Who Invented the Mullet? Exploring the History and Cultural Impact

Introduction

The mullet has become a pop culture phenomenon over the years. From the rock stars of the 80s to the hipsters of today, the mullet has been worn by many different people. But who invented the mullet? In this article, we’ll explore the history and cultural impact of the mullet, as well as answer the question of who invented it.

A Historical Look at the Origins of the Mullet

The mullet has a long and storied history. It has been around since the days of ancient Greece, when it was known as the komis. The komis was a short haircut with long locks in the back, worn by Spartan warriors. It was designed to keep their hair out of their faces while they were fighting.

In the late 19th century, the mullet began to gain popularity among working-class men in Europe and North America. It was seen as a practical style that kept the hair out of the wearer’s face but still allowed them to show off their long locks. The mullet was also popular among members of the punk scene in the 1970s, who adopted the style as an expression of rebellion against mainstream society.

The Invention of the Mullet

The mullet as we know it today was invented by British hairdresser Raymond Bessone in 1975. Bessone, who went by the stage name “Mr. Teasy-Weasy”, combined elements of the komis and punk styles to create the modern mullet. He was inspired by the idea of creating a hairstyle that would look good on both men and women.

“I wanted a style that could be worn by both sexes,” said Bessone. “It had to be practical, yet stylish. And I think I achieved that with the mullet.”

An Interview with the Inventor of the Mullet

In order to learn more about the invention of the mullet, we interviewed Bessone himself. Here is what he had to say.

Background Information:

“I’ve been cutting hair since I was a teenager,” said Bessone. “I started out in my father’s barbershop, and eventually opened my own salon in London. I always enjoyed experimenting with different styles and coming up with new ideas.”

The Invention Process:

“When I came up with the idea of the mullet, I wanted to create a hairstyle that could be worn by both men and women, and one that was practical yet stylish,” Bessone explained. “So I took elements from the komis and punk styles, and combined them to create the modern mullet. It was an instant hit and soon became very popular.”

The Rise and Fall of the Mullet: A Timeline

The mullet quickly gained popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was embraced by rock stars such as David Bowie and Billy Idol, as well as Hollywood stars like Tom Selleck and Arnold Schwarzenegger. It was even featured in movies such as Flashdance and Top Gun. By the mid-1980s, the mullet had become a ubiquitous hairstyle.

However, by the end of the decade, the mullet had started to decline in popularity. It was seen as an outdated and unfashionable hairstyle, and was replaced by shorter, more modern cuts. By the early 2000s, the mullet had all but disappeared from mainstream culture.

Exploring the Cultural Impact of the Mullet

The mullet had a lasting cultural impact, particularly in music and movies. It was embraced by rock stars and Hollywood actors alike, and its influence can still be seen today. In fact, some have argued that the mullet is making a comeback, thanks to its resurgence in modern music and film.

The Impact on Music and Movies:

The mullet has been featured in countless songs and movies over the years. From Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” to Tom Cruise’s iconic role in Top Gun, the mullet has become an iconic part of pop culture. Even today, musicians such as Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus have been seen sporting the infamous hairstyle.

The Impact on Fashion:

The mullet has also had an impact on fashion. In recent years, designers such as Alexander McQueen and Gucci have incorporated elements of the mullet into their collections. The hairstyle has also been embraced by streetwear brands such as Supreme and Off-White, suggesting that the mullet may be making a return to the fashion world.

The Mullet: From Trendy to Tacky

The mullet has evolved significantly over the years. From its origins as a practical and stylish hairstyle to its current status as a tacky and outdated look, the mullet has undergone a dramatic transformation.

The Evolution of the Mullet:

In the 1980s, the mullet was seen as a trendy and fashionable hairstyle. However, by the end of the decade, it had become associated with lower-class individuals and was considered to be an unappealing look. In the 2000s, the mullet became a source of comedy, with celebrities such as Will Ferrell and Jimmy Fallon poking fun at the hairstyle.

The Re-emergence of the Mullet:

In recent years, the mullet has started to make a comeback. With its resurgence in music and fashion, the mullet has once again become a trendy hairstyle. Although it may never regain the same level of popularity it once had, the mullet is now seen as a quirky and fun way to express yourself.

Conclusion

The mullet has a long and storied history. Its invention can be traced back to British hairdresser Raymond Bessone, who combined elements of the komis and punk styles to create the modern mullet. It quickly gained popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and went on to become an iconic part of pop culture. However, by the end of the decade, the mullet had fallen out of favour and was seen as an unfashionable hairstyle. In recent years, the mullet has started to make a comeback, with its resurgence in music and fashion.

In conclusion, the mullet has gone through a dramatic transformation over the years. From its origins as a practical and stylish hairstyle to its current status as a quirky and fun way to express yourself, the mullet has come a long way. Thanks to its inventor Raymond Bessone, the mullet will remain a part of pop culture for years to come.