10 Bold Skullet Haircut Ideas

The skullet is a daring men’s haircut that combines a shaved or very short top with longer hair at the back. It has the reputation of being a rebellious, alternative style that is often linked with punk, rock and streetwear cultures. Its resurgence as a trend has been embraced by celebrities, musicians and athletes. The style can be adapted into modern, wearable variations from sharp fades to textured lengths.

What is a Skullet?

A skullet is a haircut where the top of the head is shaved or cropped very short while the back is left long. It is different to the classic mullet as the top is shaved, rather than styled. The boldness of a skullet makes it both a fashion statement and a subcultural symbol.

Origins of the Skullet Haircut

The skullet evolved from the mullet in the 1980’s and 1990’s and is often associated with punk and metal music scenes. Athletes and wrestlers have popularised this style in sports culture over the years and its iconic revival in fashion circles has it re-emerging as a bold, expressive cut.

Key Considerations for Skullet Styles

Hair Type

The skullet is a great option for straight, wavy or coarse hair that can hold length at the back. Texture on the top doesn’t matter as much as the area is cropped or shaven.

Face Shape

This is a great option for those with angular face shapes as the bold outline compliments features. However, softer fades can balance rounder faces.

Maintenance Level

Skullets require frequent shaving or fading on the top and sides to keep the contrast sharp. Visiting your barber every 2-3 weeks will help maintain the shape.

Top 10 Skullet Haircut Ideas

1. Classic Skullet

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The classic skullet is a hybrid haircut which combines a buzz cut or shaved head on top with long hair at the back, much like a mullet. This edgy style can be considered as an extreme version of a mullet, featuring a near-shaved crown and distinctive length in the back which creates a unique and daring fashion statement. Seen on celebrities such as Joe Rogan.

Best for – this is a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance top, the shaved top is easy to maintain.

Styling tip – lightly mist your hair with a sea salt spray to add volume and enhance texture.

2. Skullet with Fade

A skullet with fade describes a hybrid hairstyle that blends a skullet with fade on the sides. The contrasting texture of the nearly bald top and the longer back offers a clean transition on the side that tapers from short hair at the temples or ears down to the skin. Seen on celebrities such as Patrick Swayze. 

Best for – this is a great option for those who need to manage thinning hair as it creates a more balanced look.

Styling tip – ask your stylist for a distinct difference in length to create a more striking look.

3. Skullet with Shaved Sides

A skullet with shaved sides is a daring hairstyle that combines a traditional mullet’s long back with completely shaved sides, leaving a strip of long hair at the back and very short or shaved hair on the head and sides. It is an edgy, alternative look where the contrast between the long hair and the short sides creates a bold statement. Seen on celebrities such as Zane Phillips.

Best for – this is a great style for those with curly hair as the volume can create a bold contrast against the shaved sides.

Styling tip – use a paste or gel to slick down the shaven sides for a cleaner look.

4. Textured Skullet

A textured skullet blends a very short or shaven area on the top and sides of the head with a longer, textured fringe and back and sides, creating a distinct contrast in length and texture. The shaven area is balanced by a deliberately shaggy or layered fringe and back, offering an edgy style. Seen on celebrities such as Paul Mescal. 

Best for – the textured skullet is a great option for those with thick to medium hair as it has the body and volume to work well with the strong contrast.

Styling tip – use your fingers to create messy volume, pulling in different directions to give it a shaggy, unruly appearance.

5. Skullet with Beard

A skullet with a beard describes the classic skullet with longer sides and back and a shaved top, combined with a full or trimmed beard that frames the face and jawline. The distinct contrast creates a rebellious and edgy look. Seen on celebrities such as Dave Grohl. 

Best for – this is a great option for those looking to take on a daring contrast in their look, the shaved sides and longer hair creates a bold look. 

Styling tip – apply a beard oil to nourish the skin and hair, preventing dryness and itchiness.

6. Curly Skullet

This rebellious style features a shaved or buzzed top of the head, while maintaining longer, curly hair at the back and sides. This style creates a dramatic contrast between the exposed scalp and voluminous curl, giving it a distinctive look. Seen on celebrities such as Timothee Chalamet.

Best for – the curly skullet is great for those with medium to tight natural curls, who want to create a striking contrast between the sides and back. 

Styling tip – apply a curl cream for shape and moisture.

7. Modern Skullet with Taper

A modern skullet with taper features a drastically shaven or short crown that contrasts with longer hair at the back and sides which are blended into a taper fade. The taper often starts low, around the ears or neckline which creates a clean blend from the short sides into the longer hair at the back. Seen on celebrities such as Joe Keery.

Best for – this is a great option for those with thicker hair as the shaven top can remove bulk and make the hair easier to manage.

Styling tip – discuss the taper with your stylist prior to achieving your desired level of blending on the sides.

8. Long Skullet

A long skullet describes a more extreme version of the classic mullet, characterised by a saved or very short, cropped top and sides, with long hair remaining at the back of the head, often extending to the lower neck or longer. Seen on celebrities such as Devin Townsend.

Best for – this is a great style for those looking to make a bold, rebellious statement.

Styling tip – use a sea salt spray to enhance texture and movement, especially on the longer sections at the back.

9. Messy Skullet

The messy skullet combines a nearly shaved head with long, unkept hair at the back, creating a rebellious look with an exposed crown and contrasting length on the back. The messy aspect refers to a lack of structured styling, relying on texture and a rugged finish. Seen on celebrities such as Bono.

Best for – this is a great option for those looking for a low maintenance look as it doesn’t require a lot of styling. 

Styling tip – focus on the hair on top and back, use a scrunching technique to achieve a tousled look.

10. Skullet with Design

The skullet with design incorporates the classic features of a skullet with elaborate patterns, lines or shapes carefully shaved into the shorter sections on the top and sides. The design aspect transforms the haircut from a simple style into a canvas for personal expression. Seen on celebrities such as David Bowie.

Best for – this is a great option for those with bold, confident personalities who embrace self expression and unique styles.

Styling tip – schedule regular trims to keep the design prominent.

Tips for Maintaining a Skullet

Regular Shaves or Fades

To maintain your skullet, keep the top and sides freshly shaved or faded to preserve contrast.

Care for the Length

To preserve the length, use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner in the longer back section.

Experiment with Styling

When styling, try messy textures, braids or even colour in the back for a unique spin.

Book Your Skullet Haircut at Rush

Looking to change up your look? Rush stylists offer a personalised take on this bold look. The skullet can be adapted for a more modern and edgy look or toned down and more wearable, all depending on personal preferences. Book now!