Mod vs. mullet is shaping up to be the battle of summer 2026. At both locations of The Classic, they’re two of the cuts we’ve been getting the most requests for.
If you want to keep it somewhat long and get in on a trend—if that’s your thing—either the mod or the modern mullet is a good place to start. First, let me clear up exactly what these two cuts are.
The mod cut is medium-length and layered.
The mod goes back to the ’60s, although it’s evolved since then. It’s all about layered volume up top and even what I’d call “bangs” that fall forward to around the eyebrows. The other main feature of the mod is a scissor cut on the sides and back that gives you a continuous rounded shape instead of a fade.
It’s a shag look. We’re not going full shag too much. There’s a way to get this cut so that you can show off how much hair you have and stay looking sharp and put together.
If you don’t want all the shag, tell your barber.
It can be a tricky balance to achieve (you don’t want to overdo the shagginess), which is why you should have some trust in your barber before requesting one: A national chain might not be able to pull it off.
The modern mullet is an upgrade on the short-front, long-back classic.
When we say “modern mullet,” we’re not talking about the classic Chuck Norris cut from the ’80s: Business in the front, party in the back. Not to say there’s anything wrong with that. Anyway, this century’s version has layers and a gradual fade.
A side fade is key to the modern mullet.
The fade is what separates it from the original. The sides should have a smooth transition down to the skin. A high fade, two or three inches above the ears, is typical, but you can go with your gut.
Blended layers also give the modern mullet flow without choppiness. The result is a haircut that’s edgy but refined.
The choice depends on your face, hair type, and style.
Whether you go with a mod cut vs. a modern mullet really comes down to what you want. See? I used italics. It has to be good-looking on you. There are a few factors at play here, so take a look, and hopefully they help you decide which cut will look best on you.
Heart-shaped or oblong face? Try a mod cut.
The mod’s fullness, all that hair and volume, fits nicely if you have a wider forehead or a longer face.
But if your face is square, go with the modern mullet.
With tight sides and lots of hair up top, the modern mullet is a good cut if you have a strong jawline or you’ve got a lot of muscles and want to look like you don’t care about the jawline or the muscles. That’s not the only case where a modern mullet works, just the one I thought of off the top of my head. If you want a mullet, get that.
The mod works for pretty much any hair type, in my opinion.
When it comes to hair type, a mod cut works with most any types of hair.
The modern mullet is versatile, too, but is ideal for guys with thick hair.
And the modern mullet works with all hair types, too. Though I’d say it benefits from hair with some natural texture, so it’s ideal for guys with wavy or curly hair.
If you want to be more expressive, try the mullet.
You can tweak it however you want. If you’re looking for a more dramatic cut, pair your mullet with a burst fade taken down to the skin. For something more natural, a low fade works well.
You can also play with more or less bulk in the back, depending on how classic-mullet you want to go.
The mod is a bit more specialized.
That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with it, but it does have a very specific vibe: retro and clean, with one continuous shape all around.
But really, you can’t go wrong. Both cuts are statement-makers.
How to ask for a mod or modern mullet.
At The Classic, we’ve heard every kind of request, and we’ll know what you mean when you use terms like “mod” or “modern mullet.”
If you plan to risk it somewhere else, you may have to be a bit more specific. For a mod, say you want a “medium top with layers,” “longer bangs,” and “natural sides and back.”
For a modern mullet, say where you want the taper to start on the sides and how much contrast you want. Also, make sure you’re clear about your desired length in the back. If you’re after a specific twist, like a mullet with an undercut or bangs, say so upfront.
And no matter what, have a picture on your phone handy.
Still can’t decide? Stop by The Classic.
Book a cut with us today, or stop by on 8th Ave. or McCart, and we’ll see you in the chair.
