Local News

7-year-old from South Boston competes in national mullet competition

"I’m very proud of my mullet and will never cut it."

Brody Byrne, 7, from South Boston is participating in a mullet competition that is drawing in submissions from across the country. Courtesy Photo / Mullet Champ

By Lindsay Shachnow

July 18, 2024

2 minutes to read

A 7-year-old from South Boston is competing in the national Ultimate Mullet competition this summer to support a non-profit that provides homes for wounded veterans.

Brody Byrne said he started growing his mullet during COVID, but almost lost it last summer thanks to hairdresser malfeasance.

“I had a bad barber cut a lot off. Now when I get my hair done, I tell them, ‘hands off the Mullet’,” Brody wrote on his voting page.

Brody is the only kid from Boston participating in the mullet competition, his mother, Tiffany Byrne, told Boston.com.

The competition has divisions for kids, teens, and adults. Round one voting and donations ends this week. Round two starts July 24 when the top 100 kids and 50 adults battle for a spot in the “Mullet Showdown.” All donations go to Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors.

Byrne said Brody has been setting up lemonade stands and going to bars and restaurants in South Boston to gather donations and urge people to vote for his mullet.

“Everyone in our community is so great,” his mother said. “We were very lucky to live in South Boston.”

Brody Byrne, a 7-year-old from South Boston, is the only child from the Northeast competing in the Ultimate Mullet competition. – Courtesy Photo

The top three mullets in each category will be announced on Aug. 28, and winners will receive a Mullet Champ belt, a GoPro camera, and a cash prize. Opportunities to compete live will be held at the Illinois and Indiana state fairs.

When asked if Brody would ever cut his hair, his mother said she thinks he will keep it for life.

“I don’t think he’ll ever get rid of it,” Byrne said. “I’ve asked him numerous times if he wants to cut it, if he was hot. He doesn’t even want to put it in a ponytail.”

Mullets must be “short in the front and specifically long in the back,” according to the competition’s website. To be considered a “true” mullet, the hair should be cut above the ears.

“I’m very proud of my mullet and will never cut it,” Brody wrote. “It’s a staple in my community.”