Hi, I’m Lena — a professional hairstylist with over 10 years in the salon chair. The modern mullet for women is one of my favorite cuts because it blends edge and versatility: short and choppy up front with length and movement in the back. This style suits a wide range of face shapes and hair textures — from fine, straight hair that gains instant volume with layers to naturally wavy or curly hair that looks effortlessly cool with length in the nape. In the salon I customize the degree of contrast, bang style, and layering to flatter jawlines and balance proportions. Styling tips I share with clients include using texturizing shears, a salt spray for grit, and a lightweight paste for definition. These 20 images showcase variations from soft, feminine mullets to bold, punk-inspired looks, plus step-by-step styling ideas and pro product picks to make the cut work for your lifestyle.
Edgy Textured Shag Mullet with Short Fringe – Piecey, Layered Blonde Style
This modern shag-mullet suits fine to medium-density hair and works well on straight to slightly wavy textures; thick hair can wear it too with strategic thinning. The salon technique uses short, choppy layers at the crown, a textured, razored fringe, and disconnected, tapered length at the nape for movement and separation. For cutting: use scissors and a razor for feathered ends, plus thinning shears to remove bulk. Styling at home: towel-dry, apply a lightweight volumizing mousse or root-lift, blow-dry with fingers or a small round brush to lift the crown, then use a flat iron to flick pieces for definition. Finish with a small amount of texturizing paste or clay to shape fringe and ends, and a light sea-salt spray for grit. Tools/products needed: shears, razor, thinning shears, blow dryer, round brush, flat iron, heat protectant, volumizer, texturizing paste, sea-salt spray, light hairspray, and purple shampoo if blonde. Difficulty: moderate (precision cut requires a pro; daily styling is quick). Maintenance: trims every 6–8 weeks, color toning as needed, use strengthening treatments and refresh texture with dry shampoo between washes.
Modern Textured Shag Mullet with Choppy Layers and Feathered Fringe
Suitability: Ideal for fine to medium, straight to wavy hair. Works on thicker hair if thinned through the perimeter; not recommended for very tight curls without significant texturizing. Technique: The cut is built on short, razored layers at the crown with a disconnected, tapered nape and a feathered, choppy fringe. To style, towel-dry then apply a root-lifting mousse; blow-dry lifting the crown with a round brush or by flipping the head upside down for extra volume. Use a 1 flat iron or small-barrel curling wand to flick and separate ends for piecey texture. Finish by scrunching with a sea-salt spray and working a small amount of matte paste through the top layers for definition. Tools: professional scissors and razor or texturizing shears, blow dryer with nozzle, 1 round brush, clips, flat iron/curling wand. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea-salt/texturizing spray, matte paste or light wax, dry shampoo. Difficulty & Maintenance: Cutting requires an experienced stylist (advanced). Daily styling is moderate (10–15 minutes). Trim every 6–8 weeks, refresh texture with dry shampoo between washes, deep-condition mid-lengths weekly, and sleep on silk to reduce frizz.
Textured Shag Mullet with Choppy Micro Bangs — Wavy/Curly Texture Friendly
This textured shag-mullet with choppy micro bangs works best on natural waves and loose curls, and can be created on straight hair with heat styling. Ideal for fine-to-medium hair densities (thicker hair benefits from strategic thinning). The cut is built from short, razored layers at the crown, longer disconnected nape lengths, and a short, piece-y fringe to frame the face. Styling technique: start on towel-dried hair, apply a lightweight leave-in and sea-salt spray, rough-dry with a diffuser to enhance wave, then define select pieces with a 1 curling wand or flat iron for separation. Finish by working a small amount of matte paste or texture cream through the mid-lengths and ends, scrunching to create movement. Tools needed: professional shears and razor for the cut, thinning shears, blow-dryer with diffuser, 1 curling wand, wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, leave-in conditioner, volumizing mousse or sea-spray, matte texture paste, light hairspray. Difficulty: medium — precision cutting should be done by a stylist; daily styling is straightforward. Maintenance: trim bangs and crown every 6–8 weeks, deep-condition biweekly, refresh with water + salt spray between washes, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve lift and texture.
Textured Shag Mullet with Micro Bangs
This choppy, textured shag with micro bangs and a slightly mullet-inspired back is ideal for fine to medium hair looking for volume and movement; thick hair can wear it if weight is removed with thinning and layering, and wavy or loose-curly textures will enhance the lived-in finish. The salon technique uses short, disconnected layers around the crown, point-cutting or razor texturizing at the ends, a cropped fringe, and a slightly longer, feathered nape—clipper work can be used to tidy the underside. Tools needed: sharp cutting shears, thinning/texturizing shears or a razor, combs, clips, and optionally a small clipper. Styling tools: blow-dryer with nozzle, diffuser or round brush, flat iron or small-barrel wand for piecey definition. Recommended products: heat protectant, lightweight volumizing mousse or root lift, sea-salt spray for texture, and a light matte paste or clay to separate layers; finish with flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — precise cutting skills required for balanced layers and fringe. Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks (bangs more often), use a protein mask monthly, avoid heavy conditioners at the roots, and style by scrunching sea-salt spray or defining pieces with a small amount of paste.
Textured Shag Mullet with Choppy Fringe and Tousled Waves
Suitable for medium to thick, naturally straight to wavy hair, this modern shag-mullet combines choppy fringe, graduated crown layers and a long textured nape for effortless movement. The cut is created in salon using razor and point-cutting for feathered ends, with shorter top layers to add volume while leaving weight in the back to soften the silhouette. To style, towel-dry and apply a root-lifting mousse and sea-salt texturizer; blow-dry with a vent brush or diffuse to enhance natural wave. Use a 1 curling wand or flat iron to introduce loose bends, then tousle with a texturizing spray and finish with a light flexible hairspray for hold. Tools needed: blow dryer (diffuser optional), round/vent brush, 1 curling wand or flat iron, cutting comb and clips for at-home retouches. Products required: root-lift mousse, sea-salt spray, heat protectant, lightweight oil or serum and dry shampoo. Difficulty: moderate — requires a professional cut for the layered structure; at-home styling becomes quick once you learn the routine. Maintenance tips: trim every 6–8 weeks to maintain shape and bangs, deep condition monthly, and use dry shampoo or texturizing powder to preserve lift without weighing hair down.
Textured Short Shag Mullet with Choppy Fringe
This textured short shag mullet works best on fine to medium hair and on natural straight to wavy textures — it also adapts well to looser curls with slightly longer layers. The salon technique is built on graduated short layers at the crown, disconnected nape-length shaping and razor-pointed ends to create feathered movement; the short, choppy fringe is dry-cut for a softer, more wearable finish. Tools you’ll need: sharp cutting shears, a razor or texturizing shear for ends, a clipper for the nape (optional), a blow-dryer with a narrow nozzle or diffuser, and a 1 curling or flat iron to flip and define pieces. Recommended products: lightweight mousse or root-lift, sea-salt or texture spray, a small amount of matte paste or cream wax for piecey definition, heat protectant and occasional deep conditioning. Difficulty: moderate — precision layering requires a trained stylist, while daily styling is quick. Maintenance: schedule trims every 6–8 weeks to keep the shape, use sulfate-free shampoo and a weekly mask for moisture, refresh texture with dry shampoo or sea-salt spray, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve lift.
Textured Mullet with Feathered Fringe and Voluminous Crown
This modern textured mullet with feathered fringe and layered waves is ideal for medium to thick straight or wavy hair that benefits from structured volume and movement. The haircut uses shorter, sculpted layers at the crown and longer, disconnected length at the nape to create lift and a soft, lived-in silhouette. Styling technique: start on towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse at roots and a heat protectant through lengths. Blow-dry with a round brush and concentrator nozzle, lifting the crown; backcomb slightly at the roots for extra height. Use a 1 curling wand to create loose, alternating-direction bends through mid-lengths and ends, then finger-comb to break up curls. Finish by misting a salt/texture spray and lightly scrunching; lock with a medium-hold hairspray. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, 1 curling wand or small iron, round brush, teasing comb, sectioning clips. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, salt/texture spray, medium-hold hairspray, lightweight serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — 15–25 minutes. Maintenance: salon trims every 6–8 weeks, sulfate-free shampoo, weekly deep-conditioning, refresh with dry shampoo between washes, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
Modern Textured Shag Mullet with Wispy Micro Bangs
This modern shag-mullet with wispy micro bangs suits medium to thick hair and straight-to-wavy textures best; it can be adapted for finer hair with more graduated layering or for curly hair by lengthening layers. The cut is built from short, choppy crown layers that create lift, blended into longer, textured nape lengths and feathered bangs. To style: towel-dry, apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray, then blow-dry with fingers or a diffuser while lifting at the roots. Use a round brush for extra crown lift or a small flat iron to flick and separate ends for that lived-in piecey look. Tools: sharp shears or a razor for texturing, thinning shears, hair dryer with diffuser, round brush, small flat iron and sectioning clips. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, lightweight matte paste/pomade, dry shampoo and light hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires a professional cut for correct layering and some daily styling skill. Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks (bangs every 3–4), use weekly deep-conditioning if colored, refresh texture with dry shampoo and rework pieces with a finger-coating of matte paste.
Modern Textured Shag Mullet with Choppy Layers and Wispy Fringe
This modern textured shag-mullet features short, feathered crown layers, a wispy fringe, and a slightly longer, tapered nape for movement and edge. It works best on fine to medium hair — the layers add lift for thinner hair and remove bulk in medium density — and suits straight to softly wavy textures; very tight curls require modification. Salon technique: point-cutting and light razoring create soft, choppy ends and a disconnected perimeter, with subtle face-framing pieces and a slightly graduated nape. Tools: professional shears, thinning shears or razor, fine-tooth comb, sectioning clips, blow dryer with nozzle, round brush, and a 1
Edgy Textured Shag Mullet with Choppy Micro-Bangs
This modern shag-mullet with micro-bangs suits straight to wavy hair and works well on medium to thick densities; fine hair can wear it with added layers and root volume, while very curly hair should be softened with longer layering. The cut is created with disconnected layers: short, choppy fringe cut with point-cutting/razor techniques and graduated, feathered layers through the crown and nape to build movement and weight removal. To style, rough-dry with your fingers and a blow dryer (use a diffuser for natural waves), then apply a sea-salt/texturizing spray and scrunch. Define pieces with a small flat iron or 1 curling wand for intentional flips, and finish by separating ends with a light pomade or fiber paste. Tools: salon shears, razor, thinning shears, blow dryer, diffuser, round brush, flat iron/curling wand. Products: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or root lifter, texturizing spray, light pomade/wax, dry shampoo. Difficulty: advanced cut for stylists; styling is low–medium for clients. Maintenance: trim bangs and layers every 6–8 weeks, use weekly deep conditioning, refresh texture with dry shampoo or spray, and sleep on silk to reduce frizz.
Modern Textured Shag-Mullet with Wispy Micro Bangs
This versatile shag-mullet suits straight to wavy hair and medium to thick textures; fine hair can wear it with layers and product for added body. The look relies on short, choppy layers at the crown, longer textured length in the nape, and soft micro-bangs to frame the face. Styling technique: start on towel-dried hair with a lightweight heat protectant and sea-salt spray. Blow-dry while lifting the crown with your fingers or a vent brush for separation, then use a small-barrel curling iron or flat iron to flick and bend mid-lengths and ends for that lived-in texture. Tools needed: vent brush, small-barrel iron (1–1.25 in), blow dryer, styling comb, and cutting shears/thinning shears or a razor (for salon texturing). Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt spray or texture spray, matte paste or light wax for piece definition, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: intermediate — recommend visiting a stylist for the initial precision cut; daily styling is simple once shaped. Maintenance tips: refresh every 6–8 weeks, deep-condition weekly to keep ends healthy, and use dry shampoo between washes to preserve volume and texture.
Textured Modern Shag Mullet with Choppy Fringe
Suitability: Best for straight to wavy hair and medium-to-thick densities; fine hair can work with added layering and product to build body. Styling technique: The look is achieved with heavy face-framing layers, short choppy bangs, and longer, disconnected lengths at the back. In the salon use point-cutting and a razor for soft, feathered edges and interior removal to create movement; finish with dry cutting to refine pieces. Tools needed: professional shears, razor and thinning shears, blow dryer with concentrator, round brush, 1 curling wand or flat iron for shaping, wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight volumizing mousse or root lifter, sea-salt spray for texture, matte texturizing paste or clay for piece definition, light-hold hairspray and dry shampoo for refreshes. Difficulty level: Moderate — requires a trained stylist for the initial cut; home styling takes 10–15 minutes once proportions are set. Maintenance tips: trim bangs every 4–6 weeks and reshape layers every 8–10 weeks, use a weekly deep conditioner to maintain shine, avoid heavy oils that weigh layers down, and refresh with dry shampoo and rework texture with a small amount of paste.
Textured Shag Mullet with Feathered Layers and Short Fringe
This edgy textured shag-mullet suits fine to medium hair and works well on naturally straight or slightly wavy hair; thicker hair can also wear it when weight is removed with strategic thinning. The salon technique uses short, choppy layers at the crown, razor or point-cutting to feather the fringe, and a slightly disconnected, longer nape to create movement. Tools required: sharp cutting shears, thinning/texturizing shears, a straight razor (optional for feathering), and clippers for clean nape work. For styling: blow dryer with nozzle, diffuser or round brush, small flat iron for piece-defining, and fingers for tousling. Recommended products: lightweight volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, sea-salt or texturizing spray, a matte paste or clay for separation, heat protectant, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: medium — the cut is best executed in-salon, but daily styling is quick once you learn the product mix. Maintenance: schedule trims every 6–8 weeks to preserve shape, use sulfate-free shampoo and weekly deep-conditioning for mid-length health, refresh texture with a water + product mist, and show this reference to your stylist to match proportions to your face shape.
Textured Feathered Shag Mullet — Choppy Layers & Short Fringe
This textured feathered shag-mullet suits fine to medium hair and straight-to-wavy textures best; it adds lift at the crown and length through the nape for a modern, edgy silhouette. The salon technique combines point cutting and razor feathering for soft, choppy layers, a short textured fringe, and slight graduation at the crown to preserve movement. Tools needed: professional shears, a razor or texturizing blade, thinning shears, blow dryer with a concentrator, medium round brush, and a flat iron or small curling wand for finish work. Recommended products: lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots, sea-salt or texture spray through the mid-lengths, a small amount of matte paste or clay for piece definition, heat protectant, and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty level: intermediate — the layered razor finish is best executed by a stylist; daily styling is straightforward. Maintenance tips: schedule trims every 6–8 weeks to retain shape, use conditioner only on ends to avoid weighing down the crown, refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray between washes, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz and preserve feathering.
Textured Curly Shag Mullet with Short Choppy Fringe
This modern textured shag mullet with a short choppy fringe suits naturally wavy to curly hair and medium-to-thick densities; fine hair can adapt with softer layers and root-lifting techniques. The cut is created by heavy layering at the crown, disconnected shorter lengths around the face, and a tapered, longer nape — finished with point-cutting and light razor texturizing to create piecey movement. For styling, start on damp hair: apply a lightweight curl cream or mousse, then scrunch and diffuse on medium heat to enhance natural texture. Use a small-barrel curling wand sparingly to define stubborn pieces and add separation with a texturizing paste. Tools required: sharp styling scissors, thinning shears, straight razor for texture, blow-dryer with diffuser and a small curling iron. Recommended products: heat protectant, curl cream or lightweight mousse, light-hold texturizing paste, sea-salt spray for grit, and flexible hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — the initial cut benefits from an experienced stylist to balance layers; daily styling is quick (10–15 minutes). Maintenance: trim every 6–8 weeks, deep-condition weekly, refresh with water + product scrunching, and sleep on silk to reduce frizz.
Textured Shag Mullet with Short Fringe and Feathered Wispy Ends
This modern textured shag-mullet — featuring a short, choppy fringe, feathered crown layers and long, wispy ends — is ideal for straight to wavy hair and medium-fine to medium density. The salon cut uses disconnected layers at the crown blended into longer nape lengths with point-cutting and light razor texturizing to create movement. Styling technique: towel-dry, apply heat protectant and a root-lift spray, then rough-dry with a round brush or fingers to build crown volume. Smooth mid-lengths with a 1 flat iron or add subtle flicks with a small curling wand. Finish by working a pea-sized matte paste or styling clay through the layers to define separation and lock with a flexible hairspray. Tools needed: hairdryer with nozzle, round brush, flat iron or 1 wand, wide-tooth comb; for cutting: professional shears and texturizing scissors or razor. Recommended products: heat protectant, volumizing/root spray, sea-salt or texture spray, matte paste, flexible hairspray and occasional smoothing oil for ends. Difficulty: medium — cutting should be done by a stylist; daily styling takes 5–10 minutes. Maintenance: trims every 6–8 weeks for fringe and layers, weekly deep-conditioning if chemically treated, refresh texture with dry shampoo and fingertip reworking.
Sleek Short Bowl Pixie Crop with Blunt Fringe
This polished short bowl-pixie is ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair with medium to thick density; fine hair can work if boosted with light layering and root lift, while very curly textures require straightening or professional texturizing. The salon technique involves a graduated bowl shape: clip the nape short, establish a rounded crown line, and cut a blunt, weighty fringe that tapers into the sides using precision scissors and point-cutting for seamless edges. Tools: professional scissors, thinning shears, small round brush, blow dryer with concentrator, flat iron for finishing and a comb. Products: heat protectant, smoothing cream or lightweight styling balm, volumizing mousse for finer hair, shine serum for glossy finish, and light-hold hairspray or dry shampoo to refresh. Difficulty level: moderate — requires an experienced cutter for balanced weight and clean lines; everyday styling is quick. Maintenance: schedule trims every 4–6 weeks, use sulfate-free shampoo and a weekly deep conditioner to maintain sheen, avoid heavy oils at the roots, sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction, and refresh with dry shampoo or a quick flat-iron pass between cuts.
Sleek Low Chignon with Deep Side Part — Polished Salon Updo
A sleek low chignon with a deep side part delivers a refined, mirror‑shine finish ideal for straight to slightly wavy hair. Best suited to medium and thick hair for smooth control; fine hair can achieve the look with a light texturizing powder or small padding, while very curly hair should be blow‑dried and smoothed first. Technique: wash and towel dry, apply heat protectant and a smoothing cream, then blow‑dry with a nozzle attachment using a paddle or round brush for tension. Create a precise deep side part with a tail comb, flat‑iron small sections for polish, gather hair at the nape, twist or fold into a low chignon and tuck the ends under, securing with an elastic and discreet bobby pins. Smooth sides with a boar‑bristle brush and finish with flexible‑hold hairspray. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, paddle/round brush, flat iron, tail comb, section clips, elastics, bobby pins, boar‑bristle brush. Products: smoothing shampoo/conditioner, heat protectant, blow‑dry balm, lightweight serum, flexible hairspray, optional texturizer. Difficulty: moderate (20–35 mins). Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh roots with dry shampoo, smooth flyaways with a dab of serum, and re‑pin or touch up with a flat iron as needed.
Sleek Low Side‑Part Ponytail with Wrapped Hair Detail
A polished sleek low ponytail with a deep side part and a wrapped hair section gives a modern, editorial finish. Suitable for long straight or slightly wavy hair and best on fine-to-medium textures; very thick hair will benefit from thinning or layered cutting to achieve the smooth lie. Technique: blow-dry hair straight with tension, create a defined deep side part, smooth hair into a low pony slightly behind the ear, and secure with an elastic. Take a 1–2 inch section from the ponytail, wrap it around the elastic and pin underneath for a seamless look. Finish by flat-ironing any remaining pieces for mirror-smooth shine and refine baby hairs with a light gel and a fine-tooth comb. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, round/paddle brush, tail comb, flat iron, hair elastic, bobby pins, sectioning clips. Products required: heat protectant, smoothing serum or cream, light-hold gel for edges, medium-hold hairspray, and a shine spray. Difficulty: intermediate — precise parting and smoothing required; allow 20–30 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh roots with dry shampoo for grip, reapply shine spray to tame flyaways, sleep on silk, and use deep conditioning weekly for color-treated or heat-styled hair.
Asymmetrical Textured Pixie-Bob with Long Side‑Swept Fringe
This sleek asymmetrical pixie-bob pairs tapered back layers with a long, side‑swept fringe for a modern, face‑framing silhouette. Suitability: Best for fine to medium hair textures and straight to slightly wavy hair; thick hair can work with weight removal and texturizing. Styling technique: The cut is created by tapering the nape and sides while keeping length through the crown and front; long diagonal fringe is layered and point‑cut for soft movement. To style, blow‑dry sections with a small to medium round brush, directing the fringe across the forehead. Smooth the top with a flat iron if needed and finish by working a small amount of texturizing paste through the ends to separate layers. Tools needed: professional cutting shears, thinning shears or razor, blow dryer, round brush, flat iron. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing paste or cream, light‑hold hairspray and shine serum. Difficulty level: intermediate — precise cutting is recommended from a stylist; daily styling is quick. Maintenance tips: trim every 4–6 weeks, use a sulfate‑free shampoo, weekly deep conditioning for shine, and refresh on day 2 with dry shampoo or light re‑texturizer.
As a stylist, my best advice when considering a mullet is to book a consultation so we can tailor the length, layers, and bangs to your face shape and daily routine. For maintenance, schedule trims every 6–10 weeks to keep the silhouette sharp and remove split ends. Use a heat protectant before blow-drying or flat-ironing, a sea-salt spray or volumizing mousse to enhance texture, and a matte paste or cream to define pieces without stiffness. If you color your mullet, opt for low-maintenance techniques like balayage or shadow roots to complement the cut’s contrast. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce frizz and preserve styling. The mullet is endlessly adaptable — whether you want subtle dimension or full-on statement, I’ll help you create a look that’s both wearable and unmistakably you. — Lena