The hairstyle characterized by short front and sides and long back is the mullet. Its defining contrast is often summarized as “business in the front, party in the back,” although the cut can range from sharply layered to softly blended.
Mullet-like hairstyles have ancient precedents. Roman writer Suetonius described Emperor Tiberius wearing his hair long at the back, and sixth-century Byzantine historian Procopius wrote about a style with short hair over the forehead and longer hair behind. The modern name became widely popular after the Beastie Boys used “mullet” and “mullet head” in their 1994 song “Mullet Head.”
The style became strongly associated with 1980s rock, country music, sports, and subcultures in Australia, Europe, and North America. It is sometimes confused with a rattail, which leaves only a narrow strand long, or a skullet, which is shaved or very short on top while remaining long at the back. Modern versions often combine the classic rear length with fades or tapers.