Alright, let’s be honest man bun hairstyles have come a long way since the days when only yoga instructors, indie musicians, and that one barista named “Sky” could pull them off. Now? Everyone from Wall Street warriors to suburban dads are rocking the bun like it’s a lifestyle choice—and honestly, it kinda is.
As someone who’s helped content climb Google’s front page and once tried (and tragically failed) to grow a bun of my own, I’ve seen the keyword “man bun hairstyles” pop up more times than I’ve had soy lattes.
So if you’re here wondering whether a man bun could work for you, or just trying to figure out how to describe the one you already have, you’re in the right place.
In this article, I’ll break down the different types of man bun hairstyles—yep, there’s more than one—and help you choose the one that suits your vibe, hair type, and possibly your mood on a Wednesday.
We’ll also sprinkle in some styling tips, beard pairings (because why stop at just one trendy feature?), and maybe even some low-maintenance options if you’re more “wash and go” than “groom and glow.”
Think of this as your laid-back, judgment-free guide to joining the bun club—whether you’re a full-on hipster or just bun-curious. Let’s dive in top knot first.
1. High Man Bun
The high man bun is like the espresso shot of bun styles—bold, sharp, and full of energy.
It’s been trending because it adds instant height and gives off a confident, slightly edgy vibe.
I wore this during my “I go to the gym but also write poetry” phase, and surprisingly, it worked for both.
Great for guys with longer hair and strong jawlines, it frames the face in a flattering way.
If you want to explore more men hairstyles with beard looks that complement the high man bun, check out that guide.
2. Low Man Bun
Now this one? Total chill vibes.
The low man bun sits near the nape of your neck and screams laid-back confidence perfect for days when you want to look like you tried (but didn’t try too hard).
I find this works best for guys with medium to long hair who prefer a more understated, classic look.
3. Messy Man Bun
Ah yes, the “I’m effortlessly cool” look—aka the messy man bun.
This one’s a favorite for guys who have textured or slightly wavy hair.
It doesn’t require perfection, which is why I love it for weekend brunches or casual nights out.
Just finger-comb your hair back, twist it up, and let a few strands fall naturally. It’s all about owning the chaos in a stylish way.
4. Sleek Man Bun
When I first tried the sleek man bun, I felt like a runway model trapped in a content marketer’s body.
This style means business—it’s polished, clean, and great for formal events or work settings.
Works best with straight or straightened hair, and it’s all about the details: smooth edges, a sharp part (if you’re into that), and a quality serum for shine.
5. Man Bun with Undercut
Want instant edge? Pair your bun with an undercut and boom—style explosion.
This one is bold and versatile, with the contrast between the shaved sides and longer top making the bun stand out even more.
I rocked this look back in my startup hustle days, and the compliments never stopped.
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6. Braided Man Bun
Now we’re talking next-level style. The braided man bun isn’t just a hairstyle—it’s a statement.
I tried it once for a music festival and got more compliments than the guy wearing glow-in-the-dark overalls.
It’s perfect for guys with medium to long hair who want texture and detail without too much maintenance.
7. Half-Up Man Bun
This is the ultimate indecisive-but-make-it-fashion look.
Half-up man buns are great when you want the best of both worlds hair out of your face, but still flowing freely.
I use this style when my hair’s in that awkward “not quite long enough for a full bun” stage.
8. Man Bun with Fade
The man bun with a fade is clean, modern, and seriously sharp. I first saw it on a friend at the gym and had to copy it immediately.
The fade adds structure while the bun keeps it laid-back—it’s like a mullet’s cooler, younger cousin.
Works best for guys who like their hair short on the sides but still want bun potential up top.
Just make sure your barber’s fade game is strong.
9. Textured Man Bun
If you’ve got wavy or layered hair, the textured man bun is your best friend.
It adds volume and movement that a sleek style just can’t touch.
I use this when I want to look effortlessly stylish especially after skipping a wash day (dry shampoo is the real MVP here).
Pull the hair back loosely to keep that texture front and center. You’ll look relaxed, but runway ready.
10. Man Bun with Beard
Now this combo? Iconic. The man bun with beard pairing is like peanut butter and jelly—but with way more swagger.
I’ve gone through various beard phases, and I can confirm: once the bun-beard synergy hits, you feel invincible.
Great for adding balance to your face shape, especially if your bun’s pulling your features upward.
11. Loose Man Bun
The loose man bun is that chill friend who always looks cool without trying.
I usually rock this when I’m working from home or running errands but still want to look semi-put-together.
It’s especially great if your scalp’s had enough of tight hair ties (hello, tension headaches).
Just gather your hair back, twist it gently, and let it breathe—stray strands encouraged. Think surfer meets freelancer with great Wi-Fi.
12. Man Bun with Side Part
This one adds a little sophistication to your typical man bun.
I tried it once before a wedding, hoping to look like a GQ model—ended up somewhere between “cool creative” and “art school professor.”
Still a win. The side part adds structure and looks best on medium to long, straight or slightly wavy hair.
13. Curly Man Bun
Curly hair + man bun = pure magic. If you’ve got curls, let them shine!
I’ve helped a few friends style this one, and the volume adds natural texture that makes the bun pop.
Just gather the curls loosely into a bun (no need to over-slick it), and use a bit of curl cream to keep things defined, not frizzy.
Trust me—this is one of the most head-turning styles out there.
14. Man Bun with Headband
Okay, full disclosure—I only wore a headband with a bun because I couldn’t find my hair tie one morning.
But honestly? It worked. This style is a sporty, casual lifesaver, especially during workouts or hot summer days.
Use a fabric headband to push your hair back, then twist the rest into a bun.
Functional and cool, without feeling too “look at me.”
15. Double Man Bun
Yes, this is a real thing—and no, it’s not just for anime characters.
I tried the double man bun once as a dare (thanks, game night), and to my surprise, it actually looked fun and edgy.
This one’s for the bold—it works best with longer hair and a fearless attitude.
Part your hair down the middle and create two smaller buns on each side. Channel your inner rock star or festival king.
16. Man Bun with Cornrows
This hybrid look mixes braids and buns like peanut butter and jelly — surprising, but oddly satisfying.
I had a buddy who rocked this combo for a while, and I gotta say, it’s a total head-turner.
Cornrows keep the hair neat and add intricate detail, while the bun keeps it classic.
Perfect for guys who want a low-maintenance style but with a bit of flair.
17. Tight Man Bun
The tight man bun is the no-nonsense, all-business version of the style.
I usually go for this look when I want my hair out of the way but still neat and controlled — like during a workout or a serious workday.
Pull your hair back firmly with a strong elastic, no loose strands allowed.
It’s sleek, practical, and keeps you looking sharp, even if you’re mid-chaos.
18. Man Bun with Hair Tie
Not all hair ties are created equal, and this style is all about the right tool.
I once spent an entire afternoon fiddling with my bun because my hair tie kept slipping or snapping.
Don’t be me. Opt for a sturdy, snag-free tie—silicone-coated ones work wonders.
The hair tie might seem minor, but it’s the unsung hero of any good man bun.
19. Wavy Man Bun
If your hair naturally waves, this bun style will make your locks look effortlessly stylish.
I love this look for casual days when I want volume and texture without overdoing it.
Just gather your wavy hair loosely and secure it, letting those natural waves peek through.
Bonus: it works well with salt spray for that fresh-off-the-beach vibe.
20. Man Bun with Twisted Base
This is a clever twist (pun intended) on the classic bun—literally.
Instead of just tying your hair back, you twist the base of the bun for extra texture and dimension.
I gave this a shot before a night out and felt like I had a secret styling weapon.
Amazon Finds That Changed My Hair Game
L3 Level 3 Styling Powder – Natural Look Mens Powder – Easy to Apply
Boldify Hair Thickening Spray – Volume Booster – Stylist
COLOR WOW Extra Strength Dream Coat – Powerful ultra moisturizing
Hair Wax Stick Set 4Pcs – Slick Back Brush
L3 Level 3 Light Hold Styling Powder – Natural Matte Hairstyle – Texturizing
