The mullet taper is having a real moment right now. It’s not the mullet your uncle rocked in 1987. This version is sharper, cleaner, and way more wearable. A mullet taper blends short, tight sides with length left on top and in the back. The result feels bold but still buttoned-up enough for the office.
What makes the mullet taper different is the fade. Instead of choppy, disconnected sides, you get a smooth gradient that flows into longer layers. It’s the best of both worlds. You keep that rebellious mullet energy up top while the tapered sides stay sharp and low-maintenance. Barbers love this cut because it’s flexible. Curly, straight, thick, thin, it works. Ask for a mullet taper next time, and you’ll walk out looking intentional, not like you skipped a few haircuts.
What Is a Low Taper Mullet
The low taper mullet keeps sides close to the skin, then gradually lengthens toward the crown and back. It’s subtle at the bottom and bold up top, blending business with a rebellious streak.
This cut suits round, oval, and square faces best. Straight or wavy hair holds the shape easiest, though curly textures add volume. Low upkeep, moderate styling, works for both casual days and office settings.
Top 15 Trending Modern Low Taper Mullet Haircuts for Men
Modern Mullet
This version trades the retro exaggeration for cleaner lines and softer layers up top. It reads polished rather than punk, making it easy to wear daily.
Great for oval and heart-shaped faces with medium to thick hair. Use a matte pomade for texture. Low maintenance overall, though trims every four weeks keep the shape sharp.
Wolf Cut Men
Part shag, part mullet, this style layers heavily through the crown for major volume and movement. It’s messy by design, not by accident.
Best for square or diamond faces with wavy or curly hair. Sea salt spray brings out natural texture. Medium maintenance, occasional restyling keeps it looking intentionally undone.
Burst Fade Mullet
The fade curves around the ear instead of running straight across, creating a burst pattern that frames the face nicely. It’s a subtle detail with a big visual payoff.
Works well on oval and round faces with straight or slightly wavy hair. Light pomade adds hold. Maintenance sits at medium since the fade needs regular upkeep.
Mullet Fade
A classic pairing, short faded sides, longer unstructured length behind. It’s the most recognizable mullet variation and still holds up as a go-to choice.
Suits most face shapes, especially square and oval. Coarse or medium hair types handle it well. Styling stays simple. Maintenance is moderate, mostly focused on keeping the fade crisp.
Modern Mullet Fade
This one softens the contrast between the fade and the length, blending everything so it doesn’t scream “mullet” from across the room. Subtle, wearable, versatile.
Great for oval and heart faces with fine to medium hair. A lightweight styling cream keeps things natural. Low to medium maintenance, ideal for guys who want something low-key.
Short Mullet
A toned-down take with less drama at the back, this cut works for guys easing into the mullet trend without committing fully. Still unmistakably a mullet, just quieter.
Fits round and square faces with straight or wavy hair. Minimal product needed. Low maintenance, and it grows out gracefully into a longer style if you want more length.
Curly Mullet
Curls add natural volume and bounce, turning the mullet into something looser and more textured. It’s less about sharp lines, more about organic shape.
Ideal for oval and long face shapes with curly or coily hair. Curl cream and diffusing help define texture. Medium maintenance, since curls need consistent moisture and care.
Taper Fade Mullet
Combining a gradual taper with mullet length, this cut offers a smoother transition than a hard fade. It feels a bit more traditional, a bit less flashy.
Works across most face shapes, especially square and oval. Medium to thick hair holds the taper best. Low maintenance overall, with occasional touch-ups keeping the taper clean.
Long Mullet
This is the mullet at its boldest, with serious length left at the back and crown. Not for the faint of heart, but it makes a statement.
Best suited to oval and diamond faces with straight or wavy hair. Texturizing spray adds definition. Higher maintenance, since longer hair needs more frequent conditioning and detangling.
Middle Part Mullet
Adding a middle part gives the top a softer, almost surfer-inspired look while the mullet shape stays intact underneath. It’s a small tweak with a big style shift.
Flatters oval and heart-shaped faces with straight or wavy hair. A light hold cream keeps the part in place. Low maintenance, easy to style most mornings.
Mohawk Mullet
Combine a raised center strip with mullet length behind, and you get a cut that’s part punk, part throwback. It’s not subtle, and that’s the point.
Best for guys with square or oval faces and thicker hair that holds shape. Strong-hold gel is a must. Higher maintenance, since daily styling keeps the mohawk defined.
Wavy Mullet
Natural waves give this mullet effortless texture without much styling effort. It looks lived-in, like you didn’t try too hard, even though the cut itself is precise.
Suits oval and round faces with naturally wavy hair. Sea salt spray enhances movement. Low maintenance, perfect for guys who want texture without a long styling routine.
Asian Mullet
This variation often features thicker, straighter hair, giving the mullet a fuller, more structured silhouette. The length at the back tends to sit heavier and hold its shape well.
Works well for round and square faces with thick, straight hair. Light wax adds separation. Low maintenance, since straight hair naturally falls into place with minimal effort.
Shaggy Mullet
Heavy layering and choppy ends define this version, giving it a deliberately messy, rock-and-roll edge. It’s less structured than other mullets, more lived-in and casual.
Great for oval and heart faces with medium to thick hair. Texturizing paste helps separate pieces. Medium maintenance, with regular trims needed to keep the shag intact.
Men’s Low Taper Mullet
This is the foundational cut the whole trend is built around, tight, low sides paired with length left through the crown and back. Clean, versatile, and easy to dress up or down.
Suits nearly every face shape and hair type. Matte clay works for most styles. Low maintenance, with monthly trims keeping the taper sharp and the length balanced.
How to Style in Three Steps
Start with damp hair, not soaking wet. Towel-dry until it’s just slightly damp, then apply a dime-sized amount of styling cream or light pomade through the lengths.
Next, blow-dry on low heat while directing hair up and back with your fingers or a round brush. This builds volume where you want it most, especially at the crown.
Finish by shaping with your fingers rather than a comb for a more natural look. Add a touch of texturizing spray if you want extra grip or separation through the ends.
Also Read: Low Taper Fringe: 15 Fresh Haircuts For Every Hair Type
Barber Instructions
Bring a photo, but describe it too, barbers appreciate specifics. Ask for a low taper on the sides, blending gradually into the length starting around the temple area.
Specify how much length to leave on top and at the back. Mention your hair type and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. That helps them shape it to actually fit your routine.
Care and Upkeep
Wash two to three times a week, not daily. Overwashing strips natural oils, and mullets rely on some texture to hold their shape. A sulfate-free shampoo keeps color and moisture intact.
Trim every four to six weeks to maintain the taper without losing length up top. Deep condition weekly if your hair leans dry, especially for curly or wavy textures prone to frizz.
Final Thoughts
That covers everything you need to know about the low taper mullet, from styling steps to barber tips. This cut isn’t going anywhere soon. The mullet taper works because it bends to fit you, not the other way around.
Whether you go bold with a long mullet taper or keep things subtle with a short version, the choice is yours. Talk to your barber. Bring pictures. Be specific about length and fade. Once you find your version of the mullet taper, upkeep is easy. Trim it, style it, and enjoy a haircut that actually stands out.
FAQs
What is a mullet taper?
A mullet taper combines short, faded sides with longer hair left at the back and crown. It’s a modern twist on the classic mullet, cleaner and more wearable.
Is a mullet taper hard to maintain?
Not really. Most guys trim every four to six weeks and use light styling product daily. It’s actually one of the easier cuts to keep looking sharp.
Who does a mullet taper suit?
Almost anyone. It works with oval, round, and square face shapes, and adapts well to straight, wavy, or curly hair types with the right styling approach.
Can I get a mullet taper with curly hair?
Yes, curly hair adds natural volume and texture to a mullet taper. Use curl cream and let it air dry for the best defined, bouncy shape.
How do I ask my barber for a mullet taper?
Show a photo, then describe it. Ask for a low taper on the sides blending into longer length up top and at the back.
Serena Luna, the voice behind JournalHair. I share the latest hairstyle ideas, haircut trends, and easy hair inspiration to help you find your perfect look every day.
