Few hairstyles in the 80s captured the decade quite distinctly as the mullet with its distinct business in the front and party in the back aesthetic.
While there were countless hairstyles in the 80s that were extremely popular, none of them fully captured the essence of the decade quite like the mullet. Those who grew up during the period knew that a mullet stood for all business up front, and party in the back . It was seen as a bold and rebellious form of style, that was undeniably unique to the 80s. It quickly became a symbol of freewheeling fashion choices and unapologetic individualism. From rockstars to athletes, everyone was sporting a mullet in the 80s.
The Mullet – A Bold Statement Let’s face it, the 80s were full of bold styles that focused on self-expression and uniqueness. The mullet was no different because it allowed people to fully embrace and experiment with the concept of rebellion against the social norms of the time. Of course, social and economic factors also contributed to the rise of the Mullet trend. The decade saw a booming economy and a rise in the concept of consumer culture. Thanks to the increase in disposable income and the major advancements in technology, people were spending more and more on home entertainment and self-expression.
The mullet fit perfectly into this era because it was associated with rock stars, blue-collar workers, and the rebellious youth of the era. It symbolized a rejection of what was considered to be traditional norms. And also showed a willingness to embrace an unconventional style choice. The mullet was bold, daring, and unapologetically expressive. This fit perfectly into the 80s ethos, which helped to make it one of the most iconic hairstyles of the decade.
MTV and Hairstyles in the 80s MTV had a major role in helping to make the mullet more popular . In fact, MTV helped to make a lot of the hairstyles in the 80s mainstream.
The Appeal of the Mullet The origins of the mullet began in ancient times. It was similar to hairstyles that were worn by warriors back in ancient Greece and Egypt. However, it didn’t really start to grow in popularity until the late 70s. And by the early 80s, the mullet began to take shape in its most modern form. Rock and punk musicians commonly supported the style as a way to stand out from the crowd. And, by the mid-80s the mullet was being sported by a wide variety of movie stars and athletes.
When it comes to hairstyles in the 80s, the appeal of the mullet lay in its versatility. It allowed someone to look clean and presentable when viewed from the front but also allowed them to fit in at bars and concerts when viewed from the back. The front of the mullet represented professionalism, while the back represented freedom and nonconformity. The duality of the mullet hairstyle made it adaptable across many different subcultures in the 80s.
The Role of MTV in Hairstyles in the 80s The most significant factor in the rise of their popularity was the explosion of MTV and the early 80s. MTV played a crucial role in the popularity of virtually all hairstyles in the 80s. As music videos became the new way to listen to music, musicians became more than just singers. As bands grew into style icons, they dabbled in a variety of different hairstyles and variations of the mullet . And while artists like Paul McCartney and David Bowie were seen with mullets in the early part of the decade, it was really country music legend Billy Ray Cyrus and Bono who turned the mullet into a full-fledged trend.
By the mid-80s, the mullet became the signature look in rock and glam scenes. Performers embraced the boldness of the hairstyle. Of all the hairstyles in the 80s, the mullet represented an extension of the outlandish and high-energy performances that defined the era. It was no longer just how you played, but it was about how you looked when you played it. The combination of loud fashion, and electric performances helped to push the hairstyle to the top.
Mullet Mania Eventually, the mullet mania moved from the music world into every single part of mainstream pop culture. Athletes began supporting the hairdo on the field. Hockey players like Jaromir Jagir and baseball players like Randy Johnson all sported mullets on the field. It became part of their personal image.
From sports to the movies, mullets were seen everywhere. In Lethal Weapon, Mel Gibson sported a mullet through all of the iterations of the franchise. And even Kurt Russell had a mullet in the popular film, Escape from New York. Out of all of the hairstyles in the 80s, the mullet had a rugged and tough guy appeal, that made it perfect for those seeking to promote a more rebellious and tough persona.
Billy Ray Cyrus and Mullet Mania Out of all the people who supported a mullet throughout the 80s, the most iconic figure was Billy Ray Cyrus. Today, the younger generation has no idea who Billy Ray Cyrus actually is, but they all know who Miley Cyrus is. Nevertheless, Miley Cyrus his father was a popular country music star during the 80s, and was famous for wearing a mullet in an off the stage. It was part of his trademark look, and with the help of his hit song, Achy Breaky Heart the mullet was seen by fans everywhere.
At the same time, Bono from YouTube as well as Bon Jovi quickly adopted the style and made it a part of the rugged rock personas of the time. It fit in with that glam look that defined most of 80s music fashion . And, if it weren’t for the early adoption of the mullet by Bono and Bon Jovi, it might not have become so popular.
The Rebellious Legacy of Hairstyles in the 80s The cultural impact of the mullet during the 80s was undeniable. The mullet was more than just another hairstyles in the 80s, it was a fashion icon and it symbolized rebellion and self-expression. The style was embraced by people from all walks of life, and it transcended social classes and divisions. Granted, some people were more than others, but that fact nevertheless added to the unique cultural status. By the 90s, trends shifted away from the mullet, but in recent years celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Rhianna have sported a modern version of the mullet in an attempt to reimagine the unique hairstyle.
Conclusion The mullet was bold and unconventional. It managed to define an entire decade. It celebrated the experimentation with self-expression throughout the 80s. And, from music videos to stadiums, everyone sported a mullet at one point during the 80s. The versatile hairstyles of the 80s allowed it to cross cultural boundaries and made it one of the most defining trends of the generation. Today, the mullet stands as one of the most iconic images of the decade.
