Bradley Cooper is winning praise from dads everywhere, especially those lucky enough to have a full head of hair. Usually, he keeps his medium-length wavy hair covered by a beanie or cap. But earlier this week, he surprised fans by revealing a throwback hairstyle: the man bun.
Cooper was filming his new project, Is This Thing On?, when he showed off the look. Unlike typical hair reveals on red carpets, this was a practical choice to keep his hair neat on set. His man bun is tight and positioned high on the back of his head, maintaining his usual medium length. This style is a natural evolution from the slicked-back look he wore at Louis Vuitton’s autumn/winter 2025 menswear show.
The man bun was a popular style about ten years ago, worn by stars like Jared Leto and Leonardo DiCaprio. Though it later became associated with hipster stereotypes and memes, Cooper’s take is fresh. His bun looks soft and natural, with loose strands on the sides adding relaxed movement.
Styling this type of man bun is simple but requires the right hair. It works best with straight or wavy hair to keep it smooth and close to the head.
Barber TJ Hunt from Time Shoreditch explains, “You’ll need long hair to pull everything back without shorter strands sticking out.”
He adds, “This style is less about detailed styling and more about hair care. If hair is too dry or frizzy, it puffs out; if too oily, it looks flat. Find a routine that suits your hair. For oily hair, use clarifying shampoo every two to three days and comb regularly.”
Cooper’s practical yet stylish man bun proves that this look still has a place in modern men’s grooming.
