapered sides. The traditional mullet has its connotation, where the length of the front is kept very short and the length of the back is very long. The sides are usually shaved with clippers to a very short length. The contrast can be very striking, and can look very edgy or it can look very strange. This is because there is little to no blending involved, and as a result, the haircut appears to be almost incomplete. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, and if that is the look you want to achieve, then do what feels right for you and enjoy it regardless of what anyone says!
This post will be focusing on the modern interpretation of the mullet instead (as seen in the pictures of this post). This one requires a little more understanding of how hair moves and reacts, and involves more blending from section to section to make the various lengths flow into one another seamlessly.
Let's start with the sides. You will request tapered sides, but the degree of tapering will be up to you. For a more subtle look that can still look somewhat professional, you'll want a lower taper. But for a more dramatic look that shows off the contrast, you'll want a higher taper. If you want to maximize length in the back of your head, you may want to keep the taper low as well to assist in the overall transition of the haircut as there is more hair to work with.
The back length is totally up to you, though I personally think there needs to be a goal or purpose for the back to really give the whole haircut a unified look. Simply having the back left long can be fun! However, too long and things can start looking disproportioned. The modern mullet needs only a good 2-3 inches to really maximize the look. This is typically when the hair is long enough to express the natural texture, or can be styled and given direction. The back should also be layered and shaped so that it doesn't sit too heavy, and a fair deal of texturizing should be involved as the back of the head tends to be the bulkiest. If you're going to have longer hair in the back, it has to look intentional with a good flow!
The top, like any other short haircut, determines the hairstyle. In the picture, we went with a more classic, side-part look. Alternatively, you can go for a forward facing textured fringe, or a middle part. There is no wrong choice on how you want to wear your hair. The only thing to keep in mind is that the length should be balanced with the back to some degree, as the focal point of the haircut is how short the sides are in contrast to the rest of the hair.
Notice how the overall shape of the haircut is balanced from front to back, so your eyes are drawn to the tapered sides.
How to Style:
Again this will mainly be determined by what style you want, but to recreate the look in this picture you will need to do the following steps:
Apply a texture spray product such as a sea salt spray.
Blow dry hair. Set global direction by finding a parting with damp hair and begin drying the sides in a backwards direction. Sides will dry the fastest, and then you will focus on the back. Usually this means blow drying everything into the back almost creating a V-Shape. I find the back does not need to be fully dried by the blow dryer as gravity will bring it down no matter what, and the natural hair texture will come out as everything air dries.
Dry the top of the hair, directing things backwards. I start with the smaller section of hair (the left side of the parting) I use a brush to make sure everything is smooth and going where I want it. Once that is completely dried, I move on to the bigger section (right side of the parting) This will take more time, but overall I direct the hair backwards. I start at the back and try to smooth down this area as I blow dry it back, I do not want too much volume here. As I move towards the front of the hair, I begin pulling upwards to build volume near the front.
Then I move on to local texture. To really bring out the natural waves of the hair, I will start scrunching the larger top section, and hit those scrunched areas with heat. I will let the hair cool down in my hand to help emphasize the waves. I will do this throughout the top and the back to bring out more texture. Once I am satisfied with everything, I will apply a finishing product such as a hair cream or paste to hold it all in place.
Then you're done!
If you're looking to try out the modern mullet and live in the Calgary Area, consider booking an appointment with me. We'll go through a thorough consultation and discuss how we can customize the look to suit you best.
