Kim Kardashian has basically declared 2022 the year of the mullet — just minus the big chop. All year long, Kim K has been serving us looks when it comes to her hair: dying her hair platinum blonde, experimenting with length, and playing around with bangs and parting (2014 side-bangs, anyone?). However, recently, Kardashian has debuted a new go-to hairstyle — and it’s giving mullet, but sexy.
As much as we all hate to admit it, mullets will always be in fashion (I said what I said!). Though we may disguise them under more stylish names — like the “wolf cut” — the mullet exists in fashion through various shag haircuts and other hairstyles popularized in the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. And for those of us who want to live out our Billy Ray Cyrus fantasies, Kardashian’s new hairstyle is a way to experiment with the mullet look without committing to the chop (which may cause an achey-breaky heart, BTW).
What Is A “Mullet Pony”?
On Aug. 26, Kardashian took to her Instagram to showcase her new ‘do. Reminiscent of a messy bun-meets-ponytail, Kardashian’s hair is slicked back into a half-bun, leaving her remaining strands flowing. The slicked-back look is totally in at the moment, but this style adds a bit of edge to the notoriously chic hairstyle: the loose ends of her ponytail create a kind of mullet shape that screams *party in the back*.
However, this stylish outing isn’t the only time Kardashian has sported the mullet pony. At the Fendi show during New York Fashion Week on Sept. 9, she paired this hairstyle with a stunning FENDI gown. The couture dress paired with the messily-chic hairstyle gave off an effortlessly fabulous vibe that was reminiscent of the undone, indie-sleaze aesthetic that’s like, so in right now.
For the hotties who feel like bald babies with a slicked-back bun (me), the mullet pony provides a safety net of hair to prove to everyone that you are, in fact, not bald. Think a half-updo that keeps your hair off of your neck. Sign. Me. Up.
So, How Do I Do The Tucked Pony Hairstyle?
Don’t let the word “mullet” freak you out — this hairstyle is totally doable and requires zero interaction with scissors and shavers (thankfully). The best part is that the tucked pony is perfect to try out on days when you’re in between washes. The slicked-back vibe is perfect to achieve on greasier hair, especially with a little bit of gel.
To achieve this look, all you need is a hair tie, bobby pins, and some great hair gel (my favorite is the R+Co DART Pomade Stick, RAndCo.com, $21). Start with unwashed hair and use your favorite gel or pomade product to tame flyaways and slick back your hair. Gather to the back of your head (right in the middle, not too low and not too high), and start tying it into your typical ponytail.
Loop your hair through the hair tie twice. Then, before fully pulling through for the third time, leave your hair tucked into the hair tie. Secure with a few bobby pins, add some oil to your ends, and you’re ready to go! Who knew a faux-mullet could look so good?