Hairdressers have revealed the top hairstyles for Australian men and women this Christmas - and the most requested boys' cut is a big surprise.
Research from 18 salons and barbershops across Melbourne's Chapel Street Precinct found the divisive 'mullet' is the leading look for Australian men heading into 2021.
Embracing natural hair colour and curls is the most popular trend women, with experts claiming that both fashions stem from Covid lockdown when everyone - even the most high maintenance beauty enthusiasts - were forced to go back to basics.
Scroll down for video
Embracing natural hair colour and curls (left) is the most popular trend women, while the divisive 'mullet' (right) is the leading look for Australian men heading into 2021
The mullet
Made famous in the 1980s by American hip-hop group the Beastie Boys, stylists say the 'short at the front, long at the back' mullet cut can look 'very stylish' - if it's done right.
'About 30 percent of my male clients came in with mullets cut by their wives [during lockdown] that I then had to fix. Now they look great,' said Nick Yannas of Volume Hair.
Josh, a barber at The Bearded Man in Prahran, says long hair is in and big beards are out - a development that might prompt a change in branding.
'The first few weeks after lockdown we had many guys come in looking like cavemen with long hair and beards,' he said.
'We styled the hair and trimmed down their beards entirely for a cleaner, more comfortable look.'
RELATED ARTICLES
'It looks like her six year old twins have done it!'... 
From a moisturising hair mask to a 'fantastic' anti-dandruff... 
Nutritionist reveals the SIX easy ways to stay in top shape... 
Mum-of-four reveals her amazing body transformation after...
Share this article
Share
Made famous in the 1980s by American hip-hop group the Beastie Boys, stylists say the 'short at the front, long at the back' mullet cut (pictured) can look 'very stylish' - if it's done right
Top men's hairstyles for 2021
1. Mullets – Tiger King may be to blame but men across Australia are donning mullets this summer.
The vintage look has made a strong comeback and many are now transforming what were kitchen cut mullets into professionally styled ones.
2. Long Hair – Lockdown meant many men grew out their hair, and a lot have kept their lustrous locks. Stylists predict man buns will be everywhere this summer.
3. Trimmed back facial hair – Beards this summer are going to look cleaner and shorter as men leave their caveman beards in lockdown.
<!- - ad: https://mads.dailymail.co.uk/v8/us/femail/none/article/other/mpu_factbox.html?id=mpu_factbox_1 - ->AdvertisementNatural curls, natural colour
Jaye Edwards, the founder of upscale salon chain Edwards and Co which has outlets across eight locations in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales, believes the closure of beauty salons at the peak of the pandemic is responsible for the nationwide shift towards a more natural look.
'This year I've loved loved seeing my clients embracing their natural curls and coils, opting for low maintenance styling,' he told Daily Mail Australia.
Mr Edwards said it was 'great' to see women turning away from heat styling and learning to define their natural locks in less damaging ways.
He is confident this trend will continue well into 2021 and predicts a surge in demand for 'effortlessly undone colour and styles'.
Salon owner Jaye Edwards (pictured) believes the the closure of beauty salons at the peak of the pandemic is responsible for the shift towards a more natural look.
Salon owner Joe Giampa agrees.
Mr Giampa has seen an unprecedented number of mature clients embracing their natural grey.
'You'll see silver foxes prancing around this summer,' he said.
'Many of my clients learned to love their silver hair throughout lockdown.'
Naturally silver hair is in while elaborate extensions and high-maintenance cuts are out
Top women's hairstyles for 2021
1. Silver fox – After spending time in isolation without access to regular touch-ups, many women are letting their silver hair shine.
2. Natural colours – Blondes no longer hold the attention of the party as many begin to embrace their natural hair colour.
Bleach has been left for stained linen shirts with women now choosing to stay true to their roots.
3. Low maintenance cuts – The days of blow-waves and extensions are starting to fall behind as women opt for hassle-free, low maintenance styles.
Short, layered bobs are booming as women put their time and energy into relaxing this summer.
<!- - ad: https://mads.dailymail.co.uk/v8/us/femail/none/article/other/mpu_factbox.html?id=mpu_factbox_2 - ->AdvertisementElaborate extensions and intricate cuts are also out, according to part-owner of Prahran salon Cinze & Prodigal, Loretta Mob.
Ms Mob has noticed less requests for curly blow dries and lengthy straightening treatments that often take hours, as women opt for hassle-free styles that require little maintenance.
One of those is the short, layered bob which grows out evenly over time.
'They're booming as women put their time and energy into relaxing this summer,' Ms Mob said.
Hairdressers anticipate a decline in demand for platinum dye jobs as women return to their roots
She also anticipates a sharp decline in demand for platinum dye jobs as women return to their roots - literally.
'Months of untouched regrowth forced many of our clients to appreciate their natural hair colour,' Ms Mob said.
'It seems blondes no longer have all the fun.'
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pa3IpbCmmZmhe6S7ja6iaJ6Voq6quI6aqa2hk6GyboWPb2hvbmdkjra%2F06uYpaGRo3qprcirm6udo6iys7%2BMq5yvnZGheqmtyKtkrKypobK0ecyepWavn6Kyr3mioamiq6SirrR6x62kpQ%3D%3D