The Art Of Tying A Man Bun

The man bun is a versatile and fashionable hairstyle for men with long hair. While it may seem simple, there are several ways to tie and style a man bun to suit different occasions and personal preferences. In this article, we will discuss the steps to achieve the perfect man bun, from preparing your hair to tying and securing the bun. We will also explore different man bun styles, including the classic, messy, sleek, top knot, and half-up buns. By following these simple steps, you can create a stylish and practical hairstyle that tames your long locks.

Choosing the right hair products

The right hair products can help you achieve the perfect man bun. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you choose the best products for your hair:

Shampoo and Conditioner

It is important to use a good-quality shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy and nourished. Look for products that are designed for your specific hair type, such as NIVEA MEN Strong Power Shampoo, which is suitable for everyday use and helps to strengthen the hair. Avoid washing your hair every day, as this can strip your hair of its natural oils. Instead, wash your hair a few times a week and use dry shampoo in between washes to absorb excess oil and maintain texture.

Styling Products

A variety of styling products can be used to create and maintain your man bun, including:

• Hair gel: Go for a lightweight, non-sticky formula to avoid weighing down your hair.
• Volumizing mousse: This is a good option for men with fine or thin hair, as it adds body and texture to the man bun.
• Hair wax or pomade: These products provide a medium to strong hold and a matte or semi-matte finish, making them ideal for defining and texturizing the hair in styles like the half-up man bun or the braided man bun.
• Hair spray: Opt for a flexible hold formula to set your man bun in place without making your hair feel stiff or crunchy. Choose a hair spray designed for your specific hair type.
• Sea salt spray: For a casual, beachy look, spritz sea salt spray onto damp hair and scrunch or tousle it to create natural waves.
• Hair oil or serum: These products add shine and help to prevent frizz. Choose a lightweight, non-greasy formula and apply a small amount to damp or dry hair.

Accessories

In addition to hair products, there are several accessories that can help enhance your man bun:

• Hair ties and elastics: Look for strong, durable, and gentle hair ties that won't cause breakage. Opt for neutral colors like brown, black, or clear.
• Hair bands and headbands: These can help keep your hair off your face. Choose from a variety of materials, designs, and colors to suit your personal style.
• Bobby pins: These are essential for securing intricate styles like the braided man bun and for taming flyaways.
• Hair donut: If you want to create the illusion of a fuller bun, wrap your hair around a hair donut, which is a circular foam or mesh insert.
• Hair sticks: For a natural and bohemian vibe, opt for intricately carved wooden sticks, or choose sleek metal or gemstone-adorned sticks for a more refined look.

Brushing and detangling

Before attempting to tie your hair into a man bun, it is important to ensure your hair is brushed, detangled, and ready for styling. Here are some tips to achieve this:

• Use a wide-tooth comb or a boar bristle brush to brush out any tangles. This step is crucial to achieving smooth, detangled hair before creating your bun.
• If you're starting with unwashed hair, apply dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and grease, leaving your hair feeling refreshed and ready for styling. Spray it onto your roots, massage it into your hair, and then brush it out.
• If you're beginning with clean, washed hair, make sure to gently comb your hair after getting out of the shower to remove any knots.
• For hair that is prone to tangles, consider using hair oil or a texturizing cream to add body and control frizz. Apply a dime-sized amount of the product to your hair, working it in from root to tip.
• If you have very dry hair, it is recommended to shampoo no more than three times a week to avoid drying it out further.
• To add volume to your hair, use a blow dryer with a concentration nozzle attached to give your hair and roots a quick blast.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to achieving the perfect man bun!

Creating a ponytail

Start by brushing your hair thoroughly to ensure it is smooth, tangle-free, and ready for styling. This is an important step as it will help you create a neat and sleek ponytail. If you have thick or coarse hair, you may want to apply some texturizing cream to reduce fuzziness and make your hair easier to manage.

Next, pull all your hair back towards the crown of your head. This is usually where the back and top of your head meet. You can create a low man bun by gathering your hair below the crown or at the nape of your neck. Use a comb to smoothen your hair and ensure there are no tangles. Avoid pulling your hair back too tightly to prevent discomfort and strain on your hair.

Now, take a hair tie and wrap it around your ponytail. Hold your ponytail with one hand and use your other hand to pull the hair tie over it. You can wrap it once or twice, depending on the length and thickness of your hair.

At this point, you have created a basic ponytail. However, if you want to transform it into a man bun, there are additional steps you can follow. You can find various styles of man buns online, such as the classic man bun, messy man bun, or sleek man bun, each with its unique steps to achieve the desired look.

Remember, the man bun is a versatile hairstyle that can be adapted to suit your personal preferences and occasions. With the right techniques and products, you can rock a man bun with confidence and style!

Twisting and wrapping

Now that you've gathered your hair into a ponytail, it's time for the fun part: twisting and wrapping it into a bun! The steps for this process will vary slightly depending on the type of man bun you're aiming for, be it a classic, messy, sleek, or half-up style. Here's a detailed guide to help you twist and wrap your hair like a pro:

Classic Man Bun:

For the classic man bun, you'll want to start by wrapping a hair tie around your ponytail one to two times. Then, pull your hair halfway through the tie. This creates the iconic bun shape with the ends of your hair sticking out below, giving it a casual, laid-back look. If you desire a bigger bun, simply pull more hair through the tie. Conversely, if you prefer a smaller bun, pull your hair only a quarter of the way through.

Messy Man Bun:

To achieve that perfectly imperfect messy man bun, grab a hair tie and pull your gathered hair through it. Then, add a twist to the hair tie and wrap it around your bun. This step will leave strands of hair poking out, giving you that carefree, tousled appearance. If your bun feels a tad loose, feel free to twist the hair tie around it again for extra security.

Sleek Man Bun:

For a sleek and polished man bun, it's all about precision. After securing your hair into a ponytail, use your fingers to twist the hair into a spiral. Then, coil this twisted section around the base of the ponytail to form a neat bun. Secure it in place by wrapping a hair tie over the bun and twisting it around once or twice. If you notice any loose strands or flyaways, don't hesitate to use bobby pins to keep everything in place.

Half-Up Man Bun:

Creating a half-up man bun involves dividing your hair into two sections. Use your fingers or a comb to create a horizontal part, typically right above your ears or at eyebrow level. Once you've sectioned off the top half of your hair, gather it into a ponytail at the crown of your head. Pull your hair halfway through a hair tie, twist it, and wrap it around your hair to form the bun. If you're going for a messier or more refined look, you can follow the steps outlined for the messy or sleek man buns above.

Tips for All Man Buns:

Regardless of the type of man bun you're aiming for, here are some additional tips to keep in mind during the twisting and wrapping process:

• If you want to conceal your hair tie, grab a few strands of hair from the bun and wrap them around the base, securing them with bobby pins or by tucking them under the hair tie.
• To enhance the hold and ensure your man bun lasts all day, spritz it with hairspray.
• For a more relaxed and effortless vibe, position the ends of your hair so they rest above the bun.
• If you're aiming for a tighter, neater bun, feel free to give the hair tie an extra twist or two.

Securing the bun

Once you've gathered your hair and formed it into a ponytail, you're ready to start securing your man bun. This is a crucial step in achieving a sleek and stylish look, so take your time and follow these instructions carefully. Begin by choosing the right hair tie for your hair type and length. Opt for a fabric-covered hair tie, as it will provide a strong hold without damaging your hair. If you have thick or curly hair, go for a thicker hair tie that can accommodate the volume. For thinner hair, a thin, discreet hair tie will work best. Wrap the hair tie around the base of your ponytail securely. Make sure it's tight enough to hold your hair in place, but not so tight that it causes discomfort or puts too much pressure on your scalp.

For a more secure hold, consider using two hair ties. Start by securing your ponytail with the first hair tie, then add the second one right next to it. This technique is especially useful if you have thicker or longer hair, as it provides extra support and prevents your bun from sagging. Now, you can start forming your bun. Hold the ponytail in one hand and use the other hand to twist the hair. You can twist it tightly for a more refined look or go for a looser twist for a casual, messy bun. Once you've achieved your desired twist, start wrapping the hair around the base of the ponytail, creating a coiled bun. Make sure to keep it tight and secure.

If you have longer hair, you might need to wrap it around multiple times to form a neat bun. Use bobby pins or hair sticks to secure the bun in place. Insert the bobby pins at different angles, crisscrossing them for added hold. For a more decorative touch, you can use hair sticks or a hair fork to secure the bun. Finally, pull on a few face-framing strands to soften the look, and you're done! Your man bun should now be secure and ready to last throughout the day. Feel free to adjust it to your liking and remember that practice makes perfect. With time, you'll be able to master the art of securing the perfect man bun.

Frequently asked questions