You might not think “curly” and “mullet” belong in the same sentence—but hold up. If the words “business in the front, party in the back” make you chuckle, just wait until you see that phrase in curly, bouncy action.
The curly mullet isn’t just a throwback to your uncle’s questionable ’80s phase—it’s officially cool again. And yes, I said it… as someone who spends way too much time writing SEO-friendly content and analyzing keyword trends, this hairstyle is having a serious glow-up moment.
So what’s the deal with the curly mullet, and why is it suddenly all over Instagram and TikTok? Simple: it’s bold, it’s fun, and it lets your natural texture shine without giving up edge.
Think volume up top, drama in the back, and a whole lot of personality. I tried it myself last year on a whim (thank you, late-night Pinterest scrolling), and I’ve never gotten so many compliments—and weirdly, website traffic.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you could pull off a curly mullet, this post is for you. I’ll break down how to style it, who it works best for, and why it’s actually one of the most low-key genius hair moves out there. Stick with me—this isn’t just a look, it’s a vibe.
1. Textured Curly Mullet
The textured curly mullet is the perfect fusion of volume and texture. I love how it highlights natural curls while keeping the back a bit more tousled.
The layers create this effortless, lived-in vibe that’s perfect for those who love their curls with a little extra flair.
It’s a playful, fun look that works best for medium to thick curls. Check out more curly inspiration with these wolf cut curly hairstyles.
2. Short Curly Mullet
If you’re not ready for long layers but still want to rock a curly mullet, the short curly mullet is your best bet.
It’s a compact, edgy style that gives you that signature mullet silhouette without the commitment of longer hair.
Works wonders for curly hair that has more bounce than length, and it’s easy to maintain with a quick touch of styling cream.
3. Tapered Curly Mullet
The tapered curly mullet is the perfect balance between sharp edges and curly texture.
I’ve tried it myself, and it’s a great way to keep the volume on top without feeling like it’s too overwhelming.
The short sides with a bit more volume at the crown create a flattering, bold look.
This style works best for those with medium to tight curls who love a modern edge.
4. Choppy Curly Mullet
Want a little extra movement in your curls? The choppy curly mullet adds layers that give your hair texture and bounce without being too bulky.
It’s great for anyone with thick or unruly curls. To style, just scrunch in some mousse and let it air-dry or diffuse—easy, carefree, and bold.
This curly mullet with curtain bangs is the ultimate fun combo. I love how the bangs frame the face while the rest of the hair maintains that distinctive mullet shape.
It’s the perfect way to soften the look if you’re not totally ready for a full-on fringe.
Curtain bangs add a touch of retro charm while keeping the look modern, especially if you have curls that naturally fall in all the right places.
6. Medium Curly Mullet
The medium curly mullet gives you a perfect balance of length and volume.
It’s ideal for someone like me who loves a bit of drama, but without going too extreme.
The medium length allows your curls to show off their full shape while still providing that distinctive mullet silhouette.
It’s a great middle-ground style that works for most face shapes.
7. Defined Curl Mullet
For those who really want to showcase their curls, the defined curl mullet is a must-try.
I like to use curl cream or gel to define each curl, giving them a more structured look while maintaining that signature mullet shape.
It’s bold, but the defined curls make it appear polished and intentional. This look works best on those with more structured, voluminous curls.
8. Undercut Curly Mullet
The undercut curly mullet is all about the contrast between sleek and voluminous.
The shaved sides make your curls on top really pop and give this style an edge.
It’s ideal for those with thick hair who want to reduce bulk but still enjoy the boldness of the mullet.
This style requires regular upkeep but rewards you with a super cool, fresh vibe.
9. Loose Wave Mullet
For a softer, more relaxed take on the curly mullet, the loose wave mullet is the way to go.
I love the beachy, effortless waves this style creates—it’s ideal for those who want a more laid-back vibe but still want that signature mullet shape.
It works well with natural texture and can be styled with a light mousse or sea salt spray for extra volume.
The high fade curly mullet is all about making a bold statement.
The high fade on the sides brings the focus straight to your curls on top.
This hairstyle works wonders for curly-haired individuals who want a sharp, clean look with just enough length to add that mullet touch. I love this look for its fierce, edgy style.
11. Side-Parted Curly Mullet
The side-parted curly mullet is a super flattering take on the mullet that’s got a little more volume on one side.
I love how the side part gives it a more asymmetrical vibe, and it looks especially good with curls that naturally fall in different directions.
It’s a style that’s playful yet still chic, perfect for those who want their curls to stand out in a unique way.
12. Layered Curly Mullet
Adding layers to a curly mullet is a great way to get more volume and texture.
I personally find that layering works best for thicker hair types because it reduces bulk and helps the curls fall more naturally.
This style adds movement without sacrificing shape. It’s one of the most versatile curly mullet styles, perfect for both short and long curls.
13. Asymmetrical Curly Mullet
The asymmetrical curly mullet brings a whole new level of cool. I love how one side is slightly longer, giving it an edgy, offbeat look.
The key to pulling this off is keeping the curls defined, which balances out the asymmetry.
This is an ideal style for someone who likes to take fashion risks and loves playing with proportions.
14. Tight Curl Mullet
For those with super tight curls, the tight curl mullet is the way to go.
This style really showcases the natural pattern and adds a whole lot of volume to the top.
I’ve worn this look when I want to keep things structured but with a bit of a wild flair.
It’s perfect for curlies who want to embrace their texture while keeping things sleek in the back.
15. Shaggy Curly Mullet
Last but certainly not least, the shaggy curly mullet is a messy, fun take on the mullet.
I love how carefree and effortlessly chic this look is, especially when paired with a bit of styling cream.
The layers give it movement and volume, while the curls keep it laid-back.
This is one of those baddie curly mullet styles that works for anyone looking for that “cool girl” vibe.