#21: Layered Curls

Give rat tail hairstyles a layered look by cutting some sections shorter than others. Giving layered hair a gentle curl can help to produce a soft waterfall effect.

#22: Mullet style

Keeping your hair long all of the way across the back of your hairstyle will give you a mullet instead a standard rat tail look. Add choppy layering to your mullet to give a more contemporary hairstyle for men.

#23: Subtle Tail

For a very subtle rat tail hairstyle for men, make sure that the tail is very short. All that you need for a subtle look are a few strands that are just a bit longer than the rest.

#24: Off-Centre

Try something a little bit different by growing a longer section of hair away from the center of your head. Leave the hair loose or style it into a braid.

#25: Chignon

Longer rat tail hairstyles can be pulled up into chignon buns that sit at the nape of your neck. Twist the style to give a tight rope of hair and then wind it around itself into a chignon.

Dashing Pompadour Haircuts for Men

FAQs

Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about rattail hair.

What is the origin of rattail hair?

The rattail made its big break in the 1980s in mainstream culture. It is common among New Zealanders and Australians, especially among younger boys. In pop culture, Jedis in the Star Wars franchise have a rattail, otherwise known as the Padawan braid, until they earn the rank of Jedi Knight. 

What does a rattail haircut mean?

The rattail haircut is a hairstyle with short hair around the entire head, except for a few inches on the back of the hair that is longer than the rest of the hair. The long hair can be braided or left loose. In the 1980’s it was often permed, curled, or straightened.