Space buns are a fun, playful, and surprisingly versatile hairstyle that has remained consistently popular across generations, reinvented repeatedly in different cultural moments. On natural hair, space buns take on a particularly beautiful quality — the volume and texture of natural coils and kinks create buns that are full, dimensional, and inherently eye-catching. Whether worn at a festival, for a casual day out, or as a creative styling choice, space buns on natural hair are a joyful expression of personal style.
What Are Space Buns?
Space buns are a twin-bun hairstyle in which the hair is divided into two equal sections and each section is gathered and coiled into a bun positioned high on either side of the head, roughly above the ears. The buns sit symmetrically on the top or sides of the head, creating the distinctive double-pom look that gives the style its name. On natural hair, each bun can be a simple gathered coil, a more structured twisted bun, or a fully styled afro puff bun.
What You Will Need
To create space buns on natural hair, you will need a rat tail comb for creating a clean center part, two soft fabric-covered elastics or satin scrunchies, bobby pins for securing the buns, edge control for smoothing the hairline and part, and a light oil or gel for defining the buns if desired.
Step 1 — Create a Clean Center Part
Using the pointed end of your rat tail comb, create a precise part from the center of the forehead to the center of the nape of the neck, dividing the hair into two exactly equal sections. Apply a small amount of edge control along the part and use the comb to press the hair flat on both sides of the part for a clean, defined center line. Clip one section out of the way while you work on the other.
Step 2 — Create the First Bun
Take the first section of hair and gather it upward toward the top of the head, smoothing it as you go. Secure it with your elastic at the desired position — the higher the bun, the more dramatic the space bun effect. Once secured as a ponytail, wrap the hanging hair around the base of the elastic in a circular motion, coiling it into a bun shape. Secure with bobby pins inserted through the coiled hair and tucked against the base. Repeat the process on the other side.
Step 3 — Smooth and Finish
Apply edge control to the hairline on both sides and smooth with a soft brush for a polished finish. Alternatively, leave the hairline in its natural state for a more organic, textured look. Apply a light oil to each bun for shine and definition. For extra volume, gently pull apart the coiled hair of each bun with your fingers to create a larger, fuller shape.
Variations
Space buns can be customized in numerous ways on natural hair. The buns can be positioned at the top, sides, or back of the head for different effects. Braids from the hairline can be incorporated for additional detail. Twist-out or braid-out hair creates particularly beautiful space buns with defined texture throughout the buns themselves. Accessories such as colorful scrunchies, pins, or ribbons add a personal, decorative touch.
Final Thoughts
Space buns on natural hair are a joyful, expressive style that celebrates the volume and texture of coily and curly hair in the most playful way. Easy to create and endlessly customizable, they are a style that works for any age and any occasion that calls for a touch of fun and creativity.