Bradley Cooper is giving a nod to cool dads everywhere with a fresh take on the man bun. Known for usually keeping his mid-length wavy hair hidden under hats, Cooper recently unveiled the style while filming his new directing project, Is This Thing On?
Unlike the flashy red carpet reveals, this man bun is practical. It’s neatly tied at the back of his head, not at the neck, maintaining his usual medium length. The look feels like a natural step from the slicked-back style he wore at Louis Vuitton’s autumn/winter 2025 menswear show earlier this year.
A decade ago, the man bun was popular among Hollywood stars like Jared Leto and Leonardo DiCaprio. Over time, it became a meme and gained a reputation linked to hipster culture. But Cooper’s version is different. It looks soft and natural, allowing some loose strands to frame his face, avoiding a forced or overly styled appearance.
Styling this kind of man bun is simple but requires the right hair type. It works best with straight or wavy hair to keep the style smooth and close to the head.
“First things first—you need long hair,” says TJ Hunt, a barber from Time Shoreditch. “You need enough length to pull it all back without shorter strands sticking out.”
This style focuses more on hair care than complex styling. Hunt explains, “If your hair is too dry or frizzy, it will puff up and lose control. If it’s too oily, it can look flat and greasy. You have to find a routine that suits your hair type. For oily hair, use a clarifying shampoo and conditioner every two to three days and comb regularly.”
With Cooper’s easy, relaxed approach, the man bun might just be making a smooth comeback.
