We Regret To Inform You That Mullets Are Back

As hairdressers re-open again, could it be that we're all going bolder with the looks we're asking for?

We've seen tonnes of hairstyles making a return over the pandemic, from DIY bangs to choppy short 1920's hair-do's.

But it seems that next on the list might well be the infamous mullet. Made famous in the '80s by the likes of David Bowie and Rod Stewart, the mullet has long divided opinion - regarded by many as an edgy, androgynous fashion statement.

So are you bold enough to brave the chop?

A key sign that the mullet is in fashion is the sheer amount of A-listers who have been rocking one, lately.

Miley Cyrus debuted her mullet last year, telling the Wall Street Journal she had got it to accompany her new rock-inspired album, Plastic Hearts.

Instagram/ Miley Cyrus)

And we've also seen the likes of singer Billie Eilish, Little Mix's Leigh Ann Pinnock, model Cara Delevigne, and Game Of Thrones' Maisie Williams rocking a similar look, not to mention all-round-goddess Rihanna in her Savage X Fenty show. (Oh, and Tony Blair...but we don't need to talk about that one).

Commenting on the new trend, hairstylist and Shea Moisture ambassador Stefan Bertin tells Tyla: "I think one of the big reasons the mullet is back in fashion (aside from the fascination with Joe Exotic) is that we're still really obsessed with the 80s.

"Fashion and music is always intertwined. You can hear the 80's influence in music and fashion (and therefore beauty) is exactly the same. They're also actually super versatile."

Meanwhile, celebrity hair stylist Dionne Smith adds that the hairstyle's appeal might be down to the fact we've been locked up for so long, with fashion forward looks previously wiped off the radar.

"During lockdown and the closure of hair salons, people took their hairstyling into their own hands and have [since] been making bolder style choices that they perhaps wouldn't dream of trying if it weren't for lockdown; this included the mullet," she explains.

"We're currently seeing a huge resurgence of 70s and 80s hair trends, with a crossover between a shag and a mullet being the number one style.

"The mullet has always been a cut that epitomises "freedom" and confidence. It's a style that's full of edgy, rockabilly chic, whilst its versatility means that it is still unique even if everyone has one.

"People are either choosing to bring this haircut with them post-lockdown, or requesting it now they can get it professionally done, as the ultimate sign of post-lockdown freedom."

So, what do you ask for if you're feeling the look? Well, for one, you don't have to go full on Oasis with it.

Dionne explains: "The beauty about the modern adaptation of a mullet is that it can be cut for any hair type and suits all. Just simply add texture with an undone feel.

"Most people don't explicitly say they want a mullet, most say they want something choppy, with bits short and long. But to get the most out of your visit, give an indication of how long or short you'd like bits to be.

"Tell the hair stylist what your natural hair type is like so that they can cut in a style that'll suit you naturally as well as styled".

When styling your mullet, Dionne says you can "embrace your natural waves and curls", or opt to "wear it straight".

And alternative look is to add "extra bends and dimension with hot tools", just to make the style pop even more.

Dare we say it? The mullet is cool again. So, you'd better get thinking about whether you're up for getting the chop.

Topics: Beauty, Style News, Hair

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

@joannafreedman