The Ultimate Guide to Getting the Taper Mullet Fade Right

If you’re looking to make a bold statement with your hairstyle, the taper mullet fade might be the perfect cut for you. Combining the sleek, clean lines of a taper fade with the rebellious edge of a mullet, this cut blends the best of both worlds.

It’s an exciting fusion that’s recently made a comeback, offering a fresh take on a classic style. Whether you’re aiming for something daring and unique or just love playing with retro looks, the taper mullet fade brings a modern twist to a timeless haircut. Ready to rock this look? Let’s dive in!

What is the Taper Mullet Fade?

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The taper mullet fade is a modern twist on the classic mullet, incorporating the clean, sharp lines of a taper fade. It’s essentially a hybrid hairstyle that blends two distinct cuts: the tapered sides and the iconic longer length in the back. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

1. The Taper Fade

The taper fade is a style where the hair gradually shortens from the top of the head down to the neck. This creates a smooth, blended transition from longer hair on top to shorter hair on the sides and back. The fade can vary in length, from a low fade (starting near the ears) to a high fade (starting closer to the temples). The result is a clean, sharp look that adds contrast to the longer top and back sections.

2. The Mullet

The mullet, often referred to as “business in the front, party in the back,” is a hairstyle with short hair on the front and sides, while the back is left long. The classic mullet was a popular cut in the 1980s and has become an enduring symbol of bold, rebellious style.

In the traditional mullet, the length difference between the front and back can be quite extreme, but modern variations of the mullet often feature more subtle transitions and layers.

3. Blending the Two Styles

The taper mullet fade takes the sharp contrast of a fade haircut and combines it with the length of the mullet in the back. The sides are tapered short, creating a fade effect that gradually blends into the longer hair in the back. The front and top can be styled in a variety of ways—whether short and structured or left longer and more voluminous—giving the haircut flexibility to suit individual tastes.

In a typical taper mullet fade, the front and top of the hair are usually styled short to medium length, while the back is left long, sometimes extending past the neck. The fade around the sides adds structure, while the long back keeps that classic mullet vibe. The result is a hairstyle that stands out with sharp, clean lines while still carrying that distinctive, carefree mullet flair.

Why is the Taper Mullet Fade Gaining Popularity?

The taper mullet fade is not just a nostalgic throwback—it’s a hairstyle that blends the boldness of the past with the clean, polished appeal of the present. Its rise in popularity is driven by several cultural and style factors, making it a favorite choice for those looking to make a statement. Here’s why this hybrid cut is taking over:

1. A Retro Revival with a Modern Twist

The mullet itself has seen a resurgence in recent years, with people embracing the style for its rebellious, unconventional vibe. The taper mullet fade modernizes the mullet by incorporating the fade’s sleek, controlled look, making it more wearable in contemporary settings.

It’s no longer just for rock stars and athletes; the tapered sides give it a cleaner, more polished feel, appealing to a wider audience while keeping the fun, quirky energy of the original mullet intact.

2. The Nostalgia Factor

Nostalgia plays a huge role in the taper mullet fade’s popularity. People are increasingly drawn to the retro aesthetics of the ’80s and ’90s, from fashion to music, and the mullet embodies that throwback vibe. The fade adds a new, refined touch, helping it feel fresh and relevant in today’s world.

Celebrities and influencers tapping into vintage trends have also contributed to the mullet’s return, making it a sought-after cut for those wanting to capture that nostalgic yet modern look.

3. Versatility and Personalization

One of the biggest reasons the taper mullet fade is gaining traction is its versatility. The fade on the sides allows for a custom level of contrast, ranging from a subtle blend to a more dramatic fade.

The back can be styled to different lengths, and the top can be as short or long as you like, making this cut highly customizable. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, polished look or a more wild, textured vibe, the taper mullet fade can be tailored to fit any personality.

4. A Bold Statement with Edge

In an era where individuality is highly valued, the taper mullet fade allows people to express themselves through their hairstyle. It’s a daring choice for those looking to stand out from the crowd.

The combination of the sharp fade and longer back gives the style an edgy, attention-grabbing quality that works for those who aren’t afraid to experiment with their look. It’s perfect for people who want a hairstyle that says something about their boldness and creativity.

5. Appeal to Younger Generations

The taper mullet fade has quickly become a go-to style for younger generations, particularly within subcultures like street style and alternative fashion. With celebrities like Billy Ray Cyrus, Lil Nas X, and David Beckham sporting variations of the mullet, the cut has become synonymous with youthful rebellion and a desire to break away from conventional styles.

For younger people who want to make a statement without fully committing to a retro look, the taper mullet fade offers the perfect balance of old-school cool and new-school flair.

6. Low Maintenance Yet Stylish

Unlike some high-maintenance styles, the taper mullet fade offers a good balance between effort and ease. The fade and tapered sides require less styling upkeep than more complex cuts, while the longer back can be left to fall naturally or styled for added volume and texture.

Whether you prefer to keep it neat and controlled or let it grow wild, the taper mullet fade offers a stylish, low-maintenance option that fits a busy lifestyle.

Who Can Rock the Taper Mullet Fade?

The taper mullet fade is a versatile style that can be adapted to suit various hair types, face shapes, and personalities. Here’s how it works for different individuals:

1. Hair Types

• Curly Hair: The fade controls volume on the sides, while the long back lets natural curls shine, creating a dynamic look.
• Straight Hair: Straight hair benefits from the sharp, structured fade, with the long back providing contrast and texture.
• Wavy Hair: Wavy textures work well with the taper fade, offering natural movement while maintaining clean, tapered sides.

2. Face Shapes

• Round Faces: The fade helps elongate the face, and the longer back adds angularity, balancing out softer features.
• Oval Faces: Oval faces can easily rock this cut, with the fade and longer back highlighting your natural proportions.
• Square Faces: The taper fade softens angular jaws, while the longer back adds texture and balance.
• Heart-Shaped Faces: The fade helps create a cleaner silhouette around the forehead, while the longer back draws attention to the chin for balance.

3. Different Styles for Different Personalities

• Edgy Look: A high fade with a messy top and textured back creates a bold, rebellious style.
• Clean-Cut Look: A more subtle fade with a neat top and controlled back gives a polished and refined look.
• Retro Vibe: For a nostalgic ’80s feel, blend the mullet with modern touches for a fun and vintage-inspired style.

4. Age Doesn’t Matter

• Young Adults and Teens: This group embraces the bold, attention-grabbing nature of the cut, making it perfect for those looking to make a statement.
• Older Generations: A more subtle fade and controlled back length allow the cut to look stylish without being overly youthful.

How to Style the Taper Mullet Fade

Styling the taper mullet fade offers plenty of flexibility depending on the look you want to achieve. From casual to more polished, the right products and techniques can help you create the perfect vibe for your day or night. Here’s how to style your taper mullet fade for different looks:

1. Start with Clean, Damp Hair

Before styling, make sure your hair is clean and slightly damp. This allows for better product distribution and helps maintain the shape of your cut throughout the day.

• Tip: Use a lightweight shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair type to keep the hair healthy and manageable.

2. Choose the Right Styling Products

The type of product you use will depend on the texture and style you’re going for. Here are some options:

• Pomade: Ideal for a sleek, controlled look, pomade works well for defining the taper fade and adding shine. It’s great if you want to keep the sides neat and smooth while adding structure to the longer back.
• Wax: If you prefer a more textured, matte finish, wax is your go-to product. It gives the top and back a rougher, more voluminous look, perfect for an edgier style.
• Mousse or Sea Salt Spray: For a lighter, more natural texture, mousse or sea salt spray can give volume and movement, especially if you want a beachy, undone vibe.
• Hair Gel: For a slick, polished finish, gel can help hold the style in place all day, especially if you want the longer back to stay in position without falling flat.

3. Styling the Top and Sides

The top and sides of your taper mullet fade can be styled in different ways depending on your preference:

• For a Neat, Polished Look: Apply a small amount of pomade or gel to the top and sides, using your fingers or a comb to smooth it into place. Make sure to blend the fade well so that the transition between the short sides and the longer back is seamless. You can opt for a side part or a neat comb-over depending on your preference.
• For a Textured, Voluminous Look: Apply mousse or a lightweight texturizing spray to the damp hair. Use your fingers to tousle and lift the top, allowing the hair to naturally fall into a more relaxed, voluminous shape. This works especially well for straight or wavy hair types. For extra volume, you can use a blow dryer with a diffuser to add height and fullness to the top.

4. Styling the Back

The key to a great taper mullet fade is the balance between the fade and the long back. The back should have more volume or texture, so it’s important to focus on adding body without making it look too wild.

• For a Polished Back: If you want the back to look neat and controlled, apply a small amount of pomade or gel. Use a comb or your fingers to smooth the back down, allowing the length to fall naturally or with slight waves. This look keeps everything clean but still highlights the contrast between the short sides and the long back.
• For a Textured, Wild Back: For a more free-flowing, messy look, apply some wax or texturizing spray to the back and use your fingers to tousle and lift the hair. This is perfect for achieving that carefree, lived-in feel. You can even add a little curl or wave to the back using a curling iron or straightener for a more exaggerated texture.

5. Finishing Touches

Once you’ve styled the top and back, take a moment to finish up the look:

• Edge Up the Fade: If you want the fade to be crisp and sharp, use a razor or clippers to clean up any stray hairs around the neckline and the edges of the fade. This keeps the sides looking fresh and well-defined.
• Set the Style: To ensure your taper mullet fade stays in place all day, finish with a light mist of hairspray. If you want more control, opt for a medium-hold hairspray that won’t make your hair feel stiff but will keep everything in position.

6. Styling for Different Occasions

Depending on your lifestyle and the occasion, you can adapt the style of your taper mullet fade:

• Casual Day Look: For a relaxed, everyday look, go for a more textured and messy style. Use a sea salt spray or texturizing mousse, letting the natural volume work for you. This style is great for running errands or hanging out with friends.
• Work or Formal Look: If you need a more refined appearance, keep the top sleek and smooth using pomade or a light styling cream. Style the sides neatly, and keep the back controlled. This style is perfect for a professional setting or a formal event.