The mullet, a hairstyle characterized by short hair in the front and long hair in the back, gained immense popularity during the late ’70s and throughout the ’80s. It became one of the most iconic and controversial hairstyles of all time. However, by the mid to late 1990s, the mullet quickly lost its appeal and became the subject of ridicule.
The origins of the mullet can be traced back to French fashion guru Henri Mollet in the early ’70s. He sported the style, which was then known as the “Mollet,” and it remained relatively underground until it was resurrected and popularized by television personalities such as Pat Sharp. As the hairstyle crossed over to the English-speaking world, the name was anglicized to “Mullet.”
Though Henri Mollet may have introduced the hairstyle, it was musicians and celebrities who truly brought the mullet into the mainstream. Rod Stewart is often credited with starting the trend, with his signature shaggy hairdo in the ’70s. His hairstyle inspired many to follow suit, and the mullet began to gain traction.
Paul McCartney, another influential figure in the music industry, refined the mullet, adding his own flair to the hairstyle. As a member of the iconic band The Beatles, McCartney’s mullet became widely recognized and emulated.
However, it was David Bowie who truly perfected the mullet. Known for his ever-evolving style, Bowie’s mullet became a defining aspect of his image. His unique blend of edginess and sophistication turned the mullet into a fashion statement.
By the 1980s, the mullet was dominating the hair scene. It became a staple among both men and women, transcending gender norms. The hairstyle was seen on musicians, actors, athletes, and even everyday people looking to keep up with the latest trend.
The mullet’s popularity can be attributed to its versatility. It allowed individuals to have a clean and professional look from the front while embracing a more rebellious and carefree style in the back. This combination of business and party in one hairstyle made the mullet appealing to many.
However, as fashion trends inevitably evolve, the mullet’s reign began to wane. By the mid to late 1990s, the hairstyle had become a punchline. People who sported a mullet were often seen as having made a serious fashion mistake. The once-iconic style became a joke, and its popularity quickly faded.
Today, the mullet is often associated with nostalgia for the ’80s and is occasionally seen as a quirky choice for those looking to make a bold statement. While it may no longer be a mainstream trend, the mullet remains deeply ingrained in pop culture and serves as a reminder of a bygone era.
The mullet had its heyday during the late ’70s and ’80s, thanks to influential figures like Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, and David Bowie. However, its popularity declined in the ’90s, and it is now viewed as a fashion faux pas. Nevertheless, the mullet continues to hold a special place in the annals of hairstyling history, reminding us of a time when bold and unconventional looks were embraced with enthusiasm.
When Did Mullets Go Out Of Style?
The mullet hairstyle, which gained popularity in the 1980s and early 1990s, gradually fell out of fashion by the mid to late 1990s. This transition can be attributed to several factors that contributed to the decline of the mullet’s appeal.
1. Changing Fashion Trends: The mullet was associated with the flamboyant and excessive styles of the 1980s, characterized by big hair, bold fashion choices, and an emphasis on individuality. However, as the 1990s progressed, there was a shift towards more minimalistic and grunge-inspired fashion, which favored a more natural and effortless look. The mullet, with its iconic short front and long back combination, no longer aligned with the prevailing trends and was seen as outdated.
2. Cultural Perception: Over time, the mullet became a subject of ridicule and mockery, often associated with a lack of taste or fashion sense. It became a symbol of a bygone era and was seen as a fashion mistake. The negative perception surrounding the mullet further contributed to its decline in popularity.
3. Celebrity Influence: As celebrities started moving away from the mullet hairstyle, it lost its status as a trendy choice. Influential figures in the entertainment industry began sporting different haircuts, signaling a shift in fashion preferences and shaping public perception. This had a significant impact on the overall popularity of the mullet.
4. Evolution of Hairstyling: Hairstyling trends are constantly evolving, and new styles emerge to replace older ones. The mullet, with its distinct and polarizing look, eventually gave way to more versatile and contemporary hairstyles. People started experimenting with different cuts and lengths, seeking fresh and modern options.
The mullet went out of style by the mid to late 1990s due to shifting fashion trends, negative cultural perception, the influence of celebrities, and the natural evolution of hairstyling. Its decline marked the end of an era and the emergence of new hair trends that resonated better with the changing times.
Was The Mullet Popular Before The 70s?
The mullet hairstyle was not popular before the ’70s. The mullet gained popularity in the late ’70s and reached its peak in the ’80s. Before that, there were no significant trends or widespread adoption of the mullet hairstyle. The ’70s marked a shift in fashion and style, with a more rebellious and experimental approach to haircuts and fashion emerging. The mullet became a symbol of this era, with its short front and long back creating a distinct and often polarizing look. The mullet’s popularity continued into the ’80s, with many actors, musicians, and athletes embracing the style.
Who Popularized The Mullet?
The mullet hairstyle was popularized by French fashion guru Henri Mollet in the early 1970s. Initially, it was mainly worn within the French underground dance scene. However, its fame spread when it was resurrected by prominent television personalities like Pat Sharp. At this point, the term “Mollet” had been anglicized to “Mullet.”
Who Started The Mullet In The 80s?
The mullet hairstyle, which gained significant popularity in the 1980s, was not solely started by one individual. However, there were a few notable figures who contributed to its rise in fame during that era. Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, and David Bowie played significant roles in popularizing the mullet.
Rod Stewart, a British rock singer, is often credited with starting the mullet hairstyle. In the 1970s, Stewart sported a shaggy haircut that had longer hair at the back and shorter hair at the front. This hairstyle eventually evolved into what became known as the mullet in the 1980s. Stewart’s distinctive look caught the attention of many, and his influence helped pave the way for the mullet’s popularity.
Paul McCartney, a member of the iconic band The Beatles, also played a role in refining the mullet. McCartney experimented with different hairstyles throughout his career, and in the 1980s, he adopted a hairstyle that resembled a mullet. His influence as a musical and fashion icon helped solidify the mullet as a trendy hairstyle during that time.
David Bowie, a legendary musician and fashion innovator, can be credited with perfecting the mullet. Bowie was known for his bold and avant-garde style choices, and in the 1980s, he embraced the mullet hairstyle. With his influential status in the music industry, Bowie’s adoption of the mullet further propelled its popularity and made it a symbol of the era.
It is essential to note that while these three individuals played a significant role in popularizing the mullet, the hairstyle itself was a product of its time. The 1980s marked an era of experimentation and individual expression, and the mullet became a symbol of that cultural shift. It gained traction among both men and women, becoming a widespread trend that endured for several years.
While the mullet hairstyle in the 1980s did not have a single originator, Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, and David Bowie all contributed to its rise in popularity. Their unique styles and influence in the music industry helped solidify the mullet as a notable hairstyle of the era.
Conclusion
The mullet hairstyle gained popularity in the late ’70s and reached its peak in the ’80s. It was initially worn by French fashion guru Henri Mollet in the early ’70s but remained relatively unknown until it was embraced by popular television personalities like Pat Sharp. However, it was the trio of Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, and David Bowie who truly popularized and perfected the mullet. By the mid to late 1990s, the mullet had lost its appeal and became more of a joke, with people considering it a serious fashion mistake. Nonetheless, during its heyday, the mullet was an iconic hairstyle that left a lasting impact on pop culture.
