Different Curly Mullet Haircuts You’ll Want to Try in 2025

The classic curly mullet pays homage to the original retro style while accommodating the textured needs of modern grooming. Retaining its quintessential short sides and long back, it encourages the natural curl definition on top and back, adding volume and bounce. Suitable for all hair types but exceptionally flattering for those with natural curls, this timeless cut prevails in its effortless execution and adaptable edge.

Best For

Classic style enthusiasts with round or square faces, ideal for natural curl or wave patterns looking for a vintage edge.

How to Maintain It

Maintenance is straightforward: define curls with mousse, and keep regular trims to maintain its recognizable shape.

Mistakes to Avoid

Neglecting back length leads to loss of signature silhouette, so regular trims are crucial for preservation.

Coily Mullet

The coily mullet is all about turning natural texture into a statement. Instead of forcing curls into submission, this cut highlights the tighter coil patterns and lets it carry the shape. The back stays long enough to showcase density and definition, while the sides are clipped close to create a strong outline. The result is bold but controlled. On oval, heart, or angular face shapes it frames features with intent, giving the mullet a modern identity that feels expressive rather than retro. It is a look for people who see their coils as the main event and want a cut that works with them rather than against them.

Best For

Oval and angular face shapes and naturally coily or tightly curled textures that benefit from volume and a strong outline.

What to Tell Your Barber

Ask for clean tapered sides with enough length on top to let the coils form naturally. Keep the back longer but shaped to preserve definition without straying into bulk.

How to Maintain It

Moisture is non negotiable. Use leave in conditioner or curl cream to keep coils defined and frizz free. Regular trims will lock in the shape and keep the style balanced.

Curly Mullet with Fade

This variation adds a contemporary twist to the classic curly hair mullet by incorporating a fade, creating a striking contrast between the voluminous curls on top and the closely clipped sides. The fade can vary in intensity—from a subtle taper to a high skin fade—catering to personal preference and level of boldness desired. It’s an ideal style for those wanting to balance vintage and modern aesthetics, offering a clean, refreshing edge. People with round, oval, or rectangular face shapes who want to accentuate their strong bone structure will particularly benefit from this look.

Best For

Round and rectangular face shapes, individuals with defined bone structures enhance this high-contrast style.

What to Tell Your Barber

Specify your preferred fade type—low, medium, or high—and ensure the transition into the curly top is seamless.

Products That Work Well

A light mousse or curl cream will enhance curl definition and maintain a sharp, sleek finish for the faded sides.

Long Curly Mullet

The long curly mullet celebrates length while staying true to the spirit of the classic cut. Extra length in the back builds volume and texture, creating a bold and dramatic profile. This variation thrives on movement and works best for those who want their hair to feel expressive and unrestrained. It flatters wavy and medium curls in particular and pairs especially well with elongated or oblong face shapes.

Best For

Elongated and oblong face shapes with wavy, loose or medium curls that can highlight the movement of this style.

How to Make It Your Own

Add layered length in the back for extra fullness and consider bangs to frame the face for a sharper edge.

Styling Time and Difficulty

Expect longer styling sessions. Use curl creams or defining products to manage volume and enhance texture.

Shaggy Curly Mullet

Yielding a textured and carefree appearance, the shaggy curly mullet integrates layers and relaxed edges into the traditional mullet structure. Ideal for someone who leans towards a casual, undone (vs. ‘done up’) look, this hairstyle is both versatile and easy to maintain. It suits those with medium to thick hair looking for an effortless yet noticeably stylish cut.

Best For

Medium to thick hair clients seeking an effortless, relaxed mullet with an intention of casual charisma.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overly precise cuts. The style loses its natural charm and intended texture when overly groomed.

How to Maintain It

Layered cuts should be maintained every few months, using salt spray to enhance the natural messy texture.

Textured Curly Mullet

The textured curly mullet embraces irregularity and movement, enhancing the natural curl pattern to create a multidimensional shape. By infusing texture, this cut emphasizes volume on top while keeping the structured mullet appeal. It’s perfect for someone with a busy, active lifestyle who appreciates low maintenance yet fashion-forward hair due to the style’s innate staying power and resiliency.

Best For

Medium to coarse hair textures and lively lifestyles, with adaptability for all face shapes due to its textural versatility.

What to Tell Your Barber

Ask your barber or hairstylist to focus on enhancing the natural curl pattern, with emphasis on volume and freedom in movement.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid heavy application of styling products that can weigh curls down, leading to loss of natural texture and movement.

Curly Mullet with Undercut

This daring version pairs the classic curly mullet with a bold undercut—sides and back are shaved or clipped close, contrasting with curls cascading from the crown. It projects a strong, defined line and a rebellious attitude, perfect for someone who desires an intense, modern vibe. The cut works fabulously for those with square or angular faces, highlighting features without overwhelming balance. Ideal for naturally curly hair types, the undercut simplifies maintenance while upping style ante.

Best For

Square or angular faces with naturally curly hair types looking for dramatic and striking style definition.

Mistakes to Avoid

Keeping sides too long dampens the power of the undercut; ensure a bold contrast with the curly top.

Products That Work Well

Use pomade to smooth the transition from undercutn to topical curls for a polished look.

Curly Mullet with Bangs

Combining the alternative edge of a mullet with a softer, frontal detail, the curly mullet with bangs adds dimension and personality to the traditional silhouette. This adaptation allows curls to frame the face, granting additional volume to the top for a well-rounded finish. With bangs, versatility expands as these can be worn in various styles—from blunt to side-swept—amplifying expression. Flattering on diamond or heart-shaped faces, this mix also softens angular features.

Best For

Diamond or heart-shaped face types gain balance and framing, with added softness for angular features.

How to Make It Your Own

Choose from blunt, straight-across bangs or softer, side-swept styles to customize the look’s personality.

Styling Time & Difficulty

Moderate styling time due to multi-section curls and bangs upkeep, but low difficulty with practice and the right tools.

Curly Mullet with Taper

The curly mullet with taper presents a sophisticated take on the classic style by graduating the length from short sides to flowing curls in the back through tapering. It offers a polished and sleek profile suitable for a modern gentleman who’s keen on clean-cut appearances without sacrificing edge. This variation suits all face shapes, particularly appealing to professionals who need versatile styling. The tapering effect allows for ease in styling and maintenance, needing only occasional touch-ups.

Best For

Athletic and professional styles, suited for oval and oblong face shapes desiring a polished yet dynamic finish.

Products That Work Well

Light gels or mousses accentuate the taper while offering curl control and all-day hold.

What to Tell Your Barber

Emphasize a gradually tapered side and back to preserve modern flow and movement in the curls.

Disconnected Curly Mullet

Introducing dramatic contrast, the disconnected curly mullet features an abrupt transition between the top curls and clipped sides, emphasizing separation for a forward-thinking edge. This discrepancy delivers fresh attitude while maintaining adaptability in personal styling. Optimum for those blessed with curly or wavy hair, it accommodates busy, exciting lifestyles with minimal styling hassle. Suitable for angular and oval face shapes, the emphasis on separation adds another layer of definition to strong features.

Best For

Oval and angular faces enjoy emphasis on distinct features, ideal for curly or wavy hair maintaining low styling requirements.

What to Tell Your Barber

Create a sharp, disconnected line between the crown and sides for a bold, fashion-forward appearance.

Products That Work Well

Styling cream ensures curls hold their shape and sheen against the stark backdrop of clipped sides.

Short Curly Mullet

A modernized, more approachable version of the mullet, the short curly mullet retains the vital contrast principle on a reduced scale. Featuring cropped sides with a longer top that gracefully leads into modest curls in the back, it offers a subtle nod to tradition while maintaining contemporary sensibilities. This low-key look supports an active lifestyle, demanding little sophistication in daily care. Best for round and oval face shapes, it helps maintain visual rhythm without being overpowering.

Best For

Round and oval faces, complemented by those with curly hair type and keen interest in subtle, trendy styling.

How to Make It Your Own

Experiment with fade levels on the sides, or add design lines for individuality without overshadowing simplicity.

How to Maintain It

Frequent trims on sides while nurturing head curls keep the look sharp yet effortless in style.