The man bun has moved well beyond the loose knot it started as. In this collection you will find a classic full bun on long, thick hair, high-and-tight knots sitting above skin fades, a samurai-inspired bun with clean shaved sides, a loose bun built from dreadlocks, an inverted braid that finishes in a faux-hawk bun and a messy donut bun worn with a full beard.
Two things decide which version works for you: how much length you have and what you want the sides to do. A full bun needs hair that reaches at least the jaw all the way around. If you are still growing your hair, or if it is thick and hot to wear long, an undercut or fade lets you tie back only the top section, which also makes the bun look neater from the side.
Texture matters as well. Straight hair gives a sleek, polished knot, wavy hair creates a swirled and relaxed finish, and natural coils, braids or locs hold a bun with plenty of shape and need very little product.
1. Man Bun with Fade Line Up
Shaved, faded sides and a crisp line-up set off a compact bun tied at the crown. A neatly trimmed beard links the shape together, so the whole look feels sharp and groomed. Regular barber visits keep the edges clean while the top keeps growing.
Inspiration: @gerrybarber
2. Classic Full Bun for Long Hair
Long, thick hair gathered into a full bun is the classic version of the style. Because all the hair is tied back, the knot looks generous and substantial. Thick textures hold this shape easily, though a soft elastic helps prevent breakage and tension at the roots.
Inspiration: @markgardnercaringbah
3. Tied Back Long Braids with Fade
Box braids are pulled back and tied together over faded sides, creating a protective style with plenty of attitude. The fade keeps the outline tidy and draws attention to the braids. It is a practical choice for men who want low daily styling.
Inspiration: @jubei_ma
4. Artsy Fishtail Bun with Tattoo
A fishtail braid runs along the long top section and finishes in a bun, while the shaved sides show off a tattoo near the neck. The artistic plait adds unexpected detail to a familiar undercut style. It is a great option for anyone who likes creative, individual looks.
Inspiration: @lena_piccininni
5. Thick Man Bun with Line Up
Natural hair with plenty of density forms a thick, rounded bun on top, framed by a sharp line-up at the hairline. Coily textures hold their shape well, so the knot stays full without much product. A leave-in conditioner keeps the hair soft and moisturised.
Inspiration: @criztofferson
6. Loose Bun for Dreads
Dreadlocks are gathered loosely into a relaxed bun that keeps them off the face and neck. Tying locs with a light touch is important, because their weight can put strain on the roots. The result looks easygoing and works for both casual and dressier settings.
Inspiration: @dreadstuff_com
7. Black Man Bun with Mid Fade
A mid fade tapers the sides of natural hair while the top is pulled into a neat bun. The contrast between the short, blended sides and the textured knot gives the style a modern outline. Plan on fade touch-ups every few weeks to keep it fresh.
Inspiration: @londonschoolofbarbering
8. Casual Man Bun with Long Beard
Long hair tied into a casual bun pairs with an equally long, full beard for a rugged, relaxed look. A clean line-up at the forehead and cheeks stops the overall effect from looking unkempt. Beard oil keeps facial hair soft and in proportion with the hair.
Inspiration: @_thefinalcut
9. Swirled Bun in Wavy Hair
Wavy hair twisted into a loose, swirled bun has natural movement and a slightly messy finish. Leaving a few strands free keeps it effortless rather than severe. Pairing it with a beard adds balance, and a little texturising spray helps the waves stay defined.
Inspiration: @jimijimmi
10. High and Tight Man Bun with Design
Sitting high on the head, this bun is paired with tight, short sides that feature a shaved design. The pattern adds personality and makes the side view just as interesting as the front. Designs fade quickly, so book regular appointments to keep the lines crisp.
Inspiration: @criztofferson
11. The Cosmopolitan Samurai Bun
Inspired by the traditional samurai topknot, this sleek bun sits over cleanly shaved sides on straight Asian hair. The look is minimal and urban, with a polished finish that suits work and evenings out. Smooth the top back with a little pomade before tying.
Inspiration: @gerrybarber
12. Top Knot with Shaved Sides
Shaved sides and a long strip of hair on top create a mohawk-style base, which is then tied into a top knot. When the hair is down, it reads as a mohawk; tied up, it becomes a sharp bun. That versatility makes it a fun option for bold dressers.
Inspiration: @ashleypaigecollective
13. Inverted Braid Faux Hawk
An upside-down braid runs from the nape toward the crown and ends in a small bun, forming a faux-hawk shape. The braid adds texture and detail to the back of the head. It suits men with medium to long hair who want something more intricate than a plain knot.
Inspiration: @dustin_burks
14. Asian High Bun-Tail with Undercut
Straight Asian hair is tied high into a bun-and-tail combination that lets the ends hang free, set over a clean undercut. The shaved sides keep the style lightweight and tidy. Smoothing the top before tying gives the bun a sleek, controlled appearance.
Inspiration: @aiden_archuleta
15. Crown Bun with Straight Line
Wavy hair is gathered at the crown and tied with a crisp straight line shaved near the part. The clean line contrasts nicely with the softer waves in the bun. It is a simple way to add sharpness to a relaxed hairstyle.
Inspiration: @joelmasterbarber
16. The Rebellion Semi-Bun
A small semi-bun gathers only part of the top hair, with shaved designs on the sides adding a rebellious touch. The compact knot works well for hair that is still growing out. The patterned sides give the look an edgy, streetwear-inspired feel.
Inspiration: @barberobengie
17. Textured Bun with Full Beard
Long hair is tied into a loosely textured bun, balanced by a full beard. The textured finish feels relaxed and natural, with no need for perfect smoothness. A bit of sea salt spray before tying gives fine hair more grip and volume.
Inspiration: @khanartist1
18. The Weaved Man Bun
Braids are woven toward the crown and finished in a bun, set above a clean undercut. The weave creates a striking pattern on top and keeps the hair neat for days. It is a strong choice for men with natural textures looking for a protective style.
Inspiration: @_jazitup
19. The Quintessential Bun with Polished Sides
Polished, closely cut sides and a sharp line-up frame a classic bun on top. Everything about the look is neat and deliberate, from the clean edges to the smooth knot. It is a smart, versatile option that suits professional settings well.
Inspiration: @edwardklipperhands
20. Messy French Braid Bun
Medium-length hair is French braided backward and finished in a relaxed bun. A slightly messy braid looks casual and lived-in, which is part of the appeal. This is a good way to keep hair under control during workouts or busy days.
Inspiration: @jacobhkhan
21. The South of France Fade Haircut
A burst fade curves around the ear while the top is tied back into a bun. The rounded fade shape gives the sides a modern, distinctive outline. It suits men who want a laid-back look with a sharp barbershop finish.
Inspiration: @edwardklipperhands
22. Taper Cut Man Bun with Short Sides
A tapered cut keeps the sides short with a shaved line, leaving the longer top free to be tied into a bun. The taper creates a gradual transition that looks clean with the hair up or down. A smart choice for those growing out an undercut.
Inspiration: @dannistylez
23. Hipster Messy Sock Bun
A sock or donut bun gives this messy knot a full, rounded shape. Paired with a beard, the look has a relaxed, hipster vibe. Rolling the hair around a bun form is an easy trick for adding volume when hair is fine or not very long.
Inspiration: @gaelmorais
24. Asian Braided Bun with Shaved Sides
Braids gathered into a bun sit above closely shaved sides, giving straight Asian hair added texture. The braided finish keeps the hair secure and adds visual interest to a simple undercut. Lightly misting the braids with water before styling makes them easier to control.
Inspiration: @chiyukihair
25. Half-Ponytail Bun and Long Beard
Only the top half of medium-length hair is tied into a small bun, while the rest hangs loose. Combined with a long beard, the half-up style feels relaxed and bohemian. It is a practical way to keep hair off the face without committing to a full bun.
Inspiration: @perpetually.beardy
Tying a man bun without damaging your hair
- Use fabric-covered or spiral elastics instead of thin rubber bands, which snag and break strands.
- Change the position of the bun from day to day; pulling the same spot tight every day can stress the hairline over time.
- For a messy finish, gather the hair with your fingers rather than a brush, and leave the final loop half pulled through.
- Locs and braids are heavy, so tie them looser to reduce tension at the roots.
Keeping the sides sharp
If your bun sits over an undercut, fade or shaved design, the contrast is what makes the style look deliberate. Faded sides and line-ups lose their crispness within two to three weeks, so book short clean-up appointments between longer trims. Ask your barber to keep the top section long enough to reach the crown comfortably, and to blend the beard into the fade if you wear one.