The mullet evokes a visceral reaction in most people. They either love it or hate it. There is no in-between. Whether you've never heard of a mullet or never wanted to hear about it again, it's back, and men's haircut services can't keep up with demand. Here's what you need to know.

What is a mullet?

The mullet is a haircut featuring long hair in the back with shorter, cropped hair in the front. While most people assume that the mullet style first gained popularity in the 1980s, mullets have actually been around for centuries. History.com quotes Homer as writing about a "group of spearmen" rocking the hairstyle in his classic literature, The Illiad.

Where did the mullet get its name?

The mullet has had many names throughout the centuries, including:

• Hockey hair
• Bi-level
• Kentucky waterfall
• Missouri compromise

The name mullet, however, has been credited to the 80s rap group The Beastie Boys and their song, "Mullethead," which was released in 1994, after the trend was dying out.

Who started the mullet in the 80s?

The rise of the mullet in the 80s actually started with 70s rockers like Rod Stewart and David Bowie. As 70s rock gave way to 80s heavy metal, more and more bands touted the 'business in the front, party in the back' motto of the mullet, and their fans followed suit. It was seen as a stylish and trendy hairdo until country singer and mullet-rocking Billy Ray Cyrus had his 1992 one-hit-wonder, "Achy Breaky Heart." The song was wildly popular—until it wasn't. When the fervor over the song died down, so did interest in the mullet.

Are there different types of mullets?

Not all mullets are created equal. Men's haircut services offer several different types of mullets, each with a unique look. Some of the most popular variations include:

• Classic. Short in the front and long in the back is a timeless classic that —apparently—never goes out of style.
• Punk Mullet. This style is shorter on the sides and is spiked up in the front, often dyed with vibrant colors. It's a daring look that is perfect for punk rockers or anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd.
• Modern Mullet. The modern mullet combines a faux hawk (fake mohawk) and an 80s mullet, featuring shorter sides and longer hair in the back.

Is the mullet making a comeback?

There's no denying that the mullet is having a moment right now, but is the mullet here to stay? Only time will tell. 

If you're thinking about getting a mullet, talk to your local men's haircut services about the different types of mullets to choose from. Whether you're looking for a classic mullet or something more modern, there's sure to be a men's haircut service that can help you pull off the look.

For more information about haircut services, contact a local salon.