The man bun - a hairstyle that has taken the world by storm. From celebrities to the guy next door, it seems everyone has been trying this trend. And let's be honest, there's something undeniably alluring about a man confidently sporting a well-executed bun atop his head.
The man bun, also known as the ‘mun’, is a style where a man gathers his hair into a bun on the top of his head, in a sleek or dishevelled manner, depending on the desired look. What's interesting about this trend is its ability to transcend cultures and demographics. It's not just a fad for hipsters or rock stars, men from all walks of life have sported a man bun.
But why has this trend caught on so quickly? Perhaps it's because the man bun embodies certain confidence and nonchalance. It's a style that looks effortless, yet undeniably cool. But there’s a lot in its history!
How did the man bun come into being?
The origin story of the man bun hairstyle is murky, but it's believed to have originated in ancient Asia. Men in China, Korea, and Japan have been sporting topknots for centuries, with the hairstyle signifying social status and class. The topknot was also a practical hairstyle, as it kept the hair out of the face during work or battle.
It wasn't until the mid-2000s with celebrities such as Jared Leto and David Beckham sporting the man bun that made it a trendy hairstyle. The man bun was a way to rebel against traditional masculine hairstyles and embrace a more relaxed, bohemian vibe.
Of course, with any trend comes backlash. The man bun has been criticised for being too trendy or too feminine. But the truth is, anyone can wear their hair however they like - and if that means rocking a man bun, then go for it.
If you've decided to take the plunge and attempt the man bun hairstyle - congratulations! But before you dive in headfirst, there are a few things you should keep in mind from our man hair bun guide.
Things to keep in mind when planning on the man bun hairstyle
1. Grow out your hair
The first step to achieving the perfect man bun is growing out your hair. Depending on your hair type, this could take a few months or even a year. But don't be discouraged, the result will be worth the wait.
2. Invest in the right tools
Once you've grown out your locks, it's time to invest in the right tools. You'll need a few essentials, including hair elastics, a hair comb and hair brush, and perhaps some styling products like hair wax or gel. These tools will help you achieve the perfect bun that stays in place all day.
3. Find your perfect style
But what style of man bun should you go for? There are a few different bun hairstyles, including the classic full bun or a half-up style. Experiment with a few different bun styles to find the one that suits you best. And don't be afraid to ask for help, a barber or stylist can offer valuable advice on achieving the perfect bun.
4. Practise, practise and practise some more
Of course, practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if your first few attempts at a man bun don't turn out exactly as planned. But with patience and persistence, you'll soon be a man-bun expert.
5. Embrace the imperfection
The beauty of the man bun is that it's not supposed to look too polished or perfect. Embrace a slightly messy or dishevelled look for a more effortless vibe. After all, the man bun is about confidence and nonchalance, so wear it with pride!
The most popular types of man buns
One of the great things about the man bun is that there are many different bun hairstyles to choose from, each with its unique look and style. So, whether you prefer a polished, professional look or a more relaxed, carefree vibe, there's one that will work for you from all types of man buns.
1. The classic full bun
The classic full bun is the most well-known type of man bun. The hair is gathered at the crown of the head and tied in a tight, full bun. This style is ideal for men with long hair who want to keep their hair out of their faces while maintaining a clean, polished look, ideal for more formal occasions like weddings or job interviews.
2. The half-up bun
A half-up bun is a great option for men who want to keep some length in their hair while still sporting a man bun. This style combines the best of both worlds, with the hair tied in a bun at the top of the head while the rest hangs down. It's perfect for a casual day out or brunch with friends.
3. The low bun
The low bun is a more understated version of the man bun, with the hair tied at the nape of the neck. The go-to choice for men with shorter hair who still want to sport a man bun without having to grow their hair out too much.
4. The messy bun
A messy bun is a more relaxed, carefree option from all the man bun styles. The hair is gathered at the top of the head and tied in a loose, messy bun for a relaxed, effortless vibe. This style is great for men who want to keep their hair out of their faces while maintaining a casual, laid-back look. It's perfect for a day at the beach or a weekend camping trip.
5. The top knot
The top knot is a variation of the classic full bun but with the hair tied at the very top of the head for a more elevated look. This style is for men with long hair who want to add height and dimension to their looks, perfect for more formal events like a black-tie gala or a night out on the town.
Wondering how to tie hair in a bun like a pro? Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to ace the man bun
- Brush or comb your hair: Before attempting to create your bun, make sure your hair is free of tangles and easy to work with. Use a brush or comb to smooth out any knots.
- Gather your hair: Using your hands, gather your hair at the crown of your head. Don't worry about making it too perfect, the man bun is about a laid-back, effortless vibe.
- Secure with an elastic band: Once you've gathered your hair, use a hair elastic to secure it. You can make a high or low bun depending on your preference.
- Shape the bun: With one hand, hold the base of the ponytail. On the other hand, twist the ponytail around the base of the elastic band, forming a bun shape. Keep twisting until the entire ponytail is wrapped around the base of the elastic band.
- Secure with another elastic band: Once you've formed the bun shape, use another hair elastic to secure the bun in place. Make sure it's tight enough to hold the bun securely.
- Tuck in any loose strands: For a neater look, use bobby pins to tuck in any loose strands of hair sticking out.
- Finish with styling products (optional): If you want to add some extra flair to your man bun, use some hair wax or gel to smooth out any flyaways or add some shine to your hair.
Thinking about trying out this trend inspired by our man hair bun guide? Give it a shot with some added inspiration from Ranveer Singh's hairstyle. Embrace your inner man-bun and show the world what you're made of. Who knows, you might stir up the world of men’s fashion trends.