Space Buns and Double Buns, Done Right

Published April 14, 2026

The playful double-bun look, refined so it reads chic instead of costume.

The Playful Appeal of Double Buns

Space buns are two symmetrical buns placed high on the head, a look that swings between festival-fun and effortlessly cute depending on how you style them. They read youthful and playful, and they are a go-to for concerts, festivals and anyone wanting a statement style in minutes. The trick to keeping them chic rather than costumey is in the placement, the tension and the finish. Done with intention, they look styled rather than juvenile.

Placement Is Everything

Where you place the buns changes the entire vibe: high on the crown reads playful and youthful, while lower buns near the crown's back edge feel more refined and grown-up. Symmetry matters, so part your hair straight down the center and measure each side by eye before securing. For a softer look, place the buns slightly off the very top so they peek from the front rather than sitting like ears. Preview a couple of placements on your selfie in GlowMaxing to find your most flattering spot.

Sleek Versus Messy Finishes

A sleek space bun, brushed smooth with gel and edge control, reads polished and editorial, perfect for a night out. A messy, textured version with pulled-out pieces and face-framing tendrils feels relaxed and festival-ready. Choose your finish based on the occasion, and commit fully to one rather than landing in between. Texture spray helps the messy version hold, while a smoothing brush and gel deliver the sleek look.

The Step-by-Step

Part your hair cleanly down the center and clip one side out of the way. Gather one side into a high ponytail, smoothing as you go, then twist the tail and wrap it into a bun, securing with pins and a hair tie. Repeat on the other side, checking symmetry in the mirror. For fuller buns on fine hair, tease the ponytail before wrapping or tuck in a small hair donut for volume.

Styling for Different Lengths

Long hair makes the fullest, most dramatic buns, but shorter and medium lengths work beautifully too with a few adjustments. For short hair, make smaller, tighter buns and pin any loose ends underneath. Half-up space buns, where only the top section is bunned and the rest hangs loose, are a clever option for those who cannot gather all their length. Add a few clips or a sprinkle of glitter for festivals to lean into the playful side.

Holding the Style All Day

Space buns rely on tension, so use a strong hair tie and plenty of bobby pins crossed against each other for grip. A flexible hairspray over the finished style keeps flyaways down and holds the shape through a long day. For festivals and workouts, a few extra pins and an edge-control product keep everything locked. To take them down painlessly, remove pins first, then gently unwind rather than yanking the ties.