Business up front, party in the back: Teen's voluminous wave wins USA Mullet Championship

For Mason Padilla, it's business in the front and party in the back. At least a little while longer.

The Northern California teen, who has competed in the USA Mullet Championships since 2019, took home the top prize in the contests' teen category this year for his lush, voluminous "West Coast Wave" cut.

"I never thought a hair cut could take me this far," Mason, 13, told USA TODAY Friday. "What started as something fun has now turned into just who I am − the kid with the curly mullet, I hope it inspires others to be brave in sticking to something they like and want to do no matter what others say or think."

Mason, who turns 14 Wednesday, lives with his family in the city of Fremont, about 30 miles southeast of Oakland in the East Bay.

"Mason is over the moon about being recognized in the mullet competition," his mother, Michelle Padilla said Friday. "After four years of dedication and perseverance, it has paid off!"

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Curly locks and spiky tops

From curly locks and spiky tops to patterns shaved on the sides, homegrown cuts belonging to teens including Mason, made it to the final round of the 2024 USA Mullet Championships.

Contestants in the division range in age 13-17.

Hundreds of contenders from three categories - kids, teens and adults− vied to take home the title of best mullet in the nation for their age divisions. Three winners from each division were decided by voters and the winners took home cash prizes among other treats.

For the past two years, Mason has placed in the top 10 of his age categories in the competition. 

According to the website, nearly 3,800 people voted for Padilla who won a GoPro camera, a $1,000 cash prize and a championship belt to commemorate his victory.

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Mason Padilla named finalist in kids division two years ago

Two years ago, Mason was named a finalist in the contest's kid division. Contestants in the division range up to age 12.

His mullet journey began in 2019 with inspiration from the 2001 comedy, "Joe Dirt." In the film, actor David Spade plays the mullet-sporting lead character with the name.

Mason's mom said his mullet "garners admiration and respect" and has earned recognition from the Savannah Bananas baseball team, and the San Francisco Giants.

Mason said he soon plans to trim his locks and will donate them to Wigs for Kids, an Ohio-based non-profit that provides hair to children suffering from hair loss.

Who won the adult USA Mullet Championships?

Todd Grubb, of Galesburg Michigan, took the top prize in the adult category, according to the organizer.

The city is in Kalamazoo County about 130 miles east of Detroit.

In addition to a belt, he took home a $5,000 cash prize.

Who won the kids USA Mullet Championships?

According to the organizer, Kamden Cunningham, of Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, placed first in the kids division this year.

Swoyersville is a borough in Luzerne County about 114 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

The boy also won a $5,000 prize.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.