What Is a Man Bun?
A man bun is more than a knot of long hair – it’s a cultural signifier and a versatile hairstyle that adapts to personal expression. Unlike the short, tightly cropped top knot, a true man bun gathers shoulder‑length hair into a single coil at the back or crown of the head. History traces versions of this style back thousands of years to the Terracotta warriors of ancient China, Viking warriors and Japanese samurai. Fast‑forward to the 2010s and celebrities like Jared Leto and Jason Momoa helped the man bun explode in popularity. It has become a modern symbol of individuality, merging masculine energy with the free‑spiritedness of long hair.
While some critics dismissed the style as a hipster fad, its staying power suggests otherwise. Online searches show that people want to know what a man bun means, whether it’s professional, and if women find it attractive. To answer these questions we’ll explore its origins, teach you how to tie the bun correctly, showcase popular variations and help you decide if this style suits your face shape and hair type. By the end, you’ll be ready to tie your own knot or test it virtually with BlondeFilter’s tools.
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How to Tie a Man Bun Step by Step
Styling a man bun hairstyle isn’t complicated, but a little technique goes a long way. You’ll need hair that’s at least 6 inches long for a low bun and closer to 10 inches for a high bun. Here’s a step‑by‑step guide based on advice from professional stylists and men’s hair blogs:
- Prep your hair. Start with clean, dry or slightly damp hair. Brush or comb your hair backward from the forehead to remove tangles and smooth the strands.
- Gather the hair. Using both hands, sweep all of your hair toward the desired bun location. A high man bun sits near the crown; a low bun sits at the nape of the neck. If your hair is shorter, aim lower so the shorter strands stay secure.
- Twist and wrap. Hold the gathered hair like a ponytail, twist it gently and then wrap the twist around its base to form a coil. Keep the bun slightly loose for a casual look or tighter for a sleek style.
- Secure the knot. Use a hair tie or a non‑damaging hair clamp to hold the bun in place. Avoid rubber bands, which can cause breakage. For extra hold, wrap the hair tie twice; just don’t pull too tight or you’ll strain the roots.
- Refine the shape. Tuck stray strands under the tie or let a few wisps fall for a more relaxed feel. A mist of hairspray or a dab of pomade can tame flyaways and add shine.
High versus low placement is mostly personal preference. High buns create a more dramatic silhouette and suit longer hair, while low buns feel relaxed and work well for shorter lengths or thicker hair. When in doubt, experiment: a quick test takes only a minute, and BlondeFilter’s virtual hairstyle try‑on can show you instantly how each height alters your face.
Popular Man Bun Variations
The beauty of the man bun lies in its adaptability. Below are some of the variations trending in 2025; mix and match them with your personal style and hair texture.
Full or Classic Man Bun
The original version uses all of your hair and sits either high or low. It works best with straight or slightly wavy hair that reaches your shoulders. A bit of leave‑in conditioner keeps longer lengths smooth.
Low Man Bun
Tied at the nape of the neck, the low bun exudes an easy‑going vibe. It’s ideal for men whose hair hasn’t reached full length or those who prefer understated elegance. Pair it with a beard for a rugged look.
High (Pineapple) Man Bun
This variation gathers hair atop the crown and often leaves shaved sides or an undercut for contrast. It elongates the face and draws attention upward, making it a favourite for evening events and photo shoots.
Undercut or Top Knot
An undercut man bun combines shaved or very short sides with long hair on top, tied into a small knot. It’s sometimes called a top knot, but technically a top knot is smaller and sits high on an undercut. The contrast between long and short hair offers edge and ease: maintenance is minimal on the sides while the bun remains the focus.
Half‑Up, Half‑Down Bun
Perfect for thick or curly hair, this style divides the hair into two sections: the top half is tied into a bun while the bottom half flows freely. It adds volume and frames the face beautifully.
Braided or Cornrow Bun
For textured hair or those who love intricate looks, braids or cornrows can lead into the bun. This protects hair and adds visual interest. Moisturise regularly to keep braids neat.
Curly or Messy Man Bun
Curly man buns embrace natural texture. Instead of smoothing out every curl, gather the curls loosely and let them puff out of the knot. A curl‑defining cream adds shine without stiffness. Messy buns, similarly, allow strands to escape for an effortless, just‑got‑up look; a spritz of sea‑salt spray enhances the undone feel.
Dreads & Headband Buns
Dreaded hair can be wrapped into a bun as well; use natural oils to hydrate the locs. A headband bun incorporates a headband or bandana to hold loose strands, offering a sporty vibe and keeping sweat at bay during workouts.
Slick Back Bun
For formal occasions, comb your hair back using pomade before tying the bun. The result is polished and pairs well with a suit.
Choosing the Right Bun for Your Face Shape
Not every man bun hairstyle looks the same on every face. Consider these guidelines to highlight your best features:
| Face shape | Recommended bun height | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heart‑shaped | Any height | A wide forehead and narrow chin balance nicely with both high and low buns. |
| Oval | High bun | Placing the bun near the crown accentuates the jawline and prevents elongating the face. |
| Square | Any style | Strong jawlines suit both high and low buns; experiment with undercut or braided versions. |
| Round/Long | Mid or low bun | Keeping the bun lower prevents the face from appearing even longer or rounder. |
Hair thickness and texture also matter. Thick, straight hair is ideal because it holds the bun without frizz. Extremely curly or thinning hair may not keep its shape; in these cases, a half‑up bun or headband bun can provide structure without exposing scalp. To find your perfect bun, take a picture of your face, upload it to BlondeFilter’s AI hairstyle filter and test different bun heights and styles. The tool analyses your features and suggests the most flattering variation.
Does the Man Bun Suit You? (Suitability & Maintenance)
Before committing to a man bun, consider your hair type, lifestyle and patience. Growing hair long enough can take 9–18 months, so plan accordingly. In the meantime, focus on hair health: shampoo only when necessary, condition frequently and trim split ends to prevent damage. If your hair is thin or receding, a man bun may emphasise scalp; opt for a lower bun or comb‑back instead. Men with extremely curly hair can still wear buns, but the style will look fuller and more textured – embrace the volume and use curl cream.
Maintenance is simple: avoid tight elastic bands that cause breakage; use soft cloth ties or clips; sleep with your hair loose or in a low braid to prevent pulling; and deep‑condition weekly. For product styling, sea‑salt spray adds beachy texture, pomade or wax offers shine and hold, and leave‑in conditioner keeps long hair manageable.
Cultural Meaning, Professionalism & Trends
The man bun carries different meanings depending on culture and context. Historically the topknot signified rank among Samurai or was part of practical hairstyles for labourers. Today the bun often signals a creative, laid‑back lifestyle. Some see it as rebellious; others view it as refined when paired with a suit. Questions about professionalism arise in PAA results because certain workplaces remain conservative. In truth, professionalism depends more on grooming than on the style itself: a neat bun with tidy sides can look just as polished as short hair. The style’s popularity peaked in the mid‑2010s but continues to evolve; modern variations such as the undercut fade and braided bun keep it fresh. As gender norms blur, more individuals of all genders experiment with buns, making it a unisex choice.
Virtual Man Bun Try‑On
Curious to see how a man bun would look on you before you grow your hair? BlondeFilter offers a virtual hairstyle try‑on that lets you upload a selfie and experiment with bun height, fullness and texture. The integrated AI hairstyle filter maps your facial features and simulates different bun styles in real time. You can even adjust colour with the hair color simulator, previewing a blond bun or raven‑black twist without dyeing your hair. It’s a fun way to decide whether to commit and to share potential looks with friends. Just head to the tool, select “man bun” and try the man bun online – no scissors required.
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Upload your photo to preview sleek or messy versions, change colours instantly and save your favourites before your next barber appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do girls find man buns attractive? Many women appreciate the confidence and individuality of a well‑groomed man bun. Attraction is subjective, but neat styling and a good fit for your face shape increase its appeal.
What does it mean when a man has a man bun? Today it usually means he enjoys longer hair and expresses a laid‑back or artistic lifestyle. Historically, buns were practical for warriors and labourers.
Are man buns still cool? Yes. The style continues to evolve with new variations and remains popular in 2025.
How to do a manbun? Brush your hair back, gather it into a ponytail, twist and wrap it into a bun and secure with a soft hair tie. See the step‑by‑step section above for details.
Should you comb or brush manbun? Use a brush or wide‑tooth comb to detangle hair before tying the bun. Once tied, avoid over‑brushing to preserve texture.
Does a man bun suit every face shape? Nearly any face shape can wear a bun if the height and fullness are adjusted. Heart and square faces are especially versatile, while long faces benefit from lower buns.
Are man buns unprofessional? Not inherently. A clean, tidy bun can look sophisticated in professional settings, especially when combined with an undercut or slick styling.
Is man bun attractive in 2025? The continued popularity of the style and its many variations suggest that it remains attractive, particularly when tailored to the individual.
What male body part do females find most attractive? Preferences vary widely; grooming, confidence and personal style often matter more than specific features.
What does a man bun say about you? It may signal creativity, confidence and a relaxed approach to fashion. It can also show an appreciation for heritage styles.
Who can pull off a man bun? Anyone with hair long enough to tie a bun and the willingness to maintain it. Use virtual tools to test the look beforehand.
Who made the man bun popular? The modern trend was propelled by celebrities and athletes such as Jared Leto, Orlando Bloom and various professional basketball players.
What celebrity has a man bun? Actors like Jason Momoa, musicians and models frequently sport man buns; the roster changes as styles evolve.
Do man buns damage hair? When tied too tightly with harsh elastic bands, they can cause breakage. Use soft ties and vary the bun’s position to prevent tension.
Are there cultural issues with man buns? In some cultures, traditional topknots or buns have spiritual or ceremonial significance. Wearing the style respectfully and understanding its origins avoids cultural appropriation.
What is the easiest way to do a bun? The easiest method is to gather hair into a ponytail, twist and loop it around itself, then secure with a hair tie. Practice makes perfect.
What product to use for a man bun? Sea‑salt spray adds texture; pomade or wax offers hold; curl cream defines curls; leave‑in conditioner keeps hair soft.
What is a Manbun? A manbun is simply a man’s hair gathered into a bun at the back or top of the head.
How to do a man bun without a hair tie? You can twist the hair and tuck the ends under the knot itself or use a hair stick or clip. However, a soft hair tie offers the most secure hold.
Explore More Hairstyles
Discover additional styles before your next appointment:
With its rich history and modern interpretations, the man bun remains an enduring and flexible hairstyle for men who embrace longer locks. Whether you prefer a sleek undercut bun or a loose, curly knot, the key is to match the style to your face shape and hair texture, care for your hair properly and wear it with confidence. And if you’re still undecided, remember that BlondeFilter’s AI hairstyle filter and virtual hairstyle try‑on let you experiment with bun heights, textures and colours – so you can find your perfect look before committing.