The Sydney judge presiding over a defamation battle about a teenager's striking mullet has questioned whether the case has backfired by attracting a wave of embarrassing publicity.

Ali Ziggi Mosslmani, also known as "Ziggy", inspired a series of hair-themed memes last year after he was photographed dancing at an 18th birthday party in Hurstville.

The picture of his luxuriant locks went viral and Mr Mosslmani is suing Daily Mail Australia, The Daily Telegraph and KIIS radio for defamation, claiming they subjected him to ridicule in articles about the photo that appeared online and in print.

At a preliminary hearing on Thursday, District Court Judge Judith Gibson noted the case had attracted significant publicity.

"One hears talk of 'the Streisand effect' and that is very much the case", Judge Gibson said.