Winchester Boy's Mullet Hairdo Brings Surprising Superpowers

WINCHESTER, CA — Brayton Garrabrant's mom is very proud of her "mullet boy."

"I never thought at 33 years old that I could learn so much and be so humbled by a 6-year-old," Ashley Smith said.

While the Winchester youngster has many amazing qualities, including his fierce off-road motorcycle riding skills, Brayton's mom said his mullet hairstyle has "helped shape his confidence and tenacity."

"My son and I are naturally shy, so it has been a tremendous growth experience for the both of us," Smith explained.

Taking Shape

"We started growing his mullet in 2020," around the start of Covid, Smith continued. Since it was so difficult to get haircuts at the time, mother and son decided it was time for a new look.

Fast forward three years, and Brayton is very aware of his "wonderous windsock." Although he's faced some "harsh criticism and even bullying because of his unique hairstyle," he's also gained from the long locks, according to his mom.

"Wherever we go, people compliment his mullet, give him a high five, take pictures, and best of all, [he makes] people laugh and smile, whether we are at a large event, or just shopping at the grocery store," she said.

"We have offered to get his hair cut and he always responds with, 'no way!'" Smith continued.

Turns out, mother and son were ahead of the fashion curve. In October, the Los Angeles Times ran a story about how the mullet is everywhere in the nation's second-largest city. In March, The Guardian ran this headline: The massive mullet moment: why the world’s hair is all business in the front – party in the back.

Mullet Superpowers

While Brayton is owning his own version of the 80s style, he sees another special perk.

"He ... claims that his mullet has helped him ride faster and jump higher on his dirt bike — like a superpower," Smith said.

Brayton and his flowing blondeness are now recognized on a national level: He's a competitor in Mullet Champ's 2023 Kids Mullet Digital Contest in the ages 5-8 category. The event aims to crown a mullet champ.

Proceeds from the competition go to Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors, according to organizers. To date, Brayton and his mullet have raised $100 for the charity, and he's trying to make it to the second round of competition with the help of online votes, his mom said. (Vote for Brayton here; voting ends at midnight on July 17, Smith said.)

"Even if he doesn’t win, my son hopes to show other kids that they shouldn’t be afraid to express themselves with different hairstyles, choice of music, clothes, etc.," Smith added. "I’d like him to know that there are still lessons to be learned and every setback is just a stepping stone."