Mullet vs. Mohawk — What's the Difference?

The mullet hairstyle, often characterized by its motto "business in the front, party in the back," offers a versatile look that combines short and long hair elements. This contrast is more subdued in terms of hair volume and styling options. Whereas, the Mohawk stands out with its striking style, involving the sides of the head being completely or mostly shaved, leaving a narrow strip of long hair in the center. This creates a bold and rebellious statement.

A mullet can be adapted to various lengths and textures, allowing it to be styled in numerous ways that can be both conservative and bold. This adaptability makes it a popular choice among different age groups and cultural backgrounds. On the other hand, the Mohawk is often associated with punk subcultures and is less versatile but more distinctive in its appeal, generally attracting a younger, more avant-garde crowd.

Historically, mullets have been worn for centuries, with documented appearances in ancient civilizations and various cultures, where it was often a practical choice to keep hair out of the face while providing warmth at the back. In contrast, the Mohawk draws its roots from the Native American Mohawk people, where the hairstyle was part of tribal culture and later adopted as a symbol of rebellion and non-conformity in modern fashion.

In terms of maintenance, the mullet is relatively low-maintenance, requiring regular trims to keep the desired length balance between the front and the back. On the other hand, maintaining a Mohawk typically requires more effort in styling and regular shaving of the sides to emphasize the contrast with the central strip of hair.

While the mullet has seen a resurgence in popularity, often embraced with a sense of irony in contemporary fashion, the Mohawk remains a powerful icon of punk and alternative styles, rarely crossing into mainstream fashion due to its aggressive styling and cultural associations.