50 Unique Rat Tail Haircut Ideas (with Pictures)

Last updated on April 17th, 2025 at 03:03 pm

Do you remember the rat tail haircut that was so popular in the 80s? Of course, you do because everyone and their dad were wearing one. Well, they are back and more stylish than ever. Men are wearing their rat tails with every haircut you can think of. Sometimes they are short, and sometimes they are long, and more times than not, they are finished off with a braid.

This list has the best 50 rat-tail haircuts and hairstyles for you to browse through and pick your favorite. Make sure you tell your barber or hairdresser that you are growing out your rat tail before you start your haircut so that they do not cut your rat tail off. Some of these looks are subtle, and some are loud, but all of them have the same short piece of hair right above the nape of the neck. Now, let’s look at finding the best style for you to try.

1. Mullet Tail Style

Mullet Tail - a man had his Mullet Tail with shades — Source

This first style is a perfect combo of a mullet style and a rat tail. Mullets are back in style, just like the rat-tail look, and they go together flawlessly.

2. V Shape Buzz hairCut with Tail

V Shape Buzz Cut with Tail - a man had his V Shape Buzz Cut with Tail with beard — Source

Here is a very modern rat tail that would be right on trend for 2022. He has his edge lined up in a v-shape with a nice even buzz cut all around, and to top it all off, he has a high rat tail.

3. Mohawk with Rat Tail Style

Mohawk with Rat Tail - a man had his Mohawk with Rat Tail with shirt — Source

Mohawks have always been and always will be one of the coolest ways to wear your hair. In this look above, this young man has grown out his mullet and added in a long rat tail; it looks so cool.

4. Undercut Rat Tail

Undercut Rat Tail - a man had his Undercut Rat Tail with mask — Source

Here we have what is called an undercut with a tail. He is wearing his hair cut so that it almost looks like one of those old-time beaver hats.

5. Hair Art Rat Tails

Hair Art Rat Tails - a man had his Hair Art Rat Tails with beard — Source

If you want to make your rat tail a little bit more sophisticated, you could always try this hair art version. He has a nice fade around the sides but left the top a little bit longer with a braided rat-tail in the back. He looks so good that this style is considered art.

6. Tiny Beaded Rat Tail Haircut

Tiny Beaded Rat Tail - a man had his Tiny Beaded Rat Tail with hood — Source

Not all tails have to be big and thick; sometimes, all you need is a little strand of hair. In the photo above, he has a thin but long braided tail right in the center of his head.

7. Choppy Style with Blonde Rat Tail Haircut

Choppy Style with Blonde - a man had his Choppy Style with Blonde with beard — Source

Wow, this style is so classy. He has his tail french braided into his hair. And on top of that, he also has great blonde color with a choppy haircut. This would be an awesome style for men of all ages to try out.

8. One-Sided Rat Tail Haircut

One Sided Rat Tail Hairstyle - a man had his hairstyle with beard — Source

Did you know you could do a tail on just one side? Here is a wonderful example of how that is possible, and it is a unique and fresh style that would work with any type of hair.

9. Rat Tail Mullet Haircut

Rat Tail Mullet Hairstyle - a man had his Rat Tail Mullet Hairstyle wirh beard — Source

It is like the mullet hairstyle was just waiting for the rat tail; the two hairstyles are a match made in heaven. The long layer of the back of the mullet is a great place to start a tail. In the photo above, they blend so well.

10. 80’s Rat Tail Haircut

80’s Rat Tail Hairstyle - a man had his 80’s Rat Tail Hairstyle with beard — Source

The 80s were all about big hair, and this retro style shows just that. Here is has his short side shaved hair with a thin layer on top, but the back is big and curly.

11. Textured Shaggy Rat Tail Haircut

Textured Shaggy Rat Tail - a man had his Textured Shaggy Rat Tail with beard — Source

Textured, shaggy hair is right on trend for men’s haircuts in 2022. In this look above, he is wearing a side tail, and it looks unique and cool.

12. Semi Blow Cut Rat Tail Haircut

Semi Blow Cut Rat Tail - a man had his Semi Blow Cut Rat Tail with mask — Source

Here is what is called a semi-blow cut with a cut tail. Try this style out if you are looking to stand out in the crowd, but be ready to get so many compliments from your friends.

13. Curls and Rat Tail Style

Curls and Rat Tail Style - a man had his Curls and Rat Tail Style with beard — Source

If you have naturally curly hair, you are already blessed, so why not try this new haircut for men? Above, he is wearing curls with a tail style, and it is giving off serious rocker vibes.

14. 80’s Aesthetic Rat Tail

80's Aesthetic Rat Tail - a man had his 80's Aesthetic Rat Tail with shirt — Source

Vintage hairstyles always come back around and become cool again. This 80s aesthetic rat tail is the perfect example of just that. Here is a simple buzz cut with a long piece of hair right in the center.

15. Long Bun Rat Tail

Long Bun Rat Tail - a man had his Long Bun Rat Tail with beard

This is more like a ponytail than a rat tail, but we are calling it a long bun tail, and no matter its name, it is a look worth trying out. He has grown his hair and beard out for quite a long time, and they are a great length.

16. Chunky Rat Tail

Chunky Rat Tail - a man had his Chunky Rat Tail with beard — Source

Chunky tails are great because you can leave them long and thick like in the photo above. But if you wanted to, you could always separate the pieces into one big braid or several little ones.

17. Tiny Braid Rat Tail

Tiny Braid Rat Tail - a man had his Tiny Braid Rat Tail with beard — Source

Not all rattails are the same, and here is a great example of how you can get a tail by adding braids to your hair. Here he has kept the sides shaved short and the top separated into about six different tiny braids pulled back into a small tail.

18. Single Curl Rat Tails

Single Curl Rat Tails - a man had his Single Curl Rat Tails with beard — Source

Wow, this might be the most extended tail on this list. This style would work best with men that have naturally wavy or curly hair because the top section is thick and full, but then the undercut has a bald fade with a very long tail right in the center of the nape.

19. Layered Curls Rat Tail

Layered Curls Rat Tail - a man had his Layered Curls Rat Tail with mask — Source

This handsome style is called layered curls with a tail. This would be a subtle style to try out if you are pondering the idea of getting adding a tail to your look but are not so sure about it.

20. Medium Mullet Rat Tail

Medium Mullet Rat Tail - a man had his Medium Mullet Rat Tail with beard — Source

Mullets are popping up all over and with new techniques every day. In the photo above, he is wearing a medium hairstyle mullet with a thick rat tail on the back the style. If you can try growing your beard as they did in the photo above, you will love the way you look.

21. Fade Subtle Tail

Fade Subtle Tail - a man had his Fade Subtle Tail with beard — Source

Short and simple with a tail is the best way to describe this style. He has a fade all around his head, with the thinnest piece of hair coming out of the center of his crown.

22. Off Centre Bun Tail

Off Centre Bun Tail - a man had his Off Centre Bun Tail with beard — Source

Shia knows how to wear the latest trends, and here it has an off-center bun tail, and it looks so cool. To get this look keep the top layer of your hair a few inches long, but start growing out the back piece now.

23. Tiger StyleRat Tail

Tiger StyleRat Tail - a man had his Tiger StyleRat Tail with beard — Source

Tiger tails are one of the best ways to set yourself apart from all the other guys wearing bottoms today. Ask your hairdresser if they would pull this striped look off for you; if they can, you will be the talk of the town with this style.

24. Triple Rat Tail

Triple RaT Tail - a boy had his Triple RaT Tail with jacket — Source

If one is not enough, why not try three? This little guy has the normal long tail in the back but also has kept his sideburns long right below his undercut, and it is such a vibe.

25. Long Mullet Shag

Long Mullet Shag - a man had his Long Mullet Shag with beard — Source

Shaggy hair is right on trend for men’s hairstyles in 2022. In this look, you will need to ask for a long mullet with a fringe in the front, and you are all set.

26. Bowl Cut with Rat Tails

Bowl Cut with Rat Tails - a man had his Bowl Cut with Rat Tails with polo — Source

Another great way to wear your hair is with a bowl cut with a long braided section in the back. If you want to add some color to your style, these light pink and blonde look great with this style.

27. Punk Hair Rat Tail

Punk Hair Rat Tail - a man had his Punk Hair Rat Tail with color

Punk rockers love pushing the limits with trends, and this punk hair with an extended middle section of hair does just that. They have also added a copper color to most of the hair, and it is a great look for summer.

28. Labeouf Rat Tail

Labeouf Rat Tail - a man had his Labeouf Rat Tail with beard — Source

Shia makes our list again of the best tails. To get the Labeouf look keep your curly hair a few inches long on the top but be sure to leave the tail long and throw it back into a messy braid.

29. Fade Loose Rat Tail

Fade Loose Rat Tail - a man had his Fade Loose Rat Tail with polo — Source

French braids are one of the most classy ways to tie your hair back. Once you learn how to do a french braid to your hair, it will become your signature look. If you look closely, he has finished off the back section into a fishtail braid, and it adds so much extra texture to the style.

30. Double Rat Tail

Double Rat Tail - a man had his Double Rat Tail with shirt — Source

If the middle section of your hair is just too on-trend for you, try out this double tail for your next look. If you currently have a mullet, this double tail style would be a very easy transition, and you have a whole new style.

31. Short Fade Rat Tail

Short Fade Rat Tail - a man had his Short Fade Rat Tail with bun — Source

What sets this style apart from the others is that the tail is up in the center of his head instead of down on the nape. He has it tied up in a braid, but you could also leave it flowing for a completely different vibe.

32. Messy Fade Cut Rat Tail

Messy Fade Cut Rat Tail - a man had his Messy Fade Cut Rat Tail with mask — Source

Messy hairstyles are a wonderful way to keep your hair if you have the right texture to pull it off. Here it looks like he has wavey long hair and a nice fade around the ears. Try this lookout if you are looking for a low-maintenance hairstyle for men.

33. Long Braided Tail

Long Braided Tail - a man had his Long Braided Tail with beard — Source

Long braids are not just for women; here are wearing very masculine. To get this look, start by shaving the sides of your hair short but keep the middle section long and braid it all the way down to the bottom.

34. Simple Fade Rat Tail

Simple Fade Rat Tail - a man had his Simple Fade Rat Tail with shirt — Source

Sometimes all you need to do is have a simple fade and leave the hair at the top of your next long and natural. That is what he has done in the photo above, and it is an effortless but cool way to wear your hair all year long.

35. Disconnected Mohawk Tail

Disconnected Mohawk Tail - a man had his Disconnected Mohawk Tail with mask — Source

Disconnect mohawks are so cool when done right. In the look above, he has shaved the sides of his head bald and left the middle section long and spiky, but grew out the tail long. If you want to make the mohawk tail stands out, even more, try adding in a light blonde color.

36. Medium Mohawk Rat Tail

Medium Mohawk Rat Tail - a man had his Medium Mohawk Rat Tail with beard — Source

For men with medium-length hair, this should be your next look. He has chosen a medium-style mohawk with a tail and added an almost silver hue all over, and it looks so handsome.

37. Crew Cut with Tail

Crew Cut with Tail - a man had his Crew Cut with Tail with bun — Source

Not all tails have to start at the bottom of your style; this little guy has braided his hair into 4 or 5 sections and added some fun colors to make his tail. Try this lookout if you have a fun event coming up or if you just want to stand out in the crowd.

38. Pixie Cut Rat Tail

Pixie Cut Rat Tail - a man had his Pixie Cut Rat Tail with shirt — Source

Pixie cuts with a braided section right above your neck always look good. If you are unsure about how to braid your tail, just take three sections of hair and twist them evenly together and tie them off with a small rubber hair tie.

39. Fade Chignon Rat Tail

Fade Chignon Rat Tail - a man had his Fade Chignon Rat Tail with beard — Source

This handsome fellow is wearing a faded chignon style with a braided and colored tail. This simple style would be easy to take care of and would keep you from running back to the barber shop every week.

40. Sharp Faux Tail Haircut

Sharp Faux Tail Haircut - a man had his Haircut with earrings — Source

Faux tails are so easy to get. In the look above, he got his hair into a v-section with a short fade around the sides. For the top section of hair, be sure to leave it long enough so you can spike it up with a little bit of hair gel.

41. Maroon Tips Rat Tails

Maroon Tips Rat Tails - a man had his Maroon Tips Rat Tails with polo — Source

This hairstyle for men has a combo of a few different styles. He has a pink tip in the top section of his hair, then a nice short fade around the sides and back, and finally, he has a long maroon braided section right in the center of his nape.

42. Asymmetrical Buzz Rat Tail

Asymmetrical Buzz Rat Tail - a man had his Asymmetrical Buzz Rat Tail with shirt

Another fresh way to wear your hair is in this asymmetrical buzz cut with a short, little tail. Keep the hair up top a few inches long right above your fade to bring out the volume in your hair.

43. Long Braid Rat Tail

Long Braid Rat Tail - a man had his Long Braid Rat Tail with shirt — Source

When you get box braids done to your hair, you do not always want to wear them down; that is where this style comes from. He has pulled his long braids into a thick tail right in the center of his head; try adding a short fade around the sides and back to make those box braids stand out more.

44. Clean Cut Rat Tails

Clean Cut Rat Tails - a man had his Clean Cut Rat Tails with earrings — Source

Here is a classic, clean-cut style with a singular section of hair right above the nape. In this look, he has his tail braided, but it would look just as cool if he left it loose too.

45. Fade Duck Tail

Fade Duck Tail - a man had his Fade Duck Tail with beard — Source

Ever heard of a fade duck tail hairstyle for men? Well, if you have not, here it is; he has a few different sections of hair down the center of his head that he has braided straight up to look like a duck. He also has one big section in the back that gives him the tail; this style is unique and would get you so many compliments.

46. Rat Tail with Cross Bead

Rat Tail with Cross Bead - a man had his with beard — Source

Side tails are not as popular as the middle section ones, and here he has added a cross to make it stand out even more. Try growing out your beard to get the most out of this handsome hairstyle for men.

47. Short Rat Tail

Short Rat Tail - a man had his Short Rat Tail with earrings

If you are new to the rat tail journey, this style would be great for you. He has cut his hair short with a juice cut in the center of his head and left the middle section around his neck long to form a small tail.

48. Long Dreads Rat Tail

Long Dreads Rat Tail - a man had his Long Dreads Rat Tail with beard — Source

If you are looking for a serious hipster vibe, try this would be a great style for you. He has kept the top section of his hair just a few inches long but has long dreadlocks in the back.

49. Skin Fade Rat Tail

Skin Fade Rat Tail - a man had his Skin Fade Rat Tail with mask — Source

Skin fades are a great choice for men of all ages, and once you incorporate a small section of hair in the back to form a bushy tail, you are going to love the way you look. Here they have also added a light blonde hue to the bushy section to make it stand out against the rest of the hair.

50. Cornrow Fade Rat Tail

Cornrow Fade Rat Tail - a man had his Cornrow Fade Rat Tail with beard — Source

Cornrow tails will always be classy. In this look, he has kept his hair natural on the top but has a long cornrow coming out from the middle, and it looks so dope.

Conclusion

Rat tails are coming back into style so fast; you better get one today before all your friends do. As you can see, there are so many different ways to wear your tail. Do you think you would typically keep your in a braid or let it run free? Let us know which way you like wearing your fashionable rat tail!

Andy Briggs

Andy has been passionate about men’s hairstyles from a very young. He afterward pursued a profession as a hair stylist, following in his family’s footsteps. He is now working in a reputable salon in his hometown and is about to start a second bachelor’s degree. Andy is very fond of writing, and what better way to do it than by combining it with his passion? In his free time, Andy enjoys playing football, reading, and catching up on some cult classics.