Rat Tail Haircut: 27 Essential Looks Of This Timeless Design

Though one’s personality is what matters in the long run, accessible components are always more crucial when shaping first impressions, making the appearance of one’s hair extremely important.

Playing it safe can be one of the two options, which is when hairdos like slick backs, comb-overs, side-parts, and regular cuts may come in handy. One can even go for a buzz cut or a crop cut if highlighting the visuals of the facial features is one of the main priorities. However, if you’d like to give your regular or mediocre hairdo an unusual yet fruitful twist, try getting a rat tail haircut.

Rat tails came into existence decades, even centuries ago, and were considered to be a common find among the wealthy ones in the 18th century.

While its potential was significantly hampered due to the restrictions it had in the past, rat tails emerged and broke through into the fashion scene during the 80s, becoming a common find among musicians. Their prominence is still valid to this day, and can be pulled off in various ways. Stick around until the end to discover the designs that a rat tail haircut typically offers.

27 Edgy Yet Noteworthy Rat Tail Haircuts That Deserve To Be A Part Of Your Arsenal!

Subtlety is key if you’re hoping to make a minor change to your physical appearance. Likewise, replacing the visuals of your current hairdo with the components of a rat tail can be ideal, especially if you’re hoping to avoid a drastic change in your appearance overnight.

A rat tail lacks size and almost always looks the same, which can be a dealbreaker for many. However, with the help of colours, different styling products, and a series of hairdos, a rat tail can be showcased in a sublime manner. From pairing well with buzz cuts to being a compelling sidekick to a faux hawk, here are the best ways in which one can wear a rat tail.

Mature Buzz Cut With Rat Tail

A rat tail doesn’t require much length to begin with, making it a great look for every hair type. Therefore, even if your hair is no longer as dense as it used to be, never hesitate to reach out to a rat tail to showcase the remaining pieces with flair.

A crop cut can be a great look in this scenario, especially if your hair is beginning to thin and you’re seeking something that is low maintenance. You may also shave it all off and transform it into a buzz cut if you’d like to give your scalp an indefinite break.

Greasy Bleached Rat Tail

Rat tails often carry the same energy as mullets, often handling the backside of one’s hairdo. Furthermore, if you’re more into wearing generic options to represent your personality, this hairdo with a wispy bleached rat tail can very well be your cup of tea.

The procedure of this look is very simple and low maintenance, making it a great look for those that are known for being unpunctual. Since the rat tail only requires a small amount of bleach, you can bring the look to life at home.

Short Slick Back with Wispy Rat Tail

If you liked the previous hairdo, you can also entertain the components of this option, featuring a minimal looking slick back with a thinly-shaped rat tail.

This hairdo is a bit more flexible than the former, pairing well with blends and especially temple fades. The slick back itself can also be transformed into a faux hawk, textured cut, or fringes to cater the user on various occasions, making this look a must-have for spontaneous minds.

Medium Length Undercut with Braided Rat Tail

The disconnection of an undercut isn’t just great for creating a sharp contrast between the top and the bottom of the hairdo, but also pairs well when wearing bold looks involving rat tails.

Medium length hair is usually the best component in this scenario, as the characteristics of it can be used to portray and replicate the visuals of an array of designs. To give the rat tail its own podium, consider stitching it with braids.

Short Crew Cut with Subtle Rat Tail

A crew cut is optimal if your hair lacks density, as its dishevelled nature adds tons of fullness to any hair type. Alongside its marvellous ability to accommodate thinning hair is its trait of being free-flowing, which can be utilized perfectly if you desire a rat tail.

This option is one of the easier options on this list, carrying a styling routine with zero hair products. If your hair feels greasy, however, you may take help from agents like dry shampoo and a diffuser.

Choppy Mohawk with Minimal Braided Rat Tail

Experimenting with mohawks can be a poor choice if you’re working a 9 to 5, but can be ideal during parties and one and done scenarios. Additionally, if you’re finally giving in to your notion of wearing a mohawk, think outside the box for a bit. Style it with a rat tail.

A mohawk, especially when involving a temple fade, looks quite basic when showcased at high-profile events. In addition to wearing highlights to change the energy, wearing a braided rat tail is advised.

Vibrant Cropped Cut With Rat Tail

Among modern day inventions, one hairdo that is buzzing in the fashion scene is a cropped cut, specializing in giving the strands more density to work with. It also stays even and composed at all times, coming in clutch during formal settings.

When worn with vibrant shades such as pink, a crop cut further adds to the thickness of the shaft. When fused with a rat tail, it offers the users another element to boast about!

Afro Faux Hawk with Patterns

Afro hair looks majestic when the strands are grown out significantly, but provide more flexibility when the layers are short. From textured cuts to faux hawks, short length afro-textured hair possesses the ability to depict an endless number of hairdos.

An afro faux hawk can be a great option if you’re trying to work past the awkward phase and hoping to introduce some elevation to the roots of your hair. By adding a rat tail and distinct patterns, one can easily bend the aura of this look!

Two Tone Buzz Cut with Rat Tail

A buzz cut is a great option if your facial structure comprises tons of aesthetic features, such as high cheekbones and a sharp jawline. If you’re into mixing things up a little, however, you may also go for this option, which is proudly led by a two tone colour scheme supported by a rat tail.

While using dark colours can be useful if you have thinning hair, jarring shades like green and red can be a duo to wear if you’re seeking something that is attention-seeking. The rat tail looks best when the length is chopped down to a travel size piece, but can also be worn in a scruffy way.

Short Textured Afro Cut

Another one of the options one can experiment with is a short textured afro, a low maintenance look for every occasion. It can seamlessly fit in during both semi-formal and casual settings, and pair well with a skin fade during most scenarios.

Pairing a short textured afro cut with a rat tail can be a bold but good decision to make, especially if the move you’re trying to make is temporary.

Mushroom Cut With Taper Fade

If you’re easily fascinated by bowl cuts, a mushroom cut can be a good look to experiment with. The structure is quite organized and dense, carrying enough length to cover receding hairlines and sizable foreheads.

A mushroom cut can easily be fused with a rat tail, especially if the rat tail is blended carefully around the rear end. While you may use a different colour for the rat tail to make it stand out, mimic the dye used for the hairstyle to give it a natural effect.

Two Tone Cornrow with High Skin Fade

If you’re planning on amplifying your natural hair with a look that will protect the shaft for weeks at a time, find a cornrow-stitched look that pairs well with your face shape, density, and lifestyle.

Cornrows are always optimal if you’re looking for a long-lasting look with tons of flair. It looks best when paired with a skin fade, but can also be in collaboration with a rat tail for great success!

Soft Caesar With Two-twist Rat Tail

Rocking a Caesar can be ideal if your hair lacks density, since its ability to introduce fullness to the hair is unparalleled. It can also be a good look to try out if you’re big on using colours on your hair.

The dishevelled nature of a caesar cut can be crucial if you’re looking for some density. It can also be maintained in the long run as long as you have some texturizing powder in hand. For best results, however, pair the component with a two-twist rat tail.

Afro-textured Mohawk With Bald Fade

An afro-textured mohawk is another look one can give in to if they’re hoping to put the potential of a rat tail to the test. It’s mostly paired with blends for a natural effect, but can also be showcased alongside a bald fade to make the shaft more weightless to bear.

To make the visuals a bit unique, consider wearing a rat tail. Add a splash of colour to make it stand out.

Platinum Textured Fringe Cut With Rat Tail

A fringe cut is a safe bet to make if you’re seeking something minimal, trying to control the size of your forehead, and have a mature hairline. It has tons of texture that one can enhance or tone down to cater to their stylistic needs, pairing well with shades like platinum or bleach blonde on most occasions.

Pulling off a fringe cut should be easy as long as you reach out to a hairdresser. To give it a unique element, consider adding a rat tail.

Frosted Afro Fade with Rat Tail

With the help of hair sponge, one can easily replicate frosted spikes on their afro-textured hair, which can be a good way to introduce some elevation to the roots. Its visuals make it a must-have for those with a knack for volume and elongation.

Frosted spikes look exceptional on afro-textured hair, often serving the wearer for a long, long time. It also pairs well with a rat tail, which can be implemented in various ways.

Bleached Rat With Triple Zero Buzz Cut

A rat tail doesn’t need much to look good, truth be told. In fact, if you have bleach at home, consider mimicking the visuals on this rat tail, which looks best when showcased alongside a buzz cut.

Using bleach can be a bit risky for your skin if your scalp is sensitive, which is why it’s best to get the procedure done through the help of a hairdresser. However, if you’re aware of the basic fundamentals to bleaching hair, don’t hesitate to try it at home.

Organized Skullet With Braided Rat Tail

A skullet, also known as a bald mullet, isn’t just a look, but an insightful way for the people of emo subculture to express distinct aspects regarding their personality. And although the look is typically good enough on its own, one can easily give a regular skullet a useful twist by adding a rat tail at the bottom.

Rat tails can accommodate skullets in multiple ways if curated carefully. One of the most popular ways in which a rat tail can be implemented is through the help of braids, a protective hairstyle that shields the strands from split ends.

Lizard Cut With Feathery Rat Tail

A lizard cut is quite tough to side with in the modern era, mainly due to how out-of-touch its visuals are in contrast to the rest of the options in the fashion scene. Nonetheless, since one’s taste in fashion is subjective, a lizard cut, especially with a rat tail, can easily be replicated and showcased for maximum success.

Since the look is unique, you might find yourself taking up the spotlight everywhere you go. Not every feedback will be positive though, since the look is rendered not safe for work.

Ginger Printed Crop Cut With Bushy Rat Tail

A crop cut comprises the ability to introduce fullness to the shaft. Due to its manageable length, a crop cut is also known for being quite low-maintenance in contrast to the other.

In addition to being the perfect everyday look, a crop cut comprises the trait of being compatible with the most peculiar modifications, such as a rat tail.

Since a crop cut is quite basic when push comes to shove, wearing a vibrant or an edgy rat tail should be the go-to if you’re hoping to replicate this look.

Elongated Mohawk With Thin Stitch Braided Rat Tail

Since a mohawk reprises a hefty length at the back, one can easily form a rat tail at the bottom. In fact, with enough length and a handful of accessories, one can even divide a healthy-looking rat tail into neatly stitched braids!

Since wearing a rat tail without any manipulation is quite common, try stitching them up. Better yet, install a vibrant hair colour alongside it to make the visuals as jarring as possible!

Palacio’s Thin Rat Tail

Former-Argentine footballer Rodrigo Palacio played exceptional during the 2013-2014 season, being a crucial part of the national team during the 2014 World Cup.

While the way he performed for his team was rather inconsistent and failed to come in clutch during the World Cup Final, his rat tail, a look one can easily replicate to this day, definitely received its 15 minutes of fame.

Faux Hawk With Low Taper

If you prefer density and texture over volume, a faux hawk can be a great hairstyle to try out. It not only adds to the fullness of the hair, but contains elements that can cater you at both formal and casual events.

A faux hawk, also known as a fohawk, looks weightless when paired with a low taper. But since the previous combination is a common find, consider adding a rat tail underneath just to separate yourself from the bandwagon.

Joe Dirt Mullet With Scruffy Rat Tail

Joe Dirt will always be remembered in the world of comedy for his obliviousness, but he is also seen as an iconic figure in the world of hairdressing due to his mullet, comprising a scruffy rat tail at the back.

While his hairdo can directly hamper one’s appearance in formal or casual settings, the look can can be great during Halloween or at costume parties!

French Braided Rat Tail

French braids are pretty good on their own, but can also be meshed with a rat tail for more exposure. They pair well with mullets, mostly, but can also accommodate any hairdo with enough length around the backside.

The pattern of a French braid often follows a criss cross method from the bottom to the top. However, if you want to stand out from the crowd, try leaving some length near the tip to form a subtle rat tail.

360 Waves With Thin Rat Tail

Wearing 360 waves on its own can be a great way to wear a buzz cut, especially for those with afro-textured hair. The procedure of it might require time and patience for sure, but once the structure comes into shape, the look can be worn in various ways, even with a rat tail!

Although the rat tail will be overshadowed by the waves in this scenario, it could be a good component to experiment with if you’re seeking uniqueness.

 Liberty Mohawk with Curls

Liberty mohawks were huge in the 80s and 90s, but became frowned upon once the 21st century came into existence. However, a liberty mohawk remains a good look for many still, especially rebellions whose fashion sense is heavily determined by the movements in the emo and the scene subculture.

While a duotone mohawk can easily make you the center of attention everywhere, carry the visuals with a rat tail to balance out the visuals of the front and the back!

The Positives Of A Rat Tail Haircut: Why The Look Is A Must-try For Everyone!

If you’ve been reading each line carefully, you’re probably aware of the multipurpose nature of a rat tail and how easily it blends in with the formation of multiple hairdos. However, if you feel that you’d like more incentives before going forward with this decision, consider reading through the pros we’ve mentioned below.

It has a low bar

Believe it or not, growing a rat tail is quite simple. All you need to do is grow a string of hair around the napeline for a couple of weeks until it stands at a height of an inch. If you don’t have hair at all or suffer from alopecia, invest in a box of extensions and attach the wig to the backside of your scalp.

Easy to maintain and grow

As stated earlier, rat tails don’t need much to grow gracefully. Even when grown by those with a packed schedule, a rat tail contains the ability to develop a healthy piece. Many also use leave-in conditioners to add to the shine of a rat tail.

Pairs well with any hairdo

Regardless of how peculiar your taste in fashion is, know that a rat tail is compatible with any hairdo. The nature of the component can accommodate long hairdos such as man buns and layered cuts, but can even mix well with short hairdos such as crew cuts and butch cuts.

Ejectable without wreaking havoc

All good things come to an end, as does the timeframe of a rat tail. Although growing out of the look can be hard once you get the hang of it, know that you can remove a rat tail without having to put in much effort.

Using a pair of scissors is ideal if you have sensitive skin. However, if you want to waste no time, execute the pros of a hair clipper instead.

Frequently Asked Question

Now that you’ve looked at all the available options of a rat tail with characteristics that simply can’t be dismissed by the fashion scene, here are a couple of questions regarding today’s topic that can be of help if you stumbled upon this article without any prior research.

Q: Why is a rat tail so popular?

Ans: A rat tail’s popularity doesn’t stem from its previous portfolio or its achievements in the past, but lies more within its visuals. The bold look is a great way to stand out from the crowd, coming in various shapes and sizes that can even cater to balding men.

Q: When was the rat tail haircut discovered?

Ans: While a rat tail rose to stardom mainly in the 80s, it is believed that the look was a staple during the 16th Century as well, mainly in Europe. Its former run was led by soldiers and powerful people in mainly France and England, but was cut short when a rat tail was banned indefinitely for being too “extravagant” in the eyes of many.

Q: Is wearing a rat tail good under professional circumstances?

Ans: Rat tails are easily obtainable and extremely manageable, even when working with packed schedules. However, the look often struggles to fit in at 9 to 5 jobs and other formal events, as the visuals feel unusual when showcased alongside formal outfits.

Final Verdict

All in all, a rat tail is an easygoing look that can be tried out at any time as long as there’s an inch long piece of hair around the backside of the nape line. It rarely needs any attention for upkeep, and can be showcased using highlights, beads, hair ties, and so on.

From fitting like a glove with long hairdos to accommodating short, masculine hairdos in a jiffy, a rat tail has it all under its belt. While the ways in which it can be showcased remains endless, there are currently 28 top-grade ways to boast about a rat tail, all of which can be found in this article.

Moreover, while a rat tail is a great way to introduce a bold new look, it can also be removed in no time, as long as a clipper or shaver is available.