Permed Mullet: 25 Trendy Curly Mullet Hairstyles for Men
The permed mullet is a mullet with a perm, short at the front and sides, longer at the back, with curl or wave added by a perm. It gives the mullet shape texture and volume that straight hair does not have on its own, and it suits men who want a bold, retro-inspired cut with a modern finish. This guide explains what a permed mullet is, 25 genuinely distinct variations, how to get one, how to style it, and how to care for a perm.
What Is a Permed Mullet?
A permed mullet combines two things: a mullet shape and a perm. The mullet shape is short at the front and sides and longer at the back. The perm is a chemical treatment that adds curl or wave to the hair, usually on the top and back, so the mullet has texture and volume. Without a perm, a mullet on straight hair lies flat; with a perm, the same shape has curl, movement, and fullness. A permed mullet is different from a natural curly mullet, where the curl comes from the hair itself, not from a perm.
Why Is the Curly Mullet Trending?
The curly mullet is trending because it mixes retro shape with modern texture. The mullet shape is bold and recognisable, while the perm curl keeps it from looking flat or dated. It suits men who want a statement cut that still works daily, because the curl gives the shape without much styling. If you want a mullet without a perm, see Low Taper Fade Modern Mullet, which keeps the modern mullet shape with a low taper and natural texture instead of perm curl.
25 Best Permed Mullet Styles
- Classic Permed Mullet: the timeless version, short front and sides, longer curled back, with a perm throughout.
- Modern Permed Mullet: a softer, more natural take on the classic, with less structure and a cleaner finish.
- Short Permed Mullet: a shorter mullet with a perm, the back kept shorter than a classic mullet.
- Long Permed Mullet: a longer back with perm curl, giving the boldest mullet shape.
- Curly Permed Mullet: tight perm curl throughout the top and back, giving maximum curl.
- Wavy Permed Mullet: a loose perm wave rather than tight curl, giving a softer, wavy mullet.
- Messy Permed Mullet: the perm curl is styled with loose, messy texture, a relaxed version.
- Textured Permed Mullet: the perm curl is cut with texture for a broken-up, modern finish.
- Permed Mullet with Taper: the sides are tapered, giving a neater outline with a permed mullet top and back.
- Permed Mullet with Fade: the sides are faded, giving a sharper contrast with the permed top and back.
- Permed Mullet with Low Taper: the sides taper down low, a subtle outline for a permed mullet.
- Permed Mullet with Mid Fade: the sides fade from the middle down, giving a clear fade with a permed mullet.
- Permed Mullet with Skin Fade: the sides fade down to skin, giving the strongest contrast version.
- Permed Mullet with Line-Up: a sharp, shaped hairline at the forehead and temples, paired with a permed mullet.
- Permed Mullet with Design Line: a single shaved design line in the faded or tapered area adds detail.
- Permed Mullet with Beard Blend: the sides and beard are blended together, so the mullet and beard flow as one.
- Permed Mullet with Fringe: a permed fringe is kept at the front, softening the forehead with curl.
- Permed Mullet with Side Sweep: the permed top is swept softly to one side, a relaxed version.
- Permed Mullet with Volume: extra volume is built into the permed top, giving maximum fullness.
- Permed Mullet with Layers: the permed hair is cut in layers to remove weight, so the curl falls naturally.
- Permed Mullet with Shaggy Layers: longer, shaggy layers give a relaxed permed mullet, kept in shape by the cut.
- Permed Mullet with Disconnected Sides: the permed top is cut with a visible disconnect from the sides, giving a sharper, more editorial shape.
- Permed Mullet with Natural Finish: the perm curl is left with almost no product, for the most low-key, natural version.
- Permed Mullet with Grey Blend: a permed mullet with a taper that blends grey hair evenly, giving a natural, distinguished look.
- Permed Mullet with Tousled Finish: the perm curl is styled with soft, airy tousle, lighter and neater than a fully messy mullet.
Best Permed Mullet for Different Hair Types
Straight hair suits the classic, wavy, and textured versions, because a perm adds the curl that straight hair lacks. Fine hair suits the curly and volume versions, because perm curl creates the look of fullness. Thick hair suits the layered and textured versions, because layering removes bulk from permed hair. Wavy hair suits the wavy and messy versions, because a perm builds on the natural wave. Previously permed or colour-treated hair needs a stylist’s assessment first, because a second chemical treatment can damage hair that is already treated. Tell your stylist your hair history first, including any colour, bleach, or previous perm.
Short vs. Long Permed Mullet
A short permed mullet keeps the back shorter, so it is easier to maintain, dries faster, and suits work and casual settings. A long permed mullet keeps the back longer, so it is bolder, shows more curl, and needs more care. Short versions suit men trying a mullet for the first time, while long versions suit men who already like the mullet shape. The perm itself works for both lengths, but longer hair takes longer to perm and longer to dry. Choose the length by your routine, not just by the look, because a long permed mullet needs regular care to stay tidy.
How to Get a Mullet Perm
Book a stylist who does perms and mullets, and bring photos of the version you want. Tell the stylist four things: the mullet length, the curl type, the sides, and the finish. State the mullet length, short or long. State the curl type, tight curl or loose wave. State the sides, taper, fade, or natural. State the finish, line-up or natural hairline, beard blend or clean outline. Tell the stylist your hair history, including colour, bleach, or previous perms, because that affects whether a perm is safe for your hair. Ask how long the appointment takes, what aftercare you need, and when to return for a trim.
How to Style a Permed Mullet
Start with damp hair. Work a small amount of curl cream or light styling product through the perm curl, then scrunch lightly to define the curl. Let the hair air-dry where possible, or use a diffuser on a low setting, because high heat breaks the curl pattern. For a messy version, tousle with your fingers and let it set naturally. For a neater version, smooth the front with a light product and let the back curl fall naturally. Avoid brushing dry permed hair, because brushing breaks the curl into frizz. Check the back in a mirror, because the mullet shape shows most from behind and the side.
Perm Aftercare and Hair Maintenance
Follow your own stylist’s timing and instructions first, because perm aftercare varies with the perm type and your hair. In general, many stylists advise waiting a day or two before washing after a perm, and using gentle shampoo and conditioner, but your stylist’s advice for your perm comes first. Condition regularly, because permed hair dries out more easily than untreated hair. Avoid heavy heat styling, and use a heat protectant product type if you do use heat. Get the mullet reshaped every 4 to 6 weeks, because perm curl grows out into weight if left too long. If the perm starts to look dry or frizzy, a trim and a deep conditioning treatment type product can help, but ask your stylist before trying a new treatment on permed hair.
Permed Mullet vs. Natural Curly Mullet
| Feature | Permed Mullet | Natural Curly Mullet |
|---|---|---|
| Curl source | Chemical perm treatment | Natural curl pattern. |
| Hair needed | Straight, wavy, or fine hair works | Needs naturally curly hair. |
| Upkeep | Perm care, reshapes, perm fades over time | Curl care, reshapes, curl stays. |
| Styling | Curl cream, scrunch, diffuser | Curl cream, scrunch, diffuser. |
| Best for | Men wanting curl they do not have | Men whose hair already curls. |
| Risk | Chemical treatment, stylist assessment needed | No chemical risk. |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Permed Mullet
A permed mullet is a mullet shape, short at the front and sides and longer at the back, with curl or wave added by a perm treatment, giving texture and volume.
It depends on the perm type, your hair, and how fast your hair grows, because new growth comes in unpermed. Your stylist can give you a better idea for your hair, and regular trims keep the shape tidy as it grows out.
Possibly, but a stylist must assess your hair first, because a second chemical treatment can damage hair that is already colour-treated or bleached. Tell your stylist your full hair history before booking.
Follow your stylist’s instructions first. In general, condition regularly, avoid brushing dry curls, use low heat or a diffuser, and get the mullet reshaped every 4 to 6 weeks.
It depends on your workplace. A short, neat permed mullet suits many workplaces, while a long, bold version suits casual settings better. Choose the length by your workplace as well as your style.
A permed mullet gets its curl from a chemical perm treatment, so it works on straight or fine hair. A natural curly mullet gets its curl from the hair itself, with no chemical treatment.
Conclusion
The permed mullet works because it gives a bold shape real texture. The mullet gives the outline, the perm gives the curl and volume, and a simple curl routine keeps it looking intentional. Pick the length and curl type that suit your hair and routine, tell your stylist your hair history, and follow their aftercare advice. Done that way, it is a confident cut that still looks modern, not just retro.
