There’s no denying that TikTok is now the authority on the latest hairstyle trends. We’ve seen everything from curtain bangs and Farrah Fawcett-inspired flips to Y2K-inspired hairstyles (looking at you, two-tone hair) surge in popularity this year, all thanks to the video sharing app. And now the one-minute mullet seems to be the latest trend taking over social media.
So, what exactly is it? Simply put, the one-minute mullet is a take on the wolf cut that went viral earlier this summer. The shaggy, layered style boasts major vintage vibes reminiscent of the ‘70s and ‘80s and adds a modern edge to the once-polarizing haircut. Hairstylist Dawn Clemens also points to cut’s unisex appeal — celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, and BTS’ Jin have all been seen with the cut, proving it’s an inclusive style all can enjoy.
The difference between the two is that the one-minute mullet itself is a challenge — a technique that TikTok users are using to cut their own hair. Consider it a shortcut to the trendy wolf cut, or the “soft-serve mullet” as some are calling it. The idea is that it gives you similar characteristics in under a minute, no salon appointment required. All you need is a ponytail holder and some scissors.
By now, though, I’m positive you have a lot of questions. How? Why? Of course, some users are only doing the challenge to attract more attention to their accounts, notes hairstylist Monica Davis. (The #oneminutemullet tag has over 85 million views.) But she also says that when done correctly, this cut looks fresh and stylish on many. And to be honest, a lot of the results are pretty impressive.
Intrigued? To help you indulge in this challenge without any regrets, below we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the one-minute mullet, including some helpful dos and don’ts to keep in mind should you make the cut.
@effervescingelephant One Minute Mullet ##fyp ##mullet
♬ Back To Black – Amy Winehouse
How to Do the One-Minute Mullet Challenge
As crazy as it may sound, cutting your hair using the one-minute mullet technique is more straightforward than you may think. As demonstrated by countless TikTok videos, you pull your hair into a high ponytail that sits at the crown of your head, then cut a considerable amount of hair from the tail, Clemens explains. “If done correctly, once you take your hair down from the ponytail, it’s should fall into a multi-layered mullet,” she adds.
Before getting started, hairstylist Ghanima Adbullah recommends making a tight and secure ponytail so that it doesn’t move while you’re clipping. (If your hair is not long enough to pull into a ponytail, she advises forgoing the cut altogether.) Similarly, you’ll only want to cut your hair while it’s dry. “Unless you are professional, wet haircuts are too slippery for this job,” she says.
@charlottelooks I HIGHLY RECOMMEND I LOVE IT SO MUCH ##oneminutemullet
♬ good 4 u – Olivia Rodrigo
Once it’s time to make the cut, Abdullah suggests doing so in front of a mirror so you have a clear visual as you work. You’ll want to move slowly, too. Don’t let the name of the challenge rush you, advises Davis. “Take your time and start with a small section of your ponytail. If you’re confident it’s going well and that you’ll get the desired effect, you can go on and cut more,” she says.
Finally, while this method may sound simple enough, Davis says that “when you are trying at-home haircuts of any kind, always make sure you have the right tools to do so.” She suggests using sharp professional hair shears as opposed to the craft or kitchen scissors you have stashed in a drawer. Household scissors can cause split ends, making your cut look sloppy or frayed, she says.
What to Do If You Mess Up the One-Minute Mullet Cut
As with most DIY haircuts and box color dye jobs, there is obviously room for error. For starters, the one-size-fits-all approach might not work with your hair type or texture, leaving you with poofy layers or frayed ends. See these disastrous results, for example.
If you mess up or hate your one-minute mullet, Davis says it’s crucial to resist the urge to fix it by cutting off even more hair, as this will make matters even worse. Instead, book an appointment with your hairstylist, who will clean up what you’ve done to the best of their ability. In the meantime, pull your hair up into a bun, or a half-up style should your layers not allow it.
At the end of the day, the best (and safest) way to achieve the modern mullet is by going to a skilled hairstylist who will take into consideration your hair type, texture, and density.
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