BELLEVUE — When mullets were all the rage in the 1980s, they couldn’t get a teen boy more than rolled eyes from an adult and a flirty wink from a girl. Today, sporting business-in-the-front, party-in-the-back hair can also pull in $2,500.

Ray Back of Bellevue is competing to win that $2,500 in the men’s division of the USA Mullet Championships, a nationwide contest to find the most bodacious mullet. He made it to the top 100 and hopes, with the help of the public, to make it to the top 25. Winners are chosen by the number of public votes they receive.

“I won 8th place last year, and I was in their calendar,” Ray said. “But there are a lot more people in it this year, so there’s some stiff competition.” 

Back said the Mullet Championships were started by businessman Kevin Begola when pandemic shutdowns kept people from getting haircuts.

“You couldn’t go to the barbershop or hairdresser, so he decided to have fun with it and start a competition,” Ray said.

Ray competed last year with his cousin, Roman Back. Although Ray had never had a mullet and Roman only sported one in high school, the two men thought it would be fun to do. Roman died this year, and Ray decided to compete alone.

“We started it for me and him, but it grew bigger. I’ve met and become friends with a lot of people across the nation,” Ray said. “I started the Mullets of America Facebook page and over 8,000 people are following it.”

Ray kept his mullet and the chops he grew after last year’s competition ended. His look has been perfected by his hairstylist, Tiffany Linder of Shear Illusions, in Bellevue.

“I always had short hair, but everyone said I look good with a mullet and should keep it,” Ray said. “And everyone likes the chops. It sets it off.”

Ray’s mullet fits well with the ’92 Camaro he takes to car shows. Ray and his Camaro set up at last weekend’s Clyde Fair.

“I love going to stuff like this. I grew up around it. My dad always took me to car shows,” he said.

In addition to $2,500, the winner of the championship also receives a pair of Pit Viper sunglasses, a trophy and “bragging rights for a year,” Ray said.                                                   

But to Ray, the biggest prize is the support the contest provides to struggling military veterans.

“Half of the $10 entry fee goes to stopping veteran suicides, so no matter where you place, your money is going to something good,” Ray said. “This is one of the big things for me. Whether I win or lose, I’m still helping someone.”

This week’s round of voting ends Wednesday night. Votes for Ray can be placed at www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=504394805027415&set=a.504415875025308.

The next round of voting moves to the USA Mullet Championship website at www.mulletchamp.com.

Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty atsheritrusty4@gmail.com.