Best Man Bun Hairstyles for Men 2025: 7 Styles That Work

Man bun hairstyles have moved beyond trend—they’re now a signature look for men with length, discipline, and presence.

Versatile, practical, and—when styled right—undeniably sharp, the man bun adapts to your hair type and style with minimal effort and maximum impact.

In this guide, we break down seven modern man bun hairstyles for 2025, plus expert grooming tips, common mistakes to avoid, and the best products to keep your hair healthy, strong, and ready to tie back with purpose.

Modern Man Bun Hairstyles for Men in 2025

These seven styles combine control, texture, and personal style—whether you prefer polished structure or laid-back length. Each one is designed to work with your hair’s natural flow, offering reliable shape and lasting presence without over-complication.

Classic Man Bun: Clean, Simple, and Always Sharp

Timeless and universally flattering, the classic man bun sits high at the crown and keeps your look neat without losing character. It’s ideal for men who want a no-nonsense style that transitions seamlessly from day to night.

• Tied at the crown for a balanced, intentional look

• Works with straight, wavy, or lightly textured hair

• Suits most face shapes and hair densities

• Easy to maintain and consistently polished

Low Man Bun: Relaxed Shape with a Laid-Back Edge

Positioned near the nape of the neck, the low man bun offers a more casual take on the style. It’s ideal for longer hair and men who want control without formality.

• Ties lower for a softer, more relaxed finish

• Works well with straight or slightly wavy hair

• Best suited for medium to long lengths

• Easy to pair with loose strands or natural texture

Half-Up Man Bun: Texture on Top, Flow Below

This hybrid style combines the structure of a bun with the movement of loose hair. It’s perfect for medium to long hair and adds visual interest without effort.

• Ties the top half back while leaving the rest loose

• Showcases natural texture—wavy, curly, or straight

• Reduces bulk while keeping length visible

• Great transitional style for growing hair out

Undercut Man Bun: Sharp Contrast, Strong Control

This style pairs closely shaved or faded sides with a full bun on top, creating a bold contrast that’s both modern and clean. It’s best for men who want a statement look that still offers easy styling.

• Shaved or faded sides reduce bulk and emphasize the bun

• Works best with thick or dense hair on top

• Pairs well with strong jawlines or facial hair

• Easy to maintain with regular trims

Messy Man Bun: Low Effort, High Impact

This relaxed version embraces texture and imperfection, making it perfect for casual days or a more undone aesthetic. It requires minimal styling and suits men who prefer a natural, lived-in look.

• Looser tie allows movement and flexibility

• Works well with wavy, curly, or layered hair

• No styling product necessary—air-dry and go

• Ideal for medium to long hair with natural volume

Curly Man Bun: Natural Texture, Controlled Shape

For men with curls or coils, this style keeps the texture intact while offering structure and control. The bun tames volume without suppressing your hair’s natural character.

• Gathers curls while keeping sides or roots clean

• Ideal for medium to long curly or coiled hair

• Works with fade, taper, or natural growth patterns

• Use curl cream or leave-in conditioner for definition

Braided Man Bun: Texture Meets Structure

This style adds a creative twist by incorporating braids into the upper section before tying it back. It’s a bold, textured look that lets you experiment without giving up the bun’s core shape.

• Combine cornrows, French braids, or twists with a top bun

• Adds dimension and visual detail to long hair

• Works best with medium to thick hair textures

• Needs basic braiding skills or a quick visit to the barber

Want more long hairstyle ideas beyond the bun? Explore our full guide to Best Long Hairstyles for Men for even more inspiration.

These man bun hairstyles are more than just a trend—they’re a way to bring structure, confidence, and personality to longer hair. Choose the version that fits your hair type and lifestyle, and make the man bun work hard for your style in 2025.

How to Maintain A Man Bun Hairstyle

Healthy hair is the foundation of a clean, well-tied man bun. With the right routine, your length stays strong, smooth, and consistently easy to manage.

Brush Daily to Prevent Tangles and Breakage

Long hair tangles fast—daily brushing keeps knots under control and spreads natural oils evenly through the hair. It also reduces stress at the tie point, helping your man bun last longer.

• Use a wide-tooth comb or boar bristle brush

• Start from the ends and work your way up

• Brush before tying up to avoid tension-related damage

Limit Washing to Preserve Natural Oils

Overwashing dries out long hair and weakens its texture. Stick to a balanced routine that keeps your scalp clean without stripping away what your hair needs.

• Wash no more than 2–3 times per week

• Use cool water and a sulfate-free shampoo

• Rinse with water after workouts or heat exposure

Learn how to strike the right balance in our guide on how often men should wash their hair.

Condition Every Time You Wash

Conditioner keeps your hair soft, flexible, and resistant to split ends. It’s essential for maintaining strength, especially with frequent tying.

• Focus on mid-lengths and ends

• Leave it in for at least 2–3 minutes

• Use a leave-in conditioner for added hydration

Dry Gently to Avoid Frizz and Damage

Rough drying weakens the hair shaft and causes unnecessary breakage. Drying smart helps maintain a smoother texture and healthier ends.

• Pat dry with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt

• Avoid rubbing or twisting the hair

• Use low heat if blow-drying—never high

Consistent care is what separates average hair from a man bun that actually holds up. Stick to the right habits, and your man bun hairstyles will stay clean, controlled, and effortlessly sharp day after day.

Common Man Bun Mistakes to Avoid

Even a strong man bun can fall apart if your grooming habits aren’t dialed in. Avoid these common errors that quietly undo your style over time.

Tying It Too Tight

A tight bun might look clean, but it puts constant strain on your scalp and hairline. Over time, it can lead to breakage, thinning, or even traction alopecia.

• Aim for a secure, flexible hold—not a stretched pull

• Rotate your bun position to avoid repeated tension

• If your scalp feels sore, it’s too tight

Skipping Regular Trims

Long hair needs routine maintenance to stay healthy and manageable. Ignoring split ends or uneven growth will make your man bun look unkempt no matter how you tie it.

• Trim every 6–8 weeks to prevent breakage

• Clean up uneven ends and stray layers

• Don’t wait until your hair looks tired to book a cut

Using the Wrong Hair Ties

Standard rubber bands or worn-out elastics can snag and damage your hair. The right tie keeps your bun secure without pulling strands out.

• Use snag-free bands like Invisibobble or fabric-covered ties

• Avoid ties that stretch out or lose tension

• Always remove ties gently—no yanking

Sleeping with Your Bun Tight

Leaving your man bun tied up overnight creates unnecessary friction and tension. It also increases breakage and tangles while you sleep.

• Loosen your bun or tie it lower before bed

• Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction

• Add a few drops of oil to nourish overnight

Staying on top of these simple habits makes all the difference. A great man bun isn’t just about style—it’s about protecting the hair that holds it together.

FAQs About Man Bun Hairstyles

Man bun hairstyles come with questions—especially for first-timers or anyone refining their look. Here are the answers to the ones that matter most.

Is the man bun still in style in 2025?

Yes—the man bun has moved beyond trend status and become a long-term staple. With updated variations like the undercut, low bun, and braided styles, it continues to evolve as a sharp, modern option for men with length.

How long does your hair need to be for a man bun?

You’ll need at least 6 to 8 inches of hair to tie a secure, functional man bun. For thicker or curlier hair, slightly more length gives you better control and shape.

How do you do a man bun for beginners?

Start by brushing your hair to remove tangles. Gather it at your preferred height, twist it into a coil, and secure it with a snag-free hair tie—tight enough to hold, loose enough to avoid tension.

How do you look good with a man bun?

Looking good with a man bun comes down to choosing the right style for your face shape, maintaining healthy hair, and keeping the bun tidy. A clean neckline, trimmed ends, and subtle grooming elevate the look instantly.

Final Thoughts: Make the Man Bun Yours

The best man bun hairstyles balance style, structure, and simplicity—and they only get better when paired with the right care. Whether you wear it low, braided, or undone, a great man bun is less about trend and more about how well it works with your hair and lifestyle.

With the right grooming habits, a clean tie, and a little consistency, your man bun becomes more than a hairstyle—it becomes part of how you show up.

Keep it sharp, keep it healthy, and wear it with intent.