What is a man bun fade?
The man bun fade combines a man bun with a fade haircut. The hair on top is grown long and tied into a man bun, while the sides and back are faded, meaning the hair gradually tapers from short to skin level as it reaches the hairline and neck. This creates a sharp, stylish and versatile look that’s perfect for guys who want a mix of edginess and sophistication.
How to Ask for the Man Bun Fade
Request a low or mid fade, leaving enough hair on top to tie a bun. To get the man bun fade, ask your barber for a fade on the sides and back, where the hair gradually gets shorter as it goes up your head. Tell them to keep the top section of hair long enough to pull into a man bun, and ask them to define your hairline and sharpen the lines around your ears for a fresh look. Keep in mind that you need at least 6 inches (15 cm) of hair on top to tie a proper man bun. Show your barber reference photos of man bun fades that have the top hair length, fade graduation, and styling you like. The key to a flattering haircut is to be clear about what you want!
How to Style & Maintain the Man Bun Fade
Gather the hair at the crown and tie it into a bun. Brush the hair on top to get rid of any knots or tangles, then slip a hair tie over your dominant wrist. Slide your thumbs back through your hair, gathering it at the crown (or slightly lower) to form a ponytail. Wrap the hair tie around the ponytail 1 to 2 times, then twist the tie and pull the ponytail halfway through the tie (so some of the ends of your hair stick out below the bun). If you have curly or textured hair, use a wide-tooth comb to brush your hair and prevent frizz.
Apply pomade or hair wax for a sleek finish. To flatten any flyaways or loose hairs, warm up a pea-sized amount of lightweight pomade or hair wax between your fingertips, then carefully smooth it over the front and sides of your hair, as well as the area underneath your bun. Alternatively, use a leave-in conditioner to add a slight sheen to your hair. If you want a messier look, feel free to skip this step and let some strands stick out.
Use shampoo and conditioner that matches your hair type. To maintain the health of your hair, invest in shampoo and conditioner that’s specially formulated for your hair type. Professional hair stylist Jenny Tran recommends “rinsing [your hair] with warm water to open up the hair cuticle…then rinsing with cool water to seal in hydration.” Your hair will be fuller, making it easier to tie a man bun. For straight hair, use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner to minimize frizz and add extra shine. For wavy, curly, or textured hair, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to hydrate your strands and minimize heat damage.
Touch-up your fade every 2 to 3 weeks. To keep your fade looking fresh, you’ll need to visit your barber every 2 to 3 weeks for a touch up. Have them trim the hair on top every 8 to 10 weeks to get rid of any dead ends and maintain the style. If your hair grows faster, you might have to go in every 6 to 8 weeks. You can always teach yourself how to fade the sides or trim split ends at home.
Variations of the Man Bun Fade
Sleek man bun fade If you want to rock the man bun fade at work or another formal setting, this sleek and sophisticated style is just for you! Just warm up a pea-sized amount of high-shine pomade through the hair on top, then slick it back into a polished bun.
Messy man bun fade For a cool and effortless look, gather the hair at the top of your head and tie it into a loose bun. Let some strands fall naturally, or pull out one or two strands at the front strategically (à la Zayn Malik). Finish off with texturizing spray to enhance the messiness.
Man bun with a low fade For a subtle and sophisticated look, ask your barber for a low fade that blends seamlessly into the longer hair on top. You can add sea salt spray for extra texture and hold.
Man bun with a skin fade This crisp style involves shaving the sides and back completely, leaving a little hair on top to tie into a man bun. Since the line up and fade is so sharp, it draws extra attention to the hair on top, so be sure to shave all the angles nicely and use a pomade or wax to keep your bun in tip-top shape.
Man bun with a taper fade This fade starts low on the neck and gradually elongates into the top for a more natural look, making it a great option if you want a low-maintenance style. You can ask for a low, medium, or high fade, depending on how much skin you want to show.
Man bun with an extra long fade If you’re looking for a more wearable man bun, ask your barber to give you a longer fade so the contrast between the sides and the hair on top isn’t so sharp. This creates a more balanced and formal look that works for any occasion.
Man bun fade with a hard part Elevate the classic man bun with a strong and edgy hard part. Just ask your barber to shave a sharp line between your man bun and your fade, separating the area into 2 distinct sections, and keep your flyaways in place with a small bit of clay, wax, or pomade.
Man bun fade with an undercut If you want a contemporary look, opt for the undercut version of the man bun. The sides and back are closely shaved, while the longer hair on top is swept back and secured into a bun. It’s a short and sleek hairstyle that works for casual and professional settings.
Man bun fade with cornrows This hairstyle is perfect for those with thick or curly hair, since it contains the hair neatly. Just add tight braids or cornrows along your scalp, leading up to where your bun is, and wear a satin head scarf or durag at night to prevent frizz. EXPERT TIP Jamie Bushman Jamie Bushman Master Hair Stylist Jamie Bushman is a Master Hair Stylist and the Owner of The Circle Salon, an eco-friendly salon in Chicago, Illinois. With over 22 years of experience, she specializes in cutting hair, styling hair, coloring hair, hair care, waxing, and makeup. Jamie has been featured in multiple publications such as Allure and Elle, and her salon has been recognized as one of Salon Today’s Top 200 Salons. Jamie received her cosmetology training at The Aveda Institute Minneapolis. Jamie Bushman Jamie Bushman Master Hair Stylist Add a two or three-stranded braid to your man bun. If you’re feeling a little experimental and adventurous with your hair, adding a simple braid is a quick and easy way to spice up your man bun.
Man bun fade with highlights To bring your man bun to life, add highlights on the hair on top that are one to two shades lighter than your natural hair color. Highlights can make your hair look thicker, shinier, and healthier overall, adding more dimension to your ‘do. It also requires less maintenance than if you were to dye your hair completely, making it the perfect option for those who don’t want to visit the salon often.
Man bun with fade designs Whether you opt for a simple heart à la Drake or go for a more intricate pattern, ask your barber to shave fun shapes or designs into the sides of your head (below your man bun). It’s a great way to add a personal touch to your hairstyle and ensure you have a truly unique look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hair type works best with a man bun? A man bun works best with medium to thick hair that easily holds its shape and is long enough to be tied up. This includes straight, wavy, curly and textured hair. However, you can always use different texturizing products to pull off the look if you have super fine or silky hair. If your hair is fine or silky, apply sea salt spray or texturizing paste to the hair on top to create a full bun that stays in place.
What face shapes look best with a man bun? The man bun is especially flattering on people who have oval faces because they can handle a lot of volume on top. It also suits square faces by adding some roundness, helping relax the angles of the face. After you determine your face shape, talk to your barber to determine if a man bun would look good on you—they can offer advice on what works well with your hair texture, length, and facial features. Men with small, oblong, or diamond-shaped faces should consider other hairstyles. A man bun may draw attention to all the wrong places.
How can you grow out your hair for a man bun? To grow your hair quickly, massage your scalp for a few minutes every day, and condition your hair with rosemary, lavender, peppermint, tea tree, or thyme essential oil diluted in carrier oil. You should also make sure you’re eating at least 45 grams (1.6 oz) of protein per day, leafy greens, beans, whole grains, and seafood to promote healthy hair growth.
What celebrities have sported the man bun? Celebs like Jared Leto, Harry Styles, Jason Derulo, Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Hemsworth, Bradley Cooper, Brad Pitt, Kit Harington, Colin Farrell, Gavin Rossdale, Jason Momoa, Orlando Bloom, David Beckham, Erling Haaland, and Gareth Bale have rocked different variations of the man bun.
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