Long Mullet: Month-by-Month Grow-Out, 6 Styles and Hair Care

A long mullet lets the back grow to the shoulders or beyond while the sides and top stay shorter. It is the most dramatic version and the one that takes the most patience: most people need close to a year from a short cut. The reward is a cut with real movement that looks good tied back, tucked or left loose.

Month-by-month grow-out

Month	Back length	What to do
1–3	Collar	Trim sides only; leave the back alone
4–6	Mid-neck	Shape the top so it connects to the back
7–9	Top of shoulders	Light trim of the ends to remove splits
10–12	Past shoulders	Decide final length; regular shaping

Hair grows roughly 1–1.5 cm a month, so these are averages.

6 long mullet styles

1. Long layered mullet

Layers through the back stop it hanging like a curtain.

2. Long curly mullet

Curls give natural volume; shrinkage means it looks shorter than it is.

3. Long wavy mullet

Beachy, surfer-style movement with very little styling.

4. Long mullet with taper fade

Tapered sides keep the outline clean as the back gets longer.

5. Long mullet with fringe

A fringe balances the length at the back.

6. Long shag mullet

Choppy layers all over, a 70s rock look. See our shag mullet guide.

How to ask your barber

“I’m growing a long mullet. Keep the sides tidy and tapered, shape the top so it connects to the back, and only dust the ends at the back. Don’t take length off.”

Care for long hair

• Condition every wash and use a deep conditioner weekly on the ends.
• Wash 2–3 times a week, not daily, to keep natural oils.
• Limit heat. Air-dry when you can; use heat protectant when you do not.
• Sleep on a satin pillowcase or tie it loosely to reduce tangles.

FAQ

How do I get through the awkward stage?

Keep the sides short so the back looks deliberate, and use texture spray so it does not look flat. Our mullet grow-out guide covers this in detail.

Can I tie a long mullet back?

Yes, once it passes the shoulders. A low tie at the nape keeps the shape visible from the front.