Too much fun with the man bun

Photo+caption%3A+Boys+are+showing+off+their+man+buns+around+school.

Molly Shaw

Photo caption: Boys are showing off their man buns around school.

The “Man Bun” population at Faith Lutheran Middle School and High school seems to be increasing, but can we complain?  This rapidly growing trend has made its way onto campus. But the big question is: Are “Man Buns” dress code?

The more seasoned veterans here at school may remember the days of strict hair length rules. Male students were constantly required to keep their hair cut above the collar and out of the eyes. However, the Student Handbook now states, “Hair must be worn above the collar and out of the eyes.” Coincidence? I think not.

Mr. Bowline, High School Assistant Principal, is not particularly fond of the “Man Bun” fad, but agrees that they do meet the dress code qualifications. He comments, “The way it (the dress code) was written required a bowl cut which looks kind of dumb so it’s just an effort to try to not limit ourselves by telling our students to conform to this (the dress code.)” Mr. Bowline has many responsibilities here on campus and with his busy schedule; he still makes a point to know every Crusader at school. He adds, “As our motto is, ‘Everyone Prepared, Everyone Saved.’ We don’t want to turn someone away who says, ‘You know what, I wear my hair like this.” He mentions the importance of the individual as it relates to academia and Faith, not a hair do.  

Society not only accepts, but also endorses the quintessential “Man Bun.” The opinions of some students on campus give the rugged hairstyle mixed reviews. Senior, Ryan Golmassian believes that “men should be clean cut and have shorter hair.” His own appearance reflects that of an upstanding, precise individual so naturally a “Man Bun” would be the exact opposite of his ideal.

Golmassian does regard that he thinks “it would upset a lot of people to get rid of man buns,” but if it were up to him, he “would go up behind people and just chop them off.” Man-Bunners beware of Ryan with scissors. Agreeing with Golmassian, but perhaps less brazen is Junior Alexis Lee. She states, “I do not have anything against them, but I do prefer that buns be worn on girls.” Sophomore Natalia Baca represents the other end of the spectrum, commenting that she likes them because “they make guys more attractive.”

The Crusaders that sport the “Man Bun” do so with pride and perhaps have even become known for their flow. Varsity Football player and sophomore, Josh Hong has been on the “Man Bun” bandwagon since about the 3rd grade.  When asked about the reasoning behind the dress code, he stated,” “I think it (the dress code) became more lax which made me not care anymore.” He does agree that the administration “wanted to make sure everyone looks clean cut.”  Hong spoke up for his hairstyle many times and stated, “I’m assuming they thought it looked raggedy but I don’t understand that.” Musician and Senior, Jon Rahi believes that “Man Buns” are the “solution for kids who really want to grow their hair out.”

Though the dress code has changed, according to Rahi it has not become any less strict. He adds, “Every time I put my hair down I get yelled at by Bowline.” The long locks of Jon Rahi have become essential to his personality, he states, “It is part of me, I love it.”

Varsity Lacrosse player and senior, Gunner Eustice agrees that the school “thinks it (long hair) makes guys look a little bit sloppy.” Eustice explains that his hair makes him feel good and look good. He comments, “For me personally, I play lacrosse, so I think it looks cool when it’s coming out of the helmet, it makes you stand out a little bit on the field. I guess it shows your personality, letting it flow.”

The “Man Bun” has become a staple in pop culture as well as in the halls of Faith Lutheran. Men on campus have a new way to express themselves. Should this fad fade or live on? Are “Man Buns” glorious or grotesque? The opinions of Faith Lutheran students seem to be inconclusive.