How to Draw a Mullet
Learn how to draw a mullet hairstyle in this step-by-step tutorial. Capture the essence of this iconic hairstyle with clear instructions and helpful tips.

Materials You'll Need
- Pencil
- Paper
- Eraser
Welcome aspiring artists! In this comprehensive tutorial, we will explore how to draw a mullet, one of the most distinctive and culturally iconic hairstyles. The mullet is characterized by its unique combination of short hair at the front and sides with longer hair flowing down the back. This hairstyle gained immense popularity during the 1980s, symbolizing a rebellious yet stylish spirit, and has recently experienced a resurgence in fashion circles. Drawing a mullet offers a fun challenge that involves capturing different hair lengths and textures, making it an excellent subject for honing your sketching skills.
Whether you're a beginner eager to expand your repertoire or an intermediate artist looking to refine your technique, learning how to draw a mullet will enhance your ability to depict hair realistically while experimenting with shape and flow. This tutorial will guide you through essential steps such as outlining the head shape, sketching the hair layers, and adding intricate details to create depth and movement. You'll also practice shading techniques that bring the hairstyle to life on paper. Understanding how to draw a mullet not only improves your portrait drawing skills but also deepens your appreciation for the creative expression found in hairstyles.
So, grab your pencils and get ready to embark on this artistic journey! With patience and practice, you'll be able to capture the essence of the mullet's bold and playful style. Let's dive in and unlock your potential to create dynamic, textured hair drawings that stand out. Remember, every great artist starts with a single stroke – and today, that stroke begins with how to draw a mullet.
Materials Required
Before we dive into the drawing process, make sure you have the following materials handy:
- Paper: Choose a smooth paper that is suitable for drawing, such as sketch paper or Bristol board.
- Pencils: Have a range of pencils with different lead hardness (HB, 2B, 4B) to achieve varied line thickness and shading effects.
- Eraser: Keep a good quality eraser for correcting mistakes and refining your drawing.
- Sharpener: Ensure your pencils are sharp for precise lines and details.
- Reference Image: Find a clear reference image of a mullet hairstyle. This will help you understand the structure, proportions, and details of the hairstyle.
With these materials at your disposal, you're ready to start drawing a mullet!
Step 1: Outline the Head Shape
Begin by lightly sketching an oval shape to represent the head. The oval should be slightly wider at the top and taper down towards the chin. Remember, this is just a guideline, so use light lines that can easily be modified later.
Step 2: Add the Hairline
Using the reference image, locate the hairline and sketch it lightly on your drawing. Pay attention to the curvature and any distinctive features, such as a widow's peak or receding hairline.
Step 3: Define the Front Section
Now, let's focus on the front section of the mullet. Observe the reference image and sketch the outline of the hair at the front. Pay attention to the shape and volume of the hair, making sure to capture the unique characteristics of the mullet.
Step 4: Establish the Length of the Hair
Moving to the back of the head, use the reference image to determine the length of the mullet. Extend the hairline down to the desired length, keeping in mind that the back section is significantly longer than the front.
Step 5: Outline the Sides
Next, sketch the outline of the hair on the sides of the head. The sides should be relatively short compared to the back, so make sure to capture that contrast in your drawing.
Step 6: Define the Texture
To give your mullet drawing more depth and realism, define the texture of the hair. Use short, curved lines to represent individual strands of hair, focusing on the direction and flow. Pay attention to areas of shadow and highlights to create a sense of volume.
Step 7: Refine the Details
Take a closer look at the reference image and add any necessary details to your drawing. This may include facial features, sideburns, or other elements that contribute to the overall look of the mullet hairstyle. Use a sharper pencil or a thinner line to add these finer details.
Step 8: Shade the Drawing
To bring your mullet drawing to life, apply shading to create depth and dimension. Observe the reference image to identify areas of light and shadow, and use your pencils accordingly. Gradually build up the shading, starting with light strokes and gradually darkening as needed. Pay attention to the direction of the hair strands when shading.
Step 9: Add Highlights
To add a touch of realism, include some highlights in your mullet drawing. Use an eraser to carefully lift off some graphite, creating lighter areas where light would naturally hit the hair. This technique will make your drawing appear more three-dimensional.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing your mullet drawing! By following these step-by-step instructions, you have learned how to capture the essence of this iconic hairstyle. Remember to practice regularly and experiment with different techniques to further enhance your artistic skills. Now, go ahead and showcase your mullet drawing to the world!
Fun Facts About Mullet
- The mullet hairstyle is often described as "business in the front, party in the back," highlighting its distinctive short front and long back design.
- The mullet gained massive popularity in the 1980s, becoming a symbol of rebellion and rock culture.
- Famous personalities like David Bowie and Billy Ray Cyrus helped popularize the mullet in music and pop culture.
- The mullet has origins dating back to ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia and the Vikings, where similar hairstyles were worn.
- In recent years, the mullet has experienced a resurgence as a trendy and fashionable hairstyle among younger generations.
- The term "mullet" to describe the hairstyle was popularized by the Beastie Boys in their 1994 song "Mullet Head."
- [There are many variations of the mullet, including the "shullet" (shaggy mullet) and the "wolf cut](https://www.allure.com/story/wolf-cut-hair-trend)," blending modern styles with the classic look.
- The mullet has been embraced as a symbol of regional pride in some areas, such as Australia and the southern United States.
Suggestions for Scenes and Settings for Mullet Drawings
- A retro 1980s rock concert stage with a performer sporting a wild mullet, surrounded by neon lights and electric guitars.
- A backyard barbecue party in the 80s featuring friends with diverse mullet styles enjoying summer vibes and classic cars.
- A futuristic cyberpunk city street where a character rocks a neon-colored mullet, blending vintage style with sci-fi elements.
- An illustrated close-up portrait focusing on the texture and flow of the mullet hair, with dramatic lighting emphasizing the layers.
- A skateboard park scene with teens showing off their mullets while performing tricks, capturing youthful energy and movement.
- A vintage barbershop interior where a barber is mid-cut, shaping a mullet hairstyle on a client, surrounded by retro decor.
- A comic book hero or anti-hero character whose mullet symbolizes their rebellious attitude, set against an urban graffiti backdrop.
- A beach volleyball game in the 1980s with players sporting various mullet hairstyles, capturing sun, sand, and action.
- A whimsical fantasy world where mythical creatures have mullets, blending natural elements like leaves and feathers into the hair.
- A fashion runway scene showcasing modern takes on the mullet hairstyle, combining edgy clothing and confident poses.