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Few hairstyles are as popular in 2025 as the man bun. Sometimes known as the top knot, the man bun is a style synonymous with sports stars and A-list Hollywood celebrities.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the man bun in 2025. We define the look, introduce you to man bun variants, and run through the pros and cons of this style.
We also reveal where you can go for some man bun inspiration if you're keen to model your look on a style icon in 2025.
What is a man bun?
The man bun is one of the most iconic hairstyles of modern times. Though there are several variants available to you, the man bun features long hair tied at the top of the head, with no unruly locks hanging freely down.
Today, men style man buns in completely different ways, ranging from low buns to high buns, while some incorporate fades and undercuts into the style. Man buns also look great with facial hair, with some men opting for big, bushy beards for a lumberjack look.
Let's take a look at some unique man-bunned styles you can opt for in 2025.
Man bun variants
|
Type |
Description |
|
Man bun fade |
The man bun fade is popular, as it incorporates a short back and sides with a high top knot. Most men opting for this style go for a high top knot for the ultimate look. |
|
Man bun undercut |
Similar in some respects to the fade, the undercut sees short hair on the sides with a parting. The defining factor in the undercut is that the top knot usually includes a much smaller knot of hair at the top. |
|
Man bun braids |
One of the best black male man bun styles is that of braids. You can weave a host of braids into your hair, before bringing them together in a top knot for a stylish look. |
|
Pineapple man bun |
The pineapple man bun is a style gaining popularity in 2025 and is a good option for guys with thinner hair. It consists of a single shoot of hair in the top and centre of your hair with a side parting. |
|
Low man bun |
Styled on the classic pony, the low man bun is tied lower on the head than the classic bun and can be a useful style depending on how your hair flows naturally. |
Pros & cons of man buns
As with every male hairstyle, there are some pros and cons attached to man buns that you need to be aware of before deciding if this style is a good option for you:
✅ The man bun is an extremely popular and trendy hairstyle for men in 2025, making it a great option if you have medium-long hair.
✅ There are lots of different man bun styles to choose from, including fades, undercuts, and low buns, depending on your styling preferences.
✅ Man buns require very little maintenance and are extremely easy to wear in multiple ways, no matter what you're doing or where you're going.
❌ You need to grow your hair fairly long to achieve a man bun. Also, if you have thin or weak hair, the man bun can cause breakage.
How to tie a man bun in 5 simple steps
Wondering how to do a man bun so you can rock this style in 2025? Here are the simple steps to take for the perfect man bun hairstyle:
Step 1. Wash your hair: Step 1 is to wash your hair thoroughly. We recommend using a natural shampoo and conditioner to wash and hydrate your hair to keep it fresh.
Step 2. Dry your hair: Using your Laifen dryer, dry your hair on any of the heat settings until it is at least 80% dry.
Step 3. Brush your hair: Next, it helps to brush your hair in a downward motion, which will help when it comes to bringing your hair together in a knot or bun.
Step 4. Bun your hair: Bring your hair together and decide which man bun style you want to go for.
Step 5. Tie your hair: Finally, tie your hair with a scrunchie or band and secure it in place. If you wish, you can apply some hairspray to hold it together.
If you want to go for a man bun like the fade or undercut, you will need to ask your stylist to help you rock the look.
Where can I go for man bun inspiration?
You don't have to look very hard for man bun inspiration, as so many celebrities, sports stars, and influencers have rocked this modern-man look in recent times.
Some of our favorite man buns in recent times have been courtesy of Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, and Chris Hemsworth.
As with all hairstyles, you can also follow the hashtag #ManBun on TikTok or Instagram to find unique styles that you can model your look on this year.
Do your man bun to reach pop
The man bun is undoubtedly one of the hippest styles for men in 2025. It is in vogue and delivers a bohemian, casual look that is popular with celebrities and sports stars alike.
As explained in this article, you can wear a man bun or top knot in any way that you choose, opting for a stylish man bun fade or a low man bun for ease of styling and maintenance.
The bottom line is that man buns are low maintenance, trendy, and extremely easy to achieve, making this the ideal style to opt for in 2025 for any man with medium-long hair.
How to do a man bun: An easy guide
This guide gets right to the point, keeps things fun, and help style your bun with confidence.
Step 1. Dry it, don’t drown it
Dry or lightly damp your hair not soaking wet. Dry hair gives you texture and grip, while damp hair offers a sleeker, tighter finish.
Step 2. Sweep it like you mean it
Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to push your hair back. Aim for the crown, middle, or low near the nape.
Step 3. Grip the flow
Once your hair’s gathered, hold it like a ponytail. Keep it snug but not yanking on your roots.
Step 4. Twist for the win
Take that ponytail and twist it like a rope. This adds structure and makes the bun easier to shape.
Step 5. Wrap it, stack it
Now coil the twist around its base to build the bun. You’re stacking it into shape: tight and clean, or soft and chill. Let a few strands hang out if you’re feeling relaxed; tuck them in for a sharper finish.
How to care for man bun hairstyles
To truly pull off this look, it takes more than just tying your hair up and hoping for the best. Caring for your man bun is a ritual. Here are tips to keep your bun headline-worthy.
1. Wash like a minimalist, condition like a king
Yes, less is more when it comes to shampooing. Overwashing strips away natural oils that keep your hair strong and hydrated. Instead, shampoo just 2–3 times a week using a sulfate-free cleanser. But when it comes to conditioners? Go all in!
2. Blow-dry like a pro with the Laifen SE hair dryer
The secret sauce to a smooth, frizz-free bun? Controlled drying. The Laifen SE Hair Dryer is your backstage pass to salon-level results. Its smart heat control protects your hair from damage while giving you the speed and precision needed to style a sleek top knot or a messy man bun with character.
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• Whisper-quiet motor for peaceful styling
• Feather-light feel with serious power
• Sleek style meets salon results
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3. Switch up your ties
If your elastic is tighter than your Monday deadlines, it’s time for a change. Avoid pulling your hair too tight, which can lead to tension headaches and even thinning at the crown. You must choose from snag-free hair ties (think spiral coils or fabric bands), and switch up your bun’s placement every few days to let your scalp breathe.
4. Brush daily
Tangles are the silent killers of healthy man buns. Use a wide-tooth comb to work through your hair, starting from the ends and moving upward. Avoid brushing when your hair is wet unless you're using a detangler as wet strands are more fragile and prone to breakage.
5. Add a signature scent for the final touch
Your bun is a statement. So you can add a lightweight hair serum for that final gloss and subtle hold. If you want to elevate it further, you can select from serums with a clean, masculine scent to leave a lasting impression.
Wrapping up
In a world spinning faster than ever, the man bun remains a deliberate pause. It’s a nod to ancient warriors and modern-day rebels alike, a subtle rebellion wrapped in strands of expression. In 2025, the man bun isn't just popular. It's poetic.
So untangle the expectations. Forget the trends for a moment. Because at its core, the man bun is a lifestyle. And in 2025, it’s never looked more iconic.
FAQs
Q1: What does it mean when a man has a man bun?
When a guy wears a man bun, it usually says he’s laid-back, confident, and not afraid to break from the norm. It’s a style that balances a relaxed vibe with just the right amount of edge.
Q2: Are man buns still cool today?
Yes. Man buns have gone from a “bold statement” to a fully accepted, stylish option for men with longer hair. In 2025, the look has evolved: it’s cleaner and often paired with fades, tapers, or undercuts.
Q3: Who made man bun hair popular?
The man bun boom started around the early 2010s, and it was pushed into the spotlight by guys like Jared Leto, Harry Styles, and Zlatan Ibrahimović. But it really took off when celebrities and athletes embraced it on red carpets and in everyday life, turning it from niche to mainstream.
Q4: What's the difference between a bun and a man bun?
Technically? Not much. A bun is just a hairstyle where hair is tied into a rounded knot. A man bun is the same thing, but worn by men, often with variations like low buns, top knots, or paired with fades. The label is more about culture and styling than structure.
Q5: Do man buns damage your hair?
Only if you wear them too tight, too often. Constant pulling at the same spot can lead to breakage or even a receding hairline (hello, traction alopecia). You can choose to loosen up the bun. Use soft ties, avoid rubber bands, and give your hair some days off. A relaxed bun can still look sharp without stressing your strands.
Q6: How to know if a man bun suits you?
If you’ve got the hair length (usually 6+ inches) and confidence to pull it off, chances are it’ll work. Face shape also matters: man buns tend to flatter oval, square, and heart-shaped faces best. If you are still unsure, you can try a temporary tie-up at home if it makes you feel good when you look in the mirror, that’s your sign.
