Mullets Are The Returning Trend That Nobody Asked For

I got my first mullet when I was seven. I remember sitting in the salon, my feet suited up in white ruffly ankle socks and a pair of Mary Janes that had the tiniest heel. It was a big day and I was dressed for the occasion.

I’d seen a picture of Farrah Fawcett in a magazine, tore it out and had carried it around in my Hello Kitty purse for what felt like an eternity before my parents okayed the ‘do. Short in the front, long on the back.

Then, my sister tried to mimic my look but, honestly, I wore it better. I still believe that hairstyle got me my first boyfriend and was the reason I won my 5th grade talent show. I refused to change my hair until the one-length bob hairstyle became trendy in the late ’80s.

Now, when I look at any picture of myself from those days, I feel ashamed. My kids remind me how horrible I looked and ask me to explain myself. Maybe there was power in the mullet then, but I believe I’ve used it all up and I’m not interested in giving it another try.

In the ’80s, I don’t even know if it was called a mullet. If I recall, we called it feathering our fucking hair and I felt fabulous with long cascading locks sliding down my back, and having my sides chopped and layered so they’d take my curling brush and aqua net hair spray like a pro.

It was the hairstyle to have. The guys had it, the girls had it, the teachers had it, the parents had it.It’s true what they say — everything comes back around — and mullets are no exception. It doesn’t matter if we’re ready for it or not.

No, I’m not talking about getting your genitals waxed, and leaving your butt crack furry, although as a single woman, I’m pretty sure that’s a mullet-trend that’s happening right now, but let’s save that for a different post, shall we?

I’m talking about the famous business-in-the-front-party-in the back gloriousness that can be achieved with the hair on your head. People are taking it back for real and I’m not sure how I feel about it.

On the one hand, it’s nostalgic for sure. I mean, who didn’t have a crush on someone from the ’80s with a mullet?

Second, it definitely offers some variety. You can still sport a pony tail, it’s a great way to keep your hair out of your face, and if you’re like me and enjoy styling the front of your hair and saying “fuck it” to the back, this option is very appealing.

Billy Ray Cyrus really took the mullet to an extreme place. I’ve never seen anything quite like this — it’s perfectly coifed on the top and doesn’t move, but look at those carefree waves tho.

In 2013, Rhianna gave zero shits about whether the mullet was in or not. I have to say, she rocks this in a way few of us ever could.

I don’t care who you were, if you watched Saved By The Bell, you had a crush on Slater, hair and all.

However, many people just aren’t feeling the look and think it should go away and die with all the pay phones of the world.

But, if you are on team #fuckmullets, then I’ve got news for you: they are back, baby. As hairdresser Jackson Acton told The Guardian: “You can’t go wrong with a mullet. I’ve done a lot of them in the last year for both girls and guys.”

Excuse me, WHAT?! Really?

It sounds like whether you dig the look or not, it’s coming back. The reason? Popular television shows like Stranger Things are inspiring people to give the ’80s iconic hairstyle a second chance.

So, if you are looking to change things up a bit, want a shorter style and don’t want to fully commit, or care to give your young child the scissors and tell them to have their way with your hair so you can take a breather one Friday night, we can’t recommend the mullet enough.