Curly Taper Mullet 2025: Retro Meets Modern Haircut

The mullet is back—and it’s never looked so fresh. In 2025, the curly taper mullet stands as the coolest revival of an iconic retro style. With its mix of 80s fun and modern barbering, the taper mullet isn’t just a passing trend. It’s a smart, expressive, and surprisingly versatile look—especially for curly hair. Let’s dive deep into what makes this trend sizzle, how it works for different heads, why Gen Z loves it, and tips for rocking your own version with confidence.

Table of Contents

Trend Breakdown: The DNA of the Curly Taper Mullet

What exactly is a curly taper mullet? Imagine a vintage mullet—short sides, longer back, and that classic “business up front, party at the back.” Now modernize it: fade or taper the sides, pump up the top and back with natural curls, add just the right amount of texture, and you’ve got a haircut that feels as confident as it is daring.

Short, Tapered Sides: Instead of a harsh cut, the sides are softly faded or tapered for a clean, sharp outline.
Full Curls on Top: The top is left long enough to accentuate natural curls, giving height and drama.
Layered, Longer Back: The back maintains length, but with layers for that flowy mullet vibe—a key change from boxy 80s styles.
Loads of Texture: Curly hair boosts the natural “movement” and modern finish with every head turn.

Why Gen Z Loves Mullets (and Why You Might Too)

Gen Z is all about breaking tradition and remixing old trends for new impact. The mullet became a TikTok favorite not as a joke, but as a fierce, fashion-forward move. It stands out, says “I do what I want,” and gives off a kind of “retro-cool” energy without trying too hard.

Individuality: Each mullet is unique. Taper, fade, color, or curls—no two look quite the same.
Boldness: The style is unapologetic. Wearing a curly taper mullet hints at confidence and a playful spirit.
Low Maintenance: Once cut, a mullet grows out in a way that always looks interesting—no fuss, no panic.
Inclusion: The style is gender-fluid, works for different hair types, and lets everyone join in.

Personal Anecdote:
My younger cousin convinced our grandmother to let him try a mullet in 2024. At first, she laughed—by summer, half his football team had curly taper mullets after seeing how cool and easy it looked. It became a sort of bonding style, worn their own way by each teammate.

Throwback Vibes Meet Modern Barbering

The 80s mullet was all about rebellion—Billy Ray Cyrus, David Bowie, and rock bands were style kings. But the 2025 mullet is less about rebellion and more about personal flair and sharp grooming. Here’s what sets it apart:

Fades & Tapers: Blending the sides and nape, barbers bring finesse and detail that wasn’t standard decades ago.
Smart Styling: Products for curls—leave-in conditioners, sea salt spray, matte clay—make the shape soft and wearable.
Custom Fit: Your barber tailors the length, curl, and volume to suit your face shape, so it’s always flattering.

Is Mullet Cut Good for Curly Hair?

A mullet cut is amazing for curly hair! Curls add natural height, bounce, and personality. The longer back lets curls spill out in a fun, stylish way, while the short, tapered sides keep everything looking neat and sharp—not bushy or out of control.

Tips for Curly Mullets:

Use a curl cream or mousse for bounce and definition.
Diffuse when drying for volume up top and in the back.
Ask for layers—this lightens the look and stops “pyramiding” or heaviness at the nape.

Unique Insight:
Anyone with a wild head of curls knows the feeling of too much bulk. The curly mullet solves this with airy layers and crisp edges—making upkeep a breeze.

Is Mullet Still Popular in 2025?

Absolutely. Mullets of all types—especially the curly taper—are all over barbershop feeds, TikTok, and style blogs. 2025’s most popular men’s styles include mullets with skin fades, mid-fades, sharp tapers, or even subtle variations for office settings. The haircut has cemented its place as a go-to for anyone bored with basic cuts.

Mid-fade mullets and burst-fade mullets are trending everywhere, particularly among Gen Z and young millennials.
Faux hawk mullets and “wolf cut” mullets give even more options for the bold.

Who Is the King of the Mullet?

There are contenders, but Billy Ray Cyrus is forever known as “the king of the mullet.” His look in the 80s defined the cut. Today, soccer stars and TikTok creators (see Ellyse Perry or Theo Hernandez) usher the trend into new global fame—each giving it a modern twist.

How to Get a Curly Taper Mullet: Step-by-Step

1. Grow Out the Back

Let hair at the nape grow past where you’d usually trim it, about 2–4 inches longer than the sides.

2. Taper the Sides

Ask your barber for a low, mid, or high taper depending on your comfort level. Fades work, too, if you like sharper contrast.

3. Layer the Top & Back

The top shouldn’t be blunt or blocky. Request layering to maximize curl and manage thickness.

4. Define and Shape

A well-cut curly mullet will have just enough length on top to style forward, back, or up. Sideburns and fringe can also be tailored—frame the face or leave soft for a “lived-in” effect.

5. Style for Personality

Experiment with:

Curl cream or mousse for volume.
Sea salt spray for beachy, undone waves.
Clay or putty for controlled texture.

Personal Tip:
When I switched to a curly mullet, my morning routine was half as long. No more worrying if my hair had “flattened” overnight—some bedhead actually works!

Top Ways to Make Your Curly Taper Mullet Stand Out

Color: Subtle highlights, platinum streaks, or bold dye jobs look extra dynamic with mullets.
Designs: Get fun with shaved lightning bolts, lines, or zigzags in your fade.
Accessories: Bandanas, headbands, and hats fit a mullet better than almost any cut.
Twists & Braids: Add kid-friendly or edgy styling for a special event.

Are Taper Mullets Professional?

Today’s variation can be surprisingly office-appropriate. Keeping the sides short and the layers controlled means you can style the top neat for work and wild for the weekend. Ask your barber to tailor the back’s length so you have options.

Curly Taper Mullet in Real Life: Stories from 2025

Athletes: Soccer and rugby players wear the look for its comfort with a helmet and standout style.
Creatives: Musicians and designers enhance their “brand” with mullets, often colored or designed.
Everyday Folks: Teachers, shop owners, and even tech workers enjoy a haircut that makes them memorable—and grows out gracefully.

A friend of mine worried a mullet would be “too much” for her first teaching job, but it quickly became a playful way for students to remember her and a mini-lesson in retro style!

The Future: Why This Throwback Has Staying Power

The curly taper mullet isn’t a joke haircut anymore—it’s a cool, creative, and accessible cut that will stick around because:

It’s endlessly customizable.
It suits every age and gender.
It flatters curly hair—a rare find.
It fits both rebellion and refinement, depending on the cut.

If you want to stand out in 2025, this is a style that packs big personality and comfort into one—turn every head at school, the office, or out with friends.

Ready to try the curly taper mullet? Bring in reference photos, chat with your barber, and tweak the style until it feels you. Because more than anything, the modern mullet is about self-expression—and that’s always cool.