Whether it’s due to TV shows like Vikings or just the usual cravings for change, a revolution is currently happening in men’s hairstyles. Long hair for gents is once again seriously fashionable, but it’s the way that these men are styling their lengthy locks that feels refreshing and new. Styles that have long been popular with the ladies are now being claimed by fashion-forward males. First, it was the bun, then it was braided looks, and now the two have combined. So, if you’re after a new on-trend look to take your style to the next level, we’ve rounded up ten awesome man bun braid hairstyles for you to try.
RELATED: 15 Cool Viking Hairstyles for the Rugged Man
1. Man Bun + Braids
What could be better than a hairstyle featuring one of the most significant men’s hair trends of the moment? A style that features two, of course. By combining a man bun with braids, you’ll be able to double down on trends for an incredibly fashionable look. Best of all, you can easily tailor your braided man bun to suit your style. For a simple look, try one braid with a standard bun at the back of your head. For a bolder hairstyle, consider adding multiple braids or opting for a more intricate knot. The choice is yours and, as you become more skilled at creating styles, you can try new and more complex looks.
2. Mini Man Bun + Braid
Although buns and braids traditionally look best on thick locks, they can also work for gents with fine hair. To rock a braided man bun hairstyle with thin hair, all you need to do is tailor your look to suit your hair type. To do so, try adding just one small braid to one side of your head. Doing so will create a striking feature without requiring too much hair. Then, use the remainder of your hair to create a small or mini man bun at the back of your head. However, be sure not to make it too tight, or your hair could appear even thinner than it is. Additionally, be aware that tightly pulled styles can cause traction alopecia, so if you’re concerned about thinning hair, be sure to keep your bun loose and take it out at the end of each day.
3. Long Man Bun Braids
Long braids look fantastic, but they can be somewhat annoying when left loose. As such, a long man bun braid hairstyle is often the ideal solution. Both fashionable and practical, the braided bun style will keep your locks out of your face and look great. Best of all, the hairstyle is seriously easy to create. If your hair is already braided, just pull it up as if you were making a ponytail with a band. Then, stop when your hair is half pulled through the elastic to create a simple bun with the ends left loose.
4. Man Bun Braids + Pompadour
Braided man bun hairstyles can be more versatile than you might think. For a unique take on the trend, consider adding a pompadour on top with two small braids on either side and a messy bun at the back. The result will be a seriously stylish look that’s perfect for right now. If you have a round face, try making the braids tight and the pompadour high to help balance your appearance. Alternatively, if you have a long facial structure, make your pompadour smaller and your braids looser.
5. Messy Man Bun + Side Braid
If you’re after a braided man bun hairstyle that’ll make you look like a character from Vikings, a messy man bun with side braid is the way to go. By making your braided bun look stylishly disheveled, you’ll instantly give it a rugged appearance. As a bonus, this style can look great with unwashed and unbrushed hair, making it an excellent low-maintenance option. On top of that, it also appears seriously stylish when paired with a beard.
6. Man Bun + Simple Braid
Men’s braid and bun hairstyles needn’t be complicated or intricate. In fact, some of the most eye-catching man bun and braid styles are those that are simplistic. To create a man bun with a simple braid, start by sectioning off the top of your hair. Then, create a single braid down the middle of your head, stopping at the crown. Once the top is braided, gather together the loose end and the rest of your hair and twist it into a bun.
7. Man Bun Braid + Undercut
For those who like the clean look of short hair and the unique appearance of longer locks, a man bun braid hairstyle with undercut can be an excellent option. To rock the look, just grow your hair long on top and have the sides shaved short. Then, style the hair on top of your head by braiding it back and securing it in a bun. The result will be an edgy on-trend look that’s perfect for young and daring gents.
8. Man Bun Rope Braids
If you’re considering rocking a man bun braid hairstyle for the first time, it’s important to know your options. While choosing how many braids you want is important, it’s also essential to think about what type they will be. Rope braids are a simple braid type to create and have a bold visual impact. As such, they can make an excellent option for gents. To achieve rope braids at home, split sections of your hair into two even pieces and twist each separately. Then, wrap the pieces around each other and secure them at the end.
9. Intricate Man Bun Braids
For those who like a bold and distinct look, an intricate man bun braid hairstyle can make a fantastic option. To achieve such a look, be sure to visit a salon with an experienced braid stylist. As intricate braids look best when they’re well-defined and even, it can take an expert to nail the look. But, if done right, the impressive style will undoubtedly be one you’ll love. Additionally, there are plenty of unique designs with intricate braids, so having a style that’s different and your own is simple.
10. Braided Topknot for Men
If you have impressively long locks, opting for a braided topknot can be an excellent idea. To create the style, start by using a brush to pull all your hair into a high ponytail. Then secure the ponytail with an elastic and separate it into even sections. Next, braid or plait each section and secure them at the ends. Finally, wrap the braids around the base of the ponytail and secure the ends with pins, hiding them at the bottom of the bun. Although this may take a little practice to get right, the resulting style will be well worth the effort, especially if your strands are smooth and straight.
FAQs
How long does it take to grow a man bun?
How long it takes to grow your hair out for a man bun will depend on the style of man bun and how fast your hair grows. Generally, it will take between six and 18 months. It can be shorter if you’re after a half-up man bun, where you’re keeping the sides short but top long. However, for a full head of hair, you’ll need at least 12 months. You’ll also need to persist through the awkward growing out stage, but with some patience and persistence, it will be worth it.
What is the man bun trend?
The man bun trends see guys with long luscious lock tying their hair up into a topknot or bun. Just like women’s updos, there’s plenty of ways to wear a man bun. You can rock it sleek, high and tight, or low and loose. Try a half-up half-down look, or incorporate braids into the styling. It’s a somewhat divisive hairdo that hit peak popularity in the mid-2010s but remains a stylish option for long-haired gents in 2020. Celebrities wearing this trend include Jason Momoa, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Jared Leto, and Zayn Malik.
Do man buns cause balding?
Wearing tight man buns daily can cause what’s called traction alopecia. This is hair loss around the front hairline, caused by constant pulling on the hair by tight and heavy hairstyles. Ideally, you’d want to mix up your hairstyles, so it’s not always pulling in the same way. Try braids or a low pony instead. While you can rock the man bun daily, try not to wear it too tight, and take it out overnight to give your scalp a rest.
What a Man Bun says about you?
Rocking a man bun can say a lot about you. You’re confident, unafraid to challenge gender stereotypes, and you dress for yourself, not others. It can also show that you’re able to commit and have patience, as growing your hair out can be time-consuming and awkward. You also need to take time to look after long locks, which means you can be dedicated.
Taylah Brewer holds a bachelor's degree in fashion and business and is a skilled writer with several years of experience in the world of online content creation and copywriting. She is passionate about fashion, beauty, and all things lifestyle-related and has been writing for The Trend Spotter since 2016. She currently works as the Head of Digital & Ecommerce at White & Co.
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