4 Ways To Do A Man Bun - WikiHow

Home » How To Tie Man Bun » 4 Ways To Do A Man Bun - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Tie a Man Bun PDF download Download Article A step-by-step guide to classic, messy, & sleek man buns Co-authored by Jamie Bushman and Devin McSween

Last Updated: February 4, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Classic Bun
    • |
  • Messy Bun
    • |
  • Sleek Bun
    • |
  • Top Knot
    • |
  • Half Up Bun
    • |
  • Preparing Your Hair
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Jamie Bushman and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Jamie Bushman is a Master Hair Stylist and the Owner of The Circle Salon, an eco-friendly salon in Chicago, Illinois. With over 22 years of experience, she specializes in cutting hair, styling hair, coloring hair, hair care, waxing, and makeup. Jamie has been featured in multiple publications such as Allure and Elle, and her salon has been recognized as one of Salon Today’s Top 200 Salons. Jamie received her cosmetology training at The Aveda Institute Minneapolis. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 944,630 times.

If you want to rock a man bun, there are several different styles to suit your look, from the classic bun to the wild and messy bun. All you need is hair that’s at least 6 inches (15 cm) long and a hair tie. Keep reading to learn how to do several types of man buns, including the classic, messy, sleek, top knot, and half-up buns, plus how to style your hair before putting it up.

Things You Should Know

  • For a classic man bun, gather your hair at the crown of your head. Wrap a hair tie around your hair 1-2 times and then pull your hair halfway through the tie.
  • For a messy bun, bunch your hair at the crown of your head. Pull your hair halfway through a hair tie and then twist the hair tie around the bun.
  • For a sleek bun, comb your hair back to your crown and it into a ponytail. Twist your hair, wrap it around the base of the ponytail, and secure it with a hair tie.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 6:

Classic Man Bun

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Put a hair tie on your dominant wrist and gather your hair at your crown. 1 Put a hair tie on your dominant wrist and gather your hair at your crown. Slide a hair tie on the wrist of your dominant hand. Then, run your fingers through the top, sides, and bottom of your hair and bunch it into a ponytail. Just pull the ponytail towards the crown of your head, which is where the back and top of your head meet.
    • For a low man bun: Gather your hair below your crown or at the nape of your neck.
    • Run a comb through your hair before you style it to ensure there are no tangles.
    • Don’t pull your hair back too tightly, as it can strain your hair and feel uncomfortable.
    • Grow out your hair to at least 6 inches (15 cm) to make a man bun, or between 10 to 16 inches (25-41 cm) for the most ideal length.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Man Bun 2 Wrap a hair tie around your ponytail 1 to 2 times. Hold your ponytail with your dominant hand and use your other hand to pull the hair tie over your ponytail. Then, pull your ponytail through the hair tie. Just twist the hair tie around your hair 1 to 2 times, or until there’s only enough stretch for 1 last twist. Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Man Bun 3 Twist the hair tie and pull your ponytail halfway through the tie. Instead of pulling your hair all the way through the hair tie, stop when about half of your hair is through. This creates the classic man bun with the ends of your hair sticking out below the bun.
    • If you want a bigger bun, pull more hair through the hair tie. Or, pull your hair about ¼ of the way through the hair tie for a smaller bun.
    • For a more relaxed, laid-back look, position the ends of your hair so they rest above your bun.
  4. Step 4 Wrap strands of hair around the hair tie to hide it, if desired. 4 Wrap strands of hair around the hair tie to hide it, if desired. For a more sleek and refined man bun, grab a few pieces of hair that are sticking out of the bun. Then, wrap them around the base of the bun to hide the hair tie. Secure the pieces of hair with bobby pins or by tucking them under the hair tie.[1]
    • To keep your hair in place all day, spritz your bun with hair spray.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 6:

Messy Man Bun

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Bunch your hair together at the crown of your head. 1 Bunch your hair together at the crown of your head. Run your fingers through your hair, pulling the top, sides, and bottom of your hair into a ponytail. Then, gather all of your hair towards the crown of your head.[2]
    • Let a few strands of hair hang free of the ponytail for an even more tousled, messy look.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Man Bun 2 Pull your hair halfway through a hair tie. Grab a hair tie and pull your hair through it. Then, twist the hair tie once and pull your ponytail about halfway through it.[3]
    • Put a hair tie on the wrist of your dominant hand before you start pulling your hair up to make tying your hair easier.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Man Bun 3 Twist and wrap the hair tie around the bun. With 1 hand holding your bun, use your other to grab the hair tie. Then, twist the hair tie and wrap it over your bun, gathering the ends of your hair with it. This leaves strands of hair poking out of your bun and gives you a messy, carefree look.[4]
    • If your bun feels loose, twist the hair tie around your bun again.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 6:

Sleek Man Bun

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Comb your hair back towards the crown of your head. 1 Comb your hair back towards the crown of your head. Use 1 hand to comb the top and sides of your hair back at the crown of your head while your other hand smoothes the combed hair and gathers it into a ponytail.[5]
    • Optionally, part your hair down the center of your head or towards 1 side. Then, use the comb to smooth back the sides of your hair to your crown.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Man Bun 2 Secure your hair into a ponytail with a hair tie. Grab a hair tie and pull your hair through it. Then, twist the hair tie around your ponytail until the hair tie is tight and your hair is securely in place.[6]
    • Slide a hair tie on your dominant hand’s wrist before you start putting up your hair to make tying your hair easier.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Man Bun 3 Twist your hair and then wrap it around the base of your ponytail. Use your fingers to twist the hair in your ponytail into a spiral. Then, coil your twisted hair around the base of the ponytail to create a super sleek bun.[7]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Man Bun 4 Wrap a hair tie over your bun. To secure your bun in place, grab another hair tie and pull it over the base of your bun. Then, twist the hair tie around your bun 1 to 2 times.[8]
    • If your bun feels a little loose, push bobby pins into the bun and hair tie to keep it in place.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Man Bun 5 Spray your comb with hair spray and comb back your hair. To flatten down flyaways, baby hairs, and ensure your hair stays sleek all day, coat your comb with hair spray. Then, carefully run it over the front and sides of your hair as well as the hair underneath your bun.[9]
    • If you don’t have hair spray, warm up hair gel or pomade between your hands and smooth it over your hair.
    6. Advertisement
Method 4 Method 4 of 6:

Top Knot Man Bun

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Pull your hair to the top of your head. 1 Pull your hair to the top of your head. Use a comb or your fingers to lift the top, sides, and bottom of your hair up to the top of your head. Then, gather your hair together into a ponytail.[10]
    • Alternatively, flip your hair over and gather it into a ponytail at the top of your head for a messier look.
    • Top knots are great for shorter hair, whether you have shaved sides, longer hair on the top, or hair that’s 6 to 7 in (15-18 cm) long.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Man Bun 2 Twist your hair and coil it into a bun at the top of your head. Use your fingers to twist your hair into a tight spiral. Then, hook your finger around the base of your hair and wrap your hair around your finger. This creates a sleek bun at the top of your head.[11]
    • If you’re having trouble wrapping your hair into a bun, use a hair tie to put your hair into a ponytail first. Then, twist your hair and wrap it around the base of the ponytail.
    • If you prefer a messier look, tie your hair into a bun using the methods from the Classic Man Bun or Messy Man Bun above.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Man Bun 3 Wrap a hair tie around the bun to secure it in place. Get a hair tie and place it over the base of the bun. Then, twist and wrap the hair tie around the bun several times until your bun feels secure.[12]
    • Place a hair tie on your dominant hand’s wrist to make grabbing your hair tie easier.
    4. Advertisement
Method 5 Method 5 of 6:

Half Up Man Bun

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Section off the top half of your hair. 1 Section off the top half of your hair. Use your fingers or a comb to create a horizontal part that’s right above your ears or about level with your eyebrows. Then, gather the top half of your hair together.[13]
    • Feel free to experiment with how much hair you section off. You might part your hair at ear level or below, or part it higher up your forehead.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Man Bun 2 Gather your hair into a ponytail at the crown of your head. Run your fingers or a comb through the hair you sectioned off. Then, pull your hair together towards the crown of your head.[14]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Man Bun 3 Pull your hair halfway through a hair tie. Grab a hair tie and pull your hair through it. Then, twist the hair tie and wrap it around your hair, only pulling your hair halfway through. This gives you a samurai hairstyle with a full bun and hair that cascades down the back of your head.[15]
    • If you prefer a messier or more refined look, tie your hair into a bun following the steps for the Messy or Sleek Man Buns detailed above.
    • Slip a hair tie onto the wrist of your dominant hand so pulling your hair through it is easier.
    4. Advertisement
Method 6 Method 6 of 6:

Preparing Your Hair

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Shampoo... 1 Shampoo and condition your hair. A man bun looks best when your hair is clean. Shampoo your hair as you normally do and then apply a dollop of conditioner to the ends of your hair. This helps moisturize your hair and make it look healthier and shinier.[16]
    • If your hair gets greasy quickly, keep it from getting greasy by using oily hair shampoos or applying dry shampoo to your roots.
    • If you have very dry hair, aim to shampoo it no more than 3 times each week. Excess shampooing can dry it out even more.
  2. Step 2 Comb your hair... 2 Comb your hair after getting out of the shower. Gently run a comb through your hair to get out any knots. Detangling your hair helps your man bun look cleaner and neater.[17]
  3. Step 3 Dry your hair... 3 Dry your hair with a hair dryer or let it air dry. Pat your hair dry with a towel and then dry it with a hair dryer set to low heat. Or, simply let your hair air dry naturally. Both of these options help prevent excess frizziness that makes putting your hair into a man bun easier.[18]
  4. Step 4 Run hair oil... 4 Run hair oil or a texturizing cream through your hair. Hair oils and texturizing creams add body to your hair while keeping any frizziness at bay. Just put a dime-sized amount of either product into the palm of your hand. Then, rub your hands together and run the product into your hair from the root to the ends.[19]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How Long Does It Take to Get a Man Bun? Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer You should be able to style a man bun in about five minutes. To grow hair long enough to achieve a man bun could take 12-18 months if you are starting with very short hair. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 29 Helpful 61
  • Question How do you use a hair tie? Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Most hair ties come in a loop. Simply pull hair through the middle of the loop, then double the loop over onto itself and pull hair through again. Repeat until the hair tie has little slack and the bun or ponytail feels secure. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 23 Helpful 33
  • Question How do you do the perfect messy bun? Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer To get a great messy bun, start by creating a smooth, neat bun, then use fingers or a comb to loosen and pull bits free. This will give you total control over the style. When you've got it just how you want, set with a mist of hair spray. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 19 Helpful 32
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Do a Samurai HairstyleHow to Do a Samurai Bun: 4 Easy Hairstyles For Men Make a Bun for Short HairHow toMake a Bun for Short Hair Style Medium Length Hair for MenHow toStyle Medium Length Hair for Men Make a BunHow toMake a Bun Make a Top Knot Bun4 Cute Top Knot Buns You Can Do at Home Make a Messy BunHow to Do a Messy Bun Hairstyle Make a Braided BunHow toMake a Braided Bun Do a Low BunHow toDo a Low Bun 5 Easy Hair Buns for Beginners: Messy, Ballerina, & More Style Long Hair for GuysThe Best Hairstyles and Tips for Men with Long Hair Do Your Hair in a Side BunHow toDo Your Hair in a Side Bun Do a Messy Bun (for Curly Hair)How toDo a Messy Bun (for Curly Hair) How toStyle Medium Length Hair Do Simple and Cute HairstylesHow toDo Simple and Cute Hairstyles Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@colebussell/video/7306307862978891050
  2. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@colebussell/video/7306307862978891050
  3. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@colebussell/video/7306307862978891050
  4. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@colebussell/video/7306307862978891050
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/4jhkyUpPcPk?si=af1m-f9S3UHRdZs-&t=55
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/4jhkyUpPcPk?si=HLtPHtkWT4hFsc9A&t=82
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/4jhkyUpPcPk?si=gX46GzxJlMHyEn75&t=96
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/4jhkyUpPcPk?si=WpkcdIVmOkKfudG4&t=114
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/4jhkyUpPcPk?si=p0NrNspa-umgAmY3&t=134
More References (10)
  1. ↑ https://youtube.com/shorts/_KquBArW70A?si=EZXGP8Vuy6pUtDFb
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/5Uj80x06A6o?si=paCaCbVWdOaM7tfE&t=79
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/5Uj80x06A6o?si=izAMMIW9cJv2qvbu&t=96
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/LL4jk_ZdX5U?si=3QXg7ZU1gCfCMmpm&t=29
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/LL4jk_ZdX5U?si=MTa8QzxZtZV7he1Q&t=36
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/h_OieKM7A8o?si=rnbubiOB52GUCHUq&t=115
  7. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-the-perfect-man-bun-in-just-3-steps-2015-12
  8. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-the-perfect-man-bun-in-just-3-steps-2015-12
  9. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-the-perfect-man-bun-in-just-3-steps-2015-12
  10. ↑ https://youtu.be/4jhkyUpPcPk?si=0KBQjGiUw3960_46&t=42

About This Article

Jamie Bushman Co-authored by: Jamie Bushman Master Hair Stylist This article was co-authored by Jamie Bushman and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Jamie Bushman is a Master Hair Stylist and the Owner of The Circle Salon, an eco-friendly salon in Chicago, Illinois. With over 22 years of experience, she specializes in cutting hair, styling hair, coloring hair, hair care, waxing, and makeup. Jamie has been featured in multiple publications such as Allure and Elle, and her salon has been recognized as one of Salon Today’s Top 200 Salons. Jamie received her cosmetology training at The Aveda Institute Minneapolis. This article has been viewed 944,630 times. 13 votes - 63% Co-authors: 9 Updated: February 4, 2025 Views: 944,630 Categories: Hairstyles for Men | Hair Buns Article SummaryX

To do a man bun in the simple top knot style, start by pulling your hair back and bunching it up towards the top of your head. Next, pull the hair through an elastic hair tie to create a high ponytail. Then, fold your ponytail in half to create a bun shape, and secure it by twisting the hair tie around it. Leave the bun as is for a messy look, or twist and wrap the hair tie around it for a tighter, neater bun. For more advice from our Cosmetology reviewer, including how to prep your hair before doing a man bun, keep reading. Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish German French Portuguese Arabic Dutch Indonesian Czech Japanese Italian
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 944,630 times. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jamie Bushman Co-authored by: Jamie Bushman Master Hair Stylist 13 votes - 63% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 9 Updated: February 4, 2025 Views: 944,630

Quizzes & Games

What Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizWhat’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?What’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?Take QuizWhat Haircut Should I Get QuizWhat Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizHair Curl Type QuizHair Curl Type QuizTake QuizAm I Balding QuizAm I Balding QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Do a Samurai HairstyleHow to Do a Samurai Bun: 4 Easy Hairstyles For MenMake a Bun for Short HairHow toMake a Bun for Short HairStyle Medium Length Hair for MenHow toStyle Medium Length Hair for MenMake a BunHow toMake a Bun

Trending Articles

Am I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizRank My Attractiveness QuizRank My Attractiveness Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Watch Articles

Impress a Girl on a First DateHow toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?What Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?Wear a HoodieHow toWear a HoodieChiffonadeHow toChiffonadeMake a Fabric RoseHow toMake a Fabric RoseConfront a BullyHow toConfront a Bully

Trending Articles

210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your Play140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your PlayThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz LinesThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz LinesWhat 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanWhat 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanThe Top Emojis Guys Use when They Like or Love YouThe Top Emojis Guys Use when They Like or Love YouWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?

Quizzes & Games

What Is My Face Shape QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizBuild Your Dream Man QuizBuild Your Dream Man QuizTake QuizAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Take QuizWhat's My Manliness Score?What's My Manliness Score?Take QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Personal Care and Style
  • Hair Care
  • Hairstyles
  • Hairstyles for Men
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --645

Tag » How To Tie Man Bun