The shullet – a new take on the mullet hairstyle – is exploding in popularity
An Australian hairstylist says heaps of customers are getting a new version of the controversial mullet, revealing the haircut has “exploded”.
It’s one of Australia’s most iconic haircuts – but now the mullet has had a modern makeover.
The hairstyle, famed for its long-in-the back “tail” while remaining short on top, was once deemed to be a symbol of bogan behaviour.
However the bold hairdo has been surging in popularity in recent years after a string of celebrities rocked the shaggy cut.
AFL player Bailey Smith’s trademark mullet has been labelled “sexy” and “hot” by many fans – and who can forget when Brad Pitt arrived at the Oscars in 2020 sporting the controversial hairdo.
Now a new take on the bold look is taking off called the “shullet”, with a leading Australian hairstylist describing it as a great alternative for those who want to try a mullet but have been too scared to commit to the dramatic style.
“The shullet is the combination of the shag and the mullet. It’s defined by the super high texture of a shag, and the silhouette of a modern mullet,” Jaye Edwards, owner of high-end salon chain Edwards&Co, told news.com.au.
“The shullet is having its moment right now as it’s a more lived-in alternative to the mullet, making it more accessible for those who just want to experiment with some choppier layers, without committing to a full mullet.”
Jaye, who has coloured and styled countless celebrities, went on to explain the shullet is “less dramatic while still offering a super bold look”.
“Because this cut is so textured, it has a lot more longevity, looking fresh for far longer in between cuts,” he said.
“The thing that I love about the mullet is the variety of genders, hair textures and hair lengths it suits.
“It’s also great for all the curly people looking for a low maintenance way to work with their natural curl pattern.”
The award-winning hairdresser, whose Sydney salon was named the top in the country at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards in 2017, also shared his tips for those wanting to give the trendy new haircut a whirl, which he describes as being on a “spectrum” ranging from extreme, super short on top and long at the back.
“I think the most important thing to consider is wearing this style with confidence and making it your own with your individual style,” Jaye advised.
“Consult with your stylist first and come up with a variation that will work for your face shape, hair texture and personal style.
“For me, the more effortless, the better, so work with some light, texturising products that will compliment your natural hair type, rather than work against it.”
On social media, many have been loving the new take on the mullet, labelling it “next level” and “awesome”.
“This is so groovy,” one wrote.
“It looks so epic,” another said.
Jaye, who runs eight salons across Australia, isn’t the only stylist seeing demand for the shullet increase.
British hairdresser Brixton Cowie said her London salon had been inundated with people asking for the “cool” style.
“None of my customers are coming in directly asking for a mullet – they don’t use that word – but they say they want it a bit long but a bit short, choppier, with more layers, and shaggier,” she told Glamour magazine recently.
“What we’re ending up with is a cross between the ’90s shag and the harder ’80s mullet – we’re coining this ‘the shullet’ – the must-have hair trend for summer.”
Shullets have already been rocked by multiple celebrities recently, including British singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock, rock ’n’ roll pop star Miley Cyrus and model Gigi Hadid on the front cover of Vogue Mexico.
As well as the shullet trend, Jaye also said he was seeing a spike in customers asking for “Bardot bangs” and “high-textured bobs”.
“A bob doesn’t always have to be short and sleek,” Jaye said.
“We’re seeing clients opting for the above-the-shoulder chop, enhanced with texture and choppy layers.
“Bardot bangs are a timeless and flirty style that are characterised by it’s effortless and unkempt look.
“It features curtain bangs, shorter at the front and longer through the temples. This is a great way to bring some character to simple up styles during the summer months.”
Jaye also shared some trending hair colours he’s receiving more requests for – including strawberry brunette and strawberry blonde.
“Strawberry brunette is having a real moment, following copper’s explosion onto the scene. Just like strawberry blonde, strawberry brunette covers various shades of brunette that are spiked with a little coppery-red tone,” he said.
“This is a great alternative for brunettes who want to opt for a more bold look without going lighter.”