15 Creative Rat Tail Hair Looks Breaking the Rules of Style

Statement hairstyles you’ll want to try.

A rat tail hairstyle is notorious for its tacky name and rebellious rep if you know what we mean. But this edgy trend has found its way back to our hearts, marrying nostalgia with bold creativity. It is just the right fit for anyone who can take style to the next level, turning the most controversial cut into a piece of a modern masterpiece.

1. Tapered V-Shaped Cut

Many elements contribute to the soft geometry of this hairstyle. The tapered sides form a distinctive V shape in the back which is strongly supported by blonde highlights that stand in stark contrast to the base color. And the tail, of course, creates an elongating effect. When braided, it also adds an interesting texture.

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@wundercuthair

2. Short Shag

The style complements the shag aesthetic in every respect – it’s edgy, rebellious, and confronting social standards. You will typically see the longer piece in the centered position, exuding right from the middle of the nape. But this stylist creatively placed it slightly off-center and at the ear level. The thin braid unexpectedly peeks out of the choppy textured layers.

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@usfinatelier

3. Wavy Mullet

Wavy hair, when cut short, regretfully can’t display all of its gorgeous texture. And not everyone is ready for the maintenance that medium or long hair brings. But a mullet hairstyle with an elongated nape section can be just the style for you. Try a mullet with tapered sides and subtle highlights like the one in the picture for maximum wave enhancement.

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@rebeccahthiel

4. Spiky Haircut

The long skinny braid gives this otherwise regular haircut an interesting spin. To recreate the look, apply a strong-hold gel or wax to the longer hair on top. Use your fingers or a comb to create spikes. You can make the spikes uniform or more random for a messy look. Use a bit of styling product to smooth and define the tail.

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@wad_jihee

5. Permed Curls

This stunning hairstyle is a festival of texture and contrast. Large, piece-y curls with a wet finish create enviable volume and rich texture. They highly contrast with the slim braid that starts closer to the crown. This unconventional placement catches the eye, making the hairstyle one-of-a-kind.

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@usfinatelier

6. Classic Tapered Cut

Even the classics can come with little surprises. Spice up the traditional tapered cut with a baby tail. Ask your stylist to keep a small section of hair at the nape of your neck longer while trimming the rest of your hair to a shorter length. This will make that piece more noticeable as it grows.

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@mckennaiam

7. Medium Choppy Cut

The longer your tail gets, the longer haircuts it can complement. And just like the rest of your hair, your long piece will benefit from proper care. Use a good conditioner to keep it soft and manageable. Occasionally trim the ends to prevent split ends and keep it looking healthy. You can also use styling products to define and smooth it as it grows.

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@ponytrick

8. Bowl Cut

Express your individuality and creativity by getting your tail and bowl cut done together. Use styling products like texturizing spray or sea salt spray to add some grit and volume to your bowl cut. This will create a contrast with the sleek long section. Consider adding some highlights or a splash of color to either the bowl cut or the long piece. You could dye it a vibrant color while keeping the bowl cut a natural shade, or vice versa.

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@insalonsara

9. Mullet with Side Undercuts

This punk-edged hairstyle combines a textured shaggy mullet with an extreme undercut. The light, long, and sleek piece at the nape has added a deep, wayward twist. The layers on top provide volume and movement. The cleanly shaved sides contrast with the longer lengths to make a statement.

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@renrenhair

10. Taper Fade

“I usually post the front before I post the back but, in this case, I think you can understand why this is the obvious choice,” barber Russell Cordeiro proudly displays his work. The clean taper fade at the lower section of the nape creates a perfect backdrop for a well-executed, sleek braid.

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@haul_k.matin

14. Skullet

Blend a tail into a skullet by keeping the top short and neat while allowing the back to flow into a signature mullet. Add a flowing, narrow piece at the nape for an unexpected twist. This bold combo mixes retro vibes with edgy flair.

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@renrenhair

15. Mohawk

It is a breathtaking hairstyle that marries a bold texture with fun details. The top is edgy and messy and fades into the neatly cropped sides. The back has a braid that takes the whole look to a new level of cool. This is an ideal hairstyle for anyone who wants a modern and expressive but still quite easy-to-manage hairstyle.

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@elizardfitz

The new hairstyles with a tail will definitely lead up to a new wave of self-expression. These looks remind us that choosing a bold option can sometimes completely shift your personal style and inspire confidence.