Men have had various hairstyles throughout different ages, and some have resurfaced in recent years, lending credence to their timelessness. The mullet, fade haircut, dreadlocks, and buzz cut are prime examples. But there’s one more hairstyle that remains evergreen despite how fast the world keeps evolving— the man bun.
Think Leonardo DiCaprio in the mid-2010s, rocking cute slicked-back hair with a bun atop his head. The man bun is a minimalist yet fancy hairdo for men. It’s been around for many years and shows no sign of leaving the style scene soon.
If you have a man bun, or you’re thinking of getting one, you’re in the right place. This post details how to achieve this classic hairdo, including stunning variations you should recreate.
What is a Man Bun?
Simply put, a man bun is a hairdo that involves gathering one’s hair into a bun at the back or on top of the head. Unlike the ponytail, the tied hair doesn’t hang freely but stays in a knot.
This coiffure isn’t a fad; it’s a practical way to keep your hair off your face and express your self-confidence. Furthermore, though it may look simple, it’s a versatile hairstyle featuring various elements, specific techniques, and urbane variations.
Celebrities Who Have Rocked the Man Bun
Celebrities have been notable evangelists of this classic style. Besides DiCaprio, popular faces who have sported this hairdo include Orlando Bloom, Jared Leto, Chris Hemsworth, and Joakim Noah. These stars prove that the bun isn’t dead. Their media appearances have contributed to the growing interest in the style for men.
Factors that Affect the Final Man Bun Look
Different variables can affect how your man bun looks, including:
The Bun’s Size
This depends on your hair length and density. If your hair is full, you’ll have a bun with a lot of hair. If not, it’ll be a little knot atop your head.
The Bun’s Position
Where your bun sits also affects its look. For example, your bun can appear on top or toward the back of your head, creating different styles.
Your Side Hair
This hairstyle can be achieved with or without your side hair. For example, you can incorporate undercuts, fades, or shave off the sides of your hair and leave some on top for the bun.
ALSO READ: Mid Drop Fade: 27 Stunning Ideas to Inspire Your New Haircut
How to Get the Man Bun
Identify the spot where you want to place the bun. For most bun styles, this is usually the crown of the head. But you can try different positions, higher or lower, depending on the specific knot you want.
Then, gather all your hair up into a ponytail. Depending on the style, leave some strays or tendrils out or keep all strands in. Secure the ponytail with a hair tie or band, then repeat the tying process, stopping halfway to get a protruding knot on your head. And that’s your man bun.
How to Wear the Man Bun Hairstyle
Recreate any of these styles for a stunning look:
The Top Bun
This is the original bun. As its name implies, it sits around the top or crown of the head. It’s full and perfect for keeping your hair out of your face, especially when participating in activities requiring rapt attention. The top bun is an attention-seeker. Wear it if you want all eyes on you.
Messy Bun
For this style, skip the brush to achieve that deliberate, messy look. Here, the bun is placed at the crown of the head, but instead of gathering all your hair neatly, let a few strands fall out to create tousles and tendrils that accentuate your style.
The Low Bun
This bun variation sits at the base of the back of the head. Instead of pushing all your hair straight back into the bun, the style allows you to explore different parts, whether center or side. This little detail makes a huge difference in elevating your hair.
Dreadlock Man Bun
If you’re on dreadlocks, this hairdo is still within your reach. Style your locs into a topknot and let the bun do the talking.
Half-up, Half-down Bun
This variation is the best of both worlds. It perfectly keeps your hair off your face while still flaunting your length. Pair it with a beard, and you’ll get that badass look women can’t stop fawning over.
Undercut Man Bun
Buzz or shave the back and sides of your hair, then lift the rest into a cute knot. The undercut bun is a modern take on this classic hairstyle.
Accessorized Bun
Adorn your hair with a pronounced hair tie or headband. It’s an excellent way to add some flair and personality to your coiffure.
Braided Bun
Men with braided hair aren’t left out. Whether you’re rocking cornrows or box braids, style your hair into a bun and experience its beauty.
Fade Bun
This style is similar to the undercut variant. However, the shaving at the back and sides gradually tapers and blends into the skin.
ALSO READ: Goatee Beard: 13 Cute Styles for the Modern Man
Channel Your Inner DiCaprio with a Bun Hairstyle
The man bun has been a favorite among dapper men since the 2010s. Don’t miss out on its sleekness. Experiment with its variations until you get that bun hairdo that can become your signature look. Here are more hairstyles to inspire you:
ALSO READ: Boys’ Haircut: 29 Style Ideas for Your Little Man
