During these past few weeks, many individuals who have been practicing self-quarantine have found solace in none other than Netflix’s captivating series known as “Tiger King.” This incredibly peculiar, astonishing, disturbing, and immensely enjoyable documentary delves into the intertwined lives of some of America’s most infamous individuals who own big cats. However, apart from the gripping twists and turns of the central storyline, there is one unmistakable aspect that viewers find themselves obsessing over: the astonishing and varied collection of mullets.
“No way am I getting rid of this,” the main character of the movie, Joe Exotic, exclaims to the filmmakers who suggested he take off his baseball cap. “If I do that, everyone watching will be like, ‘whoa, that dude’s got a mullet!'”
It’s pretty fascinating that someone like Mr. Exotic (yeah, the same dude who coolly implied he’d do some seriously messed up stuff to his enemies) would be so deeply embarrassed about his hairstyle. It definitely makes you think about the power of the mullet. But have you ever wondered where this quirky yet unforgettable hairdo originated from? And why is it still such a huge topic in popular culture even today?
The mullet, famously known as “Business in the Front, Party in the Back,” is a hairstyle that is easily recognizable and has become a legendary symbol. It features a short cut on the top and sides, while leaving the back long. Interestingly enough, the term mullet has even made its way into the prestigious Oxford English Dictionary. It’s believed that the Beastie Boys might have played a part in popularizing this term. In their 1994 album, “Ill Communication,” Ad-Rock raps about the lifestyle associated with the mullet in the track “Mullet Head.” It’s quite a sight to behold, and I’ve got a little story to share about this extraordinary hairstyle, which has become more than just a fashion statement.
After a span of twelve months, Mike D. from the band expressed in the renowned publication Grand Royal that the verses of the song were inspired by the mullet fish. He elucidated, “The reason behind using ‘mullet’ as a slang term could be attributed to the fact that this species of fish lacks a neck, and as we all know, decay begins from the neck region. This might parallel the situation with mullet-haired individuals, who attain a similar outcome through an abundance of hair and muscles.” In a conversational tone, Mike D. insightfully provided an explanation connecting the slang term to the peculiar characteristics of both the fish and people sporting the infamous mullet style.
The mullet has a rich history that extends far beyond its mention in the Beastie Boys’ song. While many folks think of this particular hairstyle as a quintessential ’80s and ’90s look (thanks to icons such as Andre Agassi and Billy Ray Cyrus), its origins can be traced back to a time well before the popularity of “Saved by the Bell” or “Full House.” The mullet has a longstanding reputation that predates these pop culture favorites.
In a fascinating article on History.com, Linda Lacina delves into the origins of the mullet hairstyle, showcasing its earliest appearance in literature. According to Lacina, the mention of this distinctive hairdo can be traced back to the writings of ancient Greek poet Homer. Lacina reveals that in “The Iliad,” Homer describes a group of spearmen called the Abantes, who sported a peculiar hairstyle with their forelocks cropped and their hair left to grow long at the back. This description offers an intriguing insight into the prevalence of the mullet, known by various names such as the Kentucky Waterfall and the Missouri Compromise, during those ancient times. It appears that the mullet was not only a stylistic choice but also a potentially practical one, even in prehistoric eras.
In a fascinating article for Dazed Digital, Oliver Lunn discusses the intriguing concept of mullet hairstyles. Drawing from the book “Mullet Madness” by Alan Henderson, Lunn highlights Henderson’s belief that even prehistoric communities may have recognized the practicality of trimming their front hair to keep it from obstructing their vision, while allowing for longer hair at the back to shield their necks from the rain and keep them warm. Additionally, Lunn mentions ancient Greek statues from the 6th century B.C.E., which depict mullets, suggesting that this hairstyle has had a prominent place in Western culture since its inception. It’s worth noting that long before the mullet became associated with hockey, it was proudly sported by various historical figures, including Ancient Roman chariot racers, 16th century Hittite warriors, the Assyrians, and the Egyptians. These examples reveal the enduring appeal and varied cultural significance of the iconic “hockey hair” style throughout history.
Mullets started becoming the punchline of jokes in the 19th century. Mark Twain’s 1855 novel, “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” mentions Tom Sawyer referring to his aunt and uncle as ‘confiding and mullet-headed.’ Clearly, this wasn’t meant as a compliment. Surprisingly, this didn’t deter influential figures from embracing the hairstyle. Dennis DiClaudio, a writer for Men’s Health Magazine, informs us that James K. Polk, the president from 1845 to 1849, was the only sitting president to rock a mullet.
Over the years, the mullet hairstyle has undergone various interpretations and transformations. The iconic David Bowie, for instance, sported a mullet that was hailed by Barney Hoskyns as the epitome of coolness. However, Dylan Jones, the editor of GQ UK, argued that the term “mullet” itself carries negative connotations and that Bowie’s Ziggy hair was something different altogether. Regardless of how we classify Bowie’s hairstyle, it cannot be denied that the mullet enjoyed a moment of popularity during his heyday in the 1970s, and its popularity persisted well into the ’80s and ’90s.
So what’s the deal with mullets these days? Well, believe it or not, mullets are still rocking the style scene, and not just among those eccentric big cat owners like Joe Exotic down in the South. According to Annette Avila, an expert hair stylist and colorist who runs her own swanky Lavish Hair & Makeup Studio in San Francisco, mullets are still a thing to reckon with. Although she admits to not being a fan of the traditional mullet, she finds the rocker mullets quite enjoyable to work on. Avila recalls the prevalence of mullets during her teenage years in the mid-’90s, but she wasn’t too keen on them at the time since she leaned more towards the punk scene. Interestingly, Avila confesses that she once sported a mullet unintentionally when she took the scissors to her own hair and ended up with a disastrous cut. The sides were cropped super short, leaving her with a mullet that stuck around until her hair grew out.
According to Avila, her salon doesn’t often get clients specifically asking for a mullet hairstyle. However, she believes that famous celebrities like Zendaya and Lady Gaga are bringing back the mullet and making it more popular. In her opinion, depending on the celebrity, the modern mullet can actually look stylish and elegant. It all comes down to how you rock the hairstyle.
Should we rush to our nearby hairstylist and ask for a trendy mullet haircut? Well, maybe not so fast. In my opinion, the old-fashioned mullets are not exactly appealing, but the contemporary razor-shaggy mullets can be surprisingly cute and stylish, depending on how they are done. According to Avila, the key lies in the cutting technique and the tools used. For example, whether it’s scissors, clippers, or a razor. Personally, I find the razor to be the best choice. Avila’s method for cutting a modern shaggy mullet involves starting with the sides, then moving to the top, and finally working on the back.
So to sum it up, feel free to sport a mullet hairstyle if that’s what truly makes you happy. Just remember, as your hair gracefully dances in the wind at different lengths, be prepared to encounter some bold and passionate opinions from others. Go ahead and embrace your unique style, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself in lively debates about your choice. After all, it’s your hair, your choice!
Superman, the ultimate superhero, surprised fans with a trendy and unexpected hairstyle choice for a staggering four years. It all began when he proudly flaunted his mullet on the front cover of the 1993 comic book titled “The Adventures of Superman.” From that moment on, this unconventional haircut became his iconic and memorable look, gracing the pages of the following 39 thrilling issues.