There are numerous ways to wear your hair in an udpo, and space buns have been in vogue since the 1990s. Stylized by Britney Spears and other popstars of the decade, these simple yet chic buns have long since captured the attention. In this article, we provide a detailed explanation of how to achieve space buns and introduce you to seven styles that offer a contemporary twist on this decades-old style.

What are space buns?

Space buns are a popular updo hairstyle that help you look youthful and adventurous. Popularized in the 1990s, the look requires you to bunch two buns together on either side of your head. During the 1990s, Britney Spears rocked space buns in her Lucky video, while other pop icons of the era wore space buns to perfection.

Fast forward to 2024, and space buns are back. Like every trending hairstyle today, there are numerous ways to style and wear these buns, so you don’t have to stick to the tried and tested. Read on below to find out how to do them and the different styles that you can try.

How to do space buns in 6 easy steps

This straightforward space buns tutorial will help you rock this style in no time at all. Here are the simple steps you need to follow:

  1. Wash your hair and dry it with the Laifen Swift Special. Using an ionic hair dryer is key, as frizzy hair is a big problem for space buns.
  2. Brush your hair until it is smooth and free from any knots. We recommend a rat-tail comb to help you.
  3. Create two pigtails, one on each side of your head. You can pin them high or low, depending on how you want the buns to look.
  4. Twist the pigtails into a rope. Remember, the tighter you twist, the smaller your buns will be.
  5. Coil each rope into a bun and tie it in place with hair pins.
  6. Finally, add some hairspray to hold the buns in place.

7 space buns ideas for an intergalactic look!

While we love vintage buns, there are numerous other ways to achieve this glowing look, with the following seven styles trending in 2024:

1. Low space buns

The main difference between this look and other buns on this list is the height at which you wear them. Bear this in mind when completing step three of our tutorial above. We recommend buns that sit about mid-way up your head, as anything lower than this will be difficult to pin. Still, this is a quirky take on the classic look and is super easy to achieve.

2. Braided space buns

Braiding space buns is a great way to add depth and texture to this look and is perfect for women with thicker and longer hair. French braids work particularly well, but we also admire women who go for fishtail braids. You can braid your hair tight or leave it a little looser, depending on the look you’re going for. Either way, braided buns are in vogue right now and you will find lots of inspiration on social media.

3. Half up half down space buns

The half up, half down look has long been popular among women with updos, and it can also apply to space buns. Naturally, the top section is clipped in the buns, while the bottom section can flow down to shoulder length. We love the variety this look gives, adding complexity to what is an extremely straightforward look.

4. 90s space buns

If you’re interested in classic space buns, modeling your style on the iconic look when it first emerged in the 1990s is a perfect choice. Here, the buns sit high at the top of your head, equidistant from one another. This look works brilliantly for women with thin and thick hair and is ideal if you want to keep things simple.

5. Curly hair space buns

While buns are one of the best the choices of women with straight hair, curly buns are also a stunning option. Curly buns are different from curly bob hairstyles.

You can work your curls directly into the buns, while leaving some to fall down towards your eyeline. You can also leave additional length at the back of your head if you wish. The best way to accentuate your waves or curls is with sea salt spray, which can help to add some elegance to this understated style.

Review some short curly hairstyles now.

6. Space buns with braids in front

Braided buns are hugely popular right now and this is a textured look that’s ideal for medium-long hair. Micro braids at the front work particularly well with space buns, enabling you to create your signature style at the front, with the buns at the back. We recommend securing your braids with bobby pins to keep them in place.

7. Space buns with bangs

While we love space buns with short hair, adding bangs to this look is a contemporary twist on a classic style. We recommend blunt or straight bangs over curtain bangs, which run down to your eyeline. You can then finish with the buns on either side for an effortlessly chic style.

Conclusion

Buns are an effortless updo that have been popular since the 1990s, and there are several ways to wear your hair in this iconic style. From low to classic space buns, you can try out numerous looks in 2024 to evidence your style.

Remember that frizz can ruin your look, so check out our range of frizz-eliminating ionic hair dryers to blow dry your hair to perfection!