Space buns with braids are a fun, trendy way to style your braids, twists, locs, or even natural hair. This hairstyle combines classic buns and braids with a playful twist. Space buns involve gathering hair into two buns on either side of the head. Princess Leia helped popularize the style in Star Wars, which is likely why we call them “space buns.”
To achieve this look with already-made braids, locs, or twists, first secure hair into two ponytails on both sides of your head using elastic bands. Then, wrap the length of hair around the ponytail bases to form the buns, securing with bands or pins. You can also part hair into two sections from crown to neck, braid each side into cornrows, secure into a ponytail, then wrap around the base for the buns.
Space buns work with various hair types and colors, including straight, wavy, curly, and afros. They’re best with long hair and braids, but those with short hair can try smaller buns.
Space buns take 20-30 minutes depending on hair type, length, and braiding skill. If secured properly, they can last all day or longer. A good hair product can add that shine and keep the buns from getting frizzy. More intricate styles like space buns with box braids or cornrows take longer since the braids must be installed first, but also last longer.
While space buns are all the rage, remember they’re temporary. If too heavy or tight, you might deal with some breakage or even headaches. You can avoid this by not braiding too tightly.
Vary bun sizes and positions for different looks – smaller, higher buns are playful, while larger, lower buns are more formal. There are many ways to customize your space buns.
Ready to get to know 23 different braided space bun styles? Let’s get into it!
1. Braided Space Buns with Bangs
Consider adding braided space buns with bangs for a chic take on the classic space bun style. To start, if you already have bangs, section them off. If you don’t, but want to create that look, consult a professional to cut the front section of your hair just above your eyes and over your forehead.
Next, part your hair into two even sections, running from the crown of your head down to the nape of your neck. Braid each of these sections into ponytails. Once you’ve reached the desired length for your buns, secure the braids with a hair tie and wrap them around the base of the ponytails to form your buns. Secure with bobby pins. The bangs can be styled to your preference—straight, wavy, curly, scanty, or voluminous.
2. French Braid Space Buns
French braid space buns look trendy and can easily be worn by adults and kids. To achieve this style, start by parting your hair into two sections from the crown of your head down to your neck. You can opt for either a side or center part, based on your preference. Next, create French braids on each section, starting either from the front and working towards the back or vice versa, leading into a ponytail. Wrap the ponytail around its base to form your buns.
3. Space Buns with Short Braids
Who says you need long hair to rock space buns? Space buns with short braids create a cute and bohemian look when done properly. To get this style, part your hair into two sections where you want your space buns to sit. Braid each section into ponytails, then wrap them around their bases to form your buns. If you like, this style can also be worn in a half-up pattern.
The versatility of this look makes it a great match for various outfits. Whether you’re sporting an oversized shirt with denim pants or stepping out in a body-con dress, these short braided space buns can add edge to your style.
4. Space Buns with Swoop Bangs
Space buns with swoop bangs or fringe are a fun, stylish hairstyle. Start by parting your hair into 3 sections: two lower sections and a section for the swoop fringe. Drape the swoop section at an angle over the forehead and secure with hairpins. Braid the two lower sections into separate ponytails and wrap into space buns. If you already have braids installed as shown in the picture, you can follow the same steps above. This hairstyle is perfect for casual or informal occasions.
5. Space Buns with Box Braids
Space buns with box braids are a trendy way to wear your box braids when you don’t want them simply hanging over your shoulders. To achieve these space buns with box braids, part your box braids into two sections, running from the crown of your head to your neck. Then, secure each section into a ponytail. Wrap the braids around the base of each ponytail to form the buns. If you don’t already have box braids, consider getting them done by a professional hairstylist. For an added touch, you might opt for a half-up style or leave out two braids from the middle or sides of your head to make the look even more unique.
6. Half-Up Braided Space Buns
To achieve half-up braided space buns, begin by parting your hair horizontally from one ear to the other. Take the top section and divide it into two parts. Braid each part, forming ponytails. Then wrap each ponytail around its base to create your space buns. This hairstyle is excellent for a romantic outing or a wedding party.
7. Dutch Braid Space Buns
Dutch braid space buns bring an edgy, stylish vibe that’s versatile enough for a variety of occasions, including formal events. To get this look going, part your hair into two sections, starting from the crown and moving down to the neck. You can go with either a side or center part—whichever suits your fancy. Transform each section into Dutch braids, starting from the front and moving towards the back, or vice versa, until they merge into ponytails. Wrap these ponytails around their bases to create your buns.
You can also choose to braid the sections from the front to the back, leading into ponytails to create low Dutch braid space buns. This variation offers another cool twist to this stylish hairdo.
8. Cornrows with Space Buns
Cornrows with space buns seamlessly merge the classic appeal of cornrow braids with the modern vibe of space buns. To create this look, divide your hair into two sections from the crown of your head down to your neck. Begin at your forehead and braid each section into cornrows, leading into separate ponytails. Then, wrap these into space buns, either centered on your head or lower down for a more subdued effect. Whether you opt for basic or intricate cornrows, this style offers a great way to showcase your personal style.
9. Low Space Buns with Braids
Low space buns with braids are a chic way to wear the space bun hairstyle. To achieve this style, part your hair into two sections from the crown of your head to your neck using a side or center part. Braid each section from the front to the back of your head, leading into ponytails at the neck. Then, wrap the braided hair around the base of each ponytail to create the low space buns. Alternatively, you can simply braid your hair into back cornrows and then wrap the braids into separate buns.
10. Braids with Curly Space Buns
Braids with curly space buns give off a charming and intriguing appearance. To achieve this style, part your hair into two sections from the crown of your head to your neck, either with a side or center part. Using curly hair extensions, start braiding each section in cornrows from the front to the back of your head, ending in a ponytail at the center. Then, wrap the hair around the base of each ponytail to create the curly space buns. Another option is to braid the sections in cornrows from the front to the neck, and use curly hair extensions in the ponytails to make low curly braid space buns.
11. Space Buns with Headband
Space buns paired with a headband add a touch of flair to your braided hairstyle. Begin by dividing your hair into two sections from the crown to the nape of your neck. Braid each section up to where you desire the buns to sit, then secure them into ponytails. Wrap the braids around the base of each ponytail to form the buns. Follow the same steps if you’re already wearing braids, locs, or twists. Half-up styles, like the one shown, are another great choice. Select a headband that matches with your outfit, mood, or overall style, and hold it in position using hairpins. Depending on the occasion, you can go with a simple, plain headband or a decorated, themed headband.
12. Space Buns with Weave
To achieve the Space Buns with Weave style, you’ll start by parting your hair horizontally from ear to ear. Now, take that top section, divide it into two, and cornrow each part leading up to a ponytail. Once you’ve secured those ponytails, wrap the hair around the base to craft those iconic space buns. Moving to the bottom section, lay down some smaller cornrow braids. On these braids, you can either sew in or crotchet the weave – straight, wavy, afro, or curly, the choice is all yours. This hairstyle is a great choice for those with shorter hair who desire that lovely lower section to flow over their shoulders.
13. Space Buns with Braided Bangs
When you want a look that screams creativity, then space buns with braided bangs are where it’s at. Here’s how you can get this fierce look: First, you want to section off that front part of your hair. Get those short braids going right above your forehead, just above your eyes – think of it as a little crown. Now, for the rest of your hair, part it into two, and braid each section up into a ponytail. Once you’ve done that, wrap those braids around the base of each ponytail to get those stunning space buns. Trust me, you’ll be turning heads with this one.
14. Space Buns with Twist Braids
Making space buns with twist braids is a fly way to elevate your look, especially when you’re feeling to keep those twists off your face. First, divide your twist braids in half, running from your crown down to your neck. Hold each section in a ponytail and then wrap the braids around to form those gorgeous buns. If you’re not already rocking twist braids, consider hitting up a skilled stylist to get you set. Maybe you’re in the mood for a half-up vibe? Or fancy leaving a couple of braids out at the sides for some extra sass? Whatever your choice, you can play around with the bun size and position to make it uniquely yours.
15. Space Buns with Locs
Space buns paired with locs give traditional dreadlocks a modern and refined approach. To achieve this look, ensure your locs are well-maintained. Start by dividing your hair into two sections from the crown to the neck. Secure each section into a ponytail, and wrap the locs around the ponytail base, forming the buns. This style is best worn in a half-up pattern as space buns made with locs tend to feel heavy, unless you wear sister locs, a lighter dreadlock variant.
16. Space Buns with Boho Braids
Looking for a playful twist with your hair? You’ll love space buns paired with boho braids. Unlike the defined lines of box or twist braids, boho braids bring a laid-back bohemian vibe. For this style, part your boho braids into two sections from your crown down to your neck. Secure these sections in ponytails and coil the braids to shape those buns. If boho braids aren’t part of your hair game yet, consider having them done by a skilled hairstylist. For a more dramatic look, try this style half-up pattern.
17. Stitch Braid with Space Buns
Stitch braids paired with space buns? Now that’s a combo that’s both trendy and fun, with just the right touch of intricacy. First, part your hair into two, starting at the crown and going down to your neck. Begin right at your forehead and work those stitch braids into separate ponytails. Once you have that down, wrap them up into space buns. You can position them in the middle of your head or keep it low near the neck. Personally, I think the low space buns look fab, but don’t sleep on those high ones either.
18. Space Buns with Butterfly Braids
How about space buns with butterfly locs? Talk about a standout look! What sets butterfly locs apart are those curly loops on the sides, giving them that playful, distressed vibe. Here’s how you nail the look: First, split those locs into two sections from the crown to the neck. Secure each with a ponytail, then wrap those braids around to form those cute buns. If you haven’t done butterfly locs yet, it’s worth getting them done by a professional. And a heads up – if your locs run long, you might want to try a half-up style. The distressed texture of the locs makes them pretty full and heavy.
19. Space Buns with Braids in Front
Space buns accented with braids in the front make for a playful and girly hairstyle. To nail this look, start by parting your hair into two equal sections, running from the crown of your head down to the nape of your neck. Next, isolate two small sections of hair at the beginning of each parted area. You can place these either in the middle or near the sides of your head—your choice! Braid these smaller sections into single braids to frame your face, just like in the pic.
Now, for the main event: Braid the remaining hair in each section up to the point where you want your buns to sit. Once you’ve reached that spot, secure your braids with a hair tie, forming a ponytail. Wrap the braided ponytail around its base to create your space buns. Use bobby pins to secure them in place, and you’re good to go.
If you have already made braids, locs, or twists, you can follow the same steps above and just leave out those two braids in front to complete the look.
If you’d like a variation, you can also choose to French braid the sections from the front to the back, leading into a ponytail to create low space buns. This offers another stylish take on the classic space bun look.
20. Petal Space Buns with Locs
Petal space buns with locs are a unique and intricate hairstyle perfect for showing off your locs in a daring look. To achieve this style, part your prepared and well-maintained locs into two sections from the crown of your head to your neck. Secure each section into a ponytail and twist the locs around the base of each ponytail in a petal-like fashion, as shown in the picture.
This intricate hairstyle may cause hair breakage if not done properly, so it should be done by a professional hairstylist. It’s an ideal choice for a red carpet event where you want to make a statement with your style.
21. Messy Space Buns
The messy space bun hairstyle offers a relaxed, stylish way to wear your braided space buns. Part your hair into two sections from the crown of your head to your neck. Secure each section into a ponytail and wrap the hair loosely around the base of each ponytail to create the messy buns. If using hair extensions, stop braiding right at the base of the ponytail and secure with a hairband to prevent unraveling. Then wrap the hair loosely around the base of each ponytail for the messy buns. Gently tug on the buns to get that relaxed, loose look that adds to the messy style. This hairstyle is perfect for casual or informal occasions.
22. Afro Space Buns
Afro space buns are a trendy hairstyle and a fantastic way to show off the beauty of an afro for those who have one. To achieve this unique look, start by parting your hair into two equal sections from the crown of your head down to the nape of your neck. Next, take a small section from either the middle or the sides of your head—close to your temples—and make them into single braids or twists. Depending on your preference, you can even position these sections near your ears. Secure the remaining hair in each section into full afro buns, giving the style its signature look.
There’s a solution for individuals without a natural afro but desiring this style. After creating the tight buns, simply add some flair by sewing in or crocheting kinky afro extensions over the buns. This brings the texture and volume to life, ensuring you can rock the Afro space buns regardless of your hair type.
23. Braided Space Buns with Hair Down
Braided space buns with hair down combine the playful look of space buns with the elegance of flowing hair. This style fits perfectly for weddings or romantic dates and offers a versatile look. To achieve it, part your hair into two sections, starting from the crown of your head and moving down to your neck. Then, braid each section of the rest of the hair from the front, stopping at the point where you want the buns to be. Secure these braided portions into ponytails and wrap them around the base of each ponytail to create your buns. Use bobby pins for extra security if needed.
For the remaining hair that’s left down, ensure it’s well-styled to complement the buns. Choose between straight, wavy, or curly finishes based on your preference.
If you already have braids, locs, or twists and want to try this style, follow the same steps above to easily adapt your existing look.
