How to Do a Samurai Bun: 4 Easy Hairstyles For Men

Download Article

Choose the perfect samurai hairdo with our simple tutorial

Co-authored by Dan Hickey Reviewed by Jamie Bushman

Last Updated: November 26, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Half-Up/Half-Down Bun
|
• Top Knot Bun
|
• Braided Knot
|
• Full Ponytail
|
• Video
|
• Tips

|Show more |Show less

The samurai hairstyle is a variation of the popular man bun, inspired by the skilled, fearsome warriors from Japan. Getting the look just takes a few simple steps—all you need is hair that’s long enough to tie into a ponytail. In this article, we’ll show you how to achieve a simple samurai bun and samurai ponytail (perfect for guys with long hair all around), as well as a samurai-inspired top knot and braided top knot (great for fellas with an undercut or fade with long hair on top). Keep scrolling to perfect your new ‘do!

Samurai Bun: Visual Guide

1. Brush and detangle your hair, then slide a hair tie onto your dominant wrist.
2. Gather your hair into a half-up, half-down ponytail.
3. Secure the ponytail with the hair tie.
4. Pull the ponytail only halfway through the hair tie on the last wrap.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Doing a Simple Samurai Hairstyle

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Start with hair that’s long enough to pull into a ponytail. This style is meant for those whose hair is the same length all around. It may not work as well for undercuts or fades. Ideally, your hair should be long enough to gather back into a ponytail, about 8 inches (20 cm).

   • If you have an undercut but also have hair that is about shoulder length, you should be able to make the ponytail. However, your hair will not look as full if you choose to do a half-up, half-down look since your hair isn't as thick.
2. 
   2
   Brush or comb your hair, then slip a hair tie onto your dominant wrist. Keep brushing until you get rid of any knots or tangles. If you have very curly hair, it might be a good idea to use a wide-toothed comb; this will prevent frizz.

   • Then, slide a hair tie that matches your hair color into your dominant wrist. (Having a hair tie around your wrist now will make things easier later on.)
   Advertisement
3. 
   3
   Gather your hair into a half-up, half-down ponytail. Slide your thumbs back through your hair, starting at your temples. When you reach the back of your crown, pull the hair you gathered into a ponytail. Position the ponytail on the back of your crown, right where your skull starts to curve downwards.

   • Most samurai-style buns are small and compact. If you have extra-long or thick hair, angle your thumbs slightly upward as you gather your hair to leave more hanging down in the back.
   • For an anime style, leave the hair in front of your ears loose to act as bangs.
4. 
   4
   Wrap the hair tie around your ponytail a few times. Hold the ponytail in the hand that has the hair tie on it. Use your other hand to pull the hair tie off your wrist and onto the ponytail. Wrap the hair tie around the ponytail a few times.
5. 
   5
   Pull the ponytail halfway through the hair tie on the last wrap. When you reach the last wrap with your hair tie, pull the ponytail only halfway through instead of all the way. This creates a small, looped bun that’s held in place by the hair tie, with the half-down section of your hair flowing underneath—the classic samurai look!

   • For an anime style, pull the ponytail all the way through, then backcomb it to add volume.
6. 
   6
   Set the style, if needed. Smooth down any flyaways with your hands. If you need to, lightly mist your hair with hairspray. This style lends itself well to the messy, rugged look, so this is entirely up to you.

   • If you did an anime-style bun, add a side part to the loose hair at the front of your head. If you have curly hair, flat-iron it straight. Make sure to use a heat protectant spray before you apply the heat.
   

   Stephen Turnbull, Samurai Historian and Japanese Culture Expert

   When crafting samurai hairstyles, the warrior code of bushido called for simplicity and elegance befitting the dignified classes. The traditional chonmage topknot tied back long hair securely for battle while displaying status, though some opted for the modest ronin style with the hair falling naturally. Whichever look you choose, take care not to pull excessively tight when styling to avoid damaging the hair and scalp.
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Doing a Samurai Top Knot Hairstyle

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Start with an undercut or fade. This is where your hair is long at the top of your head, and trimmed short on the sides. At a minimum, the hair on the top of your head needs to be long enough to reach your nose when pulled forward.

   • Keeping longer hair on the sides can soften the look, while a true undercut or fade makes the hairstyle seem harder and edgier.
2. 
   2
   Blow-dry your hair for extra volume. Get your hair damp first (or take a shower), then blow-dry it, pulling it upward and away from the part. If you have very thick or curly hair, however, consider blow-drying it straight instead. This will make it easier to manage for this style; your hair should already be thick enough to begin with.
3. 
   3
   Apply a styling wax or pomade. Rub the product between your palms first to warm it up, then apply it evenly to the top (long) portion of your hair. If you have thick or curly hair, consider a hydrating or moisturizing cream instead.

   • Choose a wax or pomade with at least medium-strength hold. Check the product to see how shiny or matte it will make your hair—choose whichever look you prefer!
4. 
   4
   Brush your hair back with a fine-toothed comb. Use the comb to smooth your hair down as much as possible. Keep your hair between the two parts created by the fade/undercut.

   • Alternatively, you could use a bristle brush to smooth down your hair.
5. 
   5
   Gather your hair into a ponytail at the crown of your head. Slip a hair tie over your dominant wrist first. Gather your hair into a ponytail with that hand. Use your free hand to slide the hair tie off your wrist and onto the ponytail.
6. 
   6
   Twist the ponytail into a looped bun. Wrap the hair tie a few times around the ponytail. On the last wrap, pull the ponytail only halfway through the hair tie instead of all the way. This will create the looped bun.
7. 
   7
   Touch your hair up, as needed. Use your hands to smooth the hair at the top of your head back. If you see any flyaways, lightly mist them with hairspray first, then smooth them down.
Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Doing a Braided Samurai Hairstyle

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Begin with an undercut or fade. This is where the hair at your crown (brow-level and up) is left long, and everything below is trimmed short. The hair at the top of your head should be long enough to pull back into a ponytail.
2. 
   2
   Prep your hair for braiding. Brush or comb through your hair to remove any knots or tangles. Lightly mist it with water or a moisturizing spray. Next, apply a hydrating cream meant for braiding cornrows.
3. 
   3
   Part your hair down the center. Do this with the handle of a rat-tail comb to ensure a clean, neat part. Comb the left side of your hair over to the left, and the right side to the right.

   • Twist and clip one of the sides out of the way. This will make it easier to braid your hair.
4. 
   4
   Begin a regular braid. Choose a side to start on. Gather a thin section of hair from your hairline. Split it into three equal strands. Cross the outer strand under the middle one, then cross the inner strand under the middle one.

   • Make sure that you are crossing the strands under the middle one, not over.
   • If you don't know how to braid your hair, ask for assistance.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Jamie Bushman

   Master Hair Stylist

   Jamie Bushman is a Master Hair Stylist and the Owner of The Circle Salon, an eco-friendly salon in Chicago, Illinois. With over 22 years of experience, she specializes in cutting hair, styling hair, coloring hair, hair care, waxing, and makeup. Jamie has been featured in multiple publications such as Allure and Elle, and her salon has been recognized as one of Salon Today’s Top 200 Salons. Jamie received her cosmetology training at The Aveda Institute Minneapolis.

   

   Jamie Bushman
   Master Hair Stylist

   Braids make a bun more interesting. And they really don’t have to be perfect. A lot of people can learn to do a 2-strand or 3-strand braid—it doesn’t have to be hard.
5. 
   5
   Add some hair to the outer strand. Gather the hair from the side part, right where your fade begins. Add the hair to the outer strand. The outer strand should be about twice as thick as before.
6. 
   6
   Cross the outer strand under the middle one. Be sure to include the hair you gathered into it. This is the first stitch on your “Dutch” braid.
7. 
   7
   Repeat the process for the inner strand. Gather some hair from the center part. Add it to the inner strand, then cross the inner strand under the middle one.
8. 
   8
   Continue Dutch braiding until you run out of hair. Keep adding hair to the outer and inner strands before crossing them under the middle one. When you run out of hair to add into the braid, tie the hair off into a ponytail.

   • Keep the Dutch braid between the two parts. As you reach the back of your crown, angle it towards the middle part.
9. 
   9
   Repeat the process on the other side of your head. Unclip the bun from before. Split the hair at your hairline into three strands. Braid for two stitches, then Dutch braid until you reach the back.
10. 
    10
    Gather your hair into a looped bun. Undo the first braided ponytail you did, but don't let the braid unravel. Gather all your long hair into a ponytail. Wrap a hair tie around it a few times. On the last wrap, pull your ponytail halfway through, making a looped bun.
11. 
    11
    Finish off the style, as needed. Avoid using hairspray, as this can dry out your scalp. A better idea would be to apply a moisturizing cream to your hairline and part. This will keep your scalp moisturized while your hair is in this style.
Advertisement

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Doing a Full Samurai Ponytail

Download Article

1. 1
   Apply dry shampoo or styling wax through your hair, then comb it back. The dry shampoo or wax will give your hair some texture and hold, making it easier to style your hair. Then, comb your hair backward to get rid of any knots and tangles.

   • For the best results, it’s good to have hair that hangs about as low as your chin when you flip it forward over your face.
2. 2
   Gather your hair into a ponytail at the crown of your head. The biggest difference between a regular ponytail and a samurai ponytail is the placement. Samurai ponytails are higher up on the head, near the crown. This reflects the traditional practice of using your hair to hold a crown or samurai helmet in place!
3. 3
   Secure your ponytail with a hair tie and let it hang in an “L” shape. Slip a hair tie over your ponytail and wrap it around your hair about 3 times to finish the look. You might notice that the ponytail sticks out a few inches before curving downward. This sideways “L” shape is what happens when you place a ponytail in the traditional samurai spot on the crown.

   • For a more “lived in” look, pull a few hairs loose at the base of your neck or tease the ponytail to give it more volume.
   • From here, you can pull the ponytail halfway through the hair tie once more to make a small, looped bun, similar to a samurai top knot!
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Video

Tips

• For a twist on the braided Samurai style, try doing French braids instead of Dutch braids.
  Thanks

  Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
• Some people find it easier to style wet hair, while others find it easier to style dry hair. Experiment to see what works best for you.
  Thanks

  Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Advertisement

Warnings

• Avoid the Samurai hairstyle (and all other tight hairstyles) if you are balding. It adds tension to hair follicles, which can damage them.
  Thanks

  Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Advertisement