The iconic hairstyle of the ’80s is being sported once again, and other hairstyles are having to take a backseat. We get the hair experts to weigh in on if the mullet will be the hairstyle of the year.

When Billy Ray Cyrus sang in one of his famous songs, ‘I want my mullet back,’ we never expected the line to be relatable in 2021. The mullet is one of the most iconic men’s hairstyles in the ’80s. Shorter in the front, longer at the back, the haircut has had its fair share of jokes, but now it’s back in style. Footballers, musicians, and fashion icons — men and women — all have started to embrace the mullet by ditching old hairstyles for a laidback vibe. Celebrity hairstylist Aasif Ahmed explains, “The mullet now represents a cut that is bold, radical, and genderless. Something that has always stuck with me about the style is the phrase, ‘Business at the front, party at the back’. Mullet is two different looks in one cut and that’s what makes it so unique. But for me, you still have to make sure there is balance and transition throughout.”

Ranveer Singh’s hairstylist, Darshan Yewalekar, gives his reason for the comeback of the mullet. “If I jog my brains, only one explanation pops up. People had the time during the pandemic to grow their hair, and now when you’re out with long hair, you might as well flaunt them and make the most of long hair styles,” he opines. Talking about the difference in today’s mullet, Yewalekar says, “In the ’80s, the mullet was considered to be the hip and happening cut, but we have come a long way in self-expression. There is a huge sense of acceptance of the wackiest and wildest styles in our society. We are more open to experimenting, and don’t shy away from colour as well. So, we can mix shades and colours with the mullet and have our own version of it.”

However, the mullet has its share of do’s and dont’s. Ahmed suggests, “You should not blindly go for it. It’s better to go step by step, growing your hair at the back, and then getting a cut. Adding layers and texture will help connect it, and make it a modern mullet. While you may want to tone it down, don’t sacrifice the bold look that makes the trend what it is. You need to play around and see what works on you. Try your own version of it. The mullet needs no specific gender, age, face shape or hair type to work; all it needs is the right attitude.”

And how can one maintain the look? Yewalekar says, “Honestly, the front and sides are short and the back is long, so you don’t need much product, but then there are many different versions of it. Depending on your hair texture, you should ask your barber or hairstylist to suggest a suitable product. You can make do with a nice leave-in conditioner, and it might need frequent visits to your barber for a regular trim.” Ahmed comments, “We can play around with texture like someone with straight hair can add texture. For fine hair, work a texturising balm into your hair, and follow up with volumising powder to add fullness.” The hairstyle has taken over women in the music industry. Following her father’s footsteps, Miley Cyrus has been rocking a blonde mullet since quite some time. Similarly, Billie Eilish was spotted sporting the hairstyle, but with a hint of pop neon green colour, whereas Halsey and Kristen Stewart have been spotted with a layered mullet. “There are different ways in which women can style mullet. The advantage with women is they generally have longer hair, and so, it’s easier to play around. You can frame your face with cute fringes and delicate sideburns, while still maintaining length and having the ability to wear an up-do if you desire. Above all, you should try to remember that it’s the little details like fringe, sideburns, colour, and more, that make your mullet unique. The mullet can be done with straight hair, curly, or wavy hair, and any sort of texture. It also suits women with natural curls. To make sure your curly mullet doesn’t end up looking frizzy, just make sure you add some product while styling. After washing, work a hazelnut-sized amount of mousse into your hair, and then dry using a diffuser,” explains Ahmed.

The hairstyle has also been a popular one in India, especially in Bollywood. Speaking of the demand of the hairstyle, Yewalekar added, “There have been a few inquiries from clients, but one of my team members at D Shave barbershop is sporting a mullet. So, when Meezan Jafri came to get his hair trimmed for his upcoming film, he saw my team member, and was excited to sport it in one of his films.” He also added that Mithun Chakraborty and Sanjay Dutt rocked the hairstyle back in the ’90s. When asked about Bollywood celebrities who would rock the hair trend, he opines, “I feel Ranveer, Ranbir Kapoor, and Jafri can pull off this hairstyle. In fact, in Sanjay Dutt’s biopic Sanju, we saw Ranbir recreating his mullet in a few scenes.” We know that the mullet never really went completely out of style. It has been keeping its presence in its own way. Are you ready to try it out now?