A man bun gathers longer hair into a knot at the crown or back of the head. Its position changes the profile, from a low loop at the nape to a small top knot above clipped sides. Among longer hairstyles for men, it folds the length away from the face and neck.
What Is a Man Bun?
To form a bun, gather the hair, twist or fold the lengths, and secure them with a hair tie. A full bun needs the shorter sections around the hairline and nape to reach the same gathering point. Around 6 inches or more is a starting estimate, but layers, curl shrinkage and bun height affect how much length is needed.
A classic man bun includes the sides and back. An undercut or fade version leaves those areas short and gathers only the longer top. That reduces how much hair goes into the knot, though the top still needs enough length to fold or wrap. A small bun worn high on the crown is often called a top knot.
Popular Man Bun Hairstyles
Men have worn tied hairstyles for centuries, including the samurai topknot of feudal Japan. Jared Leto and Orlando Bloom were among the actors associated with the man bun's popularity in the 2010s. These 11 versions vary the knot's height, the texture around it and the cut beneath it.
Beach Man Bun
The beach man bun gathers the hair loosely at the back, leaving a few strands around the temples and ears. Waves remain visible between the hairline and the tie, with an uneven outline around the knot.
Finger-comb the lengths to preserve that surfer-style wave. Brushing every section flat changes the finish, even when the bun sits in the same place.
Curly Hair Man Bun
A rounded knot gives the natural texture of the curls room to show. Individual bends remain visible across the top and sides instead of being pulled flat toward the tie.
Gather the curls in sections, keeping enough slack for their shape to remain. The bun may look larger than one made from straight hair of a similar length because the curls collect in separate loops.
Smooth a little curl cream or gel over flyaways if needed. Avoid repeatedly combing through the finished bun, which can separate the curl groups.
Half-Up, Half-Down Bun
The half-up, half-down bun draws the upper section back while leaving the sides and lower lengths loose. A small knot sits above the hanging hair, making both the tied shape and the full length visible.
The parting determines how much hair enters the bun. Taking a narrower section preserves more fullness around the ears; a wider section gathers more of the sides away from the face.
Keep the division even on both sides before securing the knot. This helps prevent one side from pulling tighter than the other.
Low Man Bun
A low man bun sits at the nape, with the hair sweeping downward behind the ears. Its knot stays close to the neckline instead of rising above the crown.
Front layers need enough length to reach that low gathering point. If they slip free, let them fall or choose a higher position; tightening the tie cannot compensate for short sections.
Man Bun Undercut
The man bun undercut separates a long top from closely clipped sides and back. Tying the top exposes the abrupt change in length around the upper sides.
The undercut needs trimming as the clipped hair grows, even when the top is being left longer. Keep the boundary between the two lengths distinct if the bun is meant to reveal that separation.
The knot's size depends on how much hair is left on top. A broader long section makes a fuller bun; a narrower strip produces a smaller one.
Man Bun Fade
A fade graduates the short hair at the sides and back. A high fade carries that graduation farther up the sides, while a low fade keeps it closer to the ears and nape. Either can finish at skin or retain a short guard length.
Gathering the top into a bun reveals the fade beneath it. The long section may remain disconnected from the clipped sides, so the barber should establish where that boundary will sit before cutting.
Show the barber where the bun is usually tied. Hair hanging loose can conceal the upper edge of the fade and change how the cut looks during the consultation.
Man Bun with Braids
Rows of braids lead toward the bun, creating visible lines across the scalp. With cornrows, hair is added along each row before the free ends are gathered into the knot.
The direction of the rows determines where the bun sits. Keep the braids and tie comfortable at the roots, especially where several rows meet. A satin scarf at night can help reduce friction against the braided surface.
Man Bun with Dreads
Gathered dreadlocks form a bun with thick, separate sections. Wrapping the lengths around the base leaves the loc pattern visible, with individual ends either tucked in or left projecting from the knot.
Use a tie large enough to hold the bundle comfortably. Longer locs add weight to the bun, so loosen or reposition it if it pulls at the roots. Root maintenance and washing remain separate from styling the knot.
Man Bun with a Headband
A headband pushes shorter strands back from the forehead while a separate hair tie holds the bun. It gathers the pieces that do not reach the knot, leaving the front hairline exposed.
Place the band where it holds those shorter layers comfortably. A wider band covers more of the front section; a narrow one leaves more of the hair's surface visible.
The band should stay secure as the head turns. If it slips, adjust its fit or position before adding styling product.
Messy Man Bun
A messy man bun has an irregular outline, with a loose loop, projecting ends and a few strands falling free. Gather the hair with the fingers so the surface retains its waves and small ridges.
Long layers can fold into the knot while shorter pieces fall around the ears. The effect depends on having enough length to secure the main bundle, even when the ends are left loose.
Leave some slack when fastening the tie. Pulling selected strands out afterward can make one side of the bun looser than the other.
Slick Back Man Bun
A slick back man bun draws the hair in parallel lines from the forehead toward the knot. The smooth surface exposes the hairline and makes the bun's shape more distinct.
A small amount of gel or pomade can add shine and hold shorter strands in place. Smooth the hair before tying it, keeping the roots comfortable instead of relying on a tight pull for the finish.
How to Tie a Man Bun
Brush or finger-comb the hair back and gather it at the chosen height. Twist the length, wrap it around the base and secure it with a hair tie. For a smaller loop, fold the ponytail through the tie on the last pass and leave the ends tucked or loose.
Use a covered hair tie that holds the bundle comfortably. Repeatedly pulling the hair into a tight bun can cause traction hair loss. Keep tension low and vary tied styles with looser ones, especially if the hairline feels sore or the roots pull.
