Mullets are making a comeback. The business-in-the-front, party-in-the-back hairstyle, famously worn by hockey players and rock stars in the 1980s and 90s, has made its way back into the canon in the 2020s.

Joe Malatesta III of Kenai, 31, doesn’t care about the trendiness. For fun, he has been growing his curly mullet for the past four years. He said that if he sees someone wearing one, it means that they don’t take themselves too seriously.

He said, “Like they don’t care about what people think. They’re here to have fun.” “I couldn’t get the mullet in high school because I was too concerned about what other people thought.” Now, I don’t care what anyone thinks.”

Malatesta might not care about what others think of his hair. His mullet was praised by the internet when he placed in the top 25 at the 2022 USA Mullet Championship.

This competition, which is only two years old and follows the rise of mullets in popular culture, has been running for just two years. It involves mullet-wearers competing in several rounds that culminate in a public vote to determine the three top finalists.

Malatesta learned about the competition through friends and sent in headshots. Malatesta received less than 500 votes, placing him in 19th out of nearly 500 entries. (The winner from New York State received 3,740 votes.

Malatesta didn’t always have the confidence to rock her hair.

Malatesta, who was born in Soldotna, said, “It was one those things that, growing up… I kind of grew out of that shag age.” “Everyone was wearing shags. It was disgusting to me. My hair was a pain in the face. It was one of those things I hated about my hair.

Mullets were not yet in, and he stated that he was too concerned about the opinions of others at the time.

In 2018, he was going through personal struggles and needed some help.

“I thought it would be funny to grow a mullet. One day I walked into my boss’s office and said, “Hey, I’m going grow a Mullet. Are you cool with that?” She laughed at me, and then said, “I don’t care.”

Malatesta is employed by the Alaska Department of Family and Community Services. Malatesta is also pursuing a master’s degree in social work.

His hair is still a talking point today for clients and strangers. People have approached him on the streets to ask for photos.

He said, “I was shocked at how many people would comment on the mullet in passing.” It is also a good place to begin conversations at work. It’s something I have discussed with clients. This makes them feel a bit more at ease and comfortable.

The mullet is an integral part of his personality today. He changes the length of the mullet according to the season. In summer, he cuts the sides shorter and in winter grows them out longer. His sons, aged 3 and 4, also have mullets.

Mullets can also be used as a social significator. He stated that mullets are also a good social sign.

“My general assumption about people with a mullet is that they don’t really care and are just looking to have fun.” He said that it doesn’t matter what “good time” means. “I don’t drink. I don’t like the party lifestyle. It doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy having a good time.

More photos of Malatesta, and all 2022 finalists, can be viewed at Mulletchamp.com.