How to Create Playful Space Buns in 3 Easy Steps

1. Brush and Part Your Hair 

Depending on your hair type, brushing or finger-combing your hair is an important first step as it helps to remove tangles, smooth hair, prevent breakage and overall just make it easier on you when you’re creating the look. Once you’ve brushed or finger-combed your strands, part your hair down the middle into two equal sections. A middle part is key for this style so both buns are the same size. For a Y2K-inspired look, try rocking your space buns with a centered zigzag part.

To give your space buns and updos some extra volume, opt for a plumping shampoo and conditioner like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Shampoo, Paraben-Free and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Conditioner, Paraben-Free. This cleansing duo contains hyaluronic acid to replenish dehydrated strands, giving your hair bounce, volume and shine to make sure you never have a flat hairstyle again.

Editor’s tip: Don’t feel like you need to have fresh, clean hair to rock the space bun look. Space buns are a great way to conceal day four or day five roots and when your hair's a little oily, it gives a better hold. If you want to add some volume to the roots, use a tinted dry shampoo like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Brown Hair if you have dark strands, or the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Blonde Hair if you’re a blonde or redhead.  

2. Create Your Ponytails 

Starting on one side, gather a section of hair and pull it into a ponytail, making sure to smooth any bumps during the process. Your placement can be adjusted based on your preference, just keep in mind that the base of your ponytail will be where your space bun is. You can also place your buns up higher on the crown of your head or to the sides — it’s totally up to you. Once you’ve created a ponytail on one side of your part, create an identical ponytail on the other side. Be sure to mirror your placement as you don’t want your space buns to be lopsided. 

If your hair is on the shorter side, you can easily opt for a half-up, space bun style to achieve the look. This will leave you with three sections — the two, top ponytail sections that will be used to create the buns and the bottom section in the back. Another hack for short hair — instead of creating ponytails, only pull the hair halfway through to create a loop bun. This will allow you to achieve space buns in two easy steps.

3. Wrap the Hair to Create Buns 

To create your space buns, you’ll want to wrap the length of your hair around the base of your ponytail and then secure it in place with bobby pins or hair ties. For a more intricate look, you can first twist or braid the hair in the ponytail before wrapping it around the base of your ponytail to create the bun. 

Once you’re finished, spray a light mist of hairspray like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented to set your hair in place. To perfect your baby hairs, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel and an edge brush to lay your edges.

Next: 8 Different Ways to Get Perfect Beach Waves

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo credit: iStock