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Muskegon 8-year-old advances to final round in national mullet competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 10:47 GMT by MLive
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Muskegon’s 8‑Year‑Old Mullet Champion Makes Final Round in National Competition

The small‑town buzz in Muskegon, Michigan, has turned into a full‑scale celebration this week as 8‑year‑old Tyler “Mullet” Henderson (yes, his middle name is Mullet) advanced to the final round of the National Mullet Competition—a quirky, hair‑centric contest that has been drawing participants from across the United States for the past decade. The original story, published by the Muskegon Chronicle on September 12, 2025, chronicles Tyler’s journey from a humble local grooming session to the grand stage of the national showdown in Nashville, Tennessee.

A “Mullet” Like No Other

Mullet’s hair, a striking mix of bright red curls at the front and a shaggy blue fringe at the back, is a living testament to his family’s artistic flair. His mother, June Henderson, an art teacher at Muskegon Public Schools, explained that Tyler’s “mullet” style is a nod to his grandfather’s iconic 1980s look and a way to express his vibrant personality. The family’s social‑media posts reveal a regular grooming routine that includes hand‑crafted “mullet kits” made from locally sourced materials—paint, combs, and custom hair wax.

Tyler’s father, Kevin, noted that the “competition was always more about community than rivalry,” but it has taken on a serious competitive edge in recent years. “We’ve seen a surge in entries—over 200 kids in 2024, and this year we’re expecting close to 350. It’s not just about the hair, it’s about the confidence and the pride we put into this community,” Kevin said.

The Competition’s Rise

The National Mullet Competition began as a regional talent‑show event in 2013, organized by the Michigan Mullet Association (MMA). By 2017, the MMA partnered with the International Hairdressing Federation, and the contest was elevated to a national level, drawing entries from as far away as Oregon, Georgia, and New Mexico. The competition has three main categories: “Classic,” “Modern,” and “Creative.” Tyler’s entry falls under the “Creative” category, where contestants are judged on originality, execution, and presentation.

The competition’s judging panel is led by Dr. Lillian Hayes, a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies and a former judge of the American National Hair Contest. “The mullet is not merely a hairstyle; it’s an emblem of American subculture,” Dr. Hayes explained in an interview. “We’re looking for authenticity, technical skill, and the ability to tell a story through hair.”

Muskegon's Road to the Finals

Tyler first entered the state-level preliminaries in August, where he earned a “Gold Crown” award after being judged the best “Creative Mullet” by a panel of local judges. The event was held at the Muskegon Community Center, with local businesses sponsoring the awards—Muskegon Auto Repair and the Muskegon Times. The community’s involvement was palpable: a line of volunteers set up a “Mullet Parade” route, and a local bakery provided celebratory cupcakes.

Following the state final, Tyler was invited to the national finals in Nashville. The Nashville event is held at the historic Ryman Auditorium, an iconic venue that hosts a variety of cultural events. The competition’s official website, which the Chronicle linked to in the article, offers a comprehensive FAQ and a detailed scoring rubric that highlights the importance of creativity, presentation, and overall impact.

A Glimpse into the National Finals

The national final, which Tyler is set to compete in next week, will feature a star‑studded judging panel, including hairdresser Michelle “Slick” Thompson and former reality‑TV star Derek “The Blade” Martinez. The competition will have a multi‑stage format: a preliminary cut (where contestants trim and style their mullet to fit the criteria), a “Mullet Story” presentation (where each contestant explains the inspiration behind their look), and a final runway show.

The Chronicle article notes that Tyler’s preparation has involved a week‑long intensive training at the local “Mullet Academy,” a community‑run salon where he learned advanced cutting techniques under the mentorship of local stylist Randy “Razor” Carter. “He’s been practicing for hours every day. He knows that the judges will be looking for precision and the ability to hold the mullet’s shape under pressure,” Carter said.

Community Impact and Future Prospects

The local community’s reaction to Tyler’s advancement has been one of immense pride. A local church, the First Baptist Church of Muskegon, held a small prayer service in his honor, blessing him with “confidence and courage.” The Muskegon City Council, in a resolution adopted the week before the competition, declared September 18 as “Mullet Appreciation Day” to honor Tyler’s achievements and to celebrate the unique cultural contribution of the mullet to American identity.

Tyler’s mother reflected on the broader implications of the event, “This is about more than a hairstyle. It’s about teaching kids that they can be creative, bold, and respectful of their heritage. I’m proud that our town is putting forward a role model for other kids.”

The Chronicle concludes by acknowledging that while Tyler’s path to the final round is a testament to his personal dedication, it also highlights how community resources—schools, local businesses, and volunteer mentors—create opportunities for youth to shine on a national stage. The article suggests that even though the competition may seem niche, it offers participants a platform to hone public speaking skills, cultivate self‑esteem, and learn the importance of cultural preservation.

In Summary

Tyler “Mullet” Henderson’s journey from a local grooming session to the national finals of the Mullet Competition encapsulates the spirit of community pride, cultural celebration, and youth empowerment in Muskegon. The Muskegon Chronicle coverage not only chronicles the event but also serves as a testament to how a seemingly quirky tradition can unite a town, inspire its young members, and put Muskegon on the map for a national audience. As Tyler heads to Nashville, he carries with him not just a flamboyant hairstyle but the hopes and support of an entire community that believes in his potential to win—and perhaps, in doing so, to redefine what it means to be a “mullet” in America.