The mullet is back and it's great for parties – but how about work?

Berlin (dpa) – Few hairstyles polarise people as much as the mullet. Once a fashion faux pas, it is now firmly back in vogue. But is it a suitable look for the office? In Germany, master hairdresser Antonio Weinitschke explains why the mullet is now more about style than scandal – and how you can make it work even in everyday business life. "The difference to the 80s is huge," says Weinitschke. Compared to today, the mullet of that era was more extreme, with more volume and a stronger contrast between the front and back. In those days it was a look that stood for rebellion and pop culture. Today's mullets are softer, with gentler transitions and a more natural structure. Although it is reminiscent of the rock and country aesthetic of the 80s, the mullet now looks much more elegant and contemporary. Instead of being loud and provocative, individuality is now the focus. But what about at work – can you really wear a mullet when you're dealing with Excel spreadsheets and team meetings? The style specialist says yes, with the right attitude. "The days when there were rules dictating hairstyles in the office are over. If your mullet is cut by a professional, you can wear it in almost any industry." Of course, there are differences. In creative professions, for example, an individual look hardly stands out, but in more conservative environments such as a bank, it can still cause frowns. Nevertheless, the mullet has arrived, not only on the catwalks, but also in open-plan offices, according to Weinitschke. For everyday wear, he recommends a more subtle style. "It's best to wear it soft and loose, not too torn, which would be more of a party or band look." You can use styling cream or light hairspray to shape the mullet naturally. However, he advises against gels or strong hold products, "otherwise the look can quickly appear artificial or stuck on." So when you stand in front of the mirror in the morning, go for "casual rather than loud" and style your hair to suit your personality and work environment. An unkempt or overly styled mullet quickly looks unprofessional, says Weinitschke. "If it looks like it's from the 80s, that's a no-go." It's important that the haircut is cleanly executed and suits the wearer. Only then will it exude style consciousness rather than nostalgia. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn nam sw xxde arw

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