The mullet has been reworked many times in Korean and wider Asian men’s styling, usually with softer textured fringes, tapered or faded sides and a back that is longer but not extreme. This collection follows that approach, covering a short modern mullet with a piecey fringe, a wolf mullet with shaved temples, a spiky mullet bob, a pompadour mullet, a two-block cut with an undercut design and a centre-parted curtain mullet.
Straight, thick Asian hair can stick out or sit heavily if it is not thinned, so many of these cuts rely on texturising and point cutting to make the top fall softly. If your hair is very straight and you want the movement seen in the curly and wavy looks here, a perm is often part of the plan.
Consider your daily routine too. Disconnected sides and fades need tidying every two to four weeks, while a taper fade mullet grows out more gently and is easier to keep office-appropriate.
1. Modern Mullet with Textured Fringe
A short modern mullet with a textured fringe is versatile enough to suit almost any hair type. The soft, piecey fringe frames the eyes and softens the overall shape. Gel, mousse or clay can each be used to sharpen the texture depending on how polished you want it.
Inspiration: @nicolaslevels
2. Wolf Mullet with Temple Fade
A wolf mullet with shaved temples is a favourite among K-pop artists and easy to request at the barber. The faded temples contrast with the longer nape and full textured fringe, giving a slightly disconnected, edgy outline.
Inspiration: @na_w.k
3. Spiky Mullet Bob
Tousled, spiky layers and a short choppy fringe give this short mullet bob a rebellious attitude. To bring out the texture, rub a matte clay between your palms and rough up dry hair with your fingers rather than a comb.
Inspiration: @_ryosaito_
4. Pomp Mullet
A pompadour on top, faded sides and a mullet at the back combine into one bold statement. Pompadours are a popular choice for Asian hair because thick strands hold height well. Apply pomade to dry hair for strong, glossy hold.
Inspiration: @cjdabarber_
5. Fade Mullet with Micro Fringe
Messy layers on top, a micro fringe and a longer back make this mullet fade full of character. A skin fade on the sides adds strong contrast. Wear it with or without facial hair; either way the haircut remains the focal point.
Inspiration: @jvgullyy
6. Two-Tone Mullet with Long Fringe
A disconnected mullet with faded sides gets a bright colour accent on the hair at the nape and a long fringe at the front. The two-tone detail is a playful risk that works with many types of fade. Use a colour-safe shampoo to keep the accent shade vivid.
Inspiration: @arsy_f14
7. Permed Mullet
Permed curls and a mullet come together in one eye-catching cut paired with a low fade. Go longer and messier or keep it tidy with a shorter nape. A curl cream keeps permed hair hydrated and the curl pattern well defined.
Inspiration: @kazuki__site
8. Mohawk Mullet
A mohawk becomes a mullet by leaving extra length at the back, with a burst fade shaping the sides. Choosing a high or drop fade adds edge and keeps maintenance simpler. Style the centre strip upward with a firm-hold paste.
Inspiration: @andibass00
9. Taper Fade Mullet
A short mullet with a gradual taper fade is clean enough for most office dress codes. The longer top and back keep the mullet character while the sides stay neat. A medium-hold, low-shine gel gives a polished finish.
Inspiration: @harisbarbershop
10. Mullet Mod
A tousled mod-inspired mullet features a long fringe falling over the forehead. Getting the best from it takes a little styling: clay for longer-lasting texture, or a sea salt spray for a softer, more natural effect.
Inspiration: @cozarthair
11. Messy Shullet
A messy shaggy mullet uses plenty of layers and face-framing pieces to highlight the features. It suits men with straight hair who want more texture without much daily effort. A quick scrunch of texture spray is all it needs.
Inspiration: @_ryosaito_
12. Two-Block Mullet
Long hair on top, closely shaved sides and a lightly tapered back create a disconnected two-block mullet, here with an undercut design at the temple. Removing bulk from the sides also helps balance very thick, dense hair.
Inspiration: @rj_nation
13. Curtain Mullet
A centre-parted section that falls like curtain bangs gives this mullet a modern, relaxed edge. Middle parts work for casual and formal settings alike. A little sea salt spray enhances texture and helps the fringe swing to each side.
Inspiration: @styles.by.yoshi
14. Textured Mullet
A wavy, textured mullet with dynamic layers benefits both thin and thick hair. Wear it naturally, push it to the side for a change, or ask your stylist to adapt it into a comb-over shape.
Inspiration: @na_w.k
15. Curly Mullet
A Korean-style wavy mullet with facial hair blends the softness of waves with the attitude of a mullet. A curl cream formulated for waves enhances the pattern and adds definition without crunch. Air-dry or diffuse on low heat so the waves keep their shape.
Inspiration: @kazuki__site
Asking for a K-pop-style mullet
- Decide how long the back should be: just below the nape for a subtle look, or past the collar for a statement.
- Choose the sides: a soft taper, a temple fade, a burst fade or a disconnected two-block undercut.
- Ask for the top and fringe to be texturised so thick, straight hair falls into separated pieces instead of a heavy helmet shape.
- If you want waves, book a perm before the final shape is cut so the barber can account for curl shrinkage.
Styling products that suit this cut
Matte clay gives the spiky and messy versions their separated texture, while sea salt spray adds a natural, beachy movement to curtain and wolf mullets. Pomade works best for the pompadour mullet when you want shine and height. For permed hair, a curl cream applied to damp hair keeps waves hydrated and defined; avoid brushing it once dry to prevent frizz.