The man bun hairstyle has become increasingly popular in recent years. This casual, yet stylish look involves pulling your hair up into a messy bun at the crown of your head. But to successfully pull off a man bun, there are some requirements when it comes to hair length. So how long should your hair be for a man bun?
What is a Man Bun?
A man bun is a casual hairstyle where a man’s hair is pulled up into a messy bun at the back of the head. The hair is loosely gathered and twisted before being secured with a hair tie or bun maker. Man buns are often paired with short sides and facial hair to create a relaxed, undone look.
Compared to a neatly coiffed top knot or slick ponytail, the man bun has a casual, lived-in vibe. It’s meant to look like you didn’t spend too much time perfecting it. The slightly undone texture adds flair and character to this hip hairstyle.
How Much Hair Length is Needed?
So how long should your locks be to create a man bun? As a general rule, your hair should be long enough to completely gather into a small ponytail. To estimate the ideal length:
- Grab all your hair like you’re putting it in a ponytail
- Without stretching or pulling, see how much hair reaches into your palm
- You want at least a few inches of hair hanging in your grip
Most experts recommend growing your hair out to at least 6 inches long, or around chin to shoulder length. This provides enough length to loosely twist up and securely fasten your man bun.
Minimum Man Bun Lengths
| Hair Type | Minimum Length |
|---|---|
| Straight, fine hair | 6 inches |
| Wavy, medium-thick hair | 7-8 inches |
| Very curly, thick hair | 10+ inches |
As you can see, the curlier and thicker your hair type, the more length you’ll need to gather it into a bun. Guys with straight, fine strands can get away with a shorter style. But those with dense, coiled curls need extra inches for the same look.
How to Measure Your Man Bun Length
Not sure if your locks are long enough for a stylish man bun? Here are two easy ways to measure your current length:
1. Use a Soft Measuring Tape
A soft fabric measuring tape works better than a rigid ruler for measuring hair length. Here’s how to do it:
- Comb your hair smooth and use clips to section it if needed.
- Choose the back crown area as your measurement spot.
- Run the tape from your crown down to the ends.
- Check the measurement to see if it falls within the recommended length for a man bun.
2. Wrap Hair in Your Hand
An easier option is to use your hand to check the length:
- Comb hair flat at the back and gather it together.
- Starting at the crown, wrap it around your palm and into your fingers.
- You want at least a few inches of hair hanging through your grip.
- If only a tiny tail is sticking out, your hair may still be too short.
Tips for Growing Out Your Hair
Ready to go for a man bun but need more length first? Here are some tips to grow your hair faster:
Get Regular Trims
It may seem counterintuitive, but getting a trim every 8-12 weeks can actually help you gain length quicker. Trims remove split ends and breakage so hair can grow longer between cuts.
Use Conditioner and Masks
Conditioner smooths and hydrates hair, making it less prone to snapping and damage. Using a weekly hair mask provides even deeper nourishment for stronger strands.
Be Gentle When Washing
Roughly scrubbing hair when shampooing can cause breakage. Massage shampoo gently into your scalp and avoid harshly brushing wet hair.
Protect Hair from Damage
Exposure to chlorine, UV rays, heat styling and chemical processing can all take a toll on your length. Use protective products and limit damaging exposures to keep hair in the best shape.
Check Your Health and Diet
Hormonal shifts, nutrient deficiencies and illnesses can sometimes affect growth. Eating a balanced diet, taking supplements if needed and keeping stress in check can help optimize hair health.
Maintenance Tips for Man Bun Styling
Once your hair is long enough for a top knot, you’ll need to take steps to keep it looking its best:
Shampoo Less Frequently
To avoid drying out long locks, cut back to shampooing just 1-2 times per week. Use a cleansing conditioner on non-shampoo days.
Let Hair Air Dry
Limit use of hot tools that can damage hair. Let your damp hair air dry instead to embrace your hair’s natural texture.
Sleep With a Loose Ponytail
Pull your hair up loosely before bed to avoid tangles that can lead to breakage while you sleep.
Use Protective Styling
Give your hair a break by wearing it down, braiding it, or covering it with a hat or scarf as needed.
Get Regular Trims
Even after you’ve reached your desired man bun length, stick with trims every 8-12 weeks for optimal hair health.
FAQs
Can you do a man bun with short hair?
It’s very difficult to get your hair into a bun if it’s shorter than 3-4 inches. Any shorter and there’s not enough length to gather and securely fasten.
How long does it take to grow a man bun?
From an average starting length, it takes roughly 1-2 years to achieve a medium to long style. Use growth tips to maximize your length gain during this time.
What length should my hair be to tie it up?
Your hair needs to be long enough to fit all of it into your palm, ideally with a few inches sticking through your grip. For most, this is around 6 inches or longer.
Can I hide short hair in a man bun?
You can fake a man bun look by using hair extensions clipped into your real hair. But your actual hair needs to be long enough to be pulled into a small tail.
Conclusion
A man bun offers a trendy, laidback look when your hair is swept up. To achieve this popular style, your locks generally need to measure around 6 inches or longer. But the ideal minimum length can vary based on your hair’s thickness and texture.
Measure your current mane to see if it falls within the recommended range. If you need more inches before styling, be patient and use hair growth tips to reach your man bun goal faster. With some time and TLC, you’ll be rocking this casual updo in no time!