The Ultimate Guide to the 80s Guy's Mullet: Iconic Golf Course Style

Amy Jul 20, 2026

The 80's guy golf mullet, popularized by the likes of Patrick Swayze and JohnXY.mdalene Helena, was more than just a hairstyle - it was a cultural phenomenon. Characterized by short hair at the front and sides and long hair at the back, it was a bold statement that screamed confidence and individuality.

Embrace the Retro Mullet: 17 Celeb-Approved Styles to Rock in 2025
Embrace the Retro Mullet: 17 Celeb-Approved Styles to Rock in 2025

This distinctive style, often referred to as the 'business in the front, party in the back' haircut, wasn't just a Passing trend; it was a symbol of the decade's rebellious spirit and freedom from conventional norms.

haare
haare

The Evolution of the Mullet in the 80's

The mullet's journey in the 80's wasn't linear. It evolved, changed, and adapted, reflecting the decade's dynamic fashion landscape.

Pit Viper - Pit Viper added a new photo.
Pit Viper - Pit Viper added a new photo.

From the textured, layered cuts in '85 to the high-fades and precise side burns of '89, each year brought a unique twist to this iconic style.

The Textured Mullet

mullet goals
mullet goals

The early to mid-80's saw the prominence of the textured mullet. This style was characterized by choppy, layered cuts that created volume and dimension. Stars like Emilio Estevez and Tom Cruise popularized this style.

Tools like the layered razor cut were widely used to achieve this look. Chlorine tablets and aerosol hairspray were also popular for maintaining the style's texture.

The High-Fade Mullet

Men’s mullets hair
Men’s mullets hair

By the late 80's, the mullet had evolved into the high-fade mullet. This style featured a high fade on the sides and back, creating a stark contrast with the long hair at the back.

Stars like Will Smith and Bobby Brown sported this style, adding a touch of cool and trendiness to the classic mullet.

Mullet in Pop Culture

Aussie Mullet Haircut, Men’s Long Mullet Haircut, Athletic Mullet, Modern Mullet Reference, Mullet Thick Hair Men, Mullet Haircut Australian, Sport Mullet, British Mullet, Aussie Mullet Hairstyle
Aussie Mullet Haircut, Men’s Long Mullet Haircut, Athletic Mullet, Modern Mullet Reference, Mullet Thick Hair Men, Mullet Haircut Australian, Sport Mullet, British Mullet, Aussie Mullet Hairstyle

The 80's guy golf mullet wasn't just a staple on the streets; it dominated the screens too. From movies to music videos, this hairstyle was a constant fixture.

Especially in sports, the mullet was a symbol of determination and grit. See, for instance, the iconic mullets of hockey players like argumento

lucas bergvall | not mine credits to the owners
lucas bergvall | not mine credits to the owners
Australian Mullet Curly, Boys Euro Mullet, Sporty Mullet, Mullet Man, Irish Mullet, Sport Mullet, Men’s Wavy Hair Mullet, British Mullet, Athletic Mullet
Australian Mullet Curly, Boys Euro Mullet, Sporty Mullet, Mullet Man, Irish Mullet, Sport Mullet, Men’s Wavy Hair Mullet, British Mullet, Athletic Mullet
Harry Holland Mullet, Mens Smart Mullet, Mallet Haircut Men, Harry Styles Mullet, Clean Mullet Haircuts Men, Mullet And Moustache, European Mullet Hair Men, Mallet Haircut, Almost Mullet Hair Men
Harry Holland Mullet, Mens Smart Mullet, Mallet Haircut Men, Harry Styles Mullet, Clean Mullet Haircuts Men, Mullet And Moustache, European Mullet Hair Men, Mallet Haircut, Almost Mullet Hair Men
Goatee And Mullet, Hairstyles For Men Mullet, Guy Mullet Haircut, Mullet And Goatee, Seasoned White Boy, Men With Mullets, Boys With Mullets, Guys Haircut, Mens Hair Cuts
Goatee And Mullet, Hairstyles For Men Mullet, Guy Mullet Haircut, Mullet And Goatee, Seasoned White Boy, Men With Mullets, Boys With Mullets, Guys Haircut, Mens Hair Cuts
Mullet And Moustache Combo, Chris Bumstead Mullet Haircut, Mullet Mustache Combo, Mustache And Mullet, Cbum Mullet Fade, Muscle Mullet, Cbum Hairstyle Mullet, Athletic Mullet, Mullet Men
Mullet And Moustache Combo, Chris Bumstead Mullet Haircut, Mullet Mustache Combo, Mustache And Mullet, Cbum Mullet Fade, Muscle Mullet, Cbum Hairstyle Mullet, Athletic Mullet, Mullet Men
mullet
mullet
a man with long hair wearing a white t - shirt and smiling at the camera
a man with long hair wearing a white t - shirt and smiling at the camera
Wavy Mullet
Wavy Mullet
Aussie Mullets, True Mullet, Faux Mullet Men, Classic Classic Mullet, Bowl Cut Mullet, Modern Bowl Cut Mullet, Mullet With Bowl Cut, Best Mullet In The World, Sneaky Mullet
Aussie Mullets, True Mullet, Faux Mullet Men, Classic Classic Mullet, Bowl Cut Mullet, Modern Bowl Cut Mullet, Mullet With Bowl Cut, Best Mullet In The World, Sneaky Mullet

On the Silver Screen

Patrick Swayze's mullet in 'Ghost' and Tom Cruise's in 'Top Gun' were iconic portrayals of this style on the big screen.

These characters, with their mullets flowing freely, epitomized the decade's spirit of freedom and individuality.

In Music Videos

The mullet was a common sight in music videos too. From JohnXY.mdalene Helena's 'Livin' on a Prayer' to Boy George's 'Do You Really Want to Hurt Me', this hairstyle was a staple in the vibrant 80's music scene.

Even today, these videos are fondly remembered and re-watched, not least for their memorable mullets.

The 80's guy golf mullet, with its audacious spirit and unapologetic Cool, has immortalized the decade's non-conformist attitude. It might have faded from trends, but its legacy lives on in popular culture and fashion history. So, the next time you see a contemporary variation of this bold style, remember, its roots go way back - to the vibrant, unapologetic 80's.