Men are embracing longer hairstyles in 2026, with the baby mullet emerging as a standout trend. The look, characterized by slightly longer hair at the back that just grazes the neck and softer contrasts between front and back lengths, has replaced the harsh lines of traditional mullets. Celebrities like Oscar Isaac and Paul Mescal have debuted variations of the style, with Isaac's appearance in the second season of Beef and at red carpet events sparking widespread replication. Connor Storrie also turned heads at the 2026 Golden Globes with a grungy take on the cut, while even Superman's on-screen portrayal now features the updated mullet.
The trend reflects a broader shift in men's grooming, where facial hair like mustaches and chest hair are also making a comeback. According to celebrity hairstylist Sami Knight, longer hair has become a tool for personal expression rather than conformity. "Longer hair has become another way for men to express individuality rather than maintain a uniform," Knight says. He emphasizes that growing hair out requires discipline, not neglect. "The key to growing your hair out is maneuvering the 'awkward middle ground,'" Knight notes, adding, "Patience is genuinely the technique."
Variants like the full-grown mullet are also gaining traction, especially on runways during Paris Fashion Week and at high-profile events like Wimbledon. Today's versions rarely include shaved sides, favoring instead a more cohesive, textured finish. The baby mullet, in particular, is praised for its subtle flair—the back ends flicking out slightly, offering movement without excess. With A-listers increasingly adopting "boy bangs" and fuller styles, the era of the ultra-tight fade appears to be waning.
Oscar Isaac helped normalize the baby mullet by wearing it in a mainstream TV series and on red carpets, turning a once-mocked style into a fashion statement. The fact that Superman now sports the look suggests it has entered the realm of cultural acceptability, not just niche trendiness. Sami Knight's emphasis on patience contradicts the idea that long hair is a low-maintenance choice, revealing the effort behind the apparent ease. This trend isn't just about hair—it's about redefining what men's grooming can represent.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
