How to Style a Curly Mullet for Men: Expert Tips from Rush Hair
Want to master the curly mullet for men? This modern haircut blends retro attitude with today’s natural texture trends. With the right cut, products, and styling routine, a curly mullet can add movement, volume, and personality to your look. In this guide, the experts at Rush Hair explain how to style, maintain, and personalise a curly mullet based on your face shape and hair type.
The Modern Curly Mullet: Then vs Now
The mullet haircut has evolved far beyond its bold 80s reputation. Originally worn as a rebellious, one-size-fits-all style, today’s modern mullet for men is softer, more tailored, and designed to enhance natural texture — especially curls.
A curly mullet hairstyle stands out because it combines layered structure with natural volume. Instead of stiff styling and harsh lines, modern versions focus on movement, shape, and individuality. Curls bring effortless texture that makes the style look current rather than retro.
Best Curly Mullet Styles for Different Face Shapes
Choosing the right variation of a men’s curly mullet depends heavily on your face shape. The goal is to balance proportions while enhancing your natural curl pattern.
Curly Mullet for Round Faces
Men with round faces benefit from height and structure. Curls naturally add volume at the crown, helping elongate the face. Keeping the sides tapered or faded prevents extra width at the cheeks, creating a sharper silhouette.
Best hair type: Medium to thick density with curl types 2C–3B
Ideal structure: Short–medium length on top, longer back, faded or tapered sides
Styling tip: Use lightweight curl creams and diffuse upward for lift
Curly Mullet for Square Faces
Square faces have strong jawlines and broad foreheads, which pair well with a textured, layered mullet. Curls soften sharp angles while the longer back adds vertical flow.
Best hair type: Naturally curly or wavy hair with body
Ideal structure: 3–6 inches on top, longer back layers, shorter sides
Styling tip: Focus on definition and frizz control to keep movement soft
Curly Mullet for Diamond Face Shapes
Diamond faces feature wide cheekbones with a narrower forehead and chin. A curly mullet helps balance this by adding width at the forehead and softness around the cheekbones.
Best hair type: Type 3 curls or thick wavy hair
Ideal structure: Volume on top, layered length in back, avoid overly tight sides
Styling tip: Keep curls hydrated to prevent sharp, angular outlines
Curly Mullet for Oblong Faces
Oblong faces appear longer than wide, so the goal is to add width rather than height. Fuller sides and controlled curls on top create better balance.
Best hair type: Curly or wavy hair with natural volume
Ideal structure: Medium length on top, layered back, sides not too tight
Styling tip: Use mousse or leave-in conditioner for soft, wide shape
Curly Mullet for Oval Faces
Oval faces are versatile and suit most curly mullet variations. The balanced proportions allow you to experiment with length and layering.
Best hair type: Any curl or wave pattern
Ideal structure: 3–6 inches on top, longer textured back, softly tapered sides
Styling tip: Enhance natural curls rather than over-styling
How to Prepare Curly Hair for a Mullet Style
Healthy curls are the foundation of a great mullet haircut.
- Wash 2–3 times per week using a sulphate-free shampoo
- Detangle gently with fingers before using a wide-tooth comb
- Keep the scalp moisturised to support strong growth in longer sections
- Refresh curls between washes with water mist and scrunching
Curly hair is fragile when dry, so avoid aggressive brushing that can cause frizz and breakage.
Best Styling Products for a Men’s Curly Mullet
Using the right products makes styling easier and keeps curls defined.
Curl-enhancing shampoo: Cleans without stripping natural oils
Lightweight conditioner: Hydrates without flattening volume
Leave-in conditioner: Maintains moisture and softness all day
Curl cream: Defines curls with a flexible, touchable finish
Styling gel: Provides stronger hold for longer back layers
Sea salt spray: Adds texture and movement (avoid on dry, brittle hair)
Matte finish products: Keep the look modern and natural
Step-by-Step: How to Style a Curly Mullet for Men
Step 1: Towel Dry Gently
Use a microfiber towel to scrunch out excess water without rough rubbing.
Step 2: Apply Leave-In Conditioner
Focus on mid-lengths and ends to prevent dryness.
Step 3: Add Curl Cream or Sea Salt Spray
Distribute evenly using fingers to enhance definition and texture.
Step 4: Scrunch or Finger Coil
Scrunch for natural volume or finger coil for tighter definition.
Step 5: Diffuse or Air-Dry
Use low heat and airflow with a diffuser to maintain shape and reduce frizz.
Step 6: Shape the Sides and Back
Keep the sides controlled while encouraging bounce in the longer back.
Step 7: Finish Lightly
Scrunch once dry and avoid over-touching to prevent frizz.
Essential Tools for Styling a Curly Mullet
- Diffuser attachment to enhance curl shape and reduce frizz
- Wide-tooth comb for gentle detangling
- Professional clippers for maintaining faded or tapered sides
Hands are your best styling tool — too much brushing disrupts curl definition.
How to Maintain a Curly Mullet Between Haircuts
Daily refresh: Mist with water or curl refresher spray
Wash routine: 2–3 times weekly to maintain moisture
Frizz control: Use light creams or leave-in products
Sleep care: Silk or satin pillowcases reduce friction
Trim schedule: Sides/top every 6–8 weeks, back every 8–12 weeks
Low-Maintenance Curly Mullet Styling Tips
For busy men, keep styling simple:
- Refresh curls with water and finger coiling
- Use multi-purpose styling creams for hydration and hold
- Protect curls overnight with the “pineapple” method
- After hats or helmets, scrunch hair to reactivate curl shape
Get a Professional Curly Mullet at Rush Hair
A great men’s curly mullet haircut starts with expert shaping. Rush Hair stylists tailor the cut to your curl type, face shape, and lifestyle, ensuring a look that’s modern, wearable, and easy to maintain.
Ready for a bold, textured style? Book a consultation with a Rush stylist and bring your curls to life.
