Mullets get makeover ahead of 2022: Adelaide hairdressers reveal twist in divisive teenage hair trend

Mullets aren’t going anywhere but now there’s a new twist to the teenage hair trend set to divide school uniform policymakers.

Mum and dad loathers of mullets are out of luck with Adelaide’s hairdressing fraternity predicting there will be more, not less, of the divisive hair trend in schoolyards across the state in 2022.

But there’s a new twist with an increasing number of teenage boys wanting their long locks permed, in star young Western Bulldogs forward Aaron Norton-style, the hairdressers say.

Yes, that “permanent waving” thing hairdressers did back in the 1970s and 1980s is reportedly back.

Senior barber Mitchell Bandick from Zak Grooming For Men at Glenelg South said mullets were as popular as they’d ever been.

“In all seriousness, mullets are so in at the moment, everyone wants a mullet,” he said.

“There are also a lot of young guys who have grown their hair out really long and they want and want a curly look to it ... the only way you are going to get that, is through doing perm.

“So, there are a lot of guys opting for the perm as well as the mullet.”

Bree Coles, Manager of Scamps Hair and Beauty at Aberfoyle Park, located near one of the largest public secondary schools in the state, agreed the pairing of a mullet with a perm was gaining popularity.

“We are doing lots of perms on teenage boys, including quite a few fades with curls on top ... everything comes back in fashion and footy players are always a big influence on kids,” she said.

“For girls, there are lots of bold, strong colours through the fringe area, (a style) called money piece – some have really bright, vivid colours as well.”

Edwardstown brothers Harry and Max Downs and friend Ethan McAneney check out their mullets. Picture: Brenton Edwards

At inner suburban Glenunga, Coogie Hair senior stylist Megan Annear said “presentable” mullets were on trend.

“The area we are in has a lot of private schools and these seem to be a lot more hot on (students’ hair styles) than public schools ... a lot won’t let the boys go under a number 3, they don’t want to see scalp in any way, while hair can’t be longer than the kids’ collars,” she said.

“Our busiest time is always the week before the kids go back to school as they’ve grown their hair out during the holidays and some will try to push the boundaries.”
HELP US FIND SA’S MIGHTIEST MULLET

South Australian Secondary Principals’ Association chief executive Peter Mader said many schools included hair styles requirements as part of uniform policies or codes, set with the approval of the school’s governing council.

Mr Mader, who has worked as a schoolteacher and principal for the past 40 years, said it was his personal view, schools should focus on behaviour rather than appearance.

“We’ve turned schools into a bit of a market place ... I think there is an increase in some school’s interest to go beyond the clothing approach with the school uniform policy to include things such as colour of hair and style of hair,” he said.

“From a secondary perspective, schools exist to help young people learn ... I would hate to see a conversation about a kid’s hair get in the way of a young person’s learning program.”

Young Harry Downs, 11, is making the most of his mullet while he can, knowing he’ll need a trim before he starts high school at Sacred Heart College in 2022, alongside big brother Max, 16. We’re looking for South Australia’s best mullet! Submssions close Monday, November 29. Send us your mullet photos!

Want a mullet too Dad? Max, 16, and Harry, 11, Downs have some fun with Dad Jamie about his locks, or lack of them. Picture: Brenton Edwards