Mullet: What Is It, and Why Is It So Popular with Gen Z?

  • Publish date: since 13 hour

"business in the front, party in the back"

Related articles
Dubai Ranks 1st Most Popular Gen Z Travel Destination on TikTok
Bollywood Celebrities That Own Houses in Dubai
UAE Ranks 4th Worldwide in Infrastructure Quality

A mullet is a type of hairstyle that is short in the front and on the sides but long in the back. It's often described with the phrase, "business in the front, party in the back," reflecting its dual-purpose look.

Characteristics:

  • Front and sides: Typically cut short, similar to traditional hairstyles.
  • Back: Grows longer, sometimes dramatically, creating a stark contrast.

Origins:

The mullet gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, especially in pop culture and among musicians, athletes, and actors. It has had periods of resurgence, sometimes as a retro or ironic fashion statement.

Cultural Significance:

While it was once considered a trendy style, it later became associated with certain subcultures or stereotypes, particularly in rural areas or among specific music fans. Today, it’s often embraced as a bold, quirky, or nostalgic fashion choice.

Why is Mullet So Popular With Young Kids

The mullet has seen a resurgence among young kids and teenagers in recent years, largely due to its quirky, bold, and nostalgic appeal. Here are some reasons why it's become so popular with the younger generation:

1. Trend Revival:

  • The mullet is part of a broader trend of 1980s and 1990s nostalgia. Younger generations are embracing retro styles, including fashion, accessories, and hairstyles like the mullet.

2. Social Media Influence:

  • Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have played a significant role in popularizing the mullet. Influencers, athletes, and celebrities sporting the hairstyle inspire kids to adopt it as a cool and rebellious look.

3. Unique and Expressive:

  • The mullet stands out and allows for self-expression. Kids often like experimenting with their appearance, and the mullet is an easy way to showcase individuality and a fun personality.

4. Celebrity Endorsement:

  • Athletes like Patrick Mahomes, musicians like Miley Cyrus, and other celebrities have brought the mullet back into the limelight. Their influence makes the style more appealing and normalized for younger fans.

5. Playful and Irreverent:

  • For kids, the mullet is fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It carries a sense of humor and irreverence, which resonates with the carefree nature of youth.

6. Parental Influence:

  • Parents who grew up in the 80s or 90s may see the mullet as a nostalgic callback and encourage their kids to try it—or at least be open to the idea.

7. Low Maintenance with Style Options:

  • The mullet is relatively low maintenance while offering versatility. Kids can style it in different ways, from spiky or slicked-back fronts to dramatic curls or waves in the back.

8. Sports and Regional Appeal:

  • In some regions or sports cultures (like hockey or baseball), the mullet has never fully gone out of style. For kids involved in these activities, it can be a way to connect with their peers.

The mullet’s mix of boldness, nostalgia, and fun makes it a perfect fit for the playful and trend-savvy younger generation.

Celebrities with Mullet?

Classic Mullet Icons

  1. David Bowie

    • Pioneered the mullet in the 1970s with his Ziggy Stardust persona, combining rock glam with a futuristic edge.

  2. Billy Ray Cyrus

    • Made the mullet famous in the 1990s with his "Achy Breaky Heart" era, epitomizing the country-music mullet.

  3. Patrick Swayze

    • Rocked a mullet in movies like Road House and Dirty Dancing, becoming a Hollywood heartthrob with the look.

  4. Andre Agassi

    • The tennis legend’s wild mullet was a key part of his rebellious image in the late 80s and early 90s.

  5. John Stamos

    • As Uncle Jesse on Full House, Stamos sported a perfectly coiffed mullet that became a 90s TV staple.

Modern Mullet Trendsetters

  1. Miley Cyrus

    • Revived the mullet with a punk-rock twist, blending her edgy style with a nod to her dad’s iconic look.

  2. Lil Nas X

    • Brought a futuristic, colorful mullet into the spotlight, making it a part of his bold and creative persona.

  3. Zendaya

    • Experimented with a sleek, mullet-inspired look on the red carpet, proving the style’s high-fashion potential.

  4. Rihanna

    • Wore a modern, edgy mullet during her ANTI album era, showing off the haircut's versatility.

  5. Joe Exotic (Tiger King)

    • The Netflix star became a viral sensation during the pandemic, with his flamboyant mullet contributing to his eccentric brand.

  6. Doja Cat

    • Recently rocked a short, punky mullet that aligns with her ever-evolving, experimental style.

  7. Timothée Chalamet

    • Sported a subtle, mullet-inspired look on the red carpet, adding a modern, understated twist to the hairstyle.

Athletes with Mullets

  1. Patrick Mahomes

    • The NFL quarterback made the mullet a statement piece, blending sports culture with Gen Z aesthetics.

  2. Jaromír Jágr

    • The hockey legend’s mullet was legendary in the NHL and remains a nostalgic favorite among sports fans.

Musicians Keeping the Mullet Alive

  1. Morgan Wallen

    • The country singer’s mullet is a defining feature of his look, bridging modern country music with 90s vibes.

  2. Post Malone

    • Often seen with a modern mullet that complements his laid-back, genre-defying image.

Related articles