The Best Man Bun Fade Styles for Every Hair Type & Face Shape

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Plus, learn how to style and maintain your man bun at home
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The man bun fade is a modern haircut that’s super versatile and low maintenance, so if you’ve been wanting to switch up your style, look no further! In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the man bun fade, plus provide a variety of man bun fade styles to suit your face shape and hair type. We also spoke with professional hair stylists Jenny Tran and Jamie Bushman for styling and maintenance tips so your man bun always looks great.

Top Man Bun Fade Styles

Ask for a man bun fade with an undercut if you want a hairstyle that works for casual and professional settings. For a bold and dramatic look, opt for a man bun fade with a drop fade, a man bun fade with a skin fade, or a man bun fade with a hard part. For a subtle look, go for a man bun with a low or extra-long fade.

Section 1 of 6:

What is a man bun fade?

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  1. The long hair on top is 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. [1] It’s a sharp, stylish, and versatile style that’s perfect if you want a mix of edginess and sophistication.
    • 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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Section 2 of 6:

Popular Man Bun Fade Variations

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  1. For a subtle and sophisticated look, ask your barber for a low fade that blends seamlessly into the longer hair on top. Add sea salt spray for extra texture and hold. [2]
  2. To achieve this sharp style, ask your barber to shave the sides and back of your head completely, leaving a little hair on top so you can tie into a man bun. Make sure they shave the line up and fade so it looks clean from all angles, and use a wax or pomade to keep your bun in tip-top shape.
  3. 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. Ask for a low, medium, or high fade, depending on how much skin you want to show.
  4. For a clean yet rugged look, ask your barber to start your fade near your temples (or slightly above), then have it “drop” or curve as it moves towards the back of your head. Have them leave enough hair on top so you can tie it into a bun and clean up the hairline so it looks extra sharp.
  5. 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.
  6. To elevate the classic man bun, ask your barber to shave a sharp line between your man bun and your fade, separating the area into 2 distinct sections. Keep your flyaways in place with a small bit of clay , wax, or pomade.
  7. If you want a contemporary look that works for both casual and professional settings, opt for the undercut version of the man bun. Ask your barber to closely shave the sides and back of your head, and sweep back the longer hair on top and secure it into a bun. [3]
  8. This sleek style is perfect if you want to rock the man bun fade at work or another formal setting. Just warm up a pea-sized amount of high-shine pomade through the hair on top, then slick it back into a polished bun. [4]
  9. 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. Finish off with texturizing spray to enhance the messiness. [5]
  10. If you have curly or kinky hair, braid cornrows along your scalp, leading up to your bun. Wear a satin head scarf or durag at night to protect your hair and prevent frizz. [6]
  11. If you’re feeling “a little experimental and adventurous with [your] hair,” Bushman recommends adding a “two or three-stranded braid” to your man bun. Just braid your hair along your scalp, leading up to where your bun sits, making sure not to pull your hair too tight so you’re comfortable.
  12. Ask your barber to give you dreadlocks (or do them yourself ), twisting your hair together and wrapping it into a bun. Have them position the bun at the crown of your head for a striking look, and moisturize your dreads with a leave-in conditioner every day. [7]
  13. If you have curly or textured hair, you can “divide [your] hair into three buns, like a mohawk,” says Bushman. Just fold your hair over and secure the buns into place with a hair tie to create a fun mohawk shape.
  14. To bring your man bun to life, add highlights to the longer hair on top. Stick with highlights that are one to two shades lighter than your natural hair color to create the illusion of thicker, shinier hair.
  15. Whether you go for a simple heart (à la Drake) or 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.
  16. This combo is perfect for different beard lengths, whether you’re working with stubble or a full, shaped beard. For a clean look, you can ask your barber to connect the fade with your beard naturally. For a bolder look, ask them to disconnect the fade from your beard. [8]
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Section 3 of 6:

How to Ask for the Man Bun Fade

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  1. 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. [9]
    • Keep in mind that you need at least 6 inches (15 cm) of hair on top to tie a proper man bun. [10]
    • 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!
Section 4 of 6:

What face shapes and hair types are best for a man bun?

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  1. The man bun is especially flattering if you have an oval face because it means you can handle a lot of volume on top. It also works well if you have a square face shape, since it’ll add some roundness and help relax the angles of the face. [11] Just determine your face shape and pick one of the styles below, or ask your barber what would look best with your hair texture, length, and facial features.
    • Oval: Any type of man bun fade will look great on you, but try asking for a high or drop fade for a sharper look. If you want something more natural, stick to a low or taper fade.
    • Square: To soften up your features, request a low or mid fade with a slightly messy man bun. Adding a full beard can also balance out your strong jawline.
    • Round: Since your features are softer, stick with a high fade to add more definition and length to your face. Ask your barber to keep the sides tight to give the illusion of a chiseled jawline.
    • Heart: Request a drop fade to balance out your narrow chin. If possible, grow out a beard and have your barber taper and blend it out—it’ll help fill out the lower part of your face.
    • Diamond: Go for a mid-fade man bun to highlight your cheekbones, without making your face look too harsh or angular. Tie up your hair into a loose, messy bun to help soften your features.
    • Oblong: To balance out the proportions of your face, ask for a low or tapered fade with a loose man bun. This will keep the width on the sides, preventing your face from looking even longer.
  2. That said, it's best if you have medium to thick hair that easily holds its shape and is long enough to be tied up. [12] 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.
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Section 5 of 6:

How to Style & Maintain the Man Bun Fade

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  1. 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). [13]
    • If you have curly or textured hair, use a wide-tooth comb to brush your hair and prevent frizz.
  2. 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. [14]
    • If you want a messier look, feel free to skip this step and let some strands stick out.
  3. To maintain the health of your hair, invest in shampoo and conditioner that’s specially formulated for your hair type. 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.
  4. To keep your fade looking fresh, 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. [15]
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Section 6 of 6:

How can you grow out your hair for a man bun?

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  1. To grow your hair quickly , keep it hydrated. Massage your scalp for a few minutes every day and condition your hair with diluted essential oils: add 2 to 3 drops of rosemary , lavender , peppermint , tea tree , or thyme essential oil in a carrier oil, such as grapeseed , jojoba , or olive oil . Add the mixture to your hair like a conditioner, then leave it in for 30 minutes before rinsing. [16]
    • Make sure to eat at least 45 grams (1.6 oz) of protein per day, leafy greens, beans, whole grains, and seafood to promote healthy hair growth. [17]

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.schwarzkopf.com/article-overview/hairstyling/man-buns.html
      2. ↑ https://mendeserve.com/blogs/hair/best-low-fade-haircut-for-men
      3. ↑ https://www.thefashionisto.com/man-bun-hairstyles/
      4. ↑ https://www.thefashionisto.com/man-bun-hairstyles/
      5. ↑ https://www.thefashionisto.com/man-bun-hairstyles/
      6. ↑ https://www.thefashionisto.com/man-bun-hairstyles/
      7. ↑ https://www.thefashionisto.com/man-bun-hairstyles/
      8. ↑ https://www.schwarzkopf.com/article-overview/hairstyling/man-buns.html
      9. ↑ https://www.schwarzkopf.com/article-overview/hairstyling/man-buns.html
      1. ↑ https://haircutinspiration.com/man-bun-hairstyle/
      2. ↑ https://goodmansbarberlounge.com/blog/mens-hairstyles-by-face-shape/
      3. ↑ https://mendeserve.com/blogs/hair/trending-hairstyles-for-men-in-2024?srsltid=AfmBOor8EI8RyVvWaGTyTPxyS8h_zulux0ixnEQrrGB7noTUOAoK4FIt
      4. ↑ https://www.schwarzkopf.com/article-overview/hairstyling/man-buns.html
      5. ↑ https://www.schwarzkopf.com/article-overview/hairstyling/man-buns.html
      6. ↑ https://www.themailroombarberco.com/en-nl/blogs/blog/how-often-should-i-get-a-haircut-at-the-barbershop
      7. ↑ https://www.shape.com/essential-oils-hair-growth-7092270
      8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/get-radiant-hair-skin-and-nails-naturally

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