The skullet haircut isn’t for everyone—and that’s exactly the point. It’s wild in the back, tight on the sides, and unapologetically rebellious up top. Somewhere between a mullet and a buzz cut, the skullet throws tradition out the window and dares you to stand out.
This cut’s been spotted on metalheads, punks, pro wrestlers, and more recently—guys who just don’t care what’s trending, as long as they look like a badass. It’s edgy, raw, and oddly stylish when done right. And with the right attitude? It really works.
In this post, I’m breaking down 12 skullet haircut styles—from classic and clean to chaotic and loud. If you’re thinking about trying one (or just curious what kind of guy pulls it off), you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
What Is a Skullet Haircut?
The skullet haircut is part buzz cut, part mullet—and 100% attitude. It’s defined by a shaved or closely cropped top and sides, with long hair left flowing in the back. Imagine the business end of a buzz and the party spirit of a mullet teamed up for something raw and rebellious.
Unlike the traditional mullet, which keeps some volume on top, the skullet goes shorter—sometimes all the way down to the skin. It’s edgier, bolder, and definitely not made for blending in. Think wrestlers, rockstars, and guys who don’t follow trends—they start them.
The skullet throws out the rulebook and gives you a look that’s loud, unfiltered, and full of personality. Love it or hate it, you can’t ignore it.
Who Should Rock a Skullet?
Let’s be real—the skullet isn’t for everyone. But if you’ve got the confidence, the edge, and a “don’t care what they think” attitude? You’re halfway there. This cut is made for guys who want to stand out, not fit in. It’s loud, rebellious, and proudly unfiltered.
Got a strong jawline or bold facial features? The skullet puts them on full display. It works surprisingly well on oval, square, or heart-shaped faces, especially when paired with facial hair. And if your hair’s thick, curly, or textured in the back—even better. That’s where the style really comes to life.
It’s also a killer choice if you’re thinning on top. The skullet leans into that and flips it into a style statement instead of trying to hide it. Bottom line? If you’ve got the guts, the skullet’s got your back.
Also read: The Ultimate Guide to 16 Mullet Fade Haircuts for Men
How to Ask Your Barber for a Skullet
Walking into the barbershop and saying “Give me a skullet” might get you a weird look—unless your barber’s already fluent in bold cuts. So here’s how to make sure you leave the chair with exactly the kind of chaos you want (in the best way possible).
Start by saying you want the top buzzed or cropped short—usually a #1 or #2 clipper guard works well. Be clear that the sides should be faded or shaved, depending on how dramatic you want the contrast. Then—and this is the key—tell them to leave the back long. Whether you’re going for shoulder-length or just a few inches of tail, make sure they know the party stays back there.
Want to get more specific? Mention styles like skin fades, razor edges, or a hard part if you want something cleaner up front. And if you’ve got inspiration pics (from this post, of course), show them. Barbers love visuals—and trust me, so will your skullet.
12 Skullet Haircut Styles to Try Right Now
The skullet isn’t subtle—and that’s why it works. From sharp fades to full-blown chaos in the back, these 12 skullet haircut styles are made for guys who like their look loud. Pick your favorite, bring the attitude, and own it.
1. Classic Skullet
This is the skullet in its purest form—buzzed or closely cropped on the top and sides, with all the length left wild in the back. No fades, no fluff, just raw contrast. It screams nonconformity and throws a nod to old-school rockers and outlaw bikers who wore it loud and proud.
It works best if your hair’s got some natural wave or thickness in the back, but even straight hair gives it that unapologetic “don’t mess with me” energy. Low maintenance up top, total mayhem at the back—what more could you want?
Also read: Sharp & Stylish: 17 Low Taper Straight Hair Ideas Every Guy Should Try
2. Skin Fade Skullet
This version takes the skullet to a cleaner, sharper level with a skin fade on the sides that blends down to bare skin. The top stays tight—think buzz cut or crop—while the back goes full throttle with length and attitude. The contrast is bold, modern, and seriously eye-catching.
It’s perfect for guys who want the rebellious energy of a skullet but with a more polished twist. Add some texture to the back or let it hang loose—either way, this cut hits hard. Great for thick hair, sharp jawlines, and confidence to match.
Also read: From Soft to Sharp: 20 Low Taper Fade Fluffy Haircut You’ll Love
3. Shaggy Skullet
The Shaggy Skullet is all about messy texture and rockstar vibes. Instead of a buzzed top, this version keeps the hair longer and layered from crown to nape, giving it that effortless “just rolled off tour” look. The sides stay short or tapered, but the back? That’s where the chaos lives.
It’s ideal for guys with natural wave or thick hair that thrives with a little grit. Use a texturizing spray or matte cream to rough it up. If you’re into that grunge-meets-‘80s-metal aesthetic, this one’s your jam.
4.Skullet with Head Tattoo
The skullet with a head tattoo takes bold to the next level. With the top and sides of the head shaved down to the skin, the tattoo becomes a central part of the look—fully visible and framed by the absence of hair.
The design can be anything from geometric patterns and tribal motifs to script or graphic art, turning the scalp into a canvas. From the crown down, the back hair flows long, creating that signature contrast between clean skin and untamed length. It’s a look that mixes body art with hairstyle in the most unapologetic way—raw, expressive, and completely unforgettable.
Also read: Drop Fade vs Burst Fade Haircuts: Key Differences, Pros & Styling Tips
5. Bleached Blonde Skullet
Ready to turn heads and blind your enemies? The bleached skullet is loud, chaotic, and impossible to ignore. The platinum or high-contrast blonde up top and in the back takes this already bold cut and turns the volume way up.
Best for thick hair that can handle the bleach and guys who lean into the punk-rock aesthetic. Just don’t skip the purple shampoo—and maybe a little attitude to match.
6. Skullet with Beard Combo
If you really want to balance things out, pair your skullet with a full beard. The contrast between the clean top, long back, and facial hair creates a rugged, masculine vibe that feels like a modern-day warrior look.
The skullet + beard combo works especially well if you’re thinning on top—because the party’s still happening out back and on your face. Keep the beard sharp or let it grow wild—either way, the combo makes a serious statement.
7. Punk-Inspired Skullet
Spikes, color, and chaos—this is the punk skullet in all its glory. Shaved or cropped on the sides, with jagged, uneven lengths on top and back. It’s messy on purpose and loud by design. Add bright dye, bold product, or even shaved patterns to level up the rebellion.
This isn’t about clean fades or subtle layering—it’s a full-on middle finger to polished trends. Perfect if you’re all about making noise without saying a word.
8. Curly Skullet
If your hair’s naturally curly, the curly skullet is a golden ticket. The short or tapered top keeps things controlled, while the curls in the back bring bounce, body, and unexpected cool. It’s like business up front, but the back throws a beach party.
Use curl cream or a diffuser to define the texture and let the curls do their thing. It’s bold, it’s different, and it shows you know how to work with your natural hair—rather than fight it.
9. Razor Skullet
The Razor Skullet brings precision into the chaos. The top and sides are buzzed or shaved with sharp lines and tight edges, while the back is left longer—but also razor-cut for a jagged, textured finish. Think controlled aggression.
This version suits guys who like structure up front but want to keep it wild where it counts. Works especially well with coarse or straight hair. Add a little styling cream to bring out the angles, and you’ve got a cut that hits hard from every angle.
10. Skullet with Mohawk Vibes
Want to crank the drama? Go for a skullet with mohawk energy—where the top is styled tall or spiky, and the back flows long while the sides stay skin-tight or shaved clean. It’s a full-throttle look that combines height, length, and attitude all in one.
It’s perfect for guys who want a skullet that still holds its own in a crowd of mohawks. Throw in some color or texture, and this one absolutely rips.
11. Long-Back Skullet
The Long-Back Skullet takes the “party in the back” part very seriously. This version keeps the top short and clean—but lets the back grow way past collar length. It’s a head-turner, especially when styled straight, braided, or tied back into a mini ponytail.
If you’ve got the patience to grow it out (and the confidence to rock it), this one’s pure skullet legend status. Great for guys with thick hair and serious commitment.
12. Buzzed Front, Party Back Skullet
Simple but effective, the Buzzed Front Skullet goes full military up front—tight buzz, no nonsense—and lets the back loose with length. It’s low maintenance, easy to style, and delivers that jarring skullet contrast in the best way.
Ideal for guys who want the vibe without daily upkeep. Just let the back grow, keep the buzz fresh, and you’re good to go. Raw, real, and unapologetically bold.
Styling and Maintenance Tips for a Skullet
Sure, the skullet looks wild—but keeping it fresh takes a little effort (just not too much). The good news? Most of the work is in the back, and that’s where you can really play with your style.
Up top, you’re dealing with short hair—maybe even a buzz—so styling is pretty minimal. Just keep it trimmed every couple of weeks to stay sharp. If you’ve got a bit of length on top, use a matte clay or light pomade to add some texture or volume.
The back is where the magic happens. Got waves or curls? Use a curl cream or salt spray to keep things defined and gritty. Straight hair? A bit of mousse or texture spray goes a long way in adding volume and movement. You can leave it down, tie it back, braid it, or even throw in some color—this is where you get to have fun.
Keep the neck and sides clean with regular fades or shaves every 2–3 weeks. And if you’re going full punk or bleach blonde, don’t forget the purple shampoo or deep conditioner to keep your hair from turning brassy or dry.
Bottom line: the skullet thrives when it’s intentional chaos. Keep it shaped, styled, and a little wild—and you’ll never blend into a crowd again.
FAQs
Is a skullet professional enough for work?
Let’s be honest—it depends on where you work. If you’re in a creative field, a tattoo studio, or running your own show, the skullet can be a bold signature move. But if you’re wearing a suit in a corporate boardroom? You might get some side-eyes. That said, with a clean fade and a shorter back, a skullet can look surprisingly sharp and intentional. Just know your environment and your audience.
Can I grow out a skullet into a mullet?
Absolutely. In fact, the skullet is kind of the halfway point between a buzz cut and a full-blown mullet. Let the top grow out while keeping the back long, and boom—you’re on the mullet train. Just stay on top of trims to avoid the dreaded shapeless middle stage. A little patience and some texture go a long way here.
Does a skullet work with thinning hair?
Yes—and it might actually be one of the best cuts for thinning hair. Instead of trying to cover it up, the skullet leans into the short top and makes the back the star. If your crown is thinning or your hairline is fading, this cut turns it into a feature, not a flaw. Pair it with a beard or sharp fade for extra balance and attitude.
How do I style a skullet for everyday wear?
The beauty of the skullet is that it’s low-maintenance—especially up top. If the top is buzzed, you’re pretty much set. For longer tops, go with a matte pomade or clay to shape it. The back is where you can get creative. Use salt spray, curl cream, or mousse depending on your texture. Want it sleek? Try a leave-in conditioner and comb it through. Want it wild? Let it air dry and do its thing.
What’s the best face shape for a skullet?
The skullet is surprisingly versatile. It flatters oval, square, and heart-shaped faces best, especially when there’s a bit of structure up front—like a fade or sharp part. If you’ve got a strong jawline or high cheekbones, even better. The short top draws attention to your facial features, while the length in the back adds character. Bottom line? If you’ve got the confidence, your face shape will follow.
Final Thoughts
The skullet haircut isn’t here to blend in—and neither are you. Whether you go full chaos with a punk version or keep it sharp with a skin fade, the skullet is all about owning your look with zero apologies. It’s weird. It’s bold. And when done right, it’s insanely cool.
If you’re tired of safe styles and ready for something that makes people look twice, the skullet’s your move. Pick your version, find a barber who gets it, and wear it like you were born for it. Confidence required—regret not included.