What are Space Buns? Here’s How to Get The Trendy Look

A woman withy fair skin, glasses and two dark brown space buns smiles forward in front of a light blue background.

Space Buns 101: Your Step-By-Step Tutorial

Not sure what to wear to your next concert or festival? Space buns will be your new go-to style. When it comes to trendy hairstyles, this is one of the easiest to execute quickly. Even if you’re a beginner, this is a great style to try because it looks great even when it’s messy and undone. Whether you're getting ready for Coachella, a themed party, or you just want to switch up your everyday look, space buns are a fun choice. Read on to learn more about the space buns hairstyle and how you can recreate it at home!

What are Space Buns?

Space buns are a hairstyle where the hair is divided into two sections and styled into two buns, usually positioned on the top or sides of the head. Think of it like pigtails, but with buns instead of ponytails.

This look originated with Princess Leia’s look in Star Wars, but has since been adapted and popularized by pop stars and festival-goers. Festival hairstyles often feature creative variations of space buns because they're both practical and stylish. They keep your hair off your face while giving your look a bold look, perfect for an all-day (or all-night) event.

A great thing about space buns is that they work on almost any hair type and length, from straight to curly hair, and from short to long hair. They can be sleek and polished or messy and textured, depending on the vibe you're going for.

How to do Space Buns

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to learn how to create the style. The best part about space buns is that they're surprisingly easy. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you get the perfect space buns.

  1. Part Your Hair: Starting with clean, dry hair, use a comb to create a straight center part, dividing your hair down the middle into two equal sections.
  2. Make Two High Ponytails: Gather each section of hair into a high ponytail on either side of your head. The higher you position your ponytails, the more dramatic your space buns will look. Secure each ponytail tightly with a hair elastic.
  3. Twist: Featuring sharp fades and textured volume, the modern take is edgier and suits current fashion trends.
  4. Secure: Messier and more casual, this variation uses less product and embraces natural movement.

Pro tip: Add glitter, clips, braids, or other hair accessories to add even more flair to your space buns!

About HairCode, backed by decades of hair care research and industry-leading cosmetic scientists

We’re obsessed with hair and the science behind what makes it look and feel amazing.  Our dedicated team leverages years of extensive haircare research and product development led by pioneering cosmetic scientists, PhDs in Biology and Chemistry, along with esteemed professional hair stylists from around the globe.  Our goal is to be the most accurate and easy-to-use platform for you to learn about your hair.  Our HairCode Quiz is built to harness a wealth of haircare research to give you a straightforward and science-backed haircare regimen recommendation based on questions that matter.  We know that hair can be complicated. That’s why we break it down for you piece by piece with your unique HairCode.  So, let's get to the root of it...  Because we are here to support you on a journey of self-discovery and love for your hair.

Reading next