The mullet has made a roaring comeback, but with a modern twist—and one of the most stylish renditions today is the mid taper mullet. This hybrid haircut fuses the best of two worlds: the boldness of the mullet and the clean, blended look of a mid taper fade. It’s edgy yet refined, vintage yet modern. If you’re looking to express yourself through a daring haircut without sacrificing versatility, this hairstyle might just be your perfect match.
Once reserved for rockstars and rebellious youth, the mullet has evolved. Today’s version is smarter, cleaner, and far more customizable than its 1980s predecessor. When combined with a taper—especially the mid taper—it becomes even more wearable and attractive, blending structure with attitude.
What is a Mid Taper Mullet?
To understand the mid taper mullet, you have to break it down into its two parts.
The mullet is a hairstyle characterized by shorter hair on the front and sides, with longer hair left at the back. It’s bold, attention-grabbing, and unmistakable.
The taper, on the other hand, is a gradual fade in hair length that typically starts from the temple area and tapers down toward the neckline. A mid taper specifically starts in the middle section of the head’s side profile—not too low near the ears, and not too high near the temples.
When combined, the result is a haircut that maintains the flow and drama of the mullet while bringing in the clean aesthetics of the taper fade. It’s a great balance between controlled grooming and wild style.
Why the Mid Taper Mullet is Gaining Popularity
This hairstyle has risen in popularity due to social media trends, street fashion influence, and a renewed appreciation for retro aesthetics. TikTok and Instagram are filled with barbers showcasing modern mullets that blend fades, designs, and color. The mid taper version stands out for its versatility—it’s suitable for both casual and statement looks.
Another reason for its appeal is that it works with various hair types and textures. From straight to curly hair, the mid taper mullet can be adapted to match your personal style. It’s expressive without being too extreme, which makes it a popular choice among fashion-forward men and even some women embracing gender-fluid grooming styles.
Who Should Get a Mid Taper Mullet?
This haircut isn’t just for trendsetters or fashion icons. It’s surprisingly versatile and can work for a wide range of face shapes, personal aesthetics, and lifestyles.
It’s a great option for:
- People who want a unique look that stands out
- Those who like short hair in the front but want to keep length at the back
- Individuals interested in combining classic and modern styles
- Anyone looking to try a tapered haircut with an edge
Face shapes that benefit most from the mid taper mullet include oval, square, and heart shapes. The taper helps create clean lines that can contour the face, while the longer back adds balance and flair.
Hair Types that Suit This Style
One of the best things about this haircut is its adaptability across different hair types. Whether your hair is pin-straight or naturally curly, you can make this look work.
- Straight Hair: Gives a sleek appearance. Best when styled with texture or layered to avoid a flat look.
- Wavy Hair: Naturally complements the flow of the mullet, offering movement and bounce.
- Curly Hair: Adds volume and character to the longer back, creating a full, bold silhouette.
- Coily Hair: Can create a strong contrast between the fade and the volume at the back, making it ideal for creative variations.
Styling the Mid Taper Mullet
Styling this haircut is where creativity comes alive. The mullet allows for different finishes—sleek, messy, spiked, or curly—while the taper remains clean and structured.
Here’s how to style a mid taper mullet depending on the look you’re going for:
Casual Everyday Style
Use a light-hold styling cream or mousse. Scrunch or comb through damp hair to keep things natural. Let your hair air dry for a relaxed look.
Sleek and Polished Look
Use a blow dryer and a small amount of pomade to comb the top and sides. Let the back hang naturally or straighten it for a smoother silhouette.
Messy and Textured Look
Apply sea salt spray or texturizing paste to slightly damp hair. Use your fingers to create disheveled waves. This style works especially well with wavy or curly hair.
Bold and Spiky Look
Go all out with a strong-hold gel or wax. Spike the front, comb the sides into place, and let the back stand out. Great for parties or making a statement.
How to Ask for a Mid Taper Mullet at the Barber
Clarity is key. Not all barbers are familiar with every trend, so here’s what to say:
- Ask for a mid taper fade—this means the taper starts midway on the sides of your head and gradually fades toward the neckline.
- Then specify that you want to keep length at the back to form a mullet.
- Mention whether you want texture on top, layers, or a specific length.
- Bring reference photos to avoid miscommunication.
Be sure to discuss how much maintenance you’re willing to do. If you want a version that grows out naturally, your barber can customize the taper and layers accordingly.
Maintenance and Upkeep
The mid taper mullet is relatively low-maintenance but does require regular attention to keep it looking sharp.
- Taper Fades: Touch up every 2–3 weeks to maintain the clean blend.
- Mullet Length: Trim the back every 4–6 weeks to prevent it from becoming too unruly unless you’re going for a dramatic look.
- Use a good conditioner or leave-in product to keep hair healthy, especially if it’s longer or color-treated.
- Nightcare: Consider sleeping on a satin pillowcase to reduce frizz and preserve the style.
Variations of the Mid Taper Mullet
This hairstyle can be customized in many ways. Here are some popular variations:
Mid Taper Mullet with Line-Up
Add a sharp line-up at the forehead and temples for a cleaner, more angular appearance. It gives a barbered edge to an otherwise wild look.
Textured Mullet with Fade
Instead of a sleek mullet, go for heavy texture at the crown and longer, layered hair at the back. Pair it with a mid taper to keep it neat on the sides.
Curly Mid Taper Mullet
For naturally curly hair, let your curls shine at the top and back while keeping the sides faded and defined. This style highlights your texture while adding structure.
Colored or Bleached Mullet
Add bleach or bold color to the top or tips for an attention-grabbing twist. It takes the mid taper mullet from stylish to statement-making.
Celebrities and Pop Culture Influence
The resurgence of the mullet and taper combo is thanks in part to celebrities and influencers. Artists like Lil Nas X, Morgan Wallen, and even soccer players have been spotted with mullet-inspired fades. On social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, barbers show off artistic versions of this cut, helping it reach a broader, more mainstream audience.
The hairstyle now represents freedom, self-expression, and a break from boring grooming norms. It’s no longer a look of the past—it’s a fashion-forward cut for today’s bold and creative generation.
FAQs about Mid Taper Mullet
What’s the difference between a low, mid, and high taper mullet?
A low taper starts near the ears, a mid taper begins around the middle of the sides, and a high taper starts near the temples. The mid taper offers a balance between subtle and dramatic.
How long does the back need to be for a mullet?
A couple of inches is enough for a mini mullet, but for a fuller effect, let it grow to at least 4–6 inches.
Is the mid taper mullet suitable for professional settings?
It depends on the workplace, but the clean sides and styled top make it more acceptable than traditional mullets in many professional environments.
Can women wear a mid taper mullet?
Absolutely. This style is gender-neutral and can be adapted for any hair length or texture.
How often should I get the taper touched up?
Every 2 to 3 weeks is ideal to maintain a clean look. The longer back section can be trimmed less frequently.