Shag mullet sounds like something your cool aunt rocked in the ’80s while blasting Joan Jett in her Camaro. But here we are in the age of TikTok and Pinterest, where the shag mullet is not only back, it’s thriving.
I’ve seen it climb Google Trends faster than a cat chasing a laser pointer—and as an SEO nerd who’s written hundreds of hair trend blogs (yes, I analyze keyword clusters for fun), I can confirm: this one’s not just a style, it’s a vibe. It’s rebellious meets retro, messy meets chic—and somehow, it works.
So, what exactly is a shag mullet? Picture the edginess of a mullet with the soft, textured layers of a shag haircut—basically, it’s business in the front, party in the back, but with better product and way more style cred.
It’s the hair equivalent of mixing vintage denim with designer boots. Whether you’re craving volume, movement, or just want to look like you woke up cool, there’s a version of this cut made for you.
And yes, I’ve personally tried two of these shaggy masterpieces, so trust me—I’ve learned a thing or two about pulling them off without looking like I time-traveled from 1983 (unless that’s your thing, in which case, rock on).
1. Textured Shag Mullet
The textured shag mullet is like the messy bun of edgy cuts—it looks effortlessly cool but still turns heads.
I went for this look during a spontaneous haircut phase, and it honestly changed my entire vibe (in the best way).
The textured layers add movement without bulk, making it perfect for medium to thick hair.
Use a sea salt spray or texture cream to amp up that piecey, lived-in feel.
2. Choppy Shag Mullet
This version adds bite—literally. The choppy shag mullet features uneven, jagged layers that scream rock-and-roll.
If you’re someone who doesn’t like “too neat” anything, this is your match.
I love it because it grows out well and looks great even on second (or third) day hair.
3. Curtain Bangs Shag Mullet
This style is like two trends having a lovechild—curtain bangs and the classic shag mullet.
I wore this when I needed something bold yet face-framing, and it made me feel like a French film character with a rebellious twist.
It works beautifully on round and oval faces, adding length and softness.
Blow-dry the bangs with a round brush to give them that airy, swoopy effect.
4. Short Shag Mullet
A short shag mullet is the haircut equivalent of a “don’t mess with me” leather jacket.
It’s edgy, low-maintenance, and perfect for anyone who hates styling their hair but still wants it to look cool.
I rocked this one in the summer it kept my neck cool and my confidence hot.
Keep the sides trimmed tight and add volume up top with a volumizing powder.
5. Medium Shag Mullet
If you want to test the shag mullet waters without diving in head-first, the medium version is your sweet spot.
It gives just enough drama while staying versatile enough to pull back or straighten.
I had this cut while job hunting (yes, job hunting), and it still looked polished enough for interviews with the right styling.
Use a diffuser to enhance natural waves, or flat iron the ends for a sleeker edge.
6. Wavy Shag Mullet
The wavy shag mullet is a dream if your hair naturally does the “I woke up like this” wave thing.
I wore this cut last fall and, honestly, didn’t touch a curling iron for three months—bless. It’s ideal for medium-density hair and gives that effortless, beachy chaos we all chase on vacation.
Use a lightweight curl cream or mousse to bring out the natural texture without weighing it down.
7. Layered Shag Mullet
This one’s all about layers layers on layers on layers. The layered shag mullet works wonders for adding volume to fine hair or lightening up thick hair.
I recommended this to a friend with super straight hair, and it instantly gave her that tousled, rockstar bounce.
A texturizing spray is your best friend here to help keep things light, fluffy, and slightly wild.
8. Undercut Shag Mullet
Feeling bold? The undercut shag mullet is for those who want to shave the rulebook (and maybe part of their head).
I tried this during a midlife-not-really-a-crisis and felt cooler than I ever did in college.
It’s edgy, breezy, and ideal if you want less bulk around the sides and neck.
Just be sure to schedule regular trims to keep that undercut sharp.
9. Side-Parted Shag Mullet
Not into the typical middle part trend? The side-parted shag mullet gives the same retro flair but adds asymmetry for extra dimension.
I had this during a “professional but still fun” phase, and it balanced both beautifully.
It works great for longer faces or those wanting to soften strong jawlines.
Use a round brush to add lift at the roots, and embrace the uneven texture.
10. Curly Shag Mullet
Calling all curl queens—the curly shag mullet is where defined coils meet vintage flair.
My 3A curls loved this cut; it gave my hair shape without the dreaded triangle effect.
It works best if your curls have natural bounce but lack structure.
Use a leave-in conditioner followed by a gel or curl-defining custard, and let your curls do their thing.
11. Razored Shag Mullet
Think sharp, wispy ends with attitude—that’s the razored shag mullet.
My stylist used a razor for mine during a “new year, new hair” session, and it added an edgy, feathery texture I didn’t know I needed.
This cut is perfect if your hair tends to lie flat and you want to shake things up—literally.
Just avoid overusing heat, since razored ends can get dry; a nourishing hair oil will keep things smooth.
12. Tapered Shag Mullet
The tapered shag mullet brings a more sculpted, balanced look. It tapers in at the neck and jawline while keeping the layers playful and voluminous on top.
I recommended this to my sister, who wanted to go bold but still have some “shape” to her cut—and she’s been obsessed ever since.
It’s low-effort to maintain and looks amazing with just a touch of mousse or styling cream for definition.
13. Asymmetrical Shag Mullet
This one’s not for the faint of heart. The asymmetrical shag mullet is creative, edgy, and unapologetically different—which made me love it even more when I wore it on a whim during my “art student phase.”
It flatters angular faces and adds serious visual interest without going full punk.
Style it with a bit of paste or pomade to highlight the uneven layers and make them pop.
14. Voluminous Shag Mullet
If you’re all about big hair and bold vibes, the voluminous shag mullet is your soulmate.
I had this during a phase when I basically lived in dry shampoo, and this cut just worked with the messiness.
It’s best for thick or coarse hair that can hold shape—and trust me, the bigger it gets, the better it looks.
Blow-dry with a diffuser and flip your head upside down for that full ‘80s rock band energy.
15. Wispy Fringe Shag Mullet
Soft, fluttery bangs meet a relaxed, textured cut in the wispy fringe shag mullet.
This look is great if you want something feminine with a little edge.
I went for this one when I wanted a fresh look without committing to blunt bangs and I loved how it made my eyes pop.
Use a lightweight styling spray to keep the fringe in place without making it stiff or crunchy.
If you love soft, playful looks, explore these baby mullet ideas variation for more inspo.
16. Soft Fade Shag Mullet
The soft fade shag mullet blends edgy with subtle like a pro—it’s the fade’s cooler, artsy cousin.
I tried this after growing out an undercut and loved how the fade gave a clean transition without looking too harsh.
Great for anyone who wants structure but still craves that undone shag texture.
Use a lightweight styling gel on the fade to keep it neat, and let the top layers go wild.
17. Long Shag Mullet
Think Stevie Nicks meets street style—the long shag mullet is effortlessly cool and perfect for those who want length and attitude.
I had this while traveling and loved how low-maintenance it was; I could air dry and go.
It flatters just about every face shape and works best with wavy or layered textures.
Add dry shampoo at the roots for volume and let the layers do the talking.
18. Feathered Shag Mullet
This one’s all about movement. The feathered shag mullet gives soft, flicky ends that add a breezy, light feel to your whole look.
I had this style when I wanted something dramatic without going full grunge it felt polished and playful.
Blow-dry with a round brush and flick the ends out for that signature ‘70s vibe.
19. Blended Shag Mullet
Not a fan of harsh transitions? The blended shag mullet keeps the cut cohesive and smooth from crown to nape.
I wore this to a wedding (yes, a wedding) and got more compliments than the bridesmaids—true story.
It’s a great intro cut for those curious about shaggy layers without committing to an extreme look.
Use a soft wax or cream to separate layers just enough to add texture.
20. Retro Shag Mullet
Ah, the classic. The retro shag mullet brings back those Bowie-meets-Blondie feels with full-on vintage flair.
I went full glam with this one—winged eyeliner, platform boots, and all—and it delivered.
It’s bold, unapologetic, and thrives on volume and drama. Style with a round brush, tease the crown a bit, and don’t be afraid to go big or go home.
Amazon Finds That Changed My Hair Game
Revlon 1200W Perfect Style Hot Air Kit | Style, Curl, and Volumize
T3 SinglePass Curl Professional Curling Iron Custom Blend
Noodle & Boo Baby Extra Gentle Shampoo for Sensitive Skin
COLOR WOW Dream Cocktail Kale Infused Leave-in Treatment – for fragile
Drybar Buttercup 1875W Blow Dryer
