Space Buns: The Iconic Hairstyle is a Futuristic Flair

Written by Carmen Rodriguez

Why Are They Called Space Buns? The Iconic Hairstyle with a Futuristic Flair

Space Buns: The Iconic Hairstyle is a Futuristic Flair. Space buns have become a signature look in the world of modern hairstyling, blending playful charm with edgy sophistication. This versatile hairstyle featuring two buns perched atop or near the crown of the head is called "space buns" due to its association with iconic pop culture moments, most notably Princess Leia's double bun hairdo in Star Wars, as well as its deeper historical roots in various countries and cultures. The name reflects both its futuristic flair and its connection to influential women in history.

In this guide, we’ll explore the art of creating flawless space buns, their history, and how you can adapt them for any occasion or mood. The origins of the space buns hairstyle can be traced to traditional hairdos from different countries, including Native American Hopi squash blossom buns and styles worn by women leaders and revolutionaries. Over time, the double bun look gained global recognition, especially after Princess Leia popularized it in Star Wars, making Princess Leia's hairstyle a symbol of empowerment and style. It's important to respect the cultural and historical significance of this hairdo, acknowledging its roots in diverse communities and honoring the traditions from which it evolved.

What Are Space Buns?

Space buns are essentially two symmetrical buns styled on either side of the head. The bun shape is achieved by sectioning the hair and twisting each ponytail into a specific form, ensuring a balanced and defined look. While their name suggests a futuristic vibe, the style has historical roots, drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese buns, Princess Leia’s iconic look in Star Wars, and the playful hairstyles of the 1990s.

To create space buns, start by putting and tying your hair into two ponytails, making sure to pull one section of hair at a time for each side. The shape and knot of each bun are important for both the style and security of the look, as a well formed knot helps hold the bun in place. The appeal of space buns lies in their adaptability, they can be sleek and polished or messy and bohemian, depending on your desired aesthetic.

History and Inspiration

The story of space buns is as fascinating as the style itself, with roots that stretch across continents and centuries. One of the earliest inspirations for this iconic hairstyle comes from ancient China, where women wore their hair in two buns on either side of the head. These buns were more than just a fashion statement, they signified marital status and social standing, reflecting the deep cultural traditions of the time. Similarly, in some Native American communities, young women sported squash blossom buns, carefully winding their hair around supports to create a distinctive look that carried spiritual and social meaning.

Fast forward to the early 20th century, and the Mexican Revolution brought another twist to the evolution of space buns. Women like Clara de la Rocha became known for wearing their long hair in two buns, a style that symbolized both practicality and strength. This powerful image would later inspire one of the most recognizable hairstyles in film history: Princess Leia’s double buns in Star Wars. Director George Lucas has openly credited the traditional Mexican hairstyle as the muse behind Princess Leia’s unforgettable look, cementing space buns as a symbol of rebellion, individuality, and timeless style. From ancient China to the silver screen, space buns have drawn inspiration from diverse cultures and communities, making them a truly global hairstyle.

How to Create Perfect Space Buns

Tools You'll Need:

Comb or detangling brush
Elastic bands
Bobby pins (for securing buns)
Hair mousse or texturizing spray (optional, for added grip)
Hairspray or hair oil (for finishing touches)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare Your Hair:Begin with clean or second-day hair. If your hair is fine or slippery, use a texturizing spray to add grip. Brush your hair to remove any tangles.
Part Your Hair:Use a comb to part your hair down the middle, creating two equal sections. Make sure to create a clean part at the scalp for a polished, symmetrical look.
Create Ponytails:Gather each section into a high ponytail on either side of your head. For a more subtle look, position the ponytails lower near the nape of your neck. Secure each with an elastic band.
Form the Buns:
- For Sleek Buns: Twist each ponytail tightly, wrap it around the base, and secure with bobby pins.
- For Messy Buns: Tease each ponytail slightly, then loosely twist and wrap it, leaving some strands out for texture. You can leave the rest of the hair free for a relaxed, effortless style, or incorporate the rest into the buns for a fuller look.

Secure the Style:Pin the buns in place with bobby pins, ensuring they’re symmetrical and secure. Add a pop of color with hair extensions or accessories for extra flair. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep flyaways at bay.

Expert Tips for Perfect Space Buns

Texture Matters: For a fuller bun, tease the hair or use a donut hair sponge to create volume.
Experiment with Placement: High space buns create a playful look, while low buns offer a more subtle, sophisticated vibe.
Accessorize: Add glitter, hair rings, or ribbons to elevate the style for festivals or themed events.
How to Wear Space Buns: Space buns can be worn for a variety of occasions, try them for music festivals, casual outings, Halloween costumes, or as a fun everyday look. Adjust your accessories and placement to match the event or your personal style.
Adjust for Hair Length: If you have short hair, faux hairpieces can be added to achieve the desired volume. For long hair, twisting the hair loosely prevents oversized buns.

Popular Variations of Space Buns

Half Up Space Buns: Leave the lower half of your hair down for a relaxed, boho-inspired look.
Braided Space Buns: Incorporate braids into each bun or the sections leading up to them for added detail. Adding curls or highlighting your natural curls within the braids can enhance the overall look and showcase your hair's texture.
Glitter Space Buns: Perfect for festivals, sprinkle glitter at the roots or along the parting line for a bold, playful effect.
Low Space Buns: Position the buns lower on the head for a minimalist, chic aesthetic.
Twisted Space Buns: Divide each ponytail into two sections, twist them together, and then form the buns for a textured, rope like finish.
Curly Hair Space Buns: Celebrate your natural curl texture with curly hair space buns. This style embraces and highlights curls, offering creative variations like afro puffs, goddess styles, and colorful accents that honor the beauty and versatility of curly hair.
Curly Space Buns: Curly space buns are easy to style and enhance the natural beauty of your curls or waves. This variation is perfect for showcasing texture and can even help define curls when drying hair in buns.
Raver Buns: Raver buns are a festival inspired, colorful variation of space buns that became popular in the 1990s rave culture and are often seen at parties and music festivals.

Afro Puffs and Other Influences

Space buns have also been shaped by the vibrant influence of afro puffs, a beloved hairstyle in the African American community. Afro puffs feature hair sectioned into two buns on either side of the head, often worn by young girls and women as a proud expression of cultural identity. This style has been celebrated by celebrities and embraced in popular culture, becoming a go to look for those who want to showcase their natural texture and heritage.

Beyond afro puffs, space buns have evolved to include creative variations like box braids and braided space buns. By adding hair or incorporating braids, women and girls can create intricate, eye catching designs that work beautifully with curly hair and other textures. Braided space buns are especially popular for their versatility, they can be styled half up for a playful vibe or worn full down for a more dramatic effect. These different styles allow for endless experimentation, making space buns a canvas for personal expression and cultural celebration.

Pop Culture Impact

Space buns have truly taken the world by storm, thanks in large part to their presence in popular culture. From red carpet events to music videos, celebrities and influencers have made this hairstyle a staple of modern fashion. Social media platforms are filled with creative takes on space buns, as girls and women share their unique styles, complete with glitter, hair ties, and headbands for that extra touch of fun.

The adaptability of space buns means they fit seamlessly into a variety of fashions and dress codes. Whether paired with a sleek ponytail, loose strands, playful bangs, or sparkling accessories, space buns can be styled to suit any occasion. Their cool, cute, and interesting appeal has made them a favorite among women and girls of all ages, across cultures and communities worldwide.

Inspired by traditions from ancient China, the Mexican Revolution, and afro puffs, space buns have evolved into a hairstyle that celebrates diversity, creativity, and individuality. Whether your hair is curly or straight, adding space buns to your styling repertoire is a surefire way to inject fun and life into your overall look, making every day a little more out of this world.

Why Space Buns Are Timeless

Space buns continue to dominate hairstyling trends because of their versatility and ease. They offer a youthful, vibrant look while remaining adaptable to different occasions. By blending the worlds of playful and sophisticated styles, space buns are suitable for any event, from casual street style to avant-garde red carpet moments. Space buns prove their staying power in the hairstyling world.

Conclusion

Space buns are more than just a hairstyle, they're an expression of individuality and creativity. Whether you're heading to a music festival, embracing your inner child, or making a fashion statement, this iconic look offers endless possibilities.

By mastering the techniques outlined here and experimenting with variations, you can transform space buns into your signature style. Embrace the fun, take the leap, and make the galaxy your runway!