How To Create Playful Space Buns in 5 Easy Steps

Between messy buns, low buns, and braided buns, it’s safe to say there’s a bun hairstyle for every occasion. While many of them make for ultra-polished looks, space buns for hair feel a bit more playful. You’ve probably seen this ‘90s-inspired style—which features two high buns placed on either side of your part—on Instagram more than once (they’re a festival beauty standby). But the playful look makes for a surprisingly wearable everyday updo, as well.

While standard space buns typically require a bit of length to execute, there are plenty of ways to adapt the look for shorter strands, as well. It’s also suitable for a wide range of hair types and textures. In other words: This style is for everybody. Ahead, we’ll share how to do space buns in five easy steps and share a few tips on ensuring your funky style stays put all day (or night).

Tools You’ll Need

Before we explain how to make space buns, you’ll need to gather your tools. Before getting started with your space bun hairstyle, make sure you have the following within reach:

• Comb: As mentioned above, space buns typically feature two buns placed on either side of a middle part. To create a clean, even part, you’ll need a fine-toothed comb or a rat tail comb.
• Hairbrush: A high-quality hair brush is a must for detangling your hair prior to creating your buns. If you’re aiming for a sleeker take on space buns, use a boar bristle brush. Otherwise, a classic detangling brush is perfect.
• Hair ties: Hair ties are essential for creating and securing your ponytails, which serve as the base for your space buns. Select hair ties that are gentle on your hair while providing enough hold to keep your style intact.
• Bobby pins: These pins help you wrap and secure sections of hair to achieve a flawless bun. They can also be used to pin down loose hairs and flyaways.
• Hairspray or styling gel: To keep your style in place and your hair looking its best, hairspray or styling gel is a must. You can choose a flexible hold option for a bouncier style or a stronger hold gel for a sleeker look—opt for whichever suits your needs and desired end result.
• Hair accessories: Accessories like clips and ribbons aren’t necessary, but they can give your space bun hairstyle a bit of added flair.

How To Do Space Buns

Now to answer the question at hand: How do you do space buns? Fortunately, it’s easy—if you can do a standard bun, you can do space buns. Here’s how to nail the playful look.

1. Brush and part your hair

To start, brush or comb your hair to remove any tangles or knots that could interfere with your style. Then, use your comb to create a straight middle part, dividing your hair into two equal sections. If you want to really lean into the Y2K vibes, consider rocking your space buns with a centered zigzag part.

Editor’s tip: You can create space buns on freshly washed or not-so-clean hair (in fact, a little excess oil helps the style hold). If your hair looks greasy, mist your roots with a dry shampoo before moving on to the next step. It’ll help mask excess oiliness and give your hair a bit of volume and lift.

2. Create your ponytails

Next, gather one of your two sections of hair into a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Typically, space buns are placed at the crown of the head, but you can adjust the placement to suit your preferences—just keep in mind that the base of your pony is where your space bun will sit.

Once you’ve created a ponytail on one side of your part, make an identical ponytail on the other side. Remember to mirror your placement, as you don’t want your space buns to be lopsided.

Editor’s tip: If your hair is on the shorter side, you can easily opt for a half-up space bun style to achieve the look. This technique will leave you with three sections—the two top ponytail sections that will be used to create the buns and the bottom section in the back.

3. Wrap the hair to create buns

To create your space buns, you’ll want to wrap the length of your hair around the base of your ponytail and then secure it in place with bobby pins or hair ties. The tighter you wrap your hair to create the bun, the more height your buns will have. For a more intricate look, you can first twist or braid the hair in the ponytail before wrapping it around the base of your ponytail to create the bun.

4. Perfect the look

There are different ways you can style your space bun hairstyle. If you’re going for a loose, lived-in style, you can pull out a few tiny sections of hair near the front to give it a casual look. Loosening the buns a bit with your fingers can add to the bohemian feel.

If you’re after a sleeker, straighter look, lightly brush the front of your hair with a boar bristle brush. Then, slick back the front and sides with an edge brush and a strong-hold hair gel, such as the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel.

5. Set the style in place

Once you’re satisfied with your space buns, you’ll want them to stay in place. To help ensure they do, mist your mane with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented. Hold the can twelve inches from your head and spray the product in short bursts, evenly coating your hair.

Once the hairspray is dry, you can add accessories—hair clips, ribbons, even a headband—if desired. Or, mist your part with some sprayable glitter for a party-ready finish. When it comes to putting the finishing touches on your space buns, the world (or universe) is your oyster.

Next Up: How To Do Bubble Braids in 5 Easy Steps

Photo Credit: Neal Malek, IG/@nealmhair