How to Do a Space Bun Hairstyle Easily

Here is exactly how to do a space bun hairstyle easily, with tips for making them look fuller, neater, and longer lasting.

What You Need to Get Started

Space buns require very little in terms of tools and products which is part of what makes them such a go-to style on busy mornings or days when you want something fun without the fuss.

Everything you need before you start:

A fine-tooth comb or rat tail comb for creating a clean center part. Two strong hair elastics that match your hair color so they blend in. Bobby pins, at least six to eight, for securing the buns and tucking in any loose ends. A small amount of texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add grip especially if your hair is freshly washed and slippery. Hairspray for finishing and keeping flyaways in place throughout the day.

Having everything laid out before you start means you are not pausing mid-bun to search for a pin, which is how half-finished hairstyles end up staying half-finished.

Step by Step: How to Create Space Buns

This is the full process from start to finish. Read through it once before you begin so the steps feel familiar when you pick up the comb.

Start by brushing all the hair thoroughly to remove any tangles. Tangles make the buns lumpy and uneven so starting with completely smooth hair gives you the cleanest result.

Use the rat tail comb to create a clean center part from the forehead all the way down to the nape of the neck. This center part is what keeps both buns symmetrical and sitting in the same position on each side of the head.

Clip one side out of the way completely and work on the other side first. Gather all the hair on the working side into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. The higher the ponytail, the higher the bun will sit. Position it just above the ear toward the top of the head for the classic space bun placement.

Once the ponytail is secured, twist the length of it gently around its own base in a circular motion. Wrap it tightly enough that it holds its shape but not so tight that it pulls uncomfortably at the scalp. As you wrap, tuck the ends underneath and into the bun.

Use bobby pins to secure the bun by sliding them through the wrapped hair and into the base of the ponytail. Pin in at least three to four spots around the bun to keep it secure from all sides. Give it a gentle tug to test that it is firmly in place before moving to the other side.

Repeat the exact same process on the other side. Match the height and size of the first bun as closely as possible so both sit evenly on the head.

Once both buns are pinned in place, pull a few soft pieces loose at the temples and around the face. This small detail softens the entire look and makes it feel effortless rather than severe.

Finish with a light mist of hairspray over the whole style to keep flyaways down and hold the shape throughout the day.

Tips for Fuller, Longer-Lasting Space Buns

A few small adjustments take space buns from good to genuinely great.

Use dry shampoo or texturizing spray at the roots before styling if your hair is freshly washed. Clean hair is slippery and the buns will loosen and slide throughout the day. Hair with a little grip holds the shape significantly better and the buns stay put from morning to evening.

For thinner or fine hair, back-comb the ponytail lightly before wrapping it into a bun. This adds volume and makes the bun look fuller and rounder without needing extra hair.

If the bun feels too small, gently pull the edges of the wrapped hair outward after pinning to expand the size slightly. This is the same pancaking technique used on braids and it works just as well on buns to add visual fullness.

Match your bobby pins to your hair color so they disappear into the bun rather than showing through. This one detail makes the style look much more polished and intentional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do space buns on short hair? Yes, space buns work on shorter hair too. The buns will naturally be smaller which actually looks very cute and proportionate on shorter lengths. Use extra bobby pins to secure any shorter pieces that do not wrap fully into the bun and tuck the ends carefully underneath. A light mist of hairspray helps hold everything in place when there is less length to work with.

How do I keep my space buns from falling out throughout the day? The two main reasons space buns fall out are not enough bobby pins and hair that is too slippery. Use at least three to four pins per bun placed at different angles so they grip from multiple directions. Apply dry shampoo or texturizing spray before styling to add grip to the hair. Finishing with a good hold hairspray also keeps the buns locked in place significantly longer.

Do space buns work on curly hair? Space buns look absolutely beautiful on curly hair. The natural texture adds volume and makes the buns look fuller with less effort. Leave a few curls loose around the face for a soft, romantic finish. Avoid over-brushing curly hair before styling as this creates frizz. Smooth just the surface gently and work with the natural curl pattern as you wrap the bun.

How do I make both space buns the same size? Symmetrical buns come down to how evenly you divide the hair at the center part. Take your time creating a precise center part from front to back before sectioning. Gather each ponytail with the same amount of tension and at the same height on both sides. If one bun ends up slightly smaller, gently pull the edges outward to expand it and match the other side before adding the final bobby pins.

Try Them Today

Space buns are one of those hairstyles that are genuinely more fun to wear than almost anything else in your repertoire. They take five minutes, they work on almost every hair type and length, and they always get compliments. Save this guide, grab your bobby pins, and give them a try the next time you want something a little different from your usual routine.