The Paul Mescal mini mullet is still one of the most wearable men’s haircuts in 2026. Its combination of natural texture, cropped proportions and slightly longer length at the back makes it an appealing choice for men looking for something distinctive without committing to a dramatic hairstyle.
From his breakout role in Normal People to his red carpet appearances, Mescal has helped make the mini mullet a reference point for men’s grooming. The appeal is simple: it’s a haircut with personality that doesn’t require hours in front of the mirror.
But how do you actually ask your barber for Paul Mescal’s haircut? And will it work with your face shape and hair texture?
We spoke to Charlie illi, Top Stylist and Advanced Technician at London salon Brooks & Brooks, to find out what makes the cut work, how to style it and which men’s hair trends are coming next.
What Is Paul Mescal’s Mini Mullet?
The mini mullet takes the familiar short-at-the-front, longer-at-the-back silhouette and gives it a contemporary update.
Unlike the exaggerated mullets of the 1980s, Mescal’s version is cropped, textured and relatively subtle. The sides sit close to the head, while the top has enough length to create movement. At the back, a slightly longer nape gives the cut its distinctive shape.
The result sits somewhere between a textured crop, a modern mullet and a relaxed indie haircut.
It’s also part of a wider shift in men’s grooming towards more natural-looking hair, softer edges and styles that work with rather than against the hair’s existing texture.
How to Ask Your Barber for Paul Mescal’s Mini Mullet
The easiest way to get the right haircut is to arrive with a photograph. While terms such as “mini mullet” and “modern mullet” are useful starting points, different barbers may interpret them differently.
According to Charlie illi, a good consultation makes all the difference.
“Images can be really helpful during the consultation. You could ask for a haircut, possibly razor-cut, with faded sides, a cropped top and a slightly longer nape.”
Charlie illi, Brooks & Brooks
The Key Elements of the Cut
- Top: A cropped, textured length that can be worn naturally rather than heavily styled.
- Sides: Kept shorter and close to the head, potentially with a soft fade depending on your preferred finish.
- Back: Slightly longer through the nape to create the recognisable mullet silhouette.
- Fringe: Soft and textured, with the option to wear it forward or slightly to one side.
- Finish: Feathered, natural-looking texture rather than a sharp, heavily structured cut.
Charlie explains that the cropped proportions are what separate Mescal’s haircut from a more traditional mullet.
“It’s more cropped, which gives it a modern feel rather than a traditional, textbook mullet. You can adapt the lengths depending on the look you want and your face shape.”
One detail worth discussing is how short to take the sides. A fade can create a stronger contrast, while a softer, scissor-cut finish gives the haircut a more relaxed appearance.
Does the Mini Mullet Suit Your Face Shape?
One reason the mini mullet has become so popular is its adaptability. However, the proportions need to work with your individual face shape and hair texture.
Charlie particularly recommends the cut for men with square faces.
“Square face shapes work amazingly well with a mini mullet. Slimming the sides helps avoid making the head look wider, while the feathered texture softens harsher edges.”
For men with longer or slimmer faces, she suggests adjusting the shape.
“For slimmer, longer faces, the proportions need more consideration, with a flatter top and longer sides.”
Which Hair Types Work Best?
Wavy hair: Naturally lends itself to the loose, textured finish associated with Mescal’s haircut.
Curly hair: Can create an interesting variation, with extra movement through the top and nape.
Straight hair: Can also work, although a textured cut and suitable styling product may be needed to create movement.
Thick hair: Benefits from careful shaping and weight removal to avoid excessive bulk around the sides.
The most important thing is finding a barber who understands your hair rather than trying to reproduce the exact same cut on everyone.
How to Style Paul Mescal’s Mini Mullet at Home
Part of the haircut’s appeal is that it doesn’t need to look perfect. In fact, the slightly undone finish is what makes it work.
Charlie recommends keeping the styling routine simple.
“My absolute favourite way to style this cut is with sea salt sprays or texture sprays, such as PLI from L’Oréal Professionnel. Spray it in, scrunch the hair, then diffuse or air-dry it. This creates texture and gives the hair a messier look.”
Step 1: Start With Clean, Conditioned Hair
Use a shampoo suited to your hair type, followed by a lightweight conditioner if needed. This helps keep the hair manageable without weighing it down.
Step 2: Apply a Texture Spray
While your hair is slightly damp, apply a sea salt spray or texturising product. Work it through with your fingers, concentrating on the top and longer sections at the back.
Step 3: Scrunch and Dry
Scrunch the hair to encourage movement. You can let it air-dry for a relaxed finish or use a diffuser on a low heat setting to create more definition.
Step 4: Add Light Definition
If needed, finish with a small amount of cream pomade or lightweight styling paste.
Warm the product between your palms before working it through the ends. Avoid applying too much, as the aim is natural texture rather than a stiff, glossy finish.
Best Hair Products for Styling a Mini Mullet
You don’t need an extensive grooming collection to maintain this haircut. A good texture spray, lightweight styling product and suitable shampoo should cover most of your needs.
1. L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art PLI
Best for: Creating movement and texture.
Recommended by Charlie illi, PLI is a heat-activated styling spray designed to add shape and body to the hair.
It’s particularly useful if you want to scrunch and diffuse your hair to create a more textured finish.
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2. Brickell Sea Salt Spray
Best for: A natural, beach-inspired finish.
Sea salt sprays are particularly useful for recreating the loose, slightly messy texture associated with Mescal’s haircut.
Brickell’s sea salt spray is an option for adding texture and volume without the structured finish of traditional hair gels.
Use sparingly, particularly if your hair is naturally dry, and adjust the amount according to your hair type.
3. HIGHLAND Cream Pomade
Best for: Lightweight definition and control.
A cream pomade can help define individual sections of hair without losing the relaxed finish that makes the mini mullet appealing.
Use a small amount to shape the fringe, separate the ends and control any sections that need additional definition.
4. Sons Strengthening Shampoo
Best for: A simple men’s haircare routine.
Keeping your hair clean and manageable makes styling easier, particularly when you’re growing out the back of a mini mullet.
Sons offers men’s haircare products, including strengthening shampoo, designed for regular use.
Choose a shampoo appropriate for your scalp and hair type rather than relying on a product to change your hair’s natural growth pattern.
Expert Advice: How to Find a Good Men’s Barber in London
Getting the right haircut isn’t just about choosing a style. Finding someone who understands your hair type, face shape and daily routine is equally important.
We asked Charlie illi, Top Stylist and Advanced Technician at Brooks & Brooks, what men should consider when booking their next haircut.
What Should Men Look for When Choosing a Barber or Stylist in London?
“Look for a barber or stylist who specialises in the particular hairstyle and hair texture you’re looking for. Social media is a great way to find this. Take a look at their work, and you could even book a consultation, as most places offer this these days.”
Instagram and salon portfolios can be useful starting points, particularly if you’re looking for a specific style such as a mini mullet, textured crop or longer men’s haircut.
What Separates a Really Good Men’s Haircut From an Average One?
“In my opinion, it’s all about understanding how you like to wear and style your hair, as well as your daily routine. A good stylist or barber will consider your head shape, hair texture and realistic styling options to create the best haircut for you.”
In other words, a haircut should look good beyond the salon chair. The best styles work with your natural hair and the amount of time you’re prepared to spend styling it.
How Important Is the Consultation?
“Super important. Otherwise, it’s a game of luck. You need to understand these factors to create a cut and style that will work well for you. Sometimes, it can be difficult for clients to know what will suit them, so being open to your stylist or barber’s suggestions is the best approach.”
A proper consultation is particularly valuable when changing your hairstyle. Bring reference images, explain how you usually style your hair and be realistic about maintenance.
What Men’s Haircuts Are Most Popular in 2026?
“I’m seeing clients opt for longer, mid-length styles that still sit slim around the ears. Men with textured hair, in particular, are finding longer lengths nice to wear. I like to encourage them to show off their hair!”
This reflects the move away from highly structured cuts towards styles with more movement, personality and natural texture.
What Will Be the Biggest Men’s Hair Trends in 2027?
“I think we’ll see more creative proportions, similar to what we’ve seen with shorter, modernised mullets. Cropped fringes with feathered contours will also be popular, with more statement-making styles overall.”
Expect modern mullets, cropped fringes and experimental proportions to remain part of the men’s grooming conversation as we move into 2027.
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Why Paul Mescal’s Haircut Is Still Influential
Celebrity hairstyles come and go, but Mescal’s mini mullet has staying power because it feels wearable.
It’s distinctive without being overly dramatic, relaxed without looking neglected and versatile enough to work in both creative and professional environments.
Charlie believes that’s exactly why the haircut has connected with so many men.
“I think he’s pulled it off beautifully! It’s an effortless look that inspires others. It has a more rebellious vibe while still being suitable for a professional workplace.”
The mini mullet also fits neatly into the broader revival of retro-inspired men’s style, where classic silhouettes are being reworked for a contemporary wardrobe.
For more inspiration, explore our guide to men’s grooming in London.
How Often Should You Get a Mini Mullet Trimmed?
Although the mini mullet is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to styling, regular trims help preserve its proportions.
As a general guide, consider booking a trim every four to six weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows and how sharp you want the sides to look.
If you’re growing the style out, ask your barber to tidy the sides and fringe while preserving length at the back.
The aim is to maintain the shape without losing the slightly relaxed finish that makes the haircut work.
Paul Mescal Mini Mullet: Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Paul Mescal’s Haircut Called?
Paul Mescal’s hairstyle is commonly described as a mini mullet or modern mullet. It combines a cropped, textured top with shorter sides and slightly longer hair at the nape.
Can You Get a Mini Mullet With Straight Hair?
Yes. Straight hair can work with a mini mullet, although your barber may need to introduce additional texture through the cut. Styling sprays and lightweight products can help create movement.
Does a Mini Mullet Work With Curly Hair?
Absolutely. Curly and wavy hair can give the style natural movement and volume. The key is controlling the proportions so the sides don’t become too bulky.
What Should I Tell My Barber?
Ask for a modern, cropped mullet with shorter sides, a textured top and slightly more length through the nape. Bring a photograph of Mescal’s haircut and discuss how the shape can be adapted to your face and hair texture.
Is the Mini Mullet Still Fashionable in 2026?
Yes. Modern mullets and textured men’s haircuts remain relevant in 2026, particularly as longer, more natural-looking styles continue to influence men’s grooming.
What Products Do You Need for a Mini Mullet?
A texture spray, lightweight pomade and shampoo suited to your hair type are a practical starting point. Men with curls may also benefit from a diffuser and curl-defining products.
About the Expert: Charlie illi, Brooks & Brooks
Charlie illi is a Top Stylist and Advanced Technician at Brooks & Brooks in London.
With ten years of industry experience, Charlie specialises in cutting, colouring and styling, from classic men’s and women’s cuts to creative colour and occasion hair.
After working in Switzerland, she moved to London in 2023 and joined the Brooks & Brooks team, bringing her technical experience and creative approach to the salon.
Charlie was also selected as a L’Oréal Professionnel ID Artist and named a finalist in the L’Oréal Colour Trophy.
Her philosophy is simple: “I just love hair, and those who wear it.”
Final Thoughts: Is Paul Mescal’s Mini Mullet Worth Trying?
If you’re looking for a men’s haircut with personality that doesn’t require an elaborate styling routine, Paul Mescal’s mini mullet is still a strong option in 2026.
Its biggest advantage is flexibility. The length, texture and proportions can all be adjusted to suit your hair type and face shape, making it more wearable than the traditional mullet.
As Charlie illi explains, the secret to a great haircut isn’t simply copying a celebrity. It’s finding a stylist who understands your hair, your lifestyle and how you want to look.
Bring a few reference images, book a consultation and be open to adapting the cut. The result should feel like your own version of the style, rather than an exact replica.
