WA Premier throws support behind mullet hairstyle after elite school warns students against the look

Western Australia’s Premier has weighed in on the mullet debate after an elite private school warned students against adopting the hairstyle.

WA Premier Mark McGowan says he supports the mullet hairstyle, but it is up to the school to decide on its rules. Picture: AAP Image/Perry Duffin

An elite private boys’ school in Perth is cracking down on “excessive” facial hair and “non-conventional” hairstyles, including rat tails, top knots and mohawks, but the Premier says he is “pro mullet”.

In its latest newsletter to parents, Trinity College said the renewed trend of growing a mullet was “untidy, non-conventional and not acceptable” at the school, which expected “conservative” hairstyles among students.

Long hair, fringes, colours and highlights are also considered unacceptable.

“Hair should be well styled, brushed, neat and clean,” the Catholic school said.

Mullets are making a comeback.

“Hair should be cut so that it clears the collar at the back and does not fall in front of the eyes.

“Students are not permitted to have mullets, rat tails, top knots, mohawks, extra long fringes or any other non-conventional style cuts.

“Hair is not to be undercut or layered and is not to be worn any shorter than a number two cut.”

The school also said boys must be cleanly shaved.

“This is the personal responsibility of each young man as he matures,” the newsletter read.

“Parents are asked to support the college by ensuring that their son is taught to shave and have an adequate supply of shaving equipment at home.

“Boys attending school with excessive facial hair will be asked to shave and supplied with basic disposable equipment.”

American tennis player Andre Agassi had a memorable mullet in the 1990s. Picture: Jean-Loup Gautreau/AFP

Mullets in particular have recently become popular again among young men, including AFL players.

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan said he was a fan of mullets but drew a line at rat tails.

“I’m very pro mullet, it’s a unique Australian invention – one we should be selling to the world, but I’ll let the school make their own decisions,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

“I’m pro mullet, I’m not so pro-rat’s tails — rat’s tails are a bit beyond the pale.”

Originally published as WA Premier throws support behind mullet hairstyle after elite school warns students against the look