Updos for a guy?

[Shadow Walker]

Hey all. My hair is getting to the point now where simply tying it back will no longer work, so I should probably look at putting it up from now on. Trouble is I don't know any kind of updos that would work for a guy, and I have clumsy fingers to boot, so I probably won't be able to do anything too complicated.

Any suggestions? My hair is currently at tailbone length and starting to thin on the right side pretty noticeably (which I'm not happy about...). Here's an update shot from today.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/913/165526.jpg

[Lemur_Catta]

Your hair doesn't seem thin at all!
I don't know...I don't really like buns on guys, especially with colored sticks or things like that.
You could do a braid, or a braided bun. Or a cinnamon bun. They are all quite easy, and you can secure the buns with almost everything...sticks, forks, pins, clips...

[fisher2]

dude your hair looks great and id do a big fat braid or a samari bun thing

[triumphator!]

Hmm how feminine are you willing to look? A long braid would look good...

[Bene]

Holy crap your hair has gotten long!!!


Sorry, just haven't seen it lately. Carry on.

[GlassEyes]

Hmm how feminine are you willing to look? A long braid would look good...
From what i've seen of Shadow Walker, I doubt much would make him look feminine.

A cinnabun is easy, and you can (usually) secure it with a hair tie, but pins might be more secure--they also have the bonus of being invisible. A sock bun is a good choice too.

Though, I'm of the opinion that men can wear almost any kind of bun and -not- look feminine, for the most part. It depends on what you stick on it and where you place it, etc. (like, back of the head versus top, minus top knots, etc.).

[Idun]

A rope braid is very cool on a guy in my opinion.

[LittleOrca]

I think an infinity bun with a slide through it looks good on both men and women. :)

OHH! It's not an updo per say, but what about the hawser braid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y3LvWpncQQ)?

[pepperminttea]

Ditto Bene's reaction! Congrats on the growth!

As for updos; a single low braid? Looks the same as a ponytail from the front but less tangles, and easier to hold out the way when needs must.

[Capybara]

I don't see thinness at all! Just a great head of hair :)

I hope he doesn't mind me posting it here, but I'd recommend Little_Bird's hairstyle directory: http://www.littlebirdlonghair.moonfruit.com/#/styles/4524745445 He always looks, in my opinion, very masculine, and pulls off these styles quite well!

[curlytm]

I totally agree with GlassEyes. I don't think you need to worry about an updo's femininity (though, I don't think you expressed that concern anyway). The fella with the username Gumball has some amazing braided (and unbraided, I think) updos in his profile that I think would be easy enough to learn. I'm assuming by "clumsy fingers" braiding might be difficult? But it would be a great skill to have and your wonderfully straight/smooth (from what I can see) hair would be a good canvas for learning that. braided buns look WAY more complex than they actually are, so they'll have some "wow" factor. :)

[curlytm]

Ooh!! A herringbone braid! Do that one!

[Kaijah]

Seconding the Rope Braid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImcPuruQMAw) and the Hawser! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y3LvWpncQQ) (I love Torrin's guides, they're easy for me to follow since I'm a dunce at written instructions for hair) And of course you can always just twist either one up for an interesting looking bun.

And I think a cinnabun, figure 8/infinity, or really any simple bun is completely gender neutral, unless you clip on glittery pink butterflies or something. :shrug:

[missfortune9335]

I like the herringbone braid and the hawser, just for the simple fact that they are not very common and so they're not automatically associated with feminine hairstyles. Although I do agree that you'd still look masculine in any up-do you wanted to try.

[tinti]

Torrin Paige made a more masculin updo a while ago, why not try that? Though you'll need a few rubberbands :)

French pony plus updo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkPvgeVMGTE&playnext_from=TL&videos=GkF_U6TK9Gk

Harley braid
http://www.youtube.com/user/torrinpaige#p/u/30/bLnBEVd0gOg

[Stormphoenix]

A single braid on a guy is hot. And then a samurai top knot is a great updo for a guy.

[littlenvy]

Torrin Paige made a more masculin updo a while ago, why not try that? Though you'll need a few rubberbands :)

French pony plus updo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkPvgeVMGTE&playnext_from=TL&videos=GkF_U6TK9Gk

Harley braid
http://www.youtube.com/user/torrinpaige#p/u/30/bLnBEVd0gOg
I totally agree with the French pony. :) Nice, out of the way and non gender.

[kwaniesiam]

Any type of braid, banded ponytail, maybe a low infinity bun with a leather slide.

[GRU]

OMG, your hair is amazing!!!! :bigeyes: My hair is not "self-braid-friendly" and I'm so jealous of people who have hair like yours!

Thoughts for clumsy-fingered-guy 'dos:

One single braid at the nape, either tied off and then braided, or just braided.

A Dianyla braid (even my not-so-friendly hair will allow me to do that).

If you can't French braid, there is a thingamajob that consists of a leather thong folded in half with beads strung on it that is a way to fake a French braid. You basically just make a series of ponytails, using the thong and beads instead of an elastic. I'd just confuse everyone if I tried to describe it in words, so here's a link (http://www.haircinch.com/HowToDoFrenchBraid.html). This website (http://www.hairwraps.net/ponytailwraps/26/18inchPonyTailWrap18inchPonyTailWrap) has the same thing only cheaper. (note, I've not purchased from either site, just using them as examples!)

Along the lines of the thingamajob above, you can do the series of ponytails thing to look like a French braid just using elastics for each ponytail section. Like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvfbHauTbTc), only without the ribbons and the doll! ;)

A single ponytail at the nape that is wrapped with a criss-crossed leather thong all the way down looks good, too. Like this (http://www.leatherboundhairwrap.com/), only without the extra leather wrapping.

Any biker event will have vendors with a variety of items like the Hair Glove (http://www.hairglove.com/), basic leather wraps (http://www.bikersden.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=817) and fancy leather wraps (http://www.hotleathers.com/Hair-Gloves-C195.aspx).

The Wrapter (http://www.cyclefish.com/Wrapter/gstores/75/) is another way to protect a long ponytail.


And I just have to say it again... your hair is awesome!

[Pierre]

Here's one I do sometimes for church (I usually have some hair hanging behind my ears other days, but for church I put it all up): Part it along the median plane, from forehead to nape. Twist the left half to the left and the right half to the right. Put each around behind the head to the other side and fasten the ends with Flexis.

[Alvrodul]

You have wonderful hair - I hope my hair is as great when it gets to be that long!
In my opinion, the specific way you wear your hair is not as important as the attitude with which you wear it. Practice doing a not-too fussy way of putting your hair up, and on the day you unveil it, wear it with a cool hair toy and the right attitude.:cool:
It can be difficult getting used to having your hair up if you are used to having it fall around you, or down your back. when I started wearing my hair up most of the time, it felt really weird not to have to flip it out of the way all the time, and my neck and shoulders felt sort of naked without the hair tickling it.
And if anybody comments, you can just say something like, "I was just tired of my hair falling into my beer all the time!":eyebrows:

[TammySue]

Your hair looks great, as always!
I'm not a big fan of updos on guys. I like ponys and braids on a guy.
What about one of those leather ponytail wraps (see them on bikers). :D

[Peter]

I just do a single low braid. Easy to do once you get the hang of it.

[EdG]

I too am updo-clueless. I know both Gumball and Trolleypup have mastered the art of making buns, and don't seem to encounter problems with updos on a guy. A bun might be less conspicuous than long hair worn loose. :)

My terminal length is shorter on my right side. I have no idea why. :shrug:
Ed

[Juneii]

GlassEyes is right, even with you long beautiful hair you don't look in the least bit feminine (I mean it as a compliment)

I think putting your hair up in buns is a nice idea - secure it with a quattro hairstick. Like the simple ones. As long as you keep it sleek and tight it would look great on you :)

[Juneii]

I too am updo-clueless. I know both Gumball and Trolleypup have mastered the art of making buns, and don't seem to encounter problems with updos on a guy. A bun might be less conspicuous than long hair worn loose. :)

My terminal length is shorter on my right side. I have no idea why. :shrug:
Ed

My hair on my left temple grows slower than on my right temple, so odd. It bothers me a bit.

[GRU]

My terminal length is shorter on my right side. I have no idea why. :shrug:

Are you a right-brain person or a left-brain person? :lol:

[EdG]

Are you a right-brain person or a left-brain person? :lol:Left-brain. That has to be the reason! :rollin:
Ed

[yellowchariot]

Shadow Walker, your hair doesn't look thin man. I'd like for mine to be thicker! Great thread, I'm also thinking of pulled back/updo ways to keep my hair secure especially that I've noticed its getting longer.

[Laurenji]

My hair is thinner on my right. I'm convinced it's because I usually sleep on my right side.

[UltraBella]

I am no help in the updo area, I actually do find most updos to look quite feminine for the most part and I don't know if that is a factor for you or not. Either way, I can't do most of them on myself, let alone make a decent suggestion.
I think Willie Nelson braids are fantastic looking on men though !!!!

[DARKMARTIAN]

Go for the braid.......stack the "plaits"

tis what I do.....:)

cool hair BTW "SW".......:)

[Gilly]

I vote for a Braid or Samuri bun, regarding the thinning on one side, is it on the side you sleep on? I only ask as I have noticed that mine is thinner on that side for me.

[trolleypup]

Whatever you are comfortable with.

Try a bunch of stuff, you might find something that is easy and works for you...like I did with my lazy bun. Easy to put up, easy to take out. Good Luck!

I'd add a recommendation for Bronze Jewelers for hair slides/barrettes suitable for any sex.

[Chrissy]

Your hair looks great, as always!
I'm not a big fan of updos on guys. I like ponys and braids on a guy.
What about one of those leather ponytail wraps (see them on bikers). :D

That's what I was going to say too. If you go to the Harley site they have hair gloves which are a great masculine way to hold your hair in place.

[Sammich]

I also vote for the braid! Your hair is so awesome dude! :D

[DARKMARTIAN]

I still say braid it brotha.....

I only restrain my hair when its windy, or really hot or something....

personally I like the "downdo" whenever possible...:p

Doobie, doobie down, doobie do down down.........

[jasper]

Have you seen Peter's picture (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=1034390&postcount=62) of a herringbone braid? Looks manly to me.

[Othala]

Braid that beautiful hair!

[Herb]

Have you seen Peter's picture (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=1034390&postcount=62) of a herringbone braid? Looks manly to me.

Ooh! I agree with this!

Shadow, you have very beautiful hair.

[gmdiaz]

I've been seeing long haired guys with their hair pulled back into a knot just above the nape of the neck, they leave whatever hair that's left over, just hanging loose.

I would think the knot is, or could be, locked into place with a custom length, U-shapped pin (Quattro) style. . .so that it disappears into the hair.

Looks GREAT!

P.S. Your hair is getting so long! Looking Awesome!

[Long_hair_guy]

Since long hair will always be seen as feminine thing (to the average joe) there would be no manly styles.

Apart from pig tails I will wear anything (most female adults can't pull off pig tails)

[Gumball]

It's all really up to you, buddy. When it comes to putting your hair up it basically revolves around your threshold of being comfortable and secure. I'll wear a lot of different styles out, but I'm in an area that doesn't give much flak for it, I'm fairly comfortable in wearing it, and it's no real bother. There are some styles I won't wear, but for the most part I haven't had trouble experimenting. Simple buns can be an easy way to keep it out of the way without requiring a whole lot of hassle, bun depending, while other things might just be for aesthetics and may take longer. It's up to you! Browse around and see what might work. Hopefully you find something that suits you perfectly!

[GoddesJourney]

If you can't get it right for experimentation, have a female friend over to make some different styles for you so you can try them out. Choose one or two that work for you and have her teach you how to do it yourself.

[Mutinous]

I always did a messy bun when my hair was longer. The more practiced buns used to make me look a bit too feminine for my liking, though that is probably because of my facial features. For example, if you have a beard/facial hair I doubt there would be any updo you could do to make you like effeminate.

[GRU]

For example, if you have a beard/facial hair I doubt there would be any updo you could do to make you like effeminate.

I dunno... have you seen the bearded lady at the circus??? :lol: :p

[FlowFlow]

Gorgeous hair!! My roommate had hair your length and he would do a loose, "messy looking" buns. The result was very handsome and casual.

I agree with another poster that samurai inspired knots are a good idea. These would also be very handsome, but maybe some would be too tight or formal, and more technichally difficult?

I recommend you watch some martial arts movies for some inspiration. So many of the men have long hair, are very active, and have up dos.

Good luck!!

[bumblebums]

I dunno... have you seen the bearded lady at the circus??? :lol: :p

I object :)

Man 'do wise, I would say a braid, or else get a (dull) letter opener or something like this to hold your bun:

http://www.io.com/~cortese/pix/hair/hairsticks/sword.jpg

[karenpetal]

Wear anything you feel most comfortable with !! Looking at your pics other than pigtails you should be able to carry off anything :)
Try french braid or single english braid - I wore that when my hair was long and one length !!

Cheers!!!

[Yozhik]

What a gorgeous head of hair!

I would take it slow and first try out simple English braids. They are fairly easy.

Rope braids are perhaps even more simple! Good luck, and I think you can make any updo work for you (and not look feminine) :)

[Chrissy]

http://www.jpcycles.com/product/123-110 - Hair glove

[Das Siechtum]

When I go "bun" I do the infinity bun with a Flexi8 in Large. I kinda notice the weight but I'm used to it and the hair is out of the way and secure. :-)

I use this hairdo with a black hairscarf over it. (Working in a backery from time to time). So this 'do is field tested. :cheese:

[Indigo Girl]

I don't have any updo suggestions, but wanted to say WOW!

Your hair has gotten so long!!! It looks great!

[trillcat]

Holy crap your hair has gotten long!!!




I just love this reaction! Can higher praise be given? :D I remember when you were wanting to cut it all off, I am so glad you didn't!
About the fumble fingers, we were all there when starting to do up do's, it's not a male or female deal. I still can't Dutch braid without much cussing and an odd looking braid.
I dont like buns (hair wise, lol) on a guy, just my personal preferance, though a Samari Top Knot would be very cool, but remember that is hair with a history, honor it if you choose that . Warrior.
I like the idea of a single braid with a wrap, leather. Though with your hair length, that could whip you right in the face (OUCH)

[Eniratak]

Your hair is so shiny! It's wonderful!

Anyway, I am also of the opinion that a guy can rock any bun. Braids are cool as well.

As previously mentioned, the cinnabun is probably the easiest bun. It takes a few tries, but all you do is twist your hair and then wrap it around into a bun on the back of your head.

Good luck!

[Dana]

+1 vote for standard braid or herringbone braid. Maybe even a half-up herringbone (where you do a normal half up and herringbone braid the tail)?

[david]

Yeah I would also go with various braids, standard and herringbone. I tend to not worry too much about looking too feminine with regards to hairstyles as I always just suited myself and not worried about anyone else. But that's just how I feel about it and I'm pretty alternative in my ways.

By updos it depends if you mean that you want all your hair up and out of the way. If so I would usually go with a bun of some sort. A messy bun would probably be the least feminine if your worried about it. But its really up to whatever your comfortable with, I would just be anything goes. :lol:

By the way your hair looks awesome.

[Shadow Walker]

Thanks for the great suggestions everyone, I'll see what I can do!

[windinherhair]

I think a braid would look great. Wow, your hair is awesome! It has really grown, and I don't notice any thinning.

[Maverick494]

Shadow walker, I just want to tell you that I think your hair looks great and furthermore, it looks great on you! You really have the face for it. Like other users said, I don't think buns would make you look girly or any of that. Guys like you can't look girly even if you'd wear a pink tutu.

[Bluegrass Babe]

I too, am glad you didn't cut your hair. Do you still work outdoors? If you need to wear a cap of any kind an "updo" can really get annoying.

I vote for the hawser braid. It's look reminds me of a chain (very masculine) and it's not too complicated after you try a couple of times.

I also think that a hair cuff or glove would look awesome on that braid. The cuff with the laces and "combat boot" look would fit right in when you're playing with the band or headbanging. It comes in 4, 8, or 12 inch sizes. But you'd have to be careful not to hit yourself or someone else with it.

http://www.jpcycles.com/product/133-049?N=28003939&results=100


I don't think you have to worry about not looking masculine. That's obvious to anyone with eyeballs. I was just thinking of some of the creeps you were working with last year and was trying to think of something that wouldn't start their crap.

[LisaButz2001]

My vote is a cinnabun with neutral colored scrunchies. After coated elastics stretch or fray they can damage your hair, scrunchies are always harmless, although I saw a guy from the Phillippines with a shoulder length braid in the bank recently. I thought that was cool, out of the ordinary. Let us know what you choose. Do you know what's causing the thinness?

[LisaButz2001]

Hijack query: What is a hawser braid?

[Mexibeach]

I think a braid would look fantastic as well - or hey! How 'bout the old Willie Nelson double braids. LOL In all seriousness, your hair is fantastic!!!! I'm completely jealous!!!

[Demetrue]

I would do a braid or ponytail, then fold it in half (bring ends all the way up to nape) and then secure whole thing with a hair glove, hiding the ends from sticking up out of the top. You could even fold it in half twice, ending up with a ponytail 1/4 of your actual length and secure the whole thing, giving a kind of club braid look.

[PrincessBob]

So far everything I've done for my spouse has worked pretty well. He likes plain braids, buns and putting pony elastics at 2-3 inch intervals down the tail and braiding every other section.

Pretty Nifty Look.

Princess Bob

[PrincessBob]

Two rope Braids twisted together, looks like a chain. Check out http://www.youtube.com/user/torrinpaige

[MandaMom2Three]

oooo if I was a guy I'd get a hairstick with a cool dragon on it or something. Heck, I want a hairstick with a cool dragon on it ANYWAY lol:

[Phexlyn]

I'm not sure whether this has already been mentioned, but maybe a comet knot would work? It looks very much like a ponytail or a shortened braid, but since your hair is "shortened" by the style it wouldn't be in the way as much... and it definitely is not feminine.

You can find instructions here:
http://100-hairstyles.freidenkerin.de/index.php?/archives/27-22-Comet-Knot-Kometenknoten.html

[DARKMARTIAN]

Silver & Gold told me once that I should use hairsticks and maybe one of those samurai buns......

I saw it mentioned here too

never really occurred to me do do something like that.....

So maybe thats a good option for us.....(guys)

[GRU]

oooo if I was a guy I'd get a hairstick with a cool dragon on it or something.

I agree, MM2T -- there are all kinds of cool, non-girly things that guys could have!



Silver & Gold told me once that I should use hairsticks and maybe one of those samurai buns......

I saw it mentioned here too

never really occurred to me do do something like that.....

So maybe thats a good option for us.....(guys)

I think that would look great! I don't think buns are girly at all.

[GlassEyes]

Yep. Like I said, it's mostly what you stick in it/how severe it is.

For example, I look far more masculine with my hair slicked back with a hair fork in a cinnabun than I do with a curl-infested sock bun with tendrils spilling out and Nightblooming pretties sticking out of it. :D

If you want to get used to hairsticks, I'd try some basic black ones. You could even just cut down some black chopsticks, or something. Despite not being the most masculine guy in the world, I freaked out when I bought my first hairstick (from nightblooming) because I feared looking girly. You can get over it when you realize it's off your neck and you're free from it for a while. xD;

[DARKMARTIAN]

I tried some buns and hairsticks before and i gotta admit.....it felt quite nice and was noticeably different with regards to weight. Also having my hair away from my neck for a change was rather comfortable as well.....

Not sure if I should go for the braid buns though...:)

btw......i originally made a typo and said "I tried some nuns" instead of buns.....:p