15 Cute Space Bun Hairstyles: Easy Ideas for Every Hair Length

Looking for a hairstyle that is cute, playful, and easy to create at home? Space bun hairstyles are a fun way to switch up your look without needing complicated braiding skills or professional styling tools. From messy double buns and sleek high buns to braided space buns and soft half-up styles, there are plenty of ways to make this trendy hairstyle your own.

Space buns are especially popular with fans of Y2K fashion, retro hairstyles, festival looks, and casual everyday hair. You can wear them with loose waves, straight hair, natural curls, or textured hair. Whether you have a short bob, shoulder-length hair, or long locks, the right technique can help you create a style that suits your hair and personal aesthetic.

In this guide, you will discover 15 cute space bun hairstyles, learn how to do space buns step by step, and find tips for making them look fuller and stay in place — with ideas for short hair, long hair, curly hair, school, parties, and festivals.

01 What Are Space Bun Hairstyles?

Space buns are a double-bun hairstyle in which the hair is divided into two sections and styled into separate buns, usually on opposite sides of the head. They are also called double buns, twin buns, or a two-bun hairstyle.

Traditional space buns sit high on the head, but there are many modern variations. You can create messy space buns for a relaxed finish, sleek buns for a polished appearance, braided space buns for extra texture, or half-up half-down space buns that leave the rest of your hair loose.

This hairstyle is often associated with 1990s fashion and the Y2K aesthetic. However, it is not limited to one age group or occasion. Simple double buns can be worn for everyday activities, while decorative versions work well for concerts, festivals, costume parties, and special events. The key is choosing a style that suits your hair length, texture, and preferred level of maintenance.

02 15 Cute Space Bun Hairstyles to Try

From beginner-friendly classics to braided festival statements — here are 15 ways to wear the trend. save your favourites ↓

Hairstyle 01

1. Classic High Space Buns

Make a clean center part and divide your hair into two equal sections. Secure each section into a high ponytail, twist the hair around the base, and pin the ends underneath. Repeat on the other side, checking that both buns sit at a similar height. Keep the buns smooth for a neat finish or gently loosen them for a softer appearance. If your hair has layers, use a few discreet bobby pins to secure shorter pieces.

Best for Beginners, everyday wear, school, and casual outings.

Styling tip: Use a mirror to check the placement of both ponytails before wrapping your hair. Balanced placement makes the finished style look more intentional.

Hairstyle 02

2. Messy Space Buns

Divide your hair into two sections and secure them into ponytails. Twist each ponytail loosely, wrap it around the base, and secure it with pins. Gently pull small sections outward to soften the shape. You can leave a few strands near your temples or ears to create a relaxed, face-framing effect. Natural waves and layers can add even more texture.

Best for Casual days, concerts, festivals, and relaxed weekend outfits.

Styling tip: Do not loosen the buns too much before securing them. Pin them first, then adjust the shape gradually so they stay in place.

Hairstyle 03

3. Sleek High Space Buns

Brush or comb your hair into two even sections. Apply a small amount of suitable smoothing product if needed, then secure each section into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytails tightly enough to create tidy buns and secure them with bobby pins. Smooth any flyaways with your fingers or a soft brush. Avoid pulling the hair so tightly that your scalp feels uncomfortable.

Best for Parties, fashion-inspired outfits, evening events, and sleek hairstyles.

Styling tip: Keep the parting precise and the buns similar in size for a symmetrical look.

Hairstyle 04

4. Half-Up Half-Down Space Buns

Part your hair down the middle and separate the upper section from the lower section. Divide the upper section into two equal parts and secure each into a small ponytail. Wrap each ponytail into a mini bun, leaving the remaining hair loose. Wear the lower section straight, wavy, or naturally curly. You can also leave curtain bangs or face-framing layers around your face.

Best for Medium-length hair, long hair, casual outings, and soft everyday looks.

Styling tip: Keep the mini buns relatively small so the loose hair remains the main feature of the hairstyle.

Hairstyle 05

5. Braided Space Buns

Divide your hair into two sections and make a ponytail on each side. Braid each ponytail and secure the ends with small elastics. Wrap the braids around their bases and pin them into buns. For a fuller finish, gently loosen the braid edges before wrapping them. For a more defined look, keep the braids compact and neat.

Best for Festivals, parties, boho-inspired outfits, and braided hairstyle lovers.

Styling tip: Braiding each ponytail before wrapping it can help longer hair form a more manageable bun.

Hairstyle 07

7. Dutch Braid Space Buns

Part your hair down the middle and start a Dutch braid on each side. Cross the strands under one another while gradually incorporating additional hair. Continue toward the crown, then secure the remaining hair into two ponytails. Twist or braid the ponytails and wrap them into buns. Secure any loose ends with bobby pins. You can keep the braids neat or gently loosen their edges for a fuller appearance.

Best for Festivals, sporty outfits, braided updos, and statement hairstyles.

Styling tip: Work with small, even sections when braiding to help the pattern remain defined.

Hairstyle 09

9. Mini Space Buns for Short Hair

Make a center part and take a small section from each side of your head. Secure the sections into mini ponytails, then twist the ends into small buns. Use discreet pins to secure shorter pieces. If your hair is too short to make two complete buns, try a half-up style that uses only the top sections while leaving the rest of your hair loose.

Best for Short hair, bob haircuts, shoulder-length styles, and mini updos.

Styling tip: Small elastics and lightweight pins are often easier to manage when working with shorter sections.

Hairstyle 12

12. Space Buns With Bangs and Face-Framing Strands

Create your preferred space buns, but leave your bangs and chosen face-framing sections out before making the ponytails. Style the front pieces naturally or add a gentle bend if you want more definition. This look can be paired with sleek buns for contrast or messy buns for a more relaxed appearance.

Best for Layered haircuts, curtain bangs, casual hairstyles, and soft Y2K-inspired looks.

Styling tip: Avoid forcing short layers into the buns. Leave them loose or secure them gently with small pins if needed.

Hairstyle 14

14. Space Buns With Bows, Clips, or Glitter

Start with classic high space buns or half-up space buns. Once the hairstyle is secure, add your chosen accessories around the bases of the buns or along the parting — ribbons, small bows, butterfly clips, decorative pins, or hair gems. For a subtle look, choose accessories that coordinate with your outfit. For a bold Y2K or festival aesthetic, experiment with colorful clips or hair glitter designed for use on hair.

Best for Festivals, concerts, parties, birthdays, and playful Y2K outfits.

Styling tip: Choose lightweight accessories that stay secure without pulling on your hair.

Hairstyle 15

15. Natural Hair Space Buns and Double Puffs

Part your hair down the middle and divide it into two sections. Gather each section gently and secure it with hair ties suited to your texture. Shape the sections into buns or leave them as puffs, depending on your preferred style. Use your usual hair-care and styling products, and avoid forcing the hair into a shape that requires excessive tension. You can also leave some natural texture visible around the edges.

Best for Natural hair, coily textures, textured updos, and volume-focused styles.

Styling tip: Choose the shape that works with your hair’s natural texture rather than trying to make every strand perfectly smooth.

03 How to Do Space Buns at Home

You can create basic space buns at home with a few simple tools. Once you understand the technique, it becomes easier to experiment with messy, sleek, braided, and half-up variations.

1. Prepare Your Hair

   Gently detangle your hair before styling. Space buns can be created on clean, dry hair or hair with a little natural texture. If your hair is very slippery, a suitable texturizing product may help improve grip; if it is prone to frizz, use a small amount of a compatible smoothing product.

2. Create a Center Part

   Use a comb to divide your hair from the front hairline to the nape of your neck, keeping both sections similar in size. A straight center part creates a classic look — experiment with a zigzag part for a playful, retro finish.

3. Make Two Ponytails

   Gather each section into a ponytail at your desired height and secure it with an elastic. High ponytails create traditional space buns, while low ponytails produce a softer look. For half-up half-down space buns, use only the upper sections of your hair.

4. Twist or Braid Each Ponytail

   Twist each ponytail into a rope-like section or create a simple braid. The twisting method is usually easier for beginners, while braids add more visible texture. Keep the sections secure without pulling so tightly that your scalp becomes uncomfortable.

5. Wrap the Hair Into Buns

   Wrap each twisted or braided section around the base of its ponytail. Tuck the ends underneath and secure the bun with bobby pins or an additional elastic. If you have short hair, use smaller sections and extra pins to secure shorter ends.

6. Adjust the Shape

   Check the position and size of both buns in a mirror. Gently loosen small sections if you want more volume or a messy finish, secure any loose ends, and use a light mist of hairspray if needed. Your finished hairstyle should feel secure but comfortable.

04 Space Buns for Different Hair Lengths

Space Buns for Short Hair

Space buns for short hair work best when you use smaller sections. A bob or lob may not have enough length for two large buns using all your hair, but mini space buns and half-up styles are useful alternatives. Try half-up mini space buns, small high buns using the front sections, mini twisted buns, half-up braided space buns, or space buns with loose face-framing layers. Use small elastics and discreet pins, and avoid repeatedly tightening the same sections if the hairstyle starts to feel uncomfortable.

Space Buns for Medium-Length Hair

Medium-length hair offers enough length for many classic double buns, twisted buns, and half-up styles. Shoulder-length hair can also work well with messy space buns. For more volume, avoid wrapping the hair too tightly. If your haircut has layers, tuck shorter pieces into the buns and secure them with pins.

Space Buns for Long Hair

Long hair offers more options for large buns, braided space buns, and detailed twists. However, longer hair can make the buns heavier, so use enough pins to secure the style comfortably. For an easy look, create two high ponytails and wrap them into buns. For something more decorative, braid each ponytail before wrapping it or leave the lower half loose in a half-up hairstyle.

05 Space Buns for Different Hair Types

Fine or Thin Hair

• Use a suitable texturizing product if your hair needs more grip.
• Avoid smoothing the ponytails too tightly if you want a softer finish.
• Gently loosen the finished buns to add width.
• Try half-up space buns if you prefer to leave more hair loose.
• Choose lightweight accessories instead of heavy decorations.

Avoid aggressive backcombing if your hair is fragile or prone to breakage.

Thick Hair

Thick hair can create naturally full buns, but it may also be heavier and harder to secure. Divide your hair carefully and use sturdy elastics and enough bobby pins. Twisting or braiding each ponytail before wrapping it can help keep the sections manageable, and working on one side at a time makes styling easier.

Straight Hair

Straight hair can create sleek, defined space buns, especially with a clean center part. If your hair is slippery, a small amount of suitable texturizing product may help the buns hold their shape. For a fuller finish, gently loosen the secured buns instead of pulling them apart too much before pinning.

Wavy Hair

Wavy hair adds natural texture to double buns. You can leave your waves loose in a half-up style or gather all your hair into two messy buns. If you want to preserve your natural wave pattern, avoid excessive brushing immediately before styling.

Curly and Coily Hair

Curly and coily hair can create beautiful textured buns or double puffs. Work gently with your natural texture, use suitable hair ties, and avoid excessive tension around the hairline. Decide whether you want defined curls, fluffy buns, or a smoother finish before styling — your preferred look will help you choose the right preparation and shaping technique.

06 How to Make Space Buns Look Fuller

If your space buns look smaller than you expected, you can create a fuller appearance without necessarily using extensions.

1. Add texture before styling.

   If your hair is very smooth, a suitable texturizing product may help create grip and make the buns easier to shape.

2. Avoid wrapping the hair too tightly.

   Tight wrapping creates a compact bun. A slightly looser wrap can make the finished shape look wider.

3. Loosen the finished buns gently.

   Once the buns are secure, use your fingertips to pull small sections outward. Make gradual adjustments so they do not unravel.

4. Try braided or twisted buns.

   Braiding or twisting the ponytail before wrapping it can create a more structured shape and add visible texture.

5. Choose suitable accessories.

   A small scrunchie or decorative accessory can add visual interest, but heavy accessories may pull the buns down.

If your hair is fine or fragile, avoid aggressive teasing or backcombing. The goal is to create the appearance of volume while keeping the hairstyle comfortable.

07 How to Keep Space Buns in Place

If your space buns keep falling out, the issue may be the placement, your hair length, or the way the buns are secured.

• Secure the ponytails first: use elastics that hold your hair without pulling painfully.
• Pin the base: position bobby pins around the bun to anchor it securely.
• Tuck in shorter layers: use small pins for loose ends instead of repeatedly tightening the entire bun.
• Choose the right bun size: mini buns may be easier for short hair, while long or thick hair may need more pins.
• Use styling products sparingly: a suitable hairspray or styling product can help manage flyaways and improve hold.
• Adjust uncomfortable tension: if your scalp hurts, loosen the hairstyle and reposition the buns.

Space buns do not need to be perfectly identical to look attractive. A messy finish can include small differences in shape, while sleek space buns benefit from careful sectioning and more precise placement.

08 Best Accessories for Space Bun Hairstyles

Accessories can help you personalize your space bun hairstyle for different outfits and occasions.

• Bows and Ribbons — attach small bows at the base of each bun or tie narrow ribbons around the elastics for a playful finish.
• Butterfly Clips and Colorful Pins — perfect for a colorful Y2K-inspired look; use a few accents for everyday wear or more pieces for a themed party.
• Scrunchies — small scrunchies add color and texture while helping secure loose buns. Choose a size that suits your hair thickness.
• Glitter and Hair Gems — add sparkle for festivals, concerts, and parties. Choose products intended for use on hair and follow their application and removal instructions.
• Beads and Braided Accessories — complement braided space buns and textured hairstyles. Make sure accessories are secure and do not pull on your hair.

✦ Aesthetic Space Bun Moodboard

A little visual inspiration — pin these looks for your next hair day.

~ which one are you trying first? ~

09 Frequently Asked Questions About Space Bun Hairstyles

10 Final Thoughts

Space bun hairstyles are playful, versatile, and easy to personalize. From classic high space buns and messy double buns to braided styles, mini buns for short hair, and curly space buns, there are plenty of ways to make this hairstyle your own.

If you are a beginner, start with classic space buns, twisted buns, or a half-up half-down style. Once you feel comfortable with the basic technique, experiment with braids, different bun placements, and accessories. Choose a hairstyle that works with your hair length, texture, and occasion. Keep your buns secure but comfortable, remove them gently, and experiment until you find a look you love.

Whether you are getting ready for school, a casual day out, a concert, or a festival, space buns are a fun addition to your hairstyle collection.

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