• [Dailystar Icon]
• News
• Weird News
• Ben Stokes

Mullets are set to 'rule 2026' but the trend will follow a scaled down 'baby' version

Hair expert Nate Abbott says blokes will be queuing up at barbershops for the 'baby mullet', as worn by Hollywood star Paul Mescal or England cricketer Ben Stokes

[A man with a mullet ]

Mullets are coming back, although the style is slightly different to the classic version like this(Image: Getty Images)

The mullet is set to rule 2026 but experts predict that the trend will follow a scaled down baby version of the classic 80s hairstyle.

Hair expert Nate Abbott says that blokes will be queuing up at barbershops for the baby mullet - like the dos sported by Gladiator II star Paul Mescal or England cricket hero Ben Stokes at The Ashes in Australia.

Nate said: The mullet refuses to disappear, but its getting more refined. The baby mullet is a softer take with subtle length variation rather than dramatic contrast. Think Paul Mescal rather than a 1980s rock star.

[Ben Stokes is among those with a mullet]

Ben Stokes is among those with a mullet(Image: Getty Images)

Sharing his top tips for the latest trendy take on the mullet, often dubbed business up front, party at the back, Nate added: The sides stay neat with a gentle taper, the top has movement and theres just enough length at the back to create that signature mullet shape.

This works best on men with oval or square face shapes. Style by scrunching damp hair with sea salt spray then air-dry for natural texture.

Other hairdos for fellas that will turn heads in 2026 include the French crop, sported by US singer Nick Jonas and Saltburn hunk Jacob Elordis textured fringe, according to Nate, chief growth officer at wig firm Lordhair.

The two-block cut, inspired by Korean K-pop stars, and ghost roots, where older fellas let their greys show, are also expected to be in vogue over the coming year.

But Nate warned that clippered styles, such as skin fades and undercuts, were out.

He said: Were seeing a major shift toward hairstyles that look effortless but still polished. Men want cuts that work with their natural hair texture rather than fighting against it.

The biggest trends for 2026 combine classic elements with modern techniques.

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.