How to Make a Mullet

Variations on the traditional mullet continue to be popular.

The mullet is a controversial men's hairstyle characterized by short hair on top and at the sides, and long hair at the back. Though the look was popularized in the 1970s by Ziggy Stardust-era David Bowie, the mullet is associated with questionable 1980s male fashions. The mullet continues to divide opinion, but has experienced a revival in recent years. Edgier versions of the hairstyle have cropped up on the streets of fashionable parts of London and New York, and on the runways of top fashion designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Karl Lagerfeld.

Things You'll Need

• 4 sectioning clips
• Tail comb
• Sharp hair scissors

Instructions

1. Divide the hair into four sections using a tail comb. Separate a rectangular panel running from the front hairline, level with the corners of the eyes, to the crown (the highest point of your head); two side sections running backward from the front hairline at the sides to just beyond the ears; and the hair left at the back.

2. Secure each section with a sectioning clip.

3. Take down the top section of hair and comb the hair forward. Cut the bangs horizontally to the desired length using sharp hair scissors.

4. Take down one side section and comb the hair forward toward the face. Cut the hair at an angle so the sides match the length of the bangs. The cuts made in Steps 3 and 4 will serve as guides to help you create one-length layers.

5. Comb the hair straight down and carefully shape the hair around the ears with the scissors.

6. Take slices of hair about 1/4 inch wide and hold them up vertically between your fingers. Cut across the slices horizontally, using your guide cuts to create even lengths. Start at the front and work backward until you have cut all of one side section.

7. Repeat Steps 4 through 6 to cut the other side section.

8. Unclip the back section of hair and comb smooth.

9. Take slices of hair about 1/4 inch wide between your fingers and hold vertically. Cut the hair using the hair on the top of the head as a length guide. Continue cutting slices of hair until all of the back hair has been cut in long layers.

10. Comb the hair down and cut horizontally along the bottom to create a neat hairline.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have "corners" where the different sections meet, trim the hair to blend the sections together.

• Cut hair in a well-lit room in front of a large mirror.

• If you are new to cutting hair, go slowly and steadily. It is best to cut off too little hair at a time than too much.

References

• HairFinder: The Mullet Haircut
• HairFinder; The Mullet Haircut 2; Creating the Style
• HairBoutique; Mullet Hairstyle Ala 1999; Karen Marie Shelton; Jan 2010