From Ancient Greece to 'Tiger King': The Amusing Journey of the Mullet

For many in self-isolation this month, Netflix's "Tiger King" has been a go-to escape. This wildly strange, captivating, and at times disturbing documentary series delves into the interconnected lives of America's most infamous big cat enthusiasts. Beyond the central storyline's chaos and heartbreak, one standout feature has captured viewers' attention: the astonishing variety of mullets on display.

"Oh, you don't want me to take that off," Joe Exotic, the bleach-blonde star of the documentary, tells the filmmakers when they suggest he remove his baseball cap. "Your entire audience will be like, 'wow, that guy's rocking a mullet!'"

The fact that someone like Mr. Exotic (who later casually threatens to torture and murder his rivals) is so embarrassed about being mocked for his hairstyle speaks volumes about the mullet. But where did this quirky, if not iconic, style originate, and why does it remain a hot topic in pop culture today?

What Is a Mullet?

While it might sound like a tired cliché, the mullet is best summed up as "Business in the Front, Party in the Back." This unmistakable hairstyle features short hair on the top and sides, with longer locks at the back. The Oxford English Dictionary (yes, it includes the mullet) credits the Beastie Boys with popularizing the term. In their 1994 track "Mullet Head" from the album "Ill Communication," Ad-Rock raps, "You wanna know what's a mullet?/Well I got a little story to tell/About a hairstyle, that's a way of life/Have you ever seen a mullet wife?"

A year later, Mike D. of the group wrote in Grand Royal magazine that the song's lyrics were inspired by the fish of the same name. "The mullet fish has no neck, and a fish rots from the neck down, which might explain the slang, especially since most human Mullet Heads achieve this look with excessive hair and muscle," he explained.

However, the mullet existed long before the Beastie Boys referenced it. While many associate the style with the 1980s and early '90s (thanks to figures like Andre Agassi and Billy Ray Cyrus), the mullet's history stretches back to an era far predating "Saved By the Bell" and "Full House."

Where Did the Mullet Come From?

In her detailed article for History.com, Linda Lacina notes that the first literary reference to the mullet might trace back to the ancient Greek poet Homer. In "The Iliad," he described the Abantes, a group of spearmen, as having 'cropped forelocks and long hair at the back.' The mullet (also known as the Kentucky Waterfall and the Missouri Compromise) was likely a practical and somewhat common hairstyle in ancient, even prehistoric, times.

Oliver Lunn, in a piece for Dazed Digital, cites the book "Mullet Madness," where author Alan Henderson explains that prehistoric people likely trimmed their bangs to keep hair out of their eyes while leaving the back long for warmth and rain protection. Lunn also highlights Greek statues from the 6th century B.C.E. that depict mullets, suggesting their role in the origins of Western culture. Additionally, Ancient Roman chariot racers, 16th-century Hittite warriors, Assyrians, and Egyptians all wore this 'hockey hair' long before it became linked to the sport.

By the 19th century, mullets started becoming the subject of ridicule. In Mark Twain's 1855 novel "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," Tom Sawyer refers to his aunt and uncle as 'confiding and mullet-headed,' clearly not intending it as a compliment. Despite this, the hairstyle found its way into high places. Dennis DiClaudio of Men's Health Magazine notes that James K. Polk, president from 1845 to 1849, holds the unique distinction of being the only U.S. president to wear a mullet while in office.

Over time, the mullet evolved in various interpretations. While David Bowie sported what Barney Hoskyns, author of "The Mullet: Hairstyle of the Gods," deemed "the only cool mullet ever," Dylan Jones, editor of GQ UK, argued that Bowie's Ziggy Stardust look wasn't a true mullet, calling the term itself "very pejorative." Whether Bowie's hairstyle was a genuine mullet or a rebellious twist on the trend, it undeniably became iconic in the 1970s and continued to rise in popularity through the '80s and '90s.

The Modern Mullet

So, where does the mullet stand today? Surprisingly, it remains relevant, extending beyond figures like Joe Exotic and Southern big cat enthusiasts. "In my professional experience, I don't enjoy cutting traditional mullets, but rocker mullets are a blast to style," says Annette Avila, a master hair stylist and colorist, and founder of San Francisco's Lavish Hair & Makeup Studio. "I recall seeing them often in the mid-'90s, but I wasn't a fan back then, as I was more into the punk scene. Ironically, I accidentally gave myself a mullet as a kid when I tried cutting my own hair and botched it—super short sides and a mullet that stuck until it grew out!"

While Avila notes that mullet requests are rare at her salon, she believes celebrities like Zendaya and Lady Gaga are reviving the style and bringing it into the mainstream. "Depending on the celebrity, the modern mullet can look incredibly stylish," she says. "It’s all about how you carry it."

Should you rush to your hairstylist for a mullet? Not so fast. "I personally dislike traditional mullets, but the modern, shaggy versions can be quite attractive if done well," Avila explains. "The technique varies based on the tools used—scissors, clippers, or a razor. I prefer a razor. For a modern shaggy mullet, I start with the sides, then move to the top and finish with the back."

In conclusion, if you’re drawn to the mullet, go for it—but be prepared for some strong opinions as your multi-length hair catches the wind.