Are you ready to make a bold statement with your hairstyle? We’re embracing the resurgence of the permed mullet—a timeless look that blends edgy modern vibes with classic flair. Whether you’re looking to revamp your style or stand out from the crowd, the permed mullet offers versatility and personality like no other.
Imagine soft, curled waves cascading from the back, perfectly complementing a sleek, tidy front. This unique combination not only highlights your individuality but also brings a fresh twist to a beloved trend. Join us as we explore why the permed mullet is making waves in the fashion scene and how you can rock this daring style with confidence.
1. Understanding The Permed Mullet

Let’s jump into what makes the permed mullet so distinctive and explore its fascinating background.
Definition And Features
A permed mullet combines the classic mullet’s short front and long back with the added texture of a perm. We style the top and sides with sleek looks while the back features soft, curled waves. This blend creates a ever-changing contrast that highlights both modern trends and retro vibes. Often, the permed mullet includes layers and volume, giving it a fuller appearance. Accessories like subtle highlights or undercuts can enhance the overall look, making it versatile for various personal styles.
History Of The Permed Mullet
The mullet first gained popularity in the 1980s, symbolizing bold fashion choices and cultural statements. Over the decades, it saw fluctuating trends, maintaining a niche presence in the fashion industry. In recent years, the permed mullet has made a comeback, blending nostalgic elements with contemporary hairstyling techniques. Celebrities and influencers have played a important role in its resurgence, showcasing the style on red carpets and social media. Today, the permed mullet stands as a testament to the cyclical nature of fashion, embracing both past and present aesthetics.
2. Styling Variations Of The Permed Mullet
Discover the various ways to style a permed mullet, each offering a unique flair to suit your personality.
Classic Permed Mullet Styles

Softly Permed Mullet: We softly perm the hair to create loose, natural-looking curls. This style maintains the mullet’s classic long back while adding subtle texture, perfect for a relaxed yet stylish appearance.
Layered Permed Mullet: Layering the hair introduces volume and movement. It works exceptionally well for those with wavy hair, providing a fuller and more ever-changing look.
Modern Permed Mullet Trends

Undercut Permed Mullet: We pair an undercut with a permed mullet to create a striking contrast between the short sides and the curly back. This trend adds a contemporary edge to the classic style, making it more eye-catching.
Colored Permed Mullet: Adding vibrant colors or highlights transforms the permed mullet into a bold statement. This trend allows for greater self-expression, making the hairstyle stand out even more.
3. Maintenance Tips For A Permed Mullet

Keeping your permed mullet looking fresh requires a thoughtful maintenance routine and the right products. Let’s jump into the essential tips to ensure your style stays vibrant and healthy.
Daily Care Routine
Start by giving your hair some time to settle after a perm. Wait three days before getting your hair wet to let the perming chemicals fully set. During the first 48 hours, steer clear of any styling maneuvers like washing, twisting, or tucking your hair behind your ears to maintain the curl structure.
When it’s time to wash your hair, reduce the frequency to preserve natural oils. Choose a natural moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that are sulfate-free, specifically formulated for permed hair. After washing, gently detangle using a wide tooth comb or your fingers. Begin at the ends and gradually work your way up to prevent breakage and keep frizz at bay.
Drying your hair properly is crucial. Whenever possible, let your hair air dry to maintain its natural texture. If you need to blow-dry, use a diffuser on low heat to minimize heat damage and preserve the curls.
Recommended Products
Selecting the right products can make all the difference in maintaining your permed mullet. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that provide deep hydration without stripping your hair’s natural moisture. Brands like SheaMoisture and DevaCurl offer excellent options customized for permed hair.
To keep your curls intact and minimize frizz, incorporate a quality leave-in conditioner or curl cream into your routine. Products such as Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream or Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner work wonders in improving and sustaining your curls.
For detangling, a wide tooth comb is your best friend. Tools like the Tangle Teezer are designed to gently remove knots without causing breakage. Also, investing in a good diffuser attachment for your hairdryer, such as the Conair Volumizing Diffuser, can help you achieve a natural, airy finish while protecting your curls from excessive heat.
Regular trims are also essential to keep your mullet shape sharp and free from split ends. Visit your stylist every six to eight weeks to maintain the integrity of your hairstyle.
By following these maintenance tips and using the right products, your permed mullet will remain stylish and healthy, allowing you to confidently rock this bold look.
4. Celebrities Who Rocked The Permed Mullet

The permed mullet has been a standout look for various celebrities, blending boldness with unique style.
Iconic Pop Culture Looks
- Billy Ray Cyrus: In the ’80s, Cyrus rocked a mullet with permed and curly elements, adding impressive volume and texture to his iconic country music persona.
- Andre Agassi: The tennis champion’s mullet was as legendary as his powerful serves. His permed curls in the back gave him a distinct and memorable appearance both on and off the court.
- Hulk Hogan: Hogan’s mullet was a key part of his wrestling superstar image. The permed texture enhanced the volume, making his hairstyle impossible to ignore in the ring.
- Rob Lowe: As a member of the “Brat Pack,” Lowe’s mullet often featured permed and curly textures, significantly contributing to his timeless ’80s Hollywood look.
Influential Style Icons
These celebrities didn’t just follow trends; they set them. Cyrus, Agassi, Hogan, and Lowe each brought their own flair to the permed mullet, influencing fashion and inspiring fans to embrace this bold hairstyle. Their distinctive looks showed how the permed mullet could adapt to different personal styles, from country music stages and athletic courts to Hollywood screens.
5. How To Get A Permed Mullet

Achieving the perfect permed mullet involves careful planning and execution. Let’s walk through the essential steps to make sure you get the look you desire.
Choosing the Right Hairstylist
First, we need to find a stylist who specializes in both mullet hairstyles and perms. It’s essential to discuss our hair type, current condition, and desired outcome to ensure they recommend the best approach for us. Sharing reference photos can also be incredibly helpful, as it minimizes miscommunication and guarantees that our stylist understands the exact look we’re aiming for.
Steps Involved In The Perm Process
Step 1: Consultation
We start with a thorough consultation where the stylist assesses our hair texture, curl pattern, diameter, length, and density. This evaluation is crucial in determining the most suitable perm product and technique for our hair type, ensuring a customized approach that enhances our unique style.
Step 2: Preparation and Sectioning Hair
Next, we wash our hair to eliminate any conditioners or oils. This step is vital because it allows the perm solution to penetrate our hair evenly. After washing, the stylist will section our hair meticulously, preparing it for the application of the perm solution to achieve balanced and consistent curls throughout our mullet.
Conclusion
The permed mullet allows us to make a bold statement while embracing a nostalgic style. It perfectly balances edgy modern trends with timeless appeal, reflecting our unique personalities. By maintaining our permed mullets with care and creativity, we ensure this distinctive look stays fresh and vibrant. Let’s continue to celebrate and showcase the versatility of the permed mullet, making it a standout choice in our personal style journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a permed mullet?
A permed mullet combines the classic mullet hairstyle—short front and long back—with the textured curls of a perm. This style features soft, curled waves at the back paired with a sleek front, offering a unique blend of modern edginess and nostalgic appeal. The added layers and volume make the hairstyle fuller and more versatile, allowing for various styling options like highlights or undercuts to enhance its bold look.
Why is the permed mullet making a comeback?
The permed mullet is experiencing a revival thanks to its unique blend of classic and contemporary styles. Influenced by celebrities and social media influencers, the hairstyle appeals to those seeking a bold and distinctive look. Its versatility and ability to express individuality make it a popular choice in today’s fashion landscape, reflecting the cyclical nature of trends where nostalgic elements meet modern hairstyling techniques.
How do you style a permed mullet?
Styling a permed mullet involves maintaining the contrast between the sleek front and the curly back. Use curl-enhancing products like leave-in conditioners and curl creams to define the waves. Regular trims every six to eight weeks keep the style sharp. For added flair, consider incorporating highlights or an undercut. Proper drying techniques, such as air drying or using a diffuser on low heat, help preserve the curls and minimize frizz.
What are the maintenance tips for a permed mullet?
To keep a permed mullet looking fresh, wait three days before washing your hair after getting a perm. Use sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners designed for permed hair. Dry your hair using air drying or a diffuser on low heat to maintain curl definition and reduce frizz. Apply quality products like leave-in conditioners and curl creams regularly. Additionally, get regular trims every six to eight weeks to prevent split ends and keep the hairstyle sharp.
Which celebrities have popularized the permed mullet?
Celebrities like Billy Ray Cyrus, Andre Agassi, Hulk Hogan, and Rob Lowe have famously embraced the permed mullet, contributing to its popularity. These iconic figures showcased the hairstyle’s boldness and versatility across various fields, including country music, sports, and Hollywood. Their distinctive looks have inspired fans and fashion enthusiasts to adopt the permed mullet, helping it make a significant comeback in contemporary hairstyling trends.
How do I choose the right hairstylist for a permed mullet?
Choosing the right hairstylist is crucial for achieving a perfect permed mullet. Look for a stylist who specializes in both mullet hairstyles and perms. Schedule a consultation to discuss your hair texture, desired outcome, and any specific styling preferences. A skilled stylist will ensure even application of the perm solution, precise sectioning, and a customized approach that enhances your unique style, resulting in a sharp and vibrant permed mullet.
What are the different variations of a permed mullet?
There are several variations of the permed mullet to suit different personalities and styles. The softly permed mullet features loose, natural-looking curls for a relaxed appearance. The layered permed mullet adds volume and movement, creating a fuller look. Modern trends include the undercut permed mullet, which contrasts short sides with a curly back, and the colored permed mullet, which incorporates vibrant colors or highlights for greater self-expression and a unique flair.
What makes the permed mullet unique compared to other hairstyles?
The permed mullet stands out by blending the traditional mullet’s short front and long back with the textured curls of a perm. This combination offers both structure and volume, creating a dynamic and versatile look. The added layers and potential for color highlights or undercuts enhance its individuality, making it a bold choice that reflects both nostalgic and contemporary fashion elements. Its distinct appearance allows for personal expression and adaptability to various styling preferences.
How did the permed mullet originate?
The permed mullet traces its origins back to the 1980s, where the mullet hairstyle symbolized bold fashion choices. Over the decades, the style experienced fluctuating popularity but recently made a strong comeback. This resurgence is fueled by modern hairstyling techniques and the influence of celebrities and social media, which have reintroduced the permed mullet to a new generation, blending its classic roots with contemporary trends.
Can anyone wear a permed mullet?
Yes, the permed mullet is versatile and can be adapted to suit different face shapes, hair textures, and personal styles. Whether you prefer soft, natural curls or more defined, edgy waves, the permed mullet can be customized to enhance your unique features. Consulting with a skilled hairstylist ensures that the style complements your individual look, making it a flattering and stylish choice for anyone looking to embrace a bold and distinctive hairstyle.