Man and the bun

Shah Rukh Khan, Shahid Kapoor and Farhan Akthar have carried off the dapper hairstyle with élan and the top knot has now become an acceptable hairstyle and is often paired with a beard. The hair is scraped straight back from the forehead and tied into a little bun just below the crown with the rest left hanging loose. Of course, there are twists to the style and a man bun is best suited for men with long, thick and wavy hair. Male models, dancers, choreographers and film personalities seem to favour this look for the casual feel it provides.

Sachin Kademada, a Bengalaru-based model, is a fan of this look and has sported it on numerous occasions. He wanted to grow his hair since his school days but it was only possible after he enrolled for a professional course.

He says, “It has been four years since I have cut my hair and I like to wear my hair in a bun; in fact, I got modeling offers because of this look. Maintaining long tresses is difficult because it needs to be oiled regularly and conditioned and in summers, I need to take special care and use shikakai.”

Confidence is a major factor as far as carrying off a man bun is concerned as Mumbai-based model and actor Rahul Dev points out. “I think the man bun is a cool look; women are taking something from men and men are taking something from women, so it’s all good! I have never sported the style though my brother is a huge fan of the man bun. Anything

that suits you, be it long or short hair, is good and I am against the whole male-female distinction. Be it clothes, hair, accessories — in the end it is about pulling it off. It is about your personality and confidence levels; you can carry off anything with panache and with style if you have the personality for it.”

Actor Sajid Yahiya loves experimenting with his thick hair and the man bun is a favourite. He says, “I got inspired seeing the man bun featured in magazines and since I have a pointed face, I thought the look suits me! Thick and long hair is required to achieve that perfect bun and most of my friends compliment me for the look. I find it to be very comfortable and easy to maintain and I use a black rubber band to complete the look.”

So what does renowned hair expert Ambika Pillai think of the man bun? She says, “I think it’s a cool look. If women can tie their hair back so can the men.” Does it harm the hair? “Only if it is pulled too tightly for a long period of time, the hairline starts to recede.”