Explore
Shop
Search
Matt Smith’s Hair: Swept Back Mullet
From Time Lord to Targaryen, he has proven he can rock just about any era, so it’s only fitting that Matt Smith’s hair now straddles two: an old school 1950s swept back vibe combined with an 80s mullet.
It’s a hard (hair) act to pull off, but he does it with serious aplomb.
Why We Love It:
It’s apt he’s currently starring in new flick Caught Stealing – because Matt Smith’s hair has ‘borrowed’ from a couple of eras for this new hairstyle, too.
There’s something brilliantly mischievous about his new mullet look. It’s not the shouty, in-your-face kind you’d see at an ’80s truck stop, nor the ironic TikTok version your mate grew during lockdown. And it’s definitely more low-key and wearable than the OTT old school punk Mohawk Matt sports as Russ in Caught Stealing.
Instead, it’s a clever hybrid: neat enough to pass as a classic swept-back cut from the front, with just enough length at the back for that 80s mullet look.
What makes this work isn’t just the cut, but Matt’s hair type: fairly straight with a touch of wave, and crucially, thickness. That means his stylist can leave extra length without it collapsing into limpness.
The layering through the crown creates lift and avoids the dreaded “helmet” look.
This mullet also scores high on versatility. Pushed back with a tiny amount of pomade, it’s sharp enough for premieres and panel shows. Left looser and messier with a touch of styling cream, it suddenly feels louche and rock ’n’ roll.
What To Ask Your Barber:
- Matt Smith’s hair is a modern mullet – not a fancy dress pastiche of one – so it needs a stylist who knows how achieve that kind of vibe.
- Check out your barber’s social media to ensure that they can pull this kind of look off.
- Ask for the fade at the sides to be approx a grade 2–3, blended neatly into the longer top.
- Your barber will probably utilise scissor work on top to preserve the length (around 4–5 inches), with some layering to keep it light and easy to sweep back.
- The back of this hairstyle is all about soft graduation, leaving around 2–3 inches to form the subtle mullet shape: long enough to show, short enough not to look like you’re going to an 80s fancy dress party.
- Make sure they keep a little bit of weight around the crown, so the swept-back style doesn’t collapse.
- You’ll need to get this trimmed every four weeks to keep it looking on point and easy to style.
Get The Look
- Matt Smith’s hair is in great condition.
- A top tip is to only wash your hair a couple of times a week to stop it becoming too dried out.
- Aim to use a sulfate-free shampoo and lightweight conditioner.
- This Anfor Conditioning Treatment is also a great, light, once-a-week boost to keep hair nourished and smooth.
- Gently pat the hair dry with a towel.
- Apply a styling cream or light pomade (a 5p-sized amount) through damp hair for control and shine.
- Avoid heavy waxes that can make it look greasy or dated.
- Blow-dry on medium heat, directing the top back with your fingers or a vent brush.
- Finish with a light-hold hairspray if you need it to stay put all night (or for spontaneous time travel 😉).
