Unless Britney Spears decides to start making music again, the mullet could be classified as the comeback of the century. The “business in the front, party in the back” style made waves as one of the trendiest styles of 2021; even A-listers like Miley Cyrus were rocking the style. And since its triumphant return, the mullet has taken on several new forms such as the wolf cut, a shaggier, 70s-inspired version of the hairstyle. Its latest iteration: the mixie, a cross between a mullet and a pixie cut.
“A mixie is an edgy haircut that is longer in the back, like a mullet, and shorter in the front, like a pixie,” celebrity hairstylist and R+Co collective member Jenny Cho tells GLAM. “I’m loving this term so much,” adds session stylist and celebrity colorist Tina Outen. “It’s two of the best haircuts ever, in my opinion, merged together to create a softer, shaggier, and more forgiving version of either of the originals.”
Ahead, learn more about the buzzy new hair trend that’s set to take over in 2022.
What makes the mixie different?
There have been so many takes on retro styles as of late, so what is it about the mixie that’s so special? “The mixie as a haircut feels uniquely different from what we’ve been seeing, but also has a slight 70s retro vibe that feels familiar,” Cho says. Aaron Grenia, co-founder of IGK Hair Care, agrees that the look is straight out of the groovy decade. “This cut has a 70s feel with the shape of the bangs upfront and the length in the back. It gives an edgier feel to short hair,” he says.
Though the mixie is certainly bold, Outen adds that the style is endlessly versatile to suit your preferences. “The longer and softer shaggy layers are more flattering, allowing enough length in the hair to frame where necessary,” she says. “This look gives you volume where you need it and even a little tail to twist and curl around your neck.” Plus, she adds, the extra length makes the short haircut feel a little more feminine.
What should you ask for at the salon if you want to try a mixie?
So, you want to try the mixie? At the salon, all the experts agree that bringing inspo of what you’re looking for is key. “Bringing reference pictures of what you are looking for is always a best practice for the client and the stylist to ensure everyone has a clear vision and clear expectations,” says Grenia.
It’s also important to find a stylist who has experience in the kind of cut you want, Cho adds. “For a haircut like this, it’s more about who not how,” she says. “You really want to seek out a stylist who’s known for edgier haircuts; someone who gets the look and can also understand how to alter it depending on your face shape and texture.”
But of course, any haircut should be a collaboration between yourself and your stylist. “Talk to your stylist about the facial feature you would like accentuated most,” Outen says. “The great thing with short hair is that it gives you all these playful layers to fluff and frame where you like them.”
What kind of upkeep is required for a mixie?
Because it’s supposed to look a bit messy, a mixie requires a lot less maintenance than a traditional pixie cut, but a bit more than a mullet. Outen notes that trims will depend on your individual hair texture and cut. “Finer hair often needs clean cutting more to keep the structure to the haircut, while thicker hair may require slicing out to keep its wispiness,” she explains. Grenia recommends a refresh every six weeks to best maintain the shape of your mixie.
When it comes to styling products, Outen recommends playing around to find what works best for your hair type. “Does a salt spray or matte clay give your ends the best texture?” she says, “Maybe a dry shampoo to dust in the roots helps with volume or a quick blast of dry, hot heat from a hairdryer gives you the best results.”
Mixie haircut inspiration:
Now that you know what to ask for, scroll through and screenshot your favorite mixie looks from the list below.
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