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Hair Styles

30+ Space Bun Braids Ideas

We found simple and elaborate space bun braid hairstyles to inspire your next look.



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It is truly rare to find a hairstyle that works for every single person – short hair, long hair, coarse hair, thick hair, fine hair, young hair, old hair (we’ll stop there for fear of sounding like a Seuss novel). You might even be tempted to say such a style simply doesn’t exist.

Well, you would be wrong. We’re here to introduce to you the absolute catch-all style – the braided space bun.

Originally popular in the 90’s, side buns or space buns were a staple of the “grunge festival” look. These buns bring a sense of playfulness and quirkiness that one bun (even a messy one) just can’t achieve. Like many styles of the 1990’s, space buns have made a comeback with a vengeance. The trend returned about two years ago, and is still going strong!

While these buns started as a carefree three-day concert look, they have spread out into different areas of fashion and been spotted on many celebrities. The major advantage to braided space buns is the incredible flexibility of the style. We’ve talked about versatile hairstyles before, but this one reigns supreme. You’ll be surprised to see exactly how many versions of these little beauties are out there.

Totally convenient and undeniably cute, space buns are a perfect casual style to get you out the door and on the go!


Best Space Bun Braids Ideas & Inspiration

Dutch Braided Buns

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @braidsbyclaude

Many braided space buns incorporate a Dutch braid, a sort of reverse braid where the weave ends up on top instead of tucked underneath. The Dutch braid works nicely within a braided space bun, as it complement the braids in the bun and mimics the texture. To get this simple look, have your model flip his or her head over and begin the Dutch braids at the base of the neck. Tie off the Dutch braid when you have reached the desired location, finish braiding the remaining hair, and then wrap into a bun!

Low Space Buns

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @jess__makeupartist

Space buns don’t have to sit on top of the head. You can go for a low look, like the one pictured, or full Princess Leia if you’re daring! In this style, the loose French braid works nicely against the tight spiral of the low space buns, giving a bit of volume and a difference in texture.

Space Buns and Braids

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @leamillanbraids

We told you that this look was versatile! If you’re rocking an amazing tribal braid design, you may find it difficult to shake up your daily style. That’s where braided space buns work their magic. As these buns can go snug or loose, you can tightly wrap your tribal braids up into space buns for a change of pace from your normal hairstyle.

Braid and Wrap

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @thebraidedbook

The buns themselves don’t have to be braided in order to be considered a braided space bun. Here, sleek, tight French braids end in beautifully wrapped space buns for a sweet and fun style. This option is great if you need to keep your hair in place, but still want to have a stylish look.

Twist and Shout

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @atreyee_chakraborty

These braids will make a statement with crazy shape and dynamic buns! To begin, the Dutch braids curve towards the center part, only to swing back around to the buns. That takes real skill with braiding, so it’s not for the faint of heart. For the buns, the best way to get this effect is with a bun donut for the perfectly round appearance.

Frame the Face

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @lildjzen

Still don’t believe you can wear this hairstyle anywhere? Check out this style! Space buns get an upgrade with gorgeous waves in the front, each piece mirroring the other and framing the face. These pieces balance out the height of the space buns, giving a great overall shape to the style. Additionally, wrapping a small braid around the buns gives an extra little detail as well as a sleek finish. Perfect for any special occasion or event!

Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @chezdelilashairsalon

Tiny space buns are utterly adorable, made even more so by the one wearing them! This is a great style for your kiddo, as it gets the hair out of the face while still leaving some long. Does your little one constantly brush hair out of her eyes? Try out the small braided space buns.

Pull it Up

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @b_youtiful_beauty

Speaking of styles for kids, space buns are a perfect option for your full-braided beauty. This is a great way to get the hair up and out of the way, especially if your kiddo is super active. Divide the braids into two sections, and then twist them up into the buns. Secure with a band, decorate with a ribbon, and she’s off!

Braided Swirls

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @br4idmeup

Much like the standard look, this braided space bun style begins with Dutch braids coming from the nape of the neck up the back of the head. However, instead of braiding the buns, these are twisted into sweet swirls and then pinned in place. To get this swirl effect, twist the remaining hair as you pull it into the buns.

High and Tight

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @braided_babes

This look is stunning, each line of the braids are perfectly even and the buns have an incredible shape. Be aware, this sort of precision takes time, patience, and to be honest, pain (those braids are tight). However, it can all be worth it to get such a flawless braided space bun style!

Straight Back

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @braided_babes

For tiny space buns, one of the easiest ways to get the look to work is to take your braids straight back. Whether you use a Dutch or a French braid, start your braids near the middle of the forehead and bring them in a line backwards, without curving to the side at all. Use the remaining hair to form the bun, and you can stabilize the buns with extra hair from underneath. Simply wrap the extra hair around the buns and pin, which will help them to stay firm and in place.

Give it the Glitter

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @braided_babes

This style was created for festivals after all! If you have different tones in your hair, this can be a great way to show them off, or you can weave in other colors to incorporate them into your style. With these space buns, white hair stands out against the pretty shade of brown of the hair. Glitter adds fun to the look, and stands out nicely against the freckles of the model.

I’ll Zig, You Zag

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @beautyland___18

If these funky buns weren’t quirky enough, a whacky zigzag part brings another element to this crazy style! You have to set up this part first before beginning the braids, and be aware of it throughout the weaving process. Huge, styled space buns are a great contrast to the texture of the braids and the part. Throwing purple glitter into the mix brings another bit of pizzazz and personal flair!

Woven Decoration

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @lauresshair

Braids are a fun way to weave in designs or accents, like ribbons or beads. Here, white ribbon stands out against the dark brown of the hair, perfectly threaded into the braids. Adding little ornaments, like these silver rings, brings another touch of fun.

Ice Queen

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @kaylamakespretty

When you have different colors in your hair, braids are an ideal way to show them off. The weave of the braid allows the shades to come together in a way they wouldn’t normally, particularly when you add in the bun. Ice blue and deep purple complement each other perfectly, set off by the snow glitter along the part.

Beach Buns

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @thee_hair_gal

If we haven’t already convinced you that anyone can rock this look, maybe this style will! Even if you have texture to your hair, like curl or wave, space buns will work for you. Wide French braids come back into voluminous space buns, impeccably setting off the wavy hair beneath. Worried about a messy look? That’s what bobby pins are for! Shape your buns to the desired look, pinning them for durability.

Up and Back

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @brittneyharlan

This is a prime example of using braided space buns for both style and efficiency. The Dutch braids hold down the hair in the front, while the buns pull up the hair in the back. Don’t let the tugs on the braids fool you, this style is going for comfort along with fashion. Better than conventional braids or pigtails, these buns will keep your hair off your neck, nice and cool, and out of the way!

Mickey Buns

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @jamiestarfire

You’ll look like everyone’s favorite mouse with this colorful style! Massive teased buns are the crowning glory of this look, working nicely against the white blonde and dark roots of the hair. Going for a purple glitter sets off the punches of purple in the buns nicely, making for a fun and cohesive look.

A Touch of Gold

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @beautybydev__

Golden clips bring just the right flair to this braided space bun style, popping out against the deep brunette color. Formed in a different way, the braids and buns are actually separate than one another. Make the buns first, and then do the Dutch braid up from the bottom side of the hair. You can then wrap the braids around the base of the bun for a final flourish.

Double Top Knot

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @jandfrank

Maybe space bun looks mimic a top knot, just adding another bun to even out the style. Here, you can see how the buns are right on the crown of the head, adding volume alongside the pumped up Dutch braids. This brings height to the style, and contrasts nicely against the delicate waves beneath.

Delicately Done

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @styled.by.emily

If you want to go for a more subtle or delicate version of the topknot style, this is the way to do it. Make your Dutch braids smaller and a bit tighter, and make your space buns smaller as well. Pushing the space buns a bit further back on the head also reduces the height element, even though these buns still are a decent size.

Woven Color

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @latina_braider

Color contrast is fully on display in this funky look, the bright white and lavender mixing with the dark blue and natural hair color in a cool way. The box braids in the front set up the style nicely, creating distinctive shapes that form the dimensions of the design. Twisting the braids around one another, the thick nature of these braids makes for solid and large buns, giving the look height. Gold accents compliment the colors and bring a bit of glitz to the overall finish.

Purple Ombré

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @jessicaread.hair

Sometimes a twist is as good as a braid, as clearly seen in this look. A cute style all about the space buns, the little buns come from twisting the hair and securing with hair bands. The parting of the hair forms well-defined shapes, separate from the hair beneath. This look helps to emphasis the ombré style, letting both colors shine through.

Smooth to the Side

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @the_marchhair

Tight braids are perfect with tight buns, and this look proves it. Unlike other braided space buns, the buns and braids are separate here. To achieve this, start by making the buns, shaping and pinning them until you’re satisfied. These buns look great off to the side, much like that of a ballerina. Then, take the leftover hair and do the Dutch braids, wrapping the remaining part of the braid around the base of the bun. This will help to complete your style make it look seamless.

Cute as a Button

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @hair_by_leticia

Who doesn’t love round buns? Reverse Dutch braids come up into these beauties, twisted around each other and pinned perfectly into place. To get that shape, you definitely want to up the volume with a bit of teasing or dry shampoo. Start with the braids, tying them off when you get to the point where you want the bun to start. Apply your chosen treatment to your hair, and then you can shape to your heart’s content!

Undertones

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @hair_by_ellen19

For those with underneath dyed styles, you’re going to want to find a way to show them off (we told you, a look for everyone!)! Braided space buns are perfect for an under-dye, as that is the part of the hair left on display. These gorgeous mermaid colors take center stage with this look, the braids taking on a color of their own with the gradient shades in the middle. Going for a larger, less structured bun fits with the whimsical nature of the whole design.

More Braids, More Fun

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @hairbynatashias

Nothing says you can’t have more than two braids for a space bun look! They sky is the limit! When you have multiple braids in the front, space buns are actually the ideal option if you want to pull your hair up. They add height, volume, and balance to the texture of a multi-braid style. The silver loops here bring just a bit of edge to the look, personalizing it and ramping up the cool factor.

Quad Set

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @afroandkinks

Speaking of more, space buns don’t have to be limited to just two buns. Here, this fun four-bun look is a great way to get all the hair up and under control while still looking fabulous! It’s a great option for an informal look, jazzed up a bit by the bedazzled wooden beads on the face-framing braids.

Red Buns

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @braided_babes

Braids are truly the perfect way to set off a colored hairstyle. The weave of the braid shows off the color in a way that no other style can, popping the hues right out on display. These space buns do an excellent job of bringing this bright red to the forefront as well. Another ideal style for a bun donut, and the dimple in the middle of the bun is the ideal place for a little diamond accent.

Twist it Tight

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @braidsby_nashmib

Need a style that’s going to last you all day? Well, you’ve found it! Especially if you work in highly active profession, these tight braids and spiraled buns have got your back. With the strength of this weave, the braids aren’t going anywhere, and if you get your pins right these buns won’t move either. The trick is to form and pin the bun first, and then surround it with the rest of the hair. Pin that as well, and you’re good to go!

Fuchsia Sparkle

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @braided_babes

The shape of these buns really puts the space in space bun. Making us think of fun and futuristic hairstyles, this style of space bun is easy to make. Start with a small, tight bun, and then take access hair and wrap it loosely around the bun. This creates a wispy, “beehive” effect as well as the desired shape. Quadruple braids and fuchsia glitter set off the whole style.

Red Spirals

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @_anneshouse

No matter what type of highlights you have, they’re going to show through in a braided space bun look. You can see that clearly as the red moves through the braid, and then swirls in the bun. Add to the spiral effect by twisting the hair as you make the bun, which will double your spirals.

Braid to Bun

Inspirational picture of a space buns braids hairstyle idea.
Source: Instagram @bubblegum_cartel

Multiple braids meet in the middle with this singular bun, or topknot. The loose nature of the braids brings a nice textural element, while the bun stands tall and proud on top. You could also do this look with two buns, just bring braids up from the bottom and the top to meet at the buns. It would create a cool X effect in the middle, a fun twist on the style.

If we haven’t fully convinced you of the flexible and wonderful nature of the braided space bun, then we have truly failed in our work. This awesome and fun style is a great way to shake up your normal look, as well as a cute way to get your hair out of the way. Whether it’s for work, play, or a night out, you can surely rock a braided space bun!



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