Yes, space buns are in fact still cool – here are 15 styles to prove it
Space buns never went out of style, and they're consistently being re-invented. They may have gotten their celestial name from Star Wars' Princess Leia but it's been a style many different cultures have adapted. It's truly an elite hair style as it suits all hair textures, braids, embellishments and can be customised to the max.
The beauty with space buns is really in the versatility. Twisted braids can be intertwined with buns, adding an element of fun and complexity. You can also spice them up by adding hair accessories, glitter, tinsel and gems for that ultimate go-to festival look. Now they may look a little complicated to do, but are easily achieved with a bit of practice.
TikTok content
We went ahead and asked celebrity MUA Peter Lux – who has teamed up with American Express to create this summer’s newest festival hairstyles inspired by the iconic noughties era, but with a contemporary twist. – for a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the cutest and simplest space buns.
How to do space buns in six steps:
- Prep your Hair: Start by preparing your hair for styling.
- Section your Hair: Using a comb, create a horizontal parting across the back of your head, separating the hair you want to leave out from the rest.
- Create the Space Buns: Take the remaining hair, excluding the section you separated, and divide it into two equal parts. This will be used to create the space buns.
- Twist and Secure the Space Buns: Starting with one section, twist the hair clockwise until it begins to coil around itself. Continue twisting until the hair forms a bun shape. If you have short curly hair, you can simply add a curl cream for definition and
- Merge with the Space Buns: Take a few strands of the remaining pieces of hair from each side of the section and wrap them around the base of each space bun.
- Final Touches: Check the overall look and make any adjustments to ensure symmetry and desired volume.
Here is the products you'll need:
Here is all the space buns inspo you need if you need further convincing:
Instagram content
Bored of your straight hair? Transform your look into a celestial masterpiece by tying each bun in a knot leaving a few fly aways for that effortless, nonchalant look.
Instagram content
A more grown up way of doing space buns means parting the hair in three and leaving the curly hair at the back loose. If your hair is long, tie each bun in a knot, if it's short you can always let it loose and free.
Instagram content
Afro puffs can always be considered space buns as they simply involve tying your afro in two equal halves and then you get two fluffy puffs on each side. How freaking cute.
Instagram content
Who said braids can't be turned into space buns. Braids can turn into anything, that's the magic of them. It does work best if the parting of the braids runs evenly split down the middle of the scalp.
Instagram content
Poker straight hair makes it easier to manipulate slick space buns, but does make the tying process harder, as its more slippery. Top tip: Use an elastic hook for the tightest grip and bobby bins as close to your natural hair colour as possible.
Instagram content
Space buns can look simultaneously cute, effortless and grown up. Tracee Ellis Ross made a great case for them.
Instagram content
Add some colour to your space buns for extra dimension like Lizzo. Adding some highlights or mixing coloured extensions (if you're not bold enough to dye your natural hair) will do the trick.
Instagram content
Much like goddess braids, these space buns feature loose curly hairs falling out, non-uniformly distributed, to add more texture. Here more is more, and braided strip bangs with curly ends to merge the whole look together.
Instagram content
Create an exaggerated fringe look by putting only the space buns on the back half of the hair. It's different but it's cute. A flick at the ends will make the look more uniform.
Instagram content
Talk about statement space buns. Doing them with these jumbo, extra, extra large twist outs will make a statement in itself, but a rich blonde will tie everything in the perfect bow.
Instagram content
Ciara's MET Gala 2018 after-party look is a look! These XXL space buns which Afro-haired girlies would call Afro puffs with perfectly uniform baby hairs frame her face oh-so-well.
Instagram content
Want to try space buns but not go full out? Why not try some micro space buns that are only featured on the crown of your head. They're fun, but still sophisticated.
Instagram content
Go for something more structure when tying these space buns to create the illusion of a tight rope wrapping your hair, and like Katy Perry, leave out the rest of the hair for that glossy party finish.
Instagram content
How cute are these space buns. Tie them extra tight for that slick base and let the curls flourish by loosely wrapping them into big springy curly buns.
Instagram content
Fringes or bangs as our American counterparts like to call them, always find a way to creep into any hairstyle. These birkin bangs on Blackpink's Lisa make the whole hair elevated and expensive looking.
For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
