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    How to grow a mullet: A step-to-step guide

    Reading time: 5 mins

    A woman using a Philips hair clipper to shave a man’s dark hair into a mullet.

    Are you beginning to get tired of your current look? Have you decided that growing out a mullet is what you need to feel revitalised and confident about your appearance, but don’t know where to begin? Rest assured; you have come to the right place!


    Whether you prefer a clean-shaven look or have a full head of hair, the fact that you are asking how to grow out a mullet suggests that you are ready for a fresh start with your hair. Achieving this desired look is possible, as long as you are prepared for the patience and maintenance that it requires. 

    What is a mullet?

    In simple terms, a mullet is a hairstyle characterised by short hair on the top and sides, and longer hair in the back. The style is typically worn by men, but can be, and is, worn by anyone. 

     

    It is often debated when the mullet hairstyle first came about. According to Oxford Dictionary, the term ‘mullet’ was first coined by the American hip-hop group Beastie Boys in the early 90s.1 However, the mullet hairstyle had been around much earlier. 

     

    You may be wondering, ‘Are mullets back in fashion’? They reached their peak in popularity in the 80s and 90s in the Western world, but we have begun to see a re-emergence of this hairstyle in modern popular culture. 

     

    Regardless of when the mullet appeared: it’s back and now you want one. This step-by-step guide on how to grow a mullet provides all the necessary information you need to achieve a mullet that you can be proud of. Let’s get started!

    1. Set realistic expectations when growing out a mullet

    The first and most crucial step is to realistically assess your hair and understand what you are working with. Depending on your starting length and the rate of your hair growth, growing out a mullet will differ from person to person, so let’s discuss how long to grow a mullet.

    2. Growing out a mullet

    There is no specific length that your hair needs to reach to pull off a mullet, given the numerous style variations. We will delve into the various types of mullets and the styles you can choose from later. Although, it is generally advised early on in your hair growth journey to avoid cutting or trimming your hair on the top and sides of your head, and to let the hair in the back grow freely.On average, hair grows about half an inch (or 1.27cm) each month, however, this can vary greatly depending on your age, genetics or general health; if you’re concerned about how to grow a mullet from short hair, you need to be aware that it could take several months of consistent growth before a mullet is workable. But, if your hair is longer, you could see results much sooner.

     

    Some people find that the quickest way to grow your hair out is to avoid cutting it at all. So, if you are dedicated enough and want to maximise hair growth, this may be the best option in the long term.

     

    It may be tempting to take hair growth supplements, but be aware that results can vary drastically and many natural hair growth remedies have only anecdotal evidence of success. What’s more, hair growth supplements like finasteride and Minoxidil can have serious side effects, including depression and anxiety.2,3

    See more below ↓

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    3. Styling a mullet

    Now you have a general idea of how long to grow a mullet. Once you have grown out your hair to a reasonable length, you’ll next want to know how to style a mullet. You may be surprised to find that there are many variations of the mullet for you to choose from.

     

    When styling a mullet, it is important to consider your hair texture, face shape and personal style. If you are unsure about how to cut a mullet, discussing your options with your barber may help you make a decision. And remember: the mullet hairstyle you choose is not permanent, so you can change it whenever you wish. Some of the most popular styles include:

     

    • Short mullet. If you were concerned about how to grow a mullet from short hair, this is one of the easiest mullets to achieve, with little maintenance required. The sides are very short, while the top and back of the hair are kept slightly longer. You could elevate this look by pairing the short mullet with a stylish beard or moustache for a modern touch. Enhance your grooming routine with the precision of the Philips Beardtrimmer 9000 Prestige, or the Philips OneBlade Pro 360, ensuring a polished finish to your new look. 
    • Long mullet. The long mullet is the classic 80’s hairstyle. Typically, the hair at the back and on the sides is relatively long, allowing it to be worn with a variety of different hair types.
    • Undercut mullet. This is an extremely versatile style, as you can fade the sides to your desired length. An Undercut usually requires the hair at the front to be grown out, with the sides short. With the Philips Hairclipper Series 9000, achieving precision and control in styling is effortless, making it easier than ever to perfect your look even from the comfort of your home - no barber necessary.
    • Modern mullet. The modern mullet is a prime example to give if someone has ever questioned ‘Are mullets back in fashion?’. It draws inspiration from the classic long mullet but is much more subtle and less of a statement piece. This style showcases shorter sides, traditionally, with a much longer section at the back of the head. 

    4. Maintaining a mullet

    Even if you have achieved the mullet of your dreams, your work isn’t done just yet. From now on, having a consistent hair care routine will be an integral part of maintaining your mullet. 

     

    Fundamentally, getting your mullet cut regularly, whether you trim it yourself or with the help of a trusted barber, is the best way to ensure your hairstyle is kept looking fresh. To maintain the shape, it is recommended that you get a trim every 4-6 weeks, although this may vary slightly depending on your hair growth and texture. 

     

    Investing in a high-quality shampoo and conditioner and washing your hair regularly can make a world of a difference. If you tend to use heat in your hair, avoid using heat styling tools often as they can cause damage to your hair – using a good heat protectant can help protect your hair against any damage.

     

    Remember: Mullets are quite a technically complicated haircut and require a fair amount of commitment. Therefore, keeping consistent, dedicated and patient with your hair is essential. 

     

    Now that you know all you need on how to grow out a mullet, how to cut a mullet, and the various options for how to style a mullet, you should be fully prepared to embrace this unique hairstyle. Not so keen on the mullet? Check out our guide for choosing the right haircut for you.


    Sources
    1 Mullet, OED 

    2 Gov.uk, Finasteride: rare reports of depression and suicidal thoughts 
    3 A. Premanand, V. Benedic Ancy, Jaison Jeevanandam, B. Reena Rajkumari, Michael K. Danquah, Chapter 14 - Phytochemicals as emerging therapeutic agents for alopecia treatment, Editor(s): Chukwuebuka Egbuna, Shashank Kumar, Jonathan C. Ifemeje, Shahira M. Ezzat, Saravanan Kaliyaperumal, Phytochemicals as Lead Compounds for New Drug Discovery, Elsevier, 2020, Pages 221-238, ISBN 9780128178904 

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