Do you want to know what makes the mullet fade haircuts for men such a cool haircut? This viral trend blends retro mullet vibes with contemporary fades for head-turning style. How does this style mix the old mullet with a modern fade? The mullet fade is a haircut with short sides and a longer back. It gives a bold look, making it a great way to express individuality. It’s a fun way to stand out and express your style. This popular haircut has become really stylish and has even gone viral on social media platforms, where celebrities love it. In 2025, mullet fades are all the rage, combining retro vibes with contemporary twists. I helped a friend get a bold new look with a faded mullet, and it was a big hit! There are many different styles in this guide, so you can pick the one that suits you best and give your haircut a cool, modern look. The steps to getting this haircut are easy, and the final result will make you look amazing.

What is a mullet fade haircut?
A mullet fade haircut is a cool hairstyle where the sides of your hair are short, and the back is longer. The fade on the sides makes the cut look clean and sharp. This style is great because you can choose different fade heights (low, mid, or high). It’s the ultimate statement for those embracing bold contemporary style.
“Business up front, party in the back—with a fade for the win.” – Sherman Alexie

What haircut looks like a mullet but isn’t?
A wolf cut is similar to a mullet, but it’s a little different. The hair at the back is long, just like a mullet, but the hair on top is shorter and messy. While both feature longer backs, the wolf cut’s shaggy layers create a softer, more blended aesthetic. The wolf cut is a good choice for people who like the mullet style, but want something a little more modern and fun. It’s perfect if you love the mullet’s spirit but prefer a more modern, low-commitment style.

Mullet fade haircuts: Discovering the best variations
The mullet fade offers a perfect fit for everyone, from classic looks to customized variations. With many styles to choose from, it remains a popular, sleek, and stylish option to match personal preferences. Few popular ones are:
1. Classic mullet fade
The classic mullet fade style mixes the old-school mullet look with a modern twist. In this style, the hair is longer in the back, giving it the signature mullet vibe. The sides and front are faded and kept shorter, creating a cool contrast. This makes the hairstyle feel fresh and bold. It’s a combination of past and present, offering a classic look with a new, sharp finish. This style is perfect for guys who want a haircut that’s both timeless and trendy. Perfect for fans of vintage-inspired sophistication.
“A mullet fade: where sharp lines meet wild freedom.”

2. Mohawk mullet fade
The mohawk-inspired style has a strip of longer hair in the middle, from the forehead to the back, with faded sides and a flowing mullet at the back. This cool mullet fade creates a sharp change from the longer top to the faded sides. It gives a bold, edgy look with lots of movement.

3. Asymmetrical mullet fade
The asymmetrical mullet fade offers an edgy, bold look with longer hair on one side and shorter on the other. This unique style creates a striking contrast, perfect for those wanting a daring and stylish twist on the classic mullet fade. Discover more bold style choices in our skater guide.
“Rock the fade, own the mullet—shear confidence in every strand.”

4. Curly mullet fade
The Curly Mullet Fade is great for curly or wavy hair, letting your curls flow while keeping the sides faded. It works with your natural hair, giving a stylish, bold mix between the mullet and fade. This look balances volume with sleekness perfectly. Maintain curls using techniques from our grooming guide.

5. Vintage mullet fade
The Vintage Mullet Fade adds a retro touch to the classic mullet, inspired by styles from the 70s and 80s. It has a slightly shorter, choppier mullet in the back for an edgier look, while the faded sides keep it looking clean and fresh. This style mixes nostalgia with a modern twist, making it a great choice for anyone who wants a bit of retro with a sharp, updated look. Explore more timeless style elements.
“Fade the edges, keep the party alive—it’s a cut above.”

6. Modern mullet fade
The modern mullet fade is a fresh take on the classic mullet. It has longer hair in the back that is straightened, while the sides are faded and kept short. This style makes the back look bold and flowing, while the sides are clean and neat. The mix of long hair in the back and faded sides gives it a modern, edgy look. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a mullet with a clean and updated feel.

7. Taper fade mullet
The Taper Fade Mullet is a cool hairstyle that has a low taper fade on the sides. The sides gradually get shorter as they move toward the back, where the hair is longer. This makes the hair change from short to long smoothly, giving it a bold but clean look. The fade on the sides adds a modern touch to the classic mullet, keeping the style fresh and unique. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants a mullet that’s both edgy and sleek.

8. Taper short mullet fade
For those who prefer a more cropped, shorter version of the traditional mullet, the taper short mullet fade is a perfect choice. This style features a mullet fade with low tapered sides that gradually blend into the faded hair on top. The tapered sides create a sharp, clean look, while the shorter mullet at the back gives it that edgy vibe. It’s a great balance between boldness and practicality, offering a fresh take on a classic style with a modern twist.
“A great fade isn’t just a haircut—it’s the best accessory a man can wear.” Oscar Wilde

9. Short mullet fade
The Short Mullet Fade is a great choice for people who want a style that’s easy to take care of. This version keeps both the mullet and the fade short and neat, making it simple to maintain while still looking sharp and modern. The fade on the sides gives a clean finish, and the overall mullet fade keeps the style bold but practical. This haircut is a perfect mix of convenience and style, great for anyone who wants to stand out without a lot of work. Perfect for busy lifestyles.

10. Low fade mullet
A low fade mullet is a style where the hair gradually gets shorter on the sides and blends smoothly into the longer hair in the back. The low fade gives a clean look but still stands out. It’s not too bold, but just enough to make the style look cool. The way the hair blends into the back keeps everything looking neat and balanced. This haircut is a good choice for anyone who wants something stylish, but easy to take care of, with the classic mullet look.

11. Mid fade mullet
If you want a balanced mullet, the mid-level fade is a great choice. It has a smooth change from the longer hair in the back to the shorter hair on the sides. This makes a strong contrast but still keeps the cool mullet fade style. The haircut looks sharp but also neat, with the fade blending into the mullet for a fresh and natural look. Whether you like a bold or a more subtle style, this cut gives a modern twist to the classic mullet.
“Mullet fades don’t follow trends—they set them.”

12. High fade mullet
For those who want a bold look, a high fade is a great choice. It creates a big difference between the longer mullet hair in the back and the shaved sides. This style makes the mullet stand out more, with sleek, shaved sides and a sharp contrast. It shows off the mullet on top and the clean, shaved sides for a modern and daring look. It’s all about making the fade the main focus while still keeping the classic mullet style.

“Bold in the back, crisp in the front: the art of standing out.”
13. Burst fade mullet
A burst fade mullet mixes the fade with the long hair at the back, making it look smooth and stylish. The fade on the sides blends well with the longer mullet hair, creating a cool and bold look. This hairstyle gives you a sharp fade while keeping the back hair long and dramatic. Whether you want it to blend softly or have a bold flowing look, the burst fade mullet is a great choice for men who want something unique and stylish.

14. Textured mullet fade
The mullet started as a big trend during the COVID-19 pandemic and has now become a timeless style. It has changed into many different shapes and sizes. This modern version of the mullet keeps the original feel but adds a fresh twist. It has extra texture on the top and back, with faded sides for a smooth blend. This style focuses on a natural, controlled look and works well with today’s fashion trends. Read more about french crop hairstyle guide to explore different variations.

“Why choose between a fade and a mullet? Have both—chaos with a plan.”
How to choose the right mullet fade?

Choosing the right mullet fade depends on your face shape, hair type, and personal style. Here’s a quick guide:
Face Shape
- If you have a round face, go for a mullet with more height on top, like the mohawk mullet fade, to add length.
- For square or angular faces, softer fades like the clean mullet fade can balance sharp features.
Hair Type
- Curly or wavy hair? Styles like the burst fade mullet show off natural texture. You can keep it looking great with curl care techniques.
- Straight hair works well with sharper styles like the short mullet fade.
Lifestyle and Style Goals
- Want a bold, attention-grabbing look? Try the mohawk mullet fade or textured mullet fade (perfect for skater-inspired looks).
- Choose mid fade or clean mullet for everyday sophistication.
Tutorial
This is the complete tutorial to choose the right mullet fade for men.
Audio podcast
Listen to Our Quick Guide 🎧
Prefer audio? Here’s a quick podcast explaining the mullet fade steps!
Styling tips for mullet fades

- Bring several photos to help you and your barber understand each other. You can find certified pros through the Professional Beauty Association.
- For a first try, avoid going too short on the mullet length.
- Ask for professional recommendations to refine your look.
- Add texture with texturizing spray or matte wax for a cool, messy style.
- Use curl cream for curly hair to highlight natural waves (product recommendations).
- Keep the fade sharp by brushing the sides and applying pomade for a clean finish.
- Straighten the back for a sleek look or leave it natural for a casual vibe.
- Use light-hold gel for everyday wear and switch to a stronger product for special events.
How to take care of a mullet fade?

Want your mullet fade to always look great? Try these easy tips:
- Visit your barber every 2–3 weeks to keep the fade sharp and tidy.
- Use shampoo to wash your hair and conditioner to keep the long part soft.
- Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to avoid frizz.
- Don’t overuse heat tools like blow dryers or straighteners—they can damage your hair.
- Touch up the sides with clippers and use gel or pomade to control stray hairs.
Follow these steps, and your mullet fade will stay fresh and stylish!
Pro Tip: For long term style confidence, master timeless grooming fundamentals.
Hairstyle showcase
The following pictures represent hairstyle showcases for the men’s mullet haircut.









Final thoughts
The mullet fade haircut is a bold and stylish choice for anyone who wants to show their individuality. It mixes classic and modern elements to create a hairstyle that will turn heads wherever you go. If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone, this is the perfect haircut to try. It’s all about having the confidence to experiment with your look. This trendy hairstyle can make you stand out, so why not embrace it today?
For daily mullet fade haircuts inspiration – follow @mensminimal90 on Instagram, @MensMinimal on Youtube and @mensminimal on Pinterest! Join us for endless cute outfit ideas and aesthetic tips.
FAQs on mullet fade haircuts for men
You can show your barber a picture of the style you want or just tell them you want a fade with longer hair in the back. Be sure to say how long you want the top and back to be!
Yes! Curly hair looks awesome with a mullet. The curls add extra volume and style to your mullet fade. Just make sure to pick a fade that works with your curls, like the Textured Mullet Fade.
Yes! You can style your mullet fade for special events by adding texture or smoothing it back with gel for a clean, polished look.