Side bangs, face-framing layers, spiky pixie cuts — haircut trends come and go like the wind. One iconic style that’s making a comeback from the ‘80s? The mullet shag. And we’re so hair for it. Reviving this rock ’n’ roll-ready look includes the likes of Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, and Troye Sivan, to name a few.
Whether you’re musing on the prospect of getting a mullet shag haircut, or already have one and are ready to make Cyndi Lauper proud, keep reading for tips on how to style the perfect tousled mullet shag with OUAI.
Make OUAI For Your Perfect MulletYou have an ‘80s haircut but you’re in the year 2021. No shade to Billy Cyrus, legendary wearer of the mullet shag haircut, but we’re aiming for a modern vibe. That’s where the styling prep comes in. If you have straight or naturally wavy hair, reach for our Wave Spray to activate your natural wave pattern without salt, or Air Dry Foam for crunch-free and soft waves. Whichever you use to style your mullet shag, apply it evenly on damp hair then let it air dry.
For curly girls, the mullet shag magic happens with Curl Crème, our silicone-free styling cream that hydrates, defines, and calms frizz on all curly hair types. Apply it evenly and twist your curls as you go, then let air dry for bouncy curls minus the sticky, crunchy feeling.
Part of what gives the mullet shag that edgy, effortless vibe is the texture and body. If you have straight hair or naturally wavy hair, grab your flat iron to create or enhance your waves. The trick is using this wrist technique to create subtle bends, sometimes called ’S’ waves. This will give your mullet shag haircut the perfect movement before adding texture and definition.
Curly girls, feel free to skip this step; instead of a flat iron, reach for a diffuser to enhance your curls without causing heat damage.
When it’s all said and done, no matter your hair type, your mullet shag may have frizz or flyaways. To calm frizz on fine to medium hair types, apply a dab or two of Finishing Crème to your fingers and smooth over any danglers -- this step is so necessary for a polished finish. If your hair type is medium to thick, apply a dime-size of our medium-hold finishing paste Matte Pomade and rub it between the palms of your hands (the heat helps emulsify it). Then use your fingers to tamp down frizz or flyaways and at the same time create moldable texture.
If you like your texture 10/10, reach for Texturizing Hair Spray. Like dry shampoo and hair spray in one, this lightweight spray creates buildable texture, boosts volume, and gives your mullet shag haircut that perfectly tousled finish.
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