A short man bun is a versatile hairstyle that involves tying up shorter hair on the crown of a man’s head. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among men who want to try something new and daring.
While the Mad Men style of short, neat hair has been popular for some time, the man bun offers a fresh and exciting way to stand out from the crowd.
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Understanding the Short Man Bun
A man bun is a popular hairstyle that has been trending for years. It is a style in which the hair is tied at the top of the head, leaving the sides and back shorter.
The short man bun, as the name suggests, is a more compact and subdued version of the traditional man bun style. It is best suited for those with shorter hair or a desire for a more polished look.
Variations of the Short Man Bun
There are several variations of the short man bun, each with its distinct style and personality.
The Top Knot
The top knot is a variation of the short man bun in which the hair is tied in a tight knot at the top of the head, leaving the sides and back relatively shorter. It is perfect for those who want a clean and polished look.
The Baby Man Bun
The baby man bun is a variation of the short man bun in which the hair is tied loosely in a small knot at the top of the head. It is best suited for those with hair that is not long enough for a full-size man bun.
The Curly Man Bun
The curly man bun is a variation of the short man bun in which the hair is tied in a knot at the top of the head, emphasizing the natural curls. It is perfect for those with curly hair.
The Hun Man Bun
The hun man bun is a variation of the short man bun in which the hair is tied in a loose knot at the back of the head, leaving the hair at the top of the head unbound. This style gives off a relaxed and trendy vibe.
The Messy Man Bun
The messy man bun is a variation of the short man bun in which the hair is tied in a loose, messy knot on top of the head. It is best suited for those with longer hair who are looking for a casual, carefree look.
The Dreadlock Man Bun
The dreadlock man bun is a variation of the short man bun in which dreadlocks are tied in a bun at the top of the head. It is perfect for those who have long dreadlocks and want a more formal look.
The Braided Man Bun
The braided man bun is a variation of the short man bun in which the hair is braided before being tied in a bun at the top of the head. It is perfect for those who have long hair and want to add some texture to their look.
The Shaved Sides Man Bun
The shaved sides man bun is a variation of the short man bun in which the sides of the head are shaved, leaving a small bun at the top. This style is best suited for those who want to mix classic and modern looks.
The Half-Up Half-Down Man Bun
The half-up half-down man bun is a variation of the short man bun in which the hair is tied in a loose knot at the top of the head, leaving some hair hanging down. It is perfect for those who want a casual yet stylish look.
Preparing Your Hair for a Short Man Bun
A short man bun is a trendy hairstyle that requires some preparation to get it right. The following steps will guide you on how to prepare your hair for a short man bun:
- 1. Cleanse your hair: Wash your hair thoroughly before styling to remove dirt, grease, and any product buildup. Use a sulfate-free shampoo that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils.
- 2. Condition your hair: Apply a deep conditioner to your hair to hydrate and nourish it. A good conditioner will make your hair more manageable and easier to style.
- 3. Oil your hair: Rub a few drops of hair oil onto your scalp and hair to add extra moisture and shine. This will also help to reduce frizz and flyaways.
- 4. Brush your hair: Use a boar bristle brush to detangle your hair and distribute the oils evenly from root to tip. This will also help to stimulate the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
- 5. Use a styling product: Apply a styling product like a pomade, wax, or gel to your hair to give it hold and texture. Use a pea-sized amount of product and distribute it evenly through your hair using your fingers or a comb.
- 6. Tie your hair: Gather your hair at the crown of your head using a hair tie or elastic. Make sure the bun is tight and secure.
Follow these steps to prepare your hair for a short man bun and you’ll be rocking this trendy hairstyle in no time.
Steps to Achieving a Short Man Bun
The man bun has been a popular hairstyle for a while now, but not everyone has the patience or the hair length to rock a full bun. Luckily, a shorter version of the man bun is just as stylish and easy to achieve with these simple steps:
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Before creating your short man bun, you need to make sure your hair is clean and moisturized. Use a hair oil to add shine and hydration to your strands, followed by shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy.
Step 2: Choose Your Placement
Decide where you want to place your man bun. For a shorter version, it’s best to place it higher up on your head.
Using a comb or your fingers, pull your hair back and secure it with a hair tie.
Step 3: Create the Bun
Twist your hair into a tight coil and wrap it around the base of the hair tie. Use another hair tie or bobby pins to secure the bun in place.
Pull out a few strands to create a messy, effortless look.
Step 4: Add Accessories
Accessorize your short man bun with a headband or scarf for extra flair. You can also try braiding a small section of hair to add detail to the bun.
Step 5: Finish with Hairspray
For a longer lasting hold, spray your man bun with hairspray to keep it in place throughout the day. And that’s it!
You’ve achieved the perfect short man bun.
How to Style a Short Man Bun for Different Occasions
A short man bun is a versatile hairstyle that can be worn for casual or formal occasions. Here are some tips on how to style a short man bun for different occasions:
Casual Occasions:
For a casual occasion, you can go for a messy man bun style. To achieve this look, start by applying hair oil to your hair to add some shine and moisture.
Then, wash your hair with shampoo, but use it sparingly as you don’t want to strip your hair of its natural oils. Conditioner is important to keep your hair hydrated and nourished.
After rinsing out the conditioner, leave some in your hair and then proceed to dry your hair with a towel. After towel drying, brush your hair thoroughly to avoid any knots or tangles.
To create a short man bun, gather your hair at the top of your head and tie it with an elastic band. For a messy look, pull out a few strands of hair from the bun to loosen it up.
Semi-Formal Occasions:
A semi-formal occasion requires a slightly more polished look. You can go for a sleek top knot to achieve that look.
Follow the same steps as in the messy man bun style, but once you have gathered your hair at the top of your head, comb it back smoothly and tie it with an elastic band. You can also use a hair gel or wax to smooth out any flyaways and create a neater look.
Formal Occasions:
For formal occasions, you can opt for a braided man bun. This style is more intricate and requires a bit more effort, but the end result is well worth it.
Start by following the same steps as in the semi-formal style, but instead of tying your hair into a bun, you need to create a French braid. After you have done the braid, gather the remaining hair at the end of the braid and tie it into a bun.
You can use hairpins to keep the bun in place and add a touch of elegance to your hairstyle.
Color Matching and Accessory Selection:
When it comes to color matching, you should go for colors that complement your skin tone and the occasion. Neutrals like black, white, and gray are versatile and can match almost any outfit.
For accessories, you can add a bandana, a beanie, or a baseball cap for a casual look. A fedora or a newsboy cap can add a touch of sophistication to a semi-formal or formal occasion.
Just make sure that the accessory matches the color and style of your outfit.
8 Tips for Making a Short Man Bun Work
Short man buns are a popular hairstyle for men, but they can be challenging to style and manage. Here are some tips to make your short man bun look stylish and effortless:
1. Use Hair Clips
If you’re struggling to keep your shorter hair in a bun, try using hair clips to secure it in place. Simply twist your hair into a small bun and use clips to keep it in place.
2. Faking the Style
If your hair is too short to put into a bun, you can fake the style by using a hairpiece. These are available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find one that matches your hair color and texture.
3. Give it Time to Grow
If your hair is not yet long enough for a man bun, be patient and let it grow. Avoid cutting it too short and stick to regular trims to maintain a healthy length.
4. Keep it Neat
A short man bun looks best when it’s neat and tidy. Use a brush or comb to smooth down any stray hairs, and use hair gel or pomade to keep it in place.
5. Experiment with Different Styles
There are many different ways to style a short man bun, including a top knot, a messy bun, and a half-up, half-down style. Experiment with different styles until you find one that works for you.
6. Use the Right Products
Using the right hair products can make a big difference in the appearance of your man bun. Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy, and use styling products such as hair gel or pomade to keep your bun in place.
7. Take Care of Your Hair
Regularly washing and conditioning your hair is essential to keeping it healthy and strong. Limit the use of heat styling tools, such as hair dryers and curling irons, and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage your hair.
8. Embrace Your Unique Style
The man bun is a unique and daring style that is all about individuality. Embrace your unique style and don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks until you find the perfect short man bun for you.
Short Man Bun Dos and Don’ts
When it comes to achieving the perfect short man bun, there are certain dos and don’ts that you need to keep in mind:
Do: Start with clean, moisturized hair
Before styling your hair, make sure you’ve washed it recently to avoid any buildup that can make it look greasy. Use a hair oil to add moisture and shine to your strands.
Don’t: Attempt a man bun with hair that’s too short
It’s best to set a minimum length before attempting to tie a man bun. If your hair is too short, it’s likely that your bun won’t hold and you’ll just end up with a messy ponytail.
Do: Use a hair tie that’s gentle on your hair
Choose a hair tie that’s gentle on your hair to avoid any breakage or damage. Try a fabric hair tie or an elastic hair tie that’s specifically designed for use with a man bun.
Don’t: Make your bun too tight
While you want your man bun to be secure and hold in place, you also don’t want to make it too tight. This can cause tension headaches, and over time can lead to hair breakage or damage.
Do: Embrace imperfection
Your man bun doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, a slightly messy, relaxed bun can look effortlessly cool.
Don’t worry too much about getting all your strands perfectly in place.
Don’t: Neglect your hair care routine
Proper hair care is essential to achieving the best short man bun look. Make sure to use a shampoo and conditioner that are suited to your hair type, and don’t forget to trim your hair regularly to keep it healthy and free of split ends.
The Short Man Bun in Pop Culture
Over the years, the man bun has evolved into a popular hairstyle for many men. From celebrities to athletes, the man bun has been seen everywhere.
However, not all men prefer to have a full-length bun. In recent years, the short man bun has emerged as a trend in pop culture.
One example of the short man bun in pop culture is the character of Jon Snow from the hit TV series Game of Thrones. Jon Snow, played by Kit Harington, sported a short man bun throughout his time on the show, making the hairstyle even more popular amongst fans.
The short man bun has also been featured in films such as the 2018 blockbuster hit Crazy Rich Asians. The character Nick Young, played by Henry Golding, wore a neat and sophisticated short man bun, adding to his overall dapper look.
Social media platforms, like Instagram, have also helped popularize the short man bun. It’s not uncommon to see influencers and celebrities alike sporting the style on their accounts.
Whether on screen or off, the short man bun has proven to be a stylish and versatile option for men who want to experiment with their hair. With variations such as the top knot or messy man bun, there is a short man bun style for every occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a short man bun?
How long should the hair be for a short man bun?
Can men with thin hair have a short man bun?
What is the difference between a full man bun and a short man bun?
What are some popular styles for a short man bun?
The Science of Short Man Buns
Short man buns have become a cultural icon for modern men. They represent something daring and different, a transgression against the convention.
The rise in popularity for man buns can be attributed to a variety of reasons.
Men’s Grooming Trends
Short neat hair has been a trend for men ever since the TV show ‘Mad Men’ brought it back. However, short hair has become too conventional, and a man bun offers a trendier option for men to stand out in the crowd.
Semiotics
Symbolically, man buns can represent masculinity and confidence. Long hair, popular in the 60s and 70s, was a symbol of defiance against the system.
The short man bun represents something contemporary, bold, and unapologetic.
The Upkeep of Styling
Men’s hairstyles require maintenance to keep it looking neat and tidy. A man bun requires less work and styling than other trendy hairstyles such as the pompadour or slick fade.
Hairstyle By Face Shape
Man buns can complement face shapes, especially for men with square or round faces. Short man buns are versatile and can suit different head shapes and hairstyles, making them favorable for men who want to revamp their look.
Preparation for Short Man Buns
Before styling a short man bun, prepare the hair for the best results. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Oil
Apply hair oil to moisturize and add shine to dry strands
Step 2: Shampoo
Cleanse the hair with shampoo, but be mindful of drying the hair out as this can cause damage
Step 3: Conditioner
After shampooing, use a conditioner to keep hair strands hydrated and nourished
Step 4: Mask
A hair mask can be used once per week for a deeper treatment that helps repair and protect hair from damage
Step 5: Brush
Using a brush, detangle the hair gently to avoid breakage or damage
Step 6: Prime
Use a heat protectant before styling to prevent hair from being damaged by heat tools
Man Bun Varieties
Short man buns come in different styles, and men can choose depending on their preference and lifestyle. Here are some examples:
Top Knot
A classic man bun, the top knot involves tying the hair in a knot on the crown of the head
Baby Man Bun
This style is for men with shorter strands, where a small bun is tied on the crown of the head
Curly Man Bun
Men with curly hair can tie their hair in a bun and let the curls add volume and texture to the style
Hun Man Bun
This style involves hair pulled back from the forehead and gives a more edgy look
Messy Man Bun
A relaxed style with hair left loose to create a soft undone look
Dreadlock Man Bun
Men with dreads can tie the hair in a bun and achieve a stylish and relaxed look
Braided Man Bun
This hairstyle involves braiding hair before tying it in a bun, a great option for men with long hair that tends to fall loose
