Men with longer hair have a plethora of styling options that can look both stylish and professional. Knowing how to tie your hair back properly not only keeps it out of your face but also adds an element of sophistication to your overall appearance. This guide will provide you with detailed steps and style tips to help you manage and style your long hair with ease.

Materials Needed

• Hairbrush or comb
• Hair elastics (preferably without metal connectors to prevent hair damage)
• Hair serum or light pomade
• Optional: Hairpins
• Optional: Headband
• Optional: Hair spray
• Optional: Hair wig

Preparing Your Hair

Step 1: Washing and Conditioning

Begin with clean, well-conditioned hair. This ensures that your hair is easy to manage and style. Use a mild shampoo and a nourishing conditioner to keep your hair healthy and prevent frizz.

Step 2: Drying Your Hair

After washing, gently towel-dry your hair to remove excess water. If time permits, let your hair air dry, or use a blow dryer on a low heat setting to prevent heat damage.

Step 3: Detangling

Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush to detangle your hair, starting from the tips and working your way up to the roots. This prevents breakage and makes styling easier.

Basic Techniques for Tying Back Hair

Technique 1: The Basic Ponytail

Step 1: Gathering Your Hair

Brush your hair back to where the head starts to curve downward, which is typically the most comfortable spot for a ponytail. Use your hands to gather all your hair at this point.

Step 2: Securing the Ponytail

Hold the hair securely with one hand, and with the other, wrap an elastic band around the hair until it feels snug. Ensure the band is tight enough to hold the ponytail in place, but not so tight that it causes discomfort.

Technique 2: The Man Bun

Step 1: Creating the Ponytail

Follow the steps for creating a basic ponytail, but instead of letting the hair hang free, you’ll proceed to twist and wrap it.

Step 2: Forming the Bun

Twist the length of the ponytail until it coils around the base. Wrap the twisted hair around the base of the ponytail, tucking the ends underneath the bun.

Step 3: Securing the Bun

Use another elastic band or hairpins to secure the bun in place. Make sure it’s tight enough to hold throughout the day.

Technique 3: The Half-Bun

Step 1: Sectioning the Hair

Divide your hair horizontally from one ear to the other, gathering just the top half.

Step 2: Tying the Half-Bun

Tie this section into a small ponytail and then form a bun as described in the man bun section. This style keeps hair out of your face while showing off the length and texture of your hair.

Styling Tips

Adding Texture and Control

Apply a small amount of hair serum or pomade to your palms, rub them together, and then lightly run your hands through your hair to add texture and control frizz.

Using Accessories

Consider using a headband to keep any shorter layers or bangs out of your face, which is especially useful during workouts or windy days.

Finishing Touches

If necessary, use a light spray of hair spray to hold your style in place, especially if you have flyaways.

Tying back long hair for men doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right techniques and some practice, you can quickly master several stylish looks that are both practical and on-trend. Whether you prefer a simple ponytail, a sophisticated man bun, or a trendy half-bun, these styles can enhance your overall look while keeping your hair tidy and out of the way.

FAQs

1. What if my hair isn’t long enough for a man bun?
   Focus on growing your hair with good scalp and hair care. In the meantime, you can use styles like the half-bun or simply use a headband.
2. How often should I wash long hair?
   It varies, but washing every 2-3 days is generally sufficient unless your hair gets dirty or sweaty daily.
3. Can I tie my hair back when it’s wet?
   It’s best to avoid regularly tying wet hair, as it’s more prone to breakage. If necessary, be gentle and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle.