Space buns are so in, and love to be paired with a warm sweater or glitter gel for festivals! They can be casual and whimsical perfect for elevating your regular style and today I will show you how to do your own space buns in less than 5 minutes!
Why messy space buns fit the grunge vibe
The dominance of Gen Z over major social media platforms has brought a resurgence of many ‘90s grunge hairstyles, enabling them to share their authentic, laid-back, and rebellious sense of expression. It is a much-preferred tone for the present generation thanks to the quiet, non-imposing ways in which it shuns traditional hair styling standards. Grunge space buns are all about looking cool without putting much effort into your look. And the style is quite simple and quick to execute.
Messy buns are a quick, and cool hairstyle. The casual, undone, messy updo hairstyle is also extremely versatile. It works for anything from a quick run to the grocery store to your cousin’s wedding. Messy space buns are versatile and fun. You can head out for a casual coffee date or to a big event; this playful hairdo will allow you to express your style quite effortlessly. Messy space buns are more than a hairstyle. They're a statement of effortless confidence and playful charm.
What you need before you start
Before we explain how to make space buns, you’ll need to gather your tools. Comb: space buns typically feature two buns placed on either side of a middle part. Hairbrush: a high-quality hair brush is a must for detangling your hair prior to creating your buns. If you’re aiming for a sleeker take on space buns, use a boar bristle brush. Otherwise, a classic detangling brush is perfect. Hair ties: hair ties are essential for creating and securing your ponytails, which serve as the base for your space buns. Bobby pins: these pins help you wrap and secure sections of hair to achieve a flawless bun. They can also be used to pin down loose hairs and flyaways. Hairspray or styling gel: to keep your style in place and your hair looking its best, hairspray or styling gel is a must.
Five easy steps to space buns
- To start, brush or comb your hair to remove any tangles or knots that could interfere with your style. Then, use your comb to create a straight middle part, dividing your hair into two equal sections. Editor’s tip: You can create space buns on freshly washed or not-so-clean hair. If your hair looks greasy, mist your roots with a dry shampoo before moving on to the next step. It’ll help mask excess oiliness and give your hair a bit of volume and lift.
- Gather one of your two sections of hair into a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Typically, space buns are placed at the crown of the head, but you can adjust the placement to suit your preferences-just keep in mind that the base of your pony is where your space bun will sit. Create an identical ponytail on the other side, mirroring your placement. If your hair is on the shorter side, you can easily opt for a half-up space bun style.
- To create your space buns, wrap the length of your hair around the base of your ponytail and secure it in place with bobby pins or hair ties. The tighter you wrap your hair to create the bun, the more height your buns will have. For a more intricate look, you can twist or braid the hair in the ponytail before wrapping it around the base of the ponytail to create the bun.
- There are different ways you can style your space bun. For a loose, lived-in style, pull out a few tiny sections near the front for a casual look. Loosening the buns a bit with your fingers adds bohemian flair. For a sleeker look, lightly brush the front with a boar bristle brush, slick back the front and sides with an edge brush and a strong-hold gel.
- Once you’re satisfied with your space buns, mist with a strong-hold spray to keep them in place. After they’re dry, add accessories-hair clips, ribbons, or a headband-if desired. You can also mist your part with sprayable glitter for a party-ready finish. Finish with a light veil of hairspray to ensure long-lasting hold.
Texture, volume, and finishing tips
Messy space buns require a good base of texture and volume. Use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to increase grip and fullness. If your hair is very straight, spritz damp hair with salt spray and a dollop of hair gel to add texture before it dries. Teasing the ponytails is crucial to achieving the full, voluminous look-tease all over and then expand the bun gradually, pinning as you go to hide elastics.
Keep the top and bottom sections loose to preserve the overall soft, romantic feel. The looser the nape area, the softer the overall look will be. Gently pull on each side of each bun to loosen and enlarge them, and pull out a few strands around the forehead or temples for a whimsical, organic edge. A neat, even center part is still recommended for symmetrical space buns.
Variations and style ideas
For a truly grunge-inspired twist, you can pair the space buns with a textured, undone vibe and airport-friendly accessories. Decorative pins, bedazzled clips, scrunchies, and ribbons can elevate the look for festivals or special occasions. You can also experiment with asymmetrical or diffused parting for a more rebellious feel. If you want to add a retro flair, try pairing space buns with subtle glitter or metallic accents to channel the ’90s aesthetic.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid pulling the bun too tight; the goal is loose and soft, not stiff. If your bun feels flat, tease more at the roots or apply additional texture spray. Don’t neglect hair care between styling sessions-frequent styling can take a toll, so maintain a healthy routine and minimize heavy creams or oils that weigh hair down. Before stepping out, do a quick check for stray hairs and fix any uneven buns with bobby pins.
Inspiration: grunge looks with space buns
Grunge space buns blend the carefree, rebellious spirit of the era with a modern, festival-ready edge. They work well with an undone vibe and look great with a textured, windswept finish. The 90s grunge revival makes this style particularly relevant, and it’s adaptable for long, medium, or even shorter hair with the right styling approach.
EASY GRUNGE & ALTERNATIVE INSPIRED HAIRSTYLES + SPACE BUNS | JordanByers.com
Master the art of messy space buns with our fun, step-by-step tutorial. Messy space buns are not only a hairstyle but a statement of effortless confidence and playful charm. The best part? It is very easy to make, even when you need more time or experience with styling.
Between messy buns, low buns, and braided buns, there’s a bun hairstyle for every occasion. While many of them are ultra-polished, space buns feel playful and fit a wide range of textures and lengths. Space buns are a festival-friendly, everyday look that’s simple to achieve and hard to forget.