Colson Baker, better known to the world as Machine Gun Kelly, has never been one to play it safe. From full-body blackout tattoos to bloody engagement rings, the man is a walking headline. But of all his transformations, nothing quite sparked a digital wildfire like the machine gun kelly man bun. It’s more than just a hairstyle. For some, it was a fashion statement; for others, it was the smoking gun in a decade-long debate about his hairline.
Remember 2018? The height of the MGK and Eminem beef.
Eminem dropped "Killshot," and one line cut deeper than the rest: "How you gonna name yourself after a damn gun and have a man bun?" It was a direct hit on MGK’s "Rap Devil" look. Suddenly, a simple knot of hair became a symbol of a subculture clash. But if we’re being honest, the man bun wasn't just a random choice. It was the culmination of years of hair evolution that most people completely missed.
The Secret History of the Machine Gun Kelly Man Bun
To understand why that bun mattered, you have to look at where MGK started. Back in 2012, the "Lace Up" era, things were different. He was a scrawny kid from Cleveland with a very noticeable "M" shaped receding hairline. Experts like Dr. Gary Linkov have pointed out that at just 22, Kelly was likely at a Norwood 3 or 4 stage of balding.
Then, everything changed.
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By 2013 and 2014, his hair didn't just grow; it resurrected. While he’s never sat down for a "Let’s talk about my transplant" interview, the visual evidence is pretty loud. He likely underwent an FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant) procedure, which often leaves a linear scar on the back of the head. When he started rocking the machine gun kelly man bun, it was the ultimate flex. You don't pull your hair back into a tight knot if you’re worried about showing off a receding hairline. You do it because you finally have the density to pull it off.
A Viking Reinvention in 2025
Fast forward to early 2025. Just when everyone thought the man bun era was buried in the 2010s, MGK brought it back with a vengeance. Following his split with Megan Fox, he appeared at a pre-Grammy gala looking like a modern-day Viking.
The look was distinct:
- A thick, well-groomed beard (a new addition for him).
- Blackout tattoos covering his upper torso.
- That familiar piecey man bun gathered at the crown.
Fans on Instagram went wild. Some called it the "breakup glow-up." Others pointed out that he looked almost unrecognizable compared to his "Tickets to My Downfall" pop-punk era. It’s a classic MGK move—using his physical appearance to signal a shift in his musical soul. The 2025 version of the bun felt heavier, more intentional, and way more rugged than the wispy version Eminem mocked years ago.
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How to Get the Look Without the Rockstar Budget
Kinda want to try it yourself? Honestly, the machine gun kelly man bun isn't as simple as just grabbing an elastic band. If you have fine hair like Kelly naturally does, you need "grip."
Stylists who have worked with him, like Aaron King and Cassondra Kaeding, emphasize texture. You basically want your hair to look like you haven't washed it in three days, even if you just stepped out of the shower. Use a sea salt spray on damp hair. Blow-dry it back with your fingers—don't use a brush. You want those "piecey" strands falling down the sides to frame your face.
The trick is the placement. MGK usually pins his right at the vertex, the highest point of the head. It gives him height and draws the eye upward, which works well if you have an oval face shape. If you've had hair restoration like he (presumably) has, you have to be careful. Pulling it too tight can lead to traction alopecia, which would basically undo all that expensive work.
Why We Can't Stop Talking About It
People love a comeback story. Whether it’s his career or his follicles, MGK represents the idea that you can reinvent yourself whenever you want. The man bun is just the tether for that narrative.
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In the 2026 celebrity landscape, authenticity is the highest currency. While some mock the "man bun" as a relic of 2015 hipsters, Kelly wears it as a badge of survival. He survived the beef, he survived the genre shifts, and he survived the thinning hair.
Actionable Steps for Your Own Hair Journey
If you’re looking at MGK’s hair and feeling a bit envious of the density, here is what the experts actually suggest based on his trajectory:
- Assess the Norwood Scale: If you’re seeing that "M" shape at the temples like Kelly had in 2012, see a specialist early. Prevention (like Finasteride or Minoxidil) is easier than a full reconstruction.
- Texture is King: Use a dry shampoo or a matte clay. Shiny hair looks thinner; matte hair looks thicker.
- The "Viking" Maintenance: If you’re going for the 2025 MGK look, you need a beard to balance the bun. Keep the beard edges sharp to contrast with the "messy" bun.
- Bonding Treatments: If you bleach your hair platinum like he does, use something like Olaplex. Bleach kills the elasticity you need to actually tie a bun without the hair snapping off.
The machine gun kelly man bun isn't just a haircut; it’s a timeline of a man who refuses to stay in one lane. Whether he’s a rapper, a rockstar, or a "Viking," the hair always tells the story first. Keep an eye on his next red carpet—chances are, he’s already planning the next evolution.
Next Steps for Your Hair Care:
If you are noticing thinning at the temples similar to MGK's early career, consult with a trichologist to discuss FDA-approved hair density treatments. For those with long enough hair to attempt the style, start with a high-quality sea salt spray to build the necessary volume for a stable, piecey bun.