Looking to switch up your man bun game? The man bun braid is a stylish and eye-catching way to elevate your look while keeping your long locks under control. This versatile style is perfect for any occasion, whether heading to the office, hitting the gym, or going out on the town.
You might be wondering: Is my hair long enough? How do I keep the braid from unraveling? What if I mess it up?
Don’t worry—in this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you exactly how to create a sleek and polished man bun braid, no matter your hair type or skill level.
We’ll cover everything from prepping your hair to securing the final look, plus some pro tips for personalizing the style.
By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge and confidence you need to rock this trendy look like a true fashion icon. Let’s get started!
Preparing Your Hair for a Man Bun Braid
Before diving into creating your man bun braid, it’s crucial to prep your hair for optimal styling and long-lasting results. Here are two key tips to keep in mind:
1. Start with “Day 2” Hair
- Styling your man bun braid is easier and more effective when your hair isn’t freshly washed.
- “Day 2” hair, or hair washed the day before, has more grip and texture, making it ideal for braiding and securing your bun.
- If you have fine or slippery hair, starting with “day 2” hair can make all the difference in achieving a polished, long-lasting style.
2. Detangle and Moisturize
- Always detangle your hair before styling to prevent breakage and ensure a smooth braiding process.
- Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently work out any knots or tangles, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.
- Moisturize your hair with a lightweight leave-in conditioner or oil to add slip and prevent frizz.
- Pay extra attention to the ends of your hair, as they tend to be the driest and most prone to damage.
These simple yet essential prep steps create the perfect foundation for your man bun braid, ensuring easier styling and a longer-lasting hold.
Basic Man Bun Tutorial
Ready to create your first man bun braid? Follow these step-by-step instructions for a simple, polished look that’s perfect for beginners:
Step 1: Gather Your Hair
- Start by pulling your hair back into a ponytail at the crown of your head, using your hands to smooth out any bumps or stray hairs.
- If you have layered hair or shorter pieces that tend to fall out, use a small amount of hair gel or pomade to slick them back and keep them in place.
Step 2: Secure the Ponytail
- Using a hair tie, secure your ponytail tightly at the base.
- For extra hold, try using a hair tie with a rubber grip or a small elastic band designed for braiding.
Step 3: Braid the Ponytail
- Divide your ponytail into three equal sections.
- Cross the right section over the middle section, then the left section over the new middle section. Repeat this pattern until you reach the end of your hair.
- Secure the end of the braid with another hair tie.
Step 4: Wrap and Secure the Bun
- Wrap the braided ponytail around the bun’s base, tucking the end under the hair tie.
- Use bobby pins to secure the bun, hiding the pins beneath the hair for a seamless look.
- For a stronger hold, mist your bun with a light-hold hairspray.
Styling a Messy Man Bun
The messy man bun braid is the perfect style if you’re looking for a more relaxed and effortless vibe. Here’s how to achieve this casual, textured look:
Step 1: Apply Sea Salt Spray
- Start with dry or slightly damp hair, depending on your preference.
- Spray a liberal amount of sea salt spray throughout your hair, focusing on the roots and mid-lengths.
- Use your fingers to scrunch your hair, encouraging natural waves and texture.
Step 2: Create a Loose Ponytail
- Gather your hair into a loose ponytail at the crown of your head, allowing some pieces to fall out around your face and neck.
- Secure the ponytail with a hair tie, but avoid pulling it too tight – the goal is to maintain a relaxed, undone appearance.
Step 3: Braid the Ponytail
- Divide your ponytail into three sections, just like you would for a basic braid.
- As you braid, gently tug on each section to loosen the braid and create a messier, more textured look.
- Continue braiding until you reach the end of your hair, then secure with a hair tie.
Step 4: Form the Bun
- Wrap the braided ponytail around the bun’s base, tucking the end under the hair tie.
- Instead of pinning the bun tightly, use just a few bobby pins to loosely secure it, allowing some pieces to stick out for a perfectly imperfect look.
Step 5: Finish with Sea Salt Spray
- For a final touch of texture and hold, mist your finished messy man bun braid with another layer of sea salt spray.
- Use your fingers to gently scrunch and style loose pieces around your face and neck.
With this easy guide, you can effortlessly rock a casually cool, messy man bun braid that looks like you just rolled out of bed – in the best way possible.
Twisted Man Bun for Extra Security
If you’re looking for a man bun braid that’s both secure and sophisticated, the twisted man bun is the perfect style for you. Here’s how to create this polished look:
Step 1: Create a Tight Ponytail
- Brush your hair back into a tight, smooth ponytail at the crown of your head.
- Make sure to eliminate any bumps or stray hairs for a sleek appearance.
- Secure the ponytail firmly with a hair tie.
Step 2: Split the Ponytail
- Divide your ponytail into two equal sections.
- Working with three or four sections may be easier if you have thicker hair.
Step 3: Twist the Sections
- Take the first section and twist it tightly clockwise, keeping the twist close to your head.
- Repeat the process with the second section, twisting it in the same direction.
- If you’re working with more than two sections, continue twisting each one in the same direction.
Step 4: Wrap the Twisted Sections
- Take the twisted sections and wrap them around the base of the ponytail, forming a bun shape.
- Tuck the ends of the twists under the bun, securing them with bobby pins.
- Make sure the pins are hidden beneath the hair for a seamless look.
Step 5: Secure and Set
- To ensure your twisted man bun stays put all day, mist it with a strong-hold hairspray.
- Use your fingers to smooth down any flyaways or frizz gently.
With this twisted man bun technique, you’ll have a secure, sophisticated style that looks great dressed up or down. The twists add extra interest and texture to your basic man bun braid, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Finishing Touches and Maintenance
Now that you’ve mastered creating a man bun braid, it’s time to focus on the finishing touches and maintenance tips to keep your style looking fresh all day long.
Finishing Touches
- After securing your man bun braid, take a moment to assess the overall shape and symmetry.
- If needed, gently tug on the braid or bun to loosen it slightly for a more relaxed appearance.
- Use a small amount of hair wax or pomade to smooth down any flyaways or frizz, especially around your hairline and the bun’s base.
- For a final touch of polish, mist your style with a light-hold hairspray.
Maintenance Tips
- To keep your man bun braid neat throughout the day, carry a few essential tools, such as a small comb, hair tie, and bobby pins.
- If you notice loose strands or flyaways, tuck them back into the braid or bun and secure them with a bobby pin.
- For a midday refresh, lightly mist your hair with water or sea salt spray to revive texture and hold.
- If your bun feels loose, gently tighten the hair tie or add more bobby pins to secure it.
Conclusion
In this step-by-step guide, we’ve explored the versatile and stylish world of man bun braid styles. From the basic man bun tutorial for beginners to more advanced techniques like the messy man bun and twisted man bun, you now have the knowledge and tools to rock this trendy hairstyle confidently.
We’ve covered essential tips for prepping your hair, creating different variations of the man bun braid, and maintaining the look throughout the day.
Whether you prefer a casual, textured appearance or a more secure and sophisticated style, a man bun braid will suit your preferences and needs.
Remember, mastering any new hairstyle takes patience, but with the skills and confidence you’ve gained from this guide, you’re ready to embrace the fashionable and functional man bun braid.
So rock your man bun with pride, knowing you can create a stylish and put-together look for any occasion.
