How To Cut The 2026 Mullet: How Pros Are Updating This Classic Shape
From the “Heated Rivalry” hockey haircut craze to global athletes and musicians, mullet-inspired cuts defined by length and movement are shaping men’s hair in 2026.
For advanced cutters, this trend demands intention in taper placement and weight distribution, followed by a strong understanding of how to customize length without compromising structure. Here’s how the cut is evolving, from the barbers doing it right.
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Trend Insight From Experts: Why Barbers See The Modern Mullet Gaining Popularity
As trends cycle faster and inspiration travels globally through social media and pop culture, Wahl Professional Artist John Carmona (@titan_barber) says today’s cuts are all about length and movement. “Styles are being more heavily influenced internationally by shags, mods and the reinvention of mullets in a more modern fashion.”
Wahl Professional Artist Trevor Moots (@tailorfade) agrees, making it clear this isn’t a passing moment. “Barbering isn’t just about fades anymore. In my opinion, it’s become some of the most exciting and creative hair we’ve seen in decades. The mullet made an absolute impact in 2025, but it’s here to make a statement in 2026,” Trevor says. “This haircut can come in so many forms and so many lengths that you have no choice but to try it on everyone.”
Culturally, it tracks. Cinema, sports and music continue to drive demand. “Austin Butler and Jacob Elordi,” John notes as references, alongside soccer players, NFL superstars and NBA athletes leading haircut popularity.
Trevor agrees, adding, “Men’s soccer has always led when it comes to setting trends for short hair, as well as musicians. They have never been afraid to take risks when it comes to their hairstyles: a true example of letting someone’s hair fit their personality and owning it.”
Scroll through the slides to see today’s top celebs wearing the modern mullet:
Customization Is The Key To A Modern Mullet
Customization is what separates a modern mullet from a trend haircut. For Trevor and John, the key is building the shape around the client’s personality, lifestyle and natural hair characteristics.
“Pay attention to the client beyond the hair. I always like to incorporate my client’s personality, fashion, music taste, etc., into my decision-making when creating a mullet,” Trevor explains. “If my client listens to punk rock or dresses a bit more edgy, then I know I have more freedom to create something a little more ‘disrupted.’”
“It’s important not to place barbers in a box and to blur the lines of gender when approaching haircuts,” John explains. “I think there’s a misconception that there is supposed to be a separation between the worlds of barbering. The most important part of a haircut is whether it suits the individual wearing it.”
John believes that comes down to a technical understanding of face shape, bone structure, hair density, curl pattern and tool choice. “It is not a one-industry concept, but rather an all-inclusive skill set in the world of hair.”
Pro Tips & Tools for Barbers To Achieve a Modern Mullet
“We are in an era of barbering that is so universal,” Trevor says. “It’s a must that barbers not only master their fading techniques but are also equally as dominant in their scissor work and styling.”
- Establish your desired end goal beforehand. “Use anywhere from one to three inspo pictures discussing what your client likes and dislikes from each one.”
- Disconnect and leave length through the nape
- Razor cut or point cut the top of the hair to add texture
- Burst fade around the ear to give a clean silhouette
- Style with a matte paste or texture powder for movement and versatility
The Tool Lineup That Delivers: “Pair your mullets with this combination and you can’t go wrong,” Trevor says. His mullet kit includes:
- Wahl Vapor for sharp blends
- Wahl Hi-Viz Air for clean lines
- Wahl Vanish for detail work
- Wahl Vanquish to lock in style
- Wahl B&G Magic Clip & Detailer
- Feather Razor
- Blending and texturizing scissors, including ARC™ Scissors PARAGON II
Tips To Keep Mullet Styling Achievable At-Home
“The two things guys never ask for are directions and styling tips,” Trevor jokes. “But recently I’ve noticed more and more of my clients asking questions about styling.”
Three easy ways to style mullets at home:
- Diffuser + sea salt spray
- Texture powder for lift
- Matte paste for movement
Mullet Maintenance Timeline for Clients
“Anywhere between two and four weeks is ideal for most of these haircuts,” John says. But he also notes some clients enjoy the grow-out stages, meaning your structure has to hold up beyond week one.
“Make sure you visit a barber who has an understanding of bone structure and head shape and how to complement these natural aesthetics,” John advises.
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