Short Mullet Haircut Styles for Every Face Shape

The short mullet with an undercut combines the edgy, business-in-the-front vibe of a classic short mullet with a modern twist at the sides. This style is defined by its contrasting lengths, featuring barely-there sides and a longer back. The undercut offers a striking contrast, making the longer back sections pop even more. It’s ideal for anyone wanting to showcase their bold personality with a cutting-edge style. Perfect for a sharp jawline and fine to medium hair, this style is great for someone with a fashion-forward lifestyle.

Best For

Suits oval and square face shapes best. Ideal for those with fine to medium hair who enjoy bold, trendy styles.

What to Tell Your Barber

Request a tight undercut, leaving about 2 to 4 inches on top transitioning into a classic short mullet at the back.

How to Maintain It

Regular trims every three to four weeks keep the undercut sharp and prevent the back from looking untamed.

Short Mullet with Textured Top

Adding a textured top brings an extra dimension to this trend by adding dynamic movement to the hair. The textured top is often cut with razors or scissors to create uneven, jagged layers that give a tousled, effortlessly styled look. It’s versatile and pairs well with semi-professional or casual wardrobes. This version works beautifully for those with wavy or thick hair, adding volume and distinction.

Best For

Perfect for diamond and heart-shaped faces. Best matches those with wavy or thick hair looking to add structure and flair.

How to Make It Your Own

Experiment by lifting the top with different products. Try matte pastes for a subtle hold, or go vivid with bold hair colors.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overly thinning out the top, which could detract from the mullet’s presence and make the style look disjointed.

Short Mullet with Fade

The short mullet with a fade takes a vintage shape and sharpens it for the present. The length at the back keeps the cut rooted in its rock-and-roll heritage, while the faded sides pull it firmly into modern territory. The contrast gives it depth and attitude, whether you go for a subtle taper or push it further with a clean skin fade.

This version works especially well on round or angular face shapes, and it suits straight through wavy textures. What makes it appealing is its balance—it feels groomed without losing its edge, polished yet a little defiant. It is a cut for someone who likes their style precise but not predictable.

Best For

Great for round or angular face shapes, working well with straight to wavy hair types who enjoy bold, modern cuts.

Ask Your Stylist

Choose between a high, mid, or low fade to customize how dramatic or subtle you want your look to appear.

Styling Time & Difficulty

Using pomade or gel, styling takes about 10 minutes. Beginners can achieve a well-groomed look with ease.

Slicked Back Short Mullet

The slicked-back short mullet brings old-school refinement into a modern setting. The back holds onto the length that defines the mullet, while the top is combed straight back for a smooth, polished finish. The result is sharp and confident, a style that can move easily from a night out to more formal occasions without losing its edge.

Medium to thick hair carries this look best, and it works particularly well on elongated or oblong faces where structure matters. What makes this variation stand out is its duality—it has the attitude of a mullet but wears it with sophistication. For anyone who wants a hairstyle that nods to tradition while staying undeniably current, this version hits the mark.

Best For

Suits elongated or oblong face shapes best. Optimal for those with medium to thick hair seeking a distinguished, sleek style.

Products That Work Well

Use a strong-hold gel or pomade to achieve that slick, glossed finish that holds throughout the day without flaking.

Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure not to use excessive product that may weigh down the hair and create an unattractive greasy appearance instead of refined sleekness.

Short Mullet with Curly Texture

This variation takes the classic shorter mullet and infuses it with curly texture, which means you can embrace natural waves or curls or add a perm into your styling routine for something completely new.

The short front and sides contrast with a longer, tousled back, enhancing the curly texture, making it voluminous and playful. Perfect for someone with an oval or heart-shaped face and a laid-back attitude, the curly-textured short mullet allows free expression without constant styling constraints, making it a favorite for those leading a dynamic lifestyle.

Best For

Ideal for oval or heart-shaped faces. Perfect for curly or wavy hair wanting to highlight natural texture and movement.

Products That Work Well

Utilize curl-enhancing creams to define curls while preventing frizz, maintaining a polished yet natural appearance.

How to Make It Your Own

Personalize by playing with hair color or highlights to accentuate the curls and give an extra dimension to the style.

Short Mullet with Fringe

The short mullet with fringe gives the classic cut a fresh direction. The length at the back stays true to tradition, while the forward fringe softens the look and adds a sense of intrigue. The combination balances sharp sides with a more relaxed front, creating a style that feels modern without losing its edge.

Straight or slightly wavy textures suit this version best, and the added fringe works well for broader or more angular face shapes by bringing coverage and symmetry. What makes it stand out is its flexibility—it looks deliberate in professional settings yet shifts easily into something more playful and casual. It is a mullet with a touch of mystery, designed for versatility.

Best For

Complements larger or square face shapes wonderfully, and works best with straight or slightly wavy hair desiring a versatile fringe.

What to Tell Your Barber

Specify a fringe that skims the eyebrows, connecting seamlessly with the longer back sections for balanced symmetry.

How to Maintain It

Regularly trim the fringe every three weeks to maintain length and prevent the mullet from losing its distinct shape.

Disconnected Short Mullet

The disconnected short mullet thrives on contrast. Longer strands on top and at the back play directly against sides that are clipped close, giving the cut a bold break in shape. The separation is intentional and dramatic, which is exactly what makes it feel current and exciting.

This version works best on medium to thick hair, and it adds structure to round or square faces by sharpening the angles. It is a cut that reads effortlessly cool, the kind of look that feels at home in creative spaces where individuality matters. For anyone willing to lean into the unexpected, the disconnected mullet makes a statement without apology.

Best For

Excellent for round or square face shapes. Suits medium to thick hair for those seeking bold, dramatic styling statements.

How to Maintain It

Frequent trims every three weeks are essential to uphold the clean, disconnected effect without blurring the defined boundaries.

Products That Work Well

Texturizing sprays enhance the style, giving dimension and lift to achieve a lively, voluminous appearance.

Short Mullet with Shaved Sides

The short mullet with shaved sides pushes the cut into bolder territory. By stripping the sides down to the skin, the length at the back becomes the focal point, creating a striking contrast that feels unapologetically modern. It is the sharpest take on the mullet, designed to stand out rather than blend in.

This version works best on medium to dense hair and suits rectangular face shapes that benefit from the added volume in the back. The shaved sides amplify the drama and give the style a raw, high-impact quality. For anyone with a fearless approach to grooming, this mullet reads less like a haircut and more like a fashion statement.

Best For

Favours rectangular faces. Best coupled with medium to dense hair, tailored for bold, daring style seekers.

Styling Time & Difficulty

Quick and straightforward, only taking 5 to 10 minutes with basic sliding styling products, perfect for those on-the-go.

How to Make It Your Own

Add designs or patterns to the shaved areas for even more customization and personal flair on the shaved sides.

Short Mullet with Buzzed Top

Few hairstyles lean into contrast quite like the buzz cut mullet. The top is stripped back to bare essentials, clipped short for a clean, low-maintenance feel, while the back is left long and dramatic. The clash of extremes creates a silhouette that feels almost paradoxical—minimalist in one moment, wildly expressive in the next.

This is not a look for blending in. It suits men with strong features who want something unapologetically distinct, and it works especially well on thicker or coarser hair where the cropped top removes weight and the longer back becomes the canvas. The result is a hybrid that is equal parts efficient and daring, a hairstyle that refuses to follow the rules and looks all the better for it.

Best For

Ideal for men with strong features and thicker, coarser hair who wish for a low-maintenance, yet bold style.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid excessive length variation without professional guidance, making the overall style appear unbalanced or awkward.

How to Maintain It

Buzz the top every two weeks to preserve freshness and control, allowing the back to flourish with minimal shaping.

Short Mullet with Edgy Highlights

Integrating edgy highlights into a short mullet brings a vibrant appeal, enhancing its visibility and complexity. Carefully placed highlights, from platinum blondes to striking reds, delineate the style sharply.

It’s ideal for creative types and those who wish to turn heads with every move. This style leans towards medium to thick hair textures and complements heart and oval face shapes beautifully. The added dimension of highlights enhances depth and texture, creating a statement that’s equal parts contemporary and bold.

Best For

Great for heart and oval face shapes, especially effective with medium to thick hair for dynamic, eye-catching looks.

Products That Work Well

Use color-protective shampoos and conditioners to maintain light and vivid highlights for a longer duration.

How to Make It Your Own

Opt for bold colors or unique highlight placements, like underlights, to create personal, eye-catching variations.

Short Mullet with Pompadour Front

The short mullet with a pompadour front blends classic polish with rock-inspired edge. The lifted, voluminous top brings height and presence, then drops into the longer back that gives the mullet its signature attitude. The contrast feels deliberate and charismatic, turning a traditional shape into something with real personality.

Straight or slightly wavy hair carries this style best, and the added height flatters round and diamond face shapes by sharpening the overall silhouette. What makes this version stand out is its versatility. It keeps enough refinement to work in professional settings while still delivering a bold, fashion-forward edge outside the office.

Best For

Compliments round and diamond face shapes with straight to slightly wavy hair, appealing to those in modern professional settings.

What to Tell Your Barber

Request a voluminous pompadour cut on top, followed by a gradual blend into the extended back sections for a cohesive style.

Products That Work Well

A volumizing spray or mousse helps raise and stabilize the pompadour, ensuring its peak height and longevity.

Short Mullet with Natural Fade

The short mullet with a natural fade softens the boldness of the cut without losing its identity. The back keeps the classic length, while the sides are blended smoothly for a cleaner transition. The result is a mullet that feels more refined and less stark, a version that nods to tradition but wears comfortably in everyday life.

This variation works especially well on smaller or triangular face shapes, and it complements fine to medium hair textures. Its appeal lies in the balance—it has the edge and attitude of a mullet, yet the fade keeps it approachable. For anyone who wants distinction without going over the top, this is an easy, confident choice.

Best For

Flattering smaller or triangular face shapes, this style is best for those with fine to medium hair type wanting a versatile cut.

What to Tell Your Barber

Request a natural fade around the ears and back, seamlessly transitioning into the classic mullet length for a cohesive effect.

How to Maintain It

Trim the fade every four weeks to keep the transition smooth and consistent, preventing dishevelment.

Short Mullet with Quiff Top

The short mullet with a quiff top brings two statement styles together in one cut. The quiff delivers height and volume at the front, then drops into the length at the back for a silhouette that feels bold and unmistakably stylish. The combination creates a look that reads confident without trying too hard.

Straight or wavy textures carry this shape best, and the added lift flatters square and wider face types by sharpening strong features. What makes this version stand out is its range. It has enough polish for a night out, yet it can feel relaxed and effortless during the day. For anyone who likes their hair to move between casual and chic, this hybrid gets the balance right.

Best For

Optimum for square or wider face shapes with straight or wavy hair, excellent for a versatile, bold statement style.

Styling Time & Difficulty

Allocate around 15 minutes for quiff styling and mullet touch-up, allowing both elements to synchronize flawlessly.

Ask Your Stylist

Inquire about adding volume with light layering for optimal quiff height and transitioning into a fuller mullet.

Short Mullet with Spiked Back

The short mullet with a spiked back leans fully into its punk roots. The top and sides are kept short and tight, while the length at the back is pushed upward into sharp, defined spikes. The effect is rebellious and unapologetic, a style that makes its intentions clear the moment you see it.

This version works best on medium textures and looks especially striking on strong jawlines that can carry the edge of the cut. It is a natural fit for musicians, creatives, or anyone who wants their hair to reflect individuality rather than convention. More than just a haircut, it is a deliberate statement of attitude.

Best For

Ideal for those with pronounced jawlines and medium hair textures, perfect for fashion-forward, expressive individuals.

Products That Work Well

Strong-hold gels or waxes are essential for shaping the spikes, ensuring their resilience against movement and weather.

How to Maintain It

Use a strong shampoo routine to prevent product buildup, maintaining health and manageability of the hair.

Short Mullet with Grown-Out Top

This style bridges the gap between ruggedness and refinement by maintaining longer lengths on top, transitioning into a shorter mullet. The grown-out top leaves ample room for styling creativity, providing an intentionally matured aesthetic. And while you can achieve this by a deliberate cut, this style also leaves room for styling ideas between your haircuts.

A great fit for men with thick, voluminous hair, optimal for heavyset or rectangular face shapes seeking to balance proportions. The style caters well to seasoned professionals wanting to maintain a contemporary edge while adhering to everyday elegance.

Best For

Catering to heavyset or rectangular face shapes, best suited for men with thick, voluminous hair craving refined edginess.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid cutting the top too frequently, preventing the desired growth and texture that make this style stand out from the pack.

How to Maintain It

Frequent trimming of the sides and back accentuates the top while keeping the style structured.

Short Mullet with Skin Fade

Merging the mullet with a skin fade offers a high-contrast aesthetic, blending classic and contemporary elements. This variant distinguishes itself with a tight fade transitioning into a prominent mullet at the nape. It’s the ideal style for those preferring sharp, defined cuts.

Perfect for young professionals or trendsetters who cherish sleek grooming paired with edgy statements, it complements oval or heart-shaped faces well. The skin fade elevates the look, providing a visually striking departure from traditional mullets.

Best For

Tailored for oval or heart-shaped faces, ideal for men chasing a polished yet daring presentation.

What to Tell Your Barber

Ask for a high skin fade that seamlessly blends into a longer back, ensuring your mullet remains the star of the show.

How to Maintain It

Commit to regular upkeep every two to three weeks to preserve the sharpness of the fade and the boldness of the mullet.

Short Mullet with Layered Back

The short mullet with a layered back adds movement and dimension to the cut. Layers create depth that starts from a clean top and flows into longer lengths at the back, giving the hairstyle more texture and visual energy. It is a version that feels versatile and expressive without losing its shape.

Straight or fine hair benefits most from this approach since the layers build volume where it is needed. The style flatters oval faces and works for anyone who likes their hair to adapt easily from day to night. More refined than it first appears, this layered mullet balances sophistication with a touch of edge.

Best For

Optimized for oval face shapes with straight or fine hair, geared toward those appreciating dynamic, versatile hairstyling.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid excessive thinning, which can overly flatten the layered effect or make the style lose its intended volume.

How to Make It Your Own

Experiment with subtle highlights throughout the layers, accentuating depth and allowing parts of the style to catch light differently.