The man bun became a symbol of 2010s style, and the modern version is cleaner and more grown-up. The upgrade is the taper: a low taper fade around the ears and nape keeps the outline neat when your hair is tied up, so the bun looks polished rather than scruffy.
Quick Facts
| Hair length needed | About 6–8 inches minimum on top |
| Fade height | Low (taper under the bun line) |
| Bottom length | #0.5 to skin |
| Best hair types | Straight, wavy, curly, thick |
| Face shapes | Oval, square, diamond |
| Tools | Soft hair ties, wide-tooth comb |
Man Bun vs Top Knot
- Man bun: hair gathered and tied at the back of the head, at the crown or lower.
- Top knot: a smaller bun tied higher, at the top of the head, often with shorter sides.
Both work well with a low taper fade.
10 Best Low Taper Fade Man Bun Styles
1. Classic Man Bun
Hair tied at the crown with a clean taper underneath.
2. Top Knot
Bun tied high, often with a slightly higher taper.
3. Low Bun
Tied at the nape for a relaxed look.
4. Half-Up Bun
Only the top section tied; the rest falls loose. See long hair.
5. Messy Bun
Loosely tied with strands falling out. Casual.
6. Sleek Bun
Hair combed smooth before tying. Formal.
7. Curly Man Bun
Curls gathered into a voluminous bun. See curly hair.
8. Braided Bun
Cornrows or braids finishing in a bun. See braids.
9. Loc Bun
Locs tied into a bun. See dreads.
10. Man Bun with a Beard
The classic combination. See with beard.
How Long Does Hair Need to Be?
For a basic bun, your hair needs to reach the crown when pulled back from the front, usually around 6 to 8 inches on top. Curly hair needs more length because of shrinkage.
If you are growing from short hair, it can take 6 months to a year. A low taper during the growing stage keeps the sides neat while the top catches up.
How to Ask Your Barber
"I tie my hair in a bun. Please taper only underneath and around the ears, low, down to a half guard, so it looks clean when tied up. Don't take length off the top, just dust the ends."
How to Tie a Bun Without Damage
- Brush or finger-comb hair back.
- Gather at the desired height.
- Use a soft, snag-free hair tie, not a tight elastic band.
- Loop the hair once fully and then halfway on the last loop to create the bun.
- Avoid tying it in the same spot every day and avoid pulling too tight. Constant tension can cause breakage and hair loss at the hairline over time.
The Growing-Out Plan
Growing hair long enough for a bun is a commitment, and the middle months are the hardest. A plan helps:
| Months | Length (approx.) | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 | 2–3 in | Keep the low taper fresh; wear a textured crop or fringe |
| 3–6 | 3–5 in | Push hair back with cream; this is the awkward stage |
| 6–9 | 5–7 in | Half-up bun or small top knot may be possible |
| 9–12+ | 7+ in | Full man bun |
During this time, keep visiting your barber every 4–6 weeks, but only for the taper and a light dusting of the ends.
Man Bun Height Guide
- High (top knot): youthful, bold, shows more of the taper.
- Mid (crown): the classic position, balanced.
- Low (nape): relaxed, more formal, good for work.
Man Bun and Face Shape
Pulling hair back reveals the whole face. Oval, square and diamond faces suit it well. If you have a round face, a high top knot adds height and a beard adds definition. If you have a long face, a low bun works better than a high one.
Keeping Hair Healthy While Tied
- Alternate between buns and wearing your hair down.
- Avoid tying wet hair, which is weaker and stretches more.
- Use silk or snag-free ties.
- Condition regularly and trim the ends every 8–12 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the man bun still in style?
A clean, modern man bun with a low taper fade still looks great, particularly with a beard.
How long until I can tie a man bun?
Usually 6 to 12 months from short hair, depending on growth speed and hair type.
Does tying hair cause hair loss?
Frequently tying hair very tightly can, over time, cause traction alopecia. Use soft ties and vary the position.
Should the taper be visible with a man bun?
Yes, when hair is tied up. That's the point: it makes the look neat.
