How to Tie a Man Bun

Download Article

A step-by-step guide to classic, messy, & sleek man buns

Co-authored by Jamie Bushman and Devin McSween

Last Updated: December 12, 2023 Fact Checked

Download Article

Classic Bun

|

Messy Bun

|

Sleek Bun

|

Top Knot

|

Half Up Bun

|

Preparing Your Hair

|

Expert Q&A

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:

Classic Man Bun

Download Article

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.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- 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.
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.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
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.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- 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
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.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- To keep your hair in place all day, spritz your bun with hair spray.

Method 2

Method 2 of 6:

Messy Man Bun

Download Article

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.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Let a few strands of hair hang free of the ponytail for an even more tousled, messy look.
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.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- 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
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.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If your bun feels loose, twist the hair tie around your bun again.

Method 3

Method 3 of 6:

Sleek Man Bun

Download Article

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.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- 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
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.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Slide a hair tie on your dominant hand’s wrist before you start putting up your hair to make tying your hair easier.
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.^{[10]
X
Research source}
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.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- If your bun feels a little loose, push bobby pins into the bun and hair tie to keep it in place.
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.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- If you don’t have hair spray, warm up hair gel or pomade between your hands and smooth it over your hair.

Method 4

Method 4 of 6:

Top Knot Man Bun

Download Article

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.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- 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
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.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- 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
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.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Place a hair tie on your dominant hand’s wrist to make grabbing your hair tie easier.

Method 5

Method 5 of 6:

Half Up Man Bun

Download Article

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.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- 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.
Run your fingers or a comb through the hair you sectioned off. Then, pull your hair together towards the crown of your head.^{[17]
X
Research source}
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.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- 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.

Method 6

Method 6 of 6:

Preparing Your Hair

Download Article

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.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- 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.
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.^{[20]
X
Research source}
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.^{[21]
X
Research source}
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.^{[22]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How Long Does It Take to Get a Man Bun?

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

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 25 Helpful 59
Question

How do you use a hair tie?

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

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 22 Helpful 32
Question

How do you do the perfect messy bun?

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

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 30