There isn’t a hairstyle more controversial than the mullet. Still, for decades, celebs in Hollywood have been definitely rocking the confusing hair trend that can’t decide whether it wants to be long or short. Still, with the right graduated layers, colors, and proportions, a mullet can be surprisingly chic and edgy. When it’s done wrong, however, it’s provocative in all the wrong ways. Either way, mullets are back with a vengeance, and it’s time to pay tribute with the most iconic celebrities who jumped on the mullet bandwagon at some point (or permanently) over the years.
1. Miley Cyrus
Miley debuted this look back at the beginning of 2020, and since her dad is a country mullet icon, we can’t say that we’re surprised by this homage. However, with her cool girl sunglasses and cowboy boots, she made this look casual yet sophisticated. Back in 2008, an interviewer asked her if the mullet would make a comeback, and she enthusiastically said yes. 2020 Miley obviously still agree!
2. Billie Eilish
With a healthy dose of slime green highlights, Billie Eilish tackled the mullet trend in a way that was…well, signature Billie. She wore the look effortlessly with a loose, silk suit, but according to Eilish, her mullet was an accidental result of a dye-job where half of her hair was burned off. Either way, this mistake trend still looked on point and is proof that the singer can make a trend out of literally anything.
3. Taylor Momsen
This Gossip Girl actress wore a mullet back in 2008, when she attended the opening of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This shaggy mullet, like many on this list, featured graduated layers and long bangs so that the look was not too severe.
4. Scarlett Johansson
Scar-Jo rocked her mullet at NY Fashion Week back in 2005. With a face like that, you can pull anything off. But she was giving us some serious country cowgirl vibes with this look. Thank goodness for those dreamy eyes and pouty lips to provide some distraction.
5. Zendaya
This beauty rocked her famous mullet at the Grammy Awards, as inspired by David Bowie. Her makeup was flawless as was the shade of her mullet, so while haters can try to hate, we think this queen looked like a perfect ten as always.
6. Lady Gaga
A mullet isn’t the strangest look that Gaga has rocked over the years, but her 2016, David Bowie inspired mullet paired with a dramatic blue eyeshadow is hard to forget. Since Gaga herself is a rockstar, this look gave us total Zaddy vibes, and we’re not mad about it.
7. Barbie Ferreira
Plus-size babe Barbie Ferreira from Euphoria rocked a retro lack mullet with a gentle fringe and soft lines to NYFW. This look completed by hairstylist Nathaniel Dezan definitely was serving a Joan Jett meets high fashion energy. With the right confidence, you can make any hairdo work.
8. Rihanna
The master of rocking edgy looks, Rihanna is one of the only rebel girls that actually looked cooler with a mullet. There’s just something about that charismatic smile, smoldering eye contact, and statement lip that she always opts for. In 2013 she tried this look, and gave us Halle Berry vibes.
9. David Bowie
There will never be a mullet more famous than David Bowie. In modern times, other celebs have tried to pay homage with their subtle takes on the fashion mullets. But no one comes close to the holy grail. Remember how jaw-dropping his Labyrinth mullet was? Although it’s Bowie’s music that will be remembered for centuries, his mullet is equally memorable and remains unforgotten.
10. Billy Ray Cyrus
We would never have the Miley mullet without the OG creator of the Cyrus “business in the front, party in the back” look. This multi-generational family look first came to mainstream fame when “Achy Breaky Heart” was filling the radio waves back in 1992. We’re not sure if this ‘do accelerated his career or canceled it.
11. Kristen Stewart
When she played Joan Jett in The Runaways film, Kristen rocked the same gradual layers as this rebellious punk icon. On the red carpet, she rocked the look with frosted tips, which was a unique take on the classic look. Stewart has a punk vibe all on her own, so the look actually really suited her!
12. Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is so loved by everyone in the world, it’s hard to talk smack on her mullet. Despite her dozens of hit songs, this female country singer’s mullet always seems to overshadow that spectacular voice. Fortunately, many of her statement mullets are wigs.
