Mullet Mania: Northwest kids compete in national mullet competition

Edward-Asher Parodi was born without much hair. So when it started growing in, he fell in love with it. It grew, and it grew and now the 4-year-old is known around his hometown of Orofino, Idaho, for his mullet.

“We started trimming it just around his eyes so that he could see or get out of his ears,” said his mom, Mayze Daniels. “But he never wanted us to cut the back and still never wants us to cut the back.”

Just like the saying, his hair is all business — short — in the front, while the party in the back extends past his hips.

“I like my mullet!” Edward-Asher said over the phone.

That’s why his mom decided to enter her kiddo in the Mullet Champions contest. The age 1 to 4 division has entrants from all over the country. There are almost 30 contestants from the Northwest alone.

Proceeds from the contest go to Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors, a nonprofit that builds houses for critically injured veterans.

It’s also a fundraiser Daniels said is important to her family. Edward-Asher’s dad, Darrell Parodi, served as a Marine Raider in the United States Marine Forces Special Operations.

She says her little grunge, “all-boy” boy wouldn’t be the same without his luscious locks. She has three other kids but says Edward-Asher is the only one who fits the mullet hairstyle.

“It’s like Sampson. It gives him all this strength. It gives him separate energy. It definitely has grown into being part of his personality,” she said.

This competition has helped him feel more included, she said, seeing other little boys sporting mullets across the country. While he worried about it for a little bit, she said he’s now more confident than ever.

People often comment on Edward-Asher’s hair, passing out compliments for the head-turning style, Daniels said.

“I think it makes them feel good about himself. I think he’s grown up just hearing [the compliments] and it’s such a positive thing for him,” she said.

Those interested can vote for their choice of “Mullet Champ” by clicking “Vote” on the contestant of their choice. Individuals can place one vote every 24 hours. The first round of voting closes at the end of Monday, July 17, and then a smaller group with the largest number of votes will advance in the contest.