The What and How of Man Bun
Man Bun Hairstyle
You may love it or hate it, but the man bun, together with the undercut, has been one of the most
noticeable men's fashion on the streets in recent years. The origins of the trendy hairstyle are hazy,
but mostly hipsters and this 2012 New York Times article can be credited for it. If you have long
locks or are planning to grow your tresses, the man bun can be the perfect solution.
What Is A Man Bun?
As the name suggests, it is simply hair gathered to form a bun at the back of the head. There are
several variations to this cool men's hairstyle, such as the full bun, the low bun, and the half bun.
You can also pair a man bun with a full-grown beard for the lumberjack look that's in vogue right
now.
Man Bun Versus Top Knot
While the two may look similar to the untrained eye, there are key differences between the two
styles. A top knot is formed higher up on the head using hair only from the front. The sides are
either clipped or trimmed. A man bun, on the other hand, hangs more parallel to the ears or slightly
lower. The hairstyle involves hair that's equally long on all sides.
How To Get A Man Bun
Your hair needs to be at least 6 inches in length for a basic man bun. Anything shorter than that is
almost impossible to tie up. For a larger man bun, you will need to grow your hair at least 10 inches
long. Growing your hair that long can take several months, especially if you are starting from a
shorter cut, such as the Quiff. To avoid looking shabby, ask your hairdresser to give you an even cut
so your hair grows equally on all sides.
How To Style A Man Bun
It will take some practice, a comb, and elastic bands to tie up your hair.
1. Brush your hair back from the top and sides and hold them together in a ponytail with your
other hand. You could leave out some stray hairs for an unkempt look.
2. Pass the ponytail through a band. A good way to do this without losing hold of your hair is
to hold the band close to the root and then pass your hair through it.
3. Pass the hair through the band once more but this time stop halfway. You will get the man
bun. For a tighter style, you could pass the hair full the second time and stop halfway at the
third go.
4. It will take some experimentation to see what spot at the back of your head works best for a
man bun. For most people, slightly lower than the crown is a good spot.
How To Maintain A Man Bun
Long hair can start to look greasy very quickly. It is important that you shampoo your hair every
other day to keep your long locks looking healthy and attractive. If you have a dry scalp, you could
use dry shampoo twice a week and use a normal shampoo just once a week. Dry shampoo does not
rob your scalp of its natural oils, thus keeping your hair shiny and lustrous. For people with an oily
scalp, shampooing every other day is a must to avoid hair problems. Don't forget the humble
conditioner for smooth, soft hair. You should also avoid tying your hair too tightly. This can lead to
an early onset of male pattern baldness. Unlike haircuts like the Quiff, the man bun does not need
any other products.
How To Style A Top Knot
The top knot is a convenient hairstyle for people who are growing their hair from an undercut. The
top knot requires the sides to be clipped so the top of the head is pronounced. You can also combine
the style with a disconnected undercut for more flair. Tie your hair into a knot as you would a man
bun, but make sure the knot forms at top of your head. You could keep the knot slightly off-center
for an edgy look.
Variations Of Man Bun And Top Knot
A short ponytail instead of a knot is a common variation of the top knot. It is also referred to as “the
samurai ponytail” because of the obvious inspiration. Then there are braided buns and dreadlock
buns for extra oomph. We have compiled every possible variation of this stylish men's hairstyle in
the pictures below. So, the next time you visit your stylist, you will have a picture to show him
exactly what you want.