Mullets

Mullets are fish of the family Mugilidae, comprising several genera including Mugil, Liza, and Planiliza. They are typically elongated, with a silvery body, a streamlined shape, a relatively small head, and a dorsal fin that runs along much of the back. They inhabit shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers in tropical and temperate regions. They feed mainly on detritus, algae, and small invertebrates, often grabbing food from the bottom. They are omnivorous and can tolerate varying salinity, enabling them to move between saltwater and freshwater in many habitats. They are important for commercial and recreational fisheries in many regions and may be used as baitfish or for human consumption. Some species undertake seasonal migrations into rivers to spawn.

The mullet hairstyle is a distinct coiffure characterized by short or shaved hair on the top and sides, with the back left long. Variants include different top lengths, transitions to a longer back, and other stylistic adjustments. The term mullet is widely used in popular culture and media, and the style has been described with phrases such as “business in the front, party in the back.” It has appeared across multiple decades and regions, associated with a range of subcultures and fashion trends. Critics have sometimes labeled it unfashionable, while others view it as retro or ironic.

In fashion history, the mullet has experienced cycles of popularity and revival. Prominent musicians and actors helped bring it into visibility in the late 20th century, with renewed interest in later decades. Regional associations vary, with some contexts linking the style to rural or working-class aesthetics and others embracing it in contemporary or artistic contexts.