Mullet (hairstyle)
The mullet hairstyle is characterized by short hair on the top and sides, contrasting with long hair in the back, often encapsulated by the phrase "business in the front, party in the back." Its origins are somewhat ambiguous, but it is believed to have been inspired by the androgynous look of David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust in the 1970s. The mullet gained significant popularity in the 1980s, becoming an iconic hairstyle associated with both glam rock and mainstream rock music, particularly during the rise of MTV, which showcased artists like the Cars and Guns N' Roses sporting the style. This hairstyle transcended the rock genre, appearing on various celebrities, including actors like Mel Gibson and athletes such as Andre Agassi. Initially linked to blue-collar workers, the mullet evolved into a symbol of American identity, particularly among country music fans and sports enthusiasts. By the late 1980s, the mullet had become associated with cultural elements like automobiles, rock music, and social gatherings. Despite its mixed reputation, the mullet remains a notable hairstyle that reflects a specific cultural moment in American history.
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Mullet (hairstyle)
Hairstyle
The mullet was a hairstyle popular among both men and women of the 1980’s in all sectors of the American population. It became a social identity symbol for several different musical movements and a widespread cultural phenomenon that illustrated a change in how Americans intended to define themselves for the world.
Characterized by short hair on the top and sides and long hair in the back, the mullet was often referred to by the slang phrase “business in the front and party in the back.” The actual term “mullet” is of uncertain cultural origins, but it is widely believed that the hairstyle was inspired by David Bowie’s androgynous Ziggy Stardust look of the 1970’s. In the 1980’s, it became so widespread as to assume the status of a icon of the decade. Although inspired by glam rock musicians, the mullet became a defining style of more mainstream rock music once glam rock declined and heavy metal and pop music began to increase in popularity. This crossover was due in part to the establishment of MTV, which aired music videos featuring the hairstyle being worn by early 1980’s acts such as the Cars and later 1980’s acts such as Guns n’ Roses. Eventually, the hairstyle spread beyond the mainstream rock markets and became a distinguishing characteristic of marginal heavy metal and country music performers and their fans as well.
During most of the 1980’s, the mullet was primarily associated with blue-collar America. However, the hairstyle was also popular among prominent celebrities of the time. Aside from music videos and rock music culture, the mullet was seen in other popular culture arenas: Mel Gibson wore a mullet in Lethal Weapon, tennis all-star Andre Agassi also wore this style on the court, and even singer Barry White wore it for a period of time. As mainstream America emulated this look, the mullet allowed a link to be forged between celebrities of all types—rock stars, pop stars, movie stars, and sports figures—and their fans.
Impact
Early in the 1980’s, the mullet was a source of pride for glam rockers and heavy metal or rock fanatics. At the middle and end of the 1980’s, the mullet became a symbol of social significance for groups that identified themselves as distinctively American—country music performers and fans and sports enthusiasts. Thus, the hairstyle became immediately associated with automobiles, rock and roll, sports, and beer. Despite the fact that the hairstyle was also popular across Europe and South America, the middle to late 1980’s saw this cultural icon become a source of national pride.
Bibliography
Innes-Smith, James, and Henrietta Webb. Bad Hair. New York: Bloomsbury/Holtzbrinck, 2002.
Karchmer, Noah D. Mullets and Mayhem: Coming of Age in the Late 1980’s. Bloomington, Ind.: AuthorHouse Books, 2001.