First, get your mind out of the gutter. This article isn’t what you think it’s about. We’re talking about hair.
Perhaps one of the most common hairstyles of all, the bun has been on the rise in the world of men’s fashion and style.
In the past few months, the man bun has evolved and become bigger than its past self. Some men wear it with a beard, while others sport a clean-shaven look.
What has historically been seen as a “women’s” hairstyle is just as suited for men, wearers say. The French-named “chignon” is just as flattering on Harry as it is on Mary, only now it is increasingly recognized as an acceptable style for guys.
Jared Leto, with his ombre-hued locks, and Russell Brand’s thick curls may be two of the most famous man buns right now, but APU is home to many diverse, unique and trend-setting man buns as well.
Scott Kolmer, the residence director for Smith Hall is admittedly enthusiastic about the man bun.
Smith Hall RD Scott Kolmer and his mund. Photo credit: Jasmine Rodgers
Dressed in a salmon button-down, short-sleeved shirt, Kolmer’s blue eyes, half-beard and calm personality blend well with the blondish chestnut tresses that make up his neatly wrapped man bun.
Junior Communication Studies major Ryan Fackler and his mund. Photo credit: Jasmine Rodgers
Ryan Fackler is a junior communications studies major who’s fairly new to the man bun style. His youthful, kind face and sky-blue eyes contrast nicely with his loosely wrapped, chestnut man bun.
In an interview with the two APU man bun wearers, they answer a few questions about their man buns and what makes their hairstyles unique to them.
Q: How long have you been wearing your hair in a bun?
Scott Kolmer: I’ve been growing my hair out for a little over two years. I’d say it’s been about a year that I’ve been rocking the man bun consistently.
Ryan Fackler: About eight months. I did it because the RAs in Smith Hall all started wearing their hair long. They had a campaign for it with the slogan #longhairdontcare.
Q: Do you always wear it in a bun or do you alternate between wearing it up and down?
SK: Early in my bun days, I only wore it up on what I like to call “Monday Bunday,” so every Monday. But this year just about every day has become a bun day. I try to wear it down occasionally just to mix it up, but I’d say I’m pretty committed to the bun life.
RF: I alternate. I like wearing hats, so sometimes I wear it down.
Q: What made you start wearing your hair in a bun?
SK: Once my hair was long enough, I needed a way to wear it up and keep it out of my face. I’m not really a fan of ponytails, so the bun seemed to be ideal. I tried it out, and the rest is history.
RF: It just makes sense, especially when I’m getting ready in the morning.
Q: What does your bun say about you? Is it a reflection of your personal style, or is it just for convenience?
SK: I like to think that my man bun says: “Hey world, it’s Scott. You should be my friend. I like exquisite snacks and blocks of cheese. I legally changed my middle name to ‘Adventure.’ And I’m super-mysterious.” Or something like that. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t convenient, but I also think the man bun has become my signature style.
RF: Sometimes it goes with different outfits, but for the most part, it’s just convenient.
Q: Do you think buns are a “women’s” hairstyle, or is this a false assumption?
SK: I think some people might feel that buns are primarily for women, but recently the man bun has become such a trend that I think it’s been normalized for us guys.
RF: I think it’s a false assumption. It’s universal – anyone can wear them.
Q: Do you think “man buns” are a trend or are they here to stay?
SK: I know that man buns are totally a current trend, and I recognize that most trends fade over time. So who knows, they could be considered lame any day now. But for me, as long as I have long hair, the bun is here to stay! #manbun4lyfe
RF: Man buns are here to stay. I’m now seeing that even guys with short hair are wearing them.
Whether or not the man bun just another fashion trend or the “new black,” psychology major and transfer student Noel Thompson feels that the quality of man bun depends on the guy. When it comes to her preference for man buns, she believes that they shouldn’t be overshadowed by hefty beards.
“The clean-shaven look with a man bun is best. It looks like there’s too much going on if you have both,” Thompson said.
Next time you’re walking around campus, seek out a mund! They’re something you must experience at least once in your life.