In early 2021, TikTok feeds began filling with videos of a haircut that seemed both retro and futuristic. The buzz mullet—a style that pairs a closely shaved or buzzed top with longer hair at the back—had returned. It was not a mere revival of the 1980s mullet but a distinct modern variation, embraced by celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Billie Eilish.
From Punk Clubs to Mainstream: The Cultural Roots of the Buzz Mullet
The classic mullet, with its “business in the front, party in the back” silhouette, has a long history. Its modern iteration, the buzz mullet, draws directly from the punk and grunge subcultures of the 1970s and 1990s. Punk musicians in London and New York often shaved their heads entirely or left only a strip of hair at the back as a form of rebellion against conventional grooming. By the early 2000s, this extreme version had faded, but the underlying aesthetic of contrast—short on top, long behind—never fully disappeared.
In the 2010s, the buzz mullet began appearing in alternative fashion circles. It was a natural evolution: the traditional mullet had been softened into the “modern mullet” by celebrities like Rihanna and Zendaya, but the buzz cut version offered a sharper, more aggressive edge. The style’s association with punk remained strong, yet it also found a home in the LGBTQ+ community, where it became a symbol of gender nonconformity. By 2019, fashion magazines were already predicting a mullet comeback, but the buzz mullet specifically gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Home haircuts became a necessity in 2020, and many people experimented with clippers for the first time. The buzz mullet was an ideal DIY project: shave the top and sides, leave the back long. It required minimal skill but delivered maximum impact. This do-it-yourself ethos echoed the punk movement’s rejection of professional salons. The style’s resurgence was thus not just a fashion choice but a cultural statement about self-sufficiency and defiance during a global crisis.
Gen Z and the Global Spread: Regional and Demographic Reception
The buzz mullet found its strongest audience among Gen Z and young adults, particularly in North America, Europe, and Australia. On TikTok, the hashtag #buzzmullet amassed millions of views by 2022, with users showcasing their own versions. The platform’s algorithm amplified the style’s visibility, making it a trend that crossed geographic boundaries. Unlike the classic mullet, which was often associated with rural or working-class communities in the 1980s, the buzz mullet was adopted by urban creatives, skaters, and musicians.
In the United States, the style became popular in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Portland, where alternative fashion thrives. It was also embraced in the UK, where punk heritage runs deep. In Japan, the buzz mullet appeared in Harajuku street style, often combined with colorful dyes. The style’s gender-neutral appeal was a key factor in its widespread adoption. People of all genders wore it, challenging the traditional masculine coding of the mullet. This inclusivity resonated with a generation that values fluidity in identity and appearance.
However, the buzz mullet was not universally accepted. In some conservative circles, it was seen as unprofessional or rebellious. Yet this very perception fueled its appeal among those who wanted to stand out. The style’s reception varied by age group: older generations often associated it with the punk era, while younger wearers saw it as a fresh, edgy look. By 2024, the buzz mullet remained a staple in alternative fashion, though its peak visibility had passed. It settled into a niche but enduring presence, much like the undercut or the pompadour.
Tools of the Trade: Clippers, Scissors, and Styling Products
Creating a buzz mullet requires specific tools, many of which are accessible to home users. The most essential is a set of hair clippers with adjustable guards. For the buzzed top, a guard size between #1 (3 mm) and #3 (9 mm) is typical, depending on desired shortness. The back is left longer, often between 2 to 6 inches, and may be shaped with scissors or a trimmer. A fade or undercut can be added using a clipper with a taper lever, blending the short sides into the longer back.
Professional barbers often use Wahl or Andis clippers, but affordable alternatives from brands like Remington or Philips work for home use. A comb, spray bottle, and hair clips help section the hair. For the longer back, a lightweight styling product like a matte paste or sea salt spray adds texture without weighing the hair down. Some wearers dye the longer section in bold colors—blue, pink, or green—to emphasize the contrast. The buzz mullet is low-maintenance for the top, which requires shaving every one to two weeks, but the back needs regular trims to maintain shape.
Online tutorials on YouTube and Instagram provide step-by-step guides. Many users recommend starting with a longer guard and gradually shortening to avoid mistakes. The style’s DIY nature means that imperfections are often embraced as part of the aesthetic. For those who prefer a professional touch, barbershops specializing in modern cuts have added the buzz mullet to their menus. The cost of a salon buzz mullet varies widely, from $30 to $80 depending on location and expertise.
| Tool | Purpose | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Hair clippers | Shave top and sides | Guard #1–#3 |
| Scissors | Shape longer back | Point cutting for texture |
| Trimmer | Define edges and neckline | Taper lever for fades |
| Styling product | Add texture to back | Matte paste or sea salt spray |
Buzz Mullet vs. Classic Mullet: A Comparison of Two Eras
The buzz mullet and the classic mullet share a silhouette but differ in execution and cultural meaning. The classic mullet, popularized in the 1970s and 1980s by figures like David Bowie and Billy Ray Cyrus, featured longer hair on top and sides, with the back often reaching shoulder length. It was a mainstream style, associated with rock stars and country singers. The buzz mullet, by contrast, has a shaved or very short top, creating a stark contrast with the longer back. This difference in length distribution gives the buzz mullet a more aggressive, punk-inspired look.
Another key distinction is maintenance. The classic mullet requires regular trims to keep the top and sides at a consistent length, while the buzz mullet demands frequent shaving of the top—every one to two weeks—to maintain the buzzed effect. The back of a buzz mullet is typically shorter than a classic mullet, often not exceeding 6 inches, which reduces styling time. In terms of versatility, the buzz mullet can be customized with fades, undercuts, or dyed sections, whereas the classic mullet is usually left natural or permed.
Culturally, the classic mullet is often viewed as a nostalgic relic of the 1980s, while the buzz mullet is seen as a modern reinterpretation. The buzz mullet’s association with TikTok and Gen Z gives it a digital-native identity that the classic mullet lacks. However, both styles share a rebellious spirit. The weaker claim here is that the buzz mullet is entirely new—it is, in fact, a direct descendant of the punk mullet of the 1970s. Yet its resurgence in the 2020s, driven by social media and home haircuts, marks it as a distinct phenomenon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a buzz mullet?
A buzz mullet is a haircut that combines a closely shaved or buzzed top and sides with longer hair at the back. It is a modern variation of the classic mullet, emphasizing a sharp contrast between the short and long sections. The style gained popularity in the early 2020s. A reference profile of the subject is maintained on Buzz Cut Mullet: The Hybrid Style That's Everywhere Right Now
What is a good alternative to a buzz mullet?
If you want a similar edgy look but with less contrast, consider a modern mullet with a longer top or an undercut with a disconnected back. A fade mullet also offers a gradual blend from short to long, which can be less dramatic than the buzz mullet’s abrupt change.
Where was the buzz mullet first popularized?
The buzz mullet first gained mainstream visibility in the United States and the United Kingdom, particularly in alternative fashion scenes. It spread rapidly through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram around 2021, with celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Billie Eilish showcasing variations.
Is the buzz mullet still popular in 2024?
Yes, the buzz mullet remains a popular choice among Gen Z and young adults, though its peak trendiness has passed. It has settled into a niche but enduring style within alternative fashion, often seen in punk, grunge, and LGBTQ+ communities. It continues to appear on runways and in street style.
How can I style a buzz mullet at home?
Start by using clippers with a guard size #1 to #3 to shave the top and sides. Leave the back longer, around 2 to 6 inches, and shape it with scissors. Use a matte paste or sea salt spray for texture. Shave the top every one to two weeks to maintain the buzzed look.
Maintaining the Buzz Mullet: Daily Care and Long-Term Upkeep
Keeping a buzz mullet looking sharp requires a consistent routine. The buzzed top needs attention every one to two weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows. Using a clipper without a guard can achieve a very close shave, while a #1 guard leaves a slight stubble. The longer back section demands regular washing and conditioning to prevent tangles. A lightweight leave-in conditioner helps maintain softness without weighing the hair down.
For those who dye the back section, color maintenance becomes an additional step. Semi-permanent dyes fade faster on buzzed hair, so touch-ups may be needed every three to four weeks. Some wearers opt for temporary color sprays for events. The contrast between the natural or dyed back and the shaved top can be striking, but it requires commitment to upkeep. Many find that the style’s low-maintenance top offsets the extra care needed for the back.
Seasonal considerations also play a role. In colder months, the exposed scalp may feel chilly, so hats or beanies become practical accessories. In summer, the buzzed top offers cooling relief. The buzz mullet adapts well to different weather conditions, making it a versatile choice year-round. Its durability during physical activities like sports or hiking is another advantage, as the short top stays out of the way while the back can be tied into a small ponytail if desired.