Ah, the man bun. A divisive hipster staple in the 2010s, and one that many of us (myself included) were glad to see virtually disappear for the past few years.
Now though, it seems like the man bun is back. It seems the likes of Brad Pitt and Antoine Griezmann are proving that it might just have outgrown its hipster reputation.
With longer hair proving a definite trend in recent years (likely because of the months of lockdown and lack of access to a haircut that isn’t performed by your mum with the kitchen scissors), it seems that a cultural reset on the man bun is here. And honestly? We’re ready to welcome it back with open arms. Here’s how to bring the man bun into your look.
By Beth Ryan
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1 What's changed?This year, the man bun has upped the casual factor even more, with a surfer-y, laid-back style proving most popular. Instead of tying the hair at the top of the head, it is pulled to the back of the head or the nape of the neck. For an even more relaxed look, pull or leave a few strands out around the face, or leave a ‘tail’ of sorts like Jason Momoa. Bonus? This look is super easy to achieve.
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2 Who does the man bun work best for?
It sounds obvious, but length is key for the perfect man bun. The hair should reach at least jaw length to be able to pull it back. If the hair isn’t long enough, you can try a half-bun, by tying the top section of the hair in a hair tie. Alternatively, you might be able to tie it back into a mini ponytail (not technically a ‘bun’ but still effective and IMO super stylish). Hair type isn’t particularly important here – the man bun will look great with straight or curly hair. What does matter though, is the thickness. If your hair is very fine or thin, the man bun might not be the best option.
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3 How to achieve it
Good news – it’s really easy. Give your hair a quick brush, then pull it back by simply running your fingers through the lengths. This will give you a much more natural and casual look than using a hairbrush or comb. Tie the hair with a hair tie, then *zhuzh* to your liking. You might want to give it a bit of a ruffle with your hands, which will allow some strands to come loose and add a bit of volume. You can then add some product such as hairspray, if you’re prone to frizz.
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4 Looking after long hair
The condition of the hair is everything when it comes to a man bun (and just long hair in general), so it’s really important to take good care of it. Damaged, broken, and dehydrated hair has a tendency to frizz and look straw-like, especially on longer locks. So, make sure to get regular trims, choose the correct products, and avoid over-washing. Luckily, the man bun works great with day 3+ hair, so it’s a win-win, really.
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FAQs
How do you achieve a modern man bun look?
It’s easy to achieve a modern man bun by brushing your hair, running your fingers through the lengths, and tying it back with a hair tie at the back of your head or the nape of your neck. For a more casual, surfer-inspired look, leave some strands loose around your face or create a ‘tail’ at the back. You can finish by gently ruffling your hair with your hands for added volume and hold.
What hair length do you need for a man bun?
You need your hair to be at least jaw length to pull it back into a proper man bun. If your hair isn’t long enough, a half-bun or mini ponytail is a great alternative. Hair thickness also matters, as a very fine or thin texture may not give the best result.
Does a man bun work for all hair types?
A man bun works for straight or curly hair equally well. The crucial factors are hair length and thickness, while hair texture is not particularly important. Thicker hair tends to give a fuller, more defined man bun.
How do you keep long hair healthy for a man bun?
To keep long hair in good condition, get regular trims, choose the right products, and avoid over-washing. Damaged or dehydrated hair is more likely to frizz and look straw-like, especially when styled into a bun. The man bun actually looks better and holds style when the hair isn’t freshly washed.
What’s changed about the man bun trend recently?
The current man bun trend is more casual and laid-back, with the bun sitting lower at the back of the head instead of on top. This relaxed style often features loose strands around the face or a visible ‘tail,’ similar to the look worn by celebrities like Jason Momoa. Achieving the look is also easier and less structured than before.