Space buns are an iconic hairstyle that gives off a playful, trendy, and youthful vibe. This look is perfect for casual outings, festivals, or whenever you want to add a quirky twist to your hairstyle. Space buns work beautifully with long hair, as the extra length adds more volume and flair to the buns. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the steps for achieving flawless space buns with long hair, along with some helpful tips and tricks.
What Are Space Buns?
Space buns are essentially two buns, one on either side of your head, usually positioned high on the crown. While they originated from the 90s fashion scene, they have become a favorite among modern-day fashionistas, especially for festival wear, themed parties, or just a fun look. This hairstyle is versatile, as you can wear them messy for a more relaxed vibe or polished for a sleek, chic appearance.
Tools and Products You’ll Need
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, it’s important to have the right tools and products. Here’s a list of essentials:
Tools
Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush: Helps detangle long hair without causing breakage.
- Fine-tooth comb: Perfect for creating precise partings.
- Hair elastics: Preferably small and strong to secure the buns in place.
- Bobby pins: To help pin down any loose hair or flyaways.
- Hair clips: For sectioning your hair while styling.
- Hair donut (optional): To add extra volume to your buns.
Products
- Heat protectant spray (optional): If you plan to use any heat styling tools.
- Hair gel or mousse: For a more polished look, to smooth out flyaways.
- Texturizing spray or dry shampoo: Adds grip and texture, making it easier to hold the buns.
- Hair spray: To keep your buns in place throughout the day.
Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Space Buns on Long Hair
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Before styling, it’s essential to prep your hair. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with clean, dry hair. You can also work with second-day hair if you want a more textured look.
- Brush out any tangles using a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. This will make sectioning and styling much easier.
- Apply a small amount of texturizing spray or dry shampoo to your roots. This gives your hair more grip and helps the buns stay in place.
Step 2: Create a Center Part
Now that your hair is prepped, it’s time to section your hair for the buns:
- Use a fine-tooth comb to create a precise center part from the middle of your forehead down to the nape of your neck.
- Clip one side of your hair out of the way using a hair clip, so you can focus on one side at a time.
Step 3: Create a High Ponytail on Each Side
The next step is to gather your hair into two ponytails. Here’s how:
- Take one section of your hair (either left or right) and gather it into a high ponytail near the crown of your head. You can choose to position it higher or lower depending on your preference.
- Secure the ponytail with a hair elastic that matches your hair color. The tighter the ponytail, the more secure your buns will be.
- Repeat on the other side, making sure both ponytails are at the same height for a symmetrical look.
Step 4: Twist the Hair Into Buns
Now comes the fun part — forming the buns:
- Take one ponytail and twist it around itself, forming a spiral.
- Once it’s twisted, wrap the twisted hair around the base of the ponytail to create a bun shape.
- Tuck the end of the ponytail underneath the bun and secure it with bobby pins.
- Repeat the same process with the other ponytail. If your hair is very long, you may want to wrap the bun a bit looser to avoid too much bulk.
Step 5: Secure the Buns
Once both buns are formed, you’ll want to make sure they stay put:
- Use bobby pins to secure the buns in place. Focus on pinning the areas where the buns feel loose or are sticking out.
- You can adjust the size and shape of your buns by gently pulling on the hair to make them bigger or tighter.
Step 6: Finish with Hairspray
To make sure your space buns last all day:
- Apply a light layer of hairspray over your buns to hold them in place.
- If you notice any flyaways or frizz, you can smooth them down with a small amount of gel or mousse.
Variations of Space Buns for Long Hair
Space buns are a versatile hairstyle, and there are many ways to customize them to suit your style. Here are a few popular variations:
1. Messy Space Buns
Messy space buns offer a more relaxed, casual look that’s perfect for festivals or laid-back weekends. To achieve this:
- Loosen up the buns by pulling out small sections of hair for a messy, undone look.
- Leave a few strands of hair hanging down around your face to frame it for an effortless finish.
- Don’t worry about making the buns perfectly symmetrical — the messier, the better!
2. Sleek and Polished Space Buns
For a more polished, put-together look, follow these steps:
- Use a hair gel or smoothing serum to slick back your hair before forming the buns.
- Make sure your parting is perfectly straight and that both buns are even.
- Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
3. Half-Up Space Buns
If you don’t want to commit to full space buns, try the half-up variation:
- Section off the top half of your hair and tie it into two ponytails.
- Create buns with just the top section, leaving the bottom half of your hair down.
- This style adds volume to your buns while allowing your long hair to flow freely.
4. Braided Space Buns
For a more intricate look, consider incorporating braids into your space buns:
- Braid each ponytail before twisting it into a bun.
- This gives your buns added texture and interest, making them stand out even more.
- You can opt for regular braids, fishtail braids, or even Dutch braids.
See Also: How To Make Curls Last Longer For Straight Hair
Space Buns for Different Hair Types
Straight Hair
Straight hair can sometimes be slippery, making it harder to keep buns in place. Here are some tips:
- Apply a texturizing spray or dry shampoo before styling to add grip.
- Opt for smaller elastics and extra bobby pins to ensure the buns stay secure.
Curly Hair
Curly hair adds natural volume and texture to space buns. To enhance this:
- Avoid using too much smoothing serum, as it may weigh down your curls.
- Fluff up your buns after securing them for a more voluminous look.
- Embrace your natural curls for a fun, bouncy style.
Thick Hair
Long and thick hair can create large, voluminous buns. To manage the bulk:
- Consider using hair donuts to help shape and reduce the weight of your buns.
- Secure your buns with extra strong hair elastics and a generous amount of bobby pins.
Fine Hair
Fine hair can benefit from the following techniques:
- Use a volumizing mousse or dry shampoo before styling to add lift.
- Create your buns loosely to give the illusion of more volume.
How to Accessorize Space Buns
Once you’ve perfected your space buns, you can elevate the style even further by adding accessories:
- Scrunchies: Wrap a colorful scrunchie around each bun for a fun, 90s-inspired look.
- Glitter: Apply hair-safe glitter to your roots or along the buns for a festival-worthy style.
- Hair Rings: Thread small hair rings through your buns or braids for an edgy vibe.
- Flowers: Add small flowers around the buns for a whimsical, boho touch.
Tips for Making Space Buns Last Longer
To ensure your space buns stay intact throughout the day (or night), follow these tips:
- Start with clean but textured hair: Hair that’s too clean and silky may not hold the buns well. A little texture makes the style last longer.
- Secure with multiple bobby pins: The more bobby pins you use, the more stable your buns will be.
- Touch up with hairspray: Keep a travel-sized hairspray with you for quick touch-ups if you notice any flyaways.
- Re-twist and secure as needed: If one of your buns starts to loosen, simply re-twist it and secure it back in place with fresh bobby pins.
Conclusion
Space buns are not just a hairstyle; they’re a playful expression of individuality and a nod to both retro and modern fashion trends. With long hair, you have the luxury of adding volume and creating more intricate designs, making your space buns stand out even more. Whether you prefer a messy, carefree look or a sleek, polished style, this versatile hairstyle can be customized to fit any occasion or mood.