Tutorial: How to Get a Man Braid in 6 Easy Steps
Calling all man bun lovers! It's time to test out a new trend this year.
Move over, man bun! It’s time for the man braid to have its moment. Seriously, give the top knot a break for just a second. We know, it’s so cool and easy and may just be your signature style, but you can always go back. Trust us, you’re bound to earn extra cool points for adding a little more effort to your hairstyle. How many guys can say they know how to braid? Ah, didn’t think so! But if you don’t, fret not, we’ve got your back. Here’s how to create this neat hairstyle.
How to Create a Man Braid
Ready to try out a man braid on your own hair? Check out this step-by-step tutorial and learn how to start wearing a man braid.
Start clean.
To get your freshest man bun yet, begin your hairstyle with clean hair. Try using a hair care system that leaves your hair thick and full looking, like Dove Men + Care Thick & Strong Fortifying Shampoo + Conditioner. You want a cool braid, right? It all begins with the condition of your hair.
Apply styler.
Apply pomade or paste, like SheaMoisture Men Argan Oil & Shea Butter Waves Pomade that allows you to sculpt and reshape your hair while adding a lightweight hold. Rake the product through with your hands.
Mold middle section.
Mold hair as if you were creating a high pompadour. This is where you will be creating your man braid.
Divide and braid.
Now to begin the braid! Divide hair into three even sections. After dividing your hair, cross the outer right strand of hair over the middle strand, then cross the left outer strand over the middle strand and repeat. Continue this stitch until you get to the ends of your hair. You can do this in your sleep!
How to Style Man Braid Hairstyles
Now that you’re an expert on the man braid, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Whether you try a high bun or want to show off a new hair color, there are so many ways you can start incorporating simple braids into your everyday style. Keep scrolling for all the man bun inspo you’ll need:
1. Accessorize
Take your braids up a notch by pulling that longer top layer up into a man bun. We love how braiding cuffs look scattered throughout braid on textured hair. This is a great way to spice up protective styles for men with tight curly and coily hair.
2. Try a Half Man Bun
Pull those braids back into a half-man bun for a casual yet trendy look. This half-updo style is also a perfect look for days when you want your hair out of your face, but don’t necessarily want to wear all of your hair up.
3. Go Lighter
Let loose and have fun with a new hair color. Take this as an excuse to lighten up your strands and try some shaggy blonde braids. If you have a darker skin tone, the blonde is a nice contrast against it.
4. Part Up
Grab the top section of your braids and pull them back into a part-up. This style is great for the hotter seasons when you want to keep your hair up and out of your face. For a deep cleanse before braiding your hair, use SheaMoisture Men Tea Tree Oil & Shea Butter Havana Hurrican 4-in-1 All-Over Wash.
5. Man Braid Messy Bun
It doesn’t get any easier than a messy bun. Throw your hair up into a bun and don’t stress about how it sits—the messier the better here! Pair your bun with a sleek beard to tie it all together. Style up your beard with SheaMoisture Men Maracuja Oil & Shea Butter Beard Balm for optimal styling.
6. High Ponytail
Give your look some height with a statement-making high ponytail. We love how the braids add texture to a classic updo.
7. High Bun
Alternatively, you can wrap your braids up into a high bun. This is a voluminous look that adds style, but it is still practical.
Whether you’re a braiding newbie or your just looking for new ways to style your braids, this is a look that works for so many people.
