Space Buns for Short Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide to Galactic Glam
Space buns, that iconic hairstyle reminiscent of a futuristic princess or a playful anime character, have made a major comeback. They’re fun, flirty, and surprisingly versatile. While often associated with long, flowing locks, the good news is you can absolutely rock space buns even with shorter hair! This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to creating perfect space buns for short hair, along with tips, tricks, and variations to make the style your own.
Why Space Buns Work for Short Hair
Many believe that space buns are exclusively for those with long hair, but that’s simply not true. Short hair, in fact, can lend itself to a cuter, more playful take on the style. Here’s why space buns work beautifully on shorter lengths:
* **Adds Volume and Height:** Space buns instantly create volume at the crown of your head, making your hair appear fuller and giving you a lift.
* **Frames the Face:** The placement of the buns can beautifully frame your face, accentuating your features.
* **Trendy and Youthful:** Space buns are undeniably trendy and exude a youthful vibe. They’re a fun way to experiment with your look.
* **Adaptable to Different Styles:** From sleek and polished to messy and textured, space buns can be adapted to suit various styles and occasions.
* **Conceals Unwashed Hair (Sometimes!):** Let’s be honest, sometimes we just don’t have time to wash our hair. Space buns can be a great way to disguise slightly greasy roots (although very short hair might make this harder!).
What You’ll Need
Before you embark on your space bun journey, gather the following essentials:
* **Hair Elastics:** Choose hair elastics that are close to your hair color to minimize visibility. Small, clear elastics are also a good option. Have at least four on hand, just in case.
* **Bobby Pins:** Bobby pins are your best friends for securing stray hairs and shaping your buns. Opt for bobby pins that match your hair color. A pack of 20-30 will be useful.
* **Fine-Tooth Comb:** A fine-tooth comb is crucial for creating clean parts and smoothing out flyaways.
* **Mirror:** Essential for seeing the back of your head and ensuring even bun placement.
* **Hairspray (Optional):** Hairspray is helpful for adding hold and taming frizz. Choose a light-hold hairspray for a natural finish or a strong-hold hairspray for a style that lasts all day.
* **Texturizing Spray or Dry Shampoo (Optional):** These products can add grip and texture to your hair, making it easier to style and preventing the buns from slipping.
* **Heat Protectant (If Using Heat):** If you plan to curl or wave your hair beforehand, be sure to apply a heat protectant to prevent damage.
* **Accessories (Optional):** Get creative! Consider adding accessories like scrunchies, headbands, or hair clips to personalize your space buns.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Space Buns on Short Hair
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating stunning space buns on short hair:
**Step 1: Prepare Your Hair**
* **Wash and Dry (Optional):** If your hair is oily, start with freshly washed and dried hair. However, slightly dirty hair can actually hold styles better, so consider skipping the wash if your hair is already relatively clean.
* **Add Texture (Optional):** For short hair, adding texture is often key. Apply a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to your roots and throughout your hair. This will provide grip and volume, making it easier to create the buns.
* **Brush Through:** Gently brush your hair to remove any tangles or knots. This will ensure a smooth and even style.
* **Consider Pre-Styling (Optional):** For added volume and texture, consider curling or waving your hair before creating the buns. This can give your space buns a more playful and effortless look. Use a heat protectant spray before using any heat styling tools.
**Step 2: Create a Center Part**
* **Using your fine-tooth comb, create a clean and even center part.** The straighter the part, the more symmetrical your space buns will be. You can use the end of the comb to create a sharp, defined line. Ensure the part extends from your forehead to the nape of your neck.
**Step 3: Section Your Hair**
* **Divide your hair into two equal sections.** Use your fingers or the comb to create a clear division down the center part. Make sure each section contains roughly the same amount of hair.
* **Secure One Section (Temporarily):** Use a hair elastic or clip to tie off one section of your hair. This will keep it out of the way while you work on the other side.
**Step 4: Create the First Bun**
This is where the magic happens! Here are a few ways to create the buns, depending on your hair length and desired style:
* **The Classic Bun:**
* **Gather the first section of your hair as if you’re making a high ponytail.** The height of the ponytail will determine the placement of your bun. For a more playful look, position the ponytail higher on your head. For a more subtle look, position it lower.
* **Twist the ponytail tightly from the base to the ends.** The tighter the twist, the more secure the bun will be.
* **Wrap the twisted ponytail around the base of the elastic band, forming a bun.** Continue wrapping until all of the hair is secured.
* **Secure the bun with bobby pins.** Use bobby pins to tuck in any loose ends and shape the bun to your liking. Aim for a round, neat shape.
* **The Messy Bun:**
* **Gather the first section of your hair into a high ponytail, but don’t pull it all the way through on the last loop.** This will create a loop of hair with the ends sticking out.
* **Fan out the loop of hair to create a messy bun shape.**
* **Wrap the ends of the hair around the base of the bun and secure them with bobby pins.**
* **Pull out a few strands of hair around your face for a more relaxed and effortless look.**
* **The Braided Bun (For slightly longer short hair):**
* **Braid the section of hair, starting at the base of the ponytail.** Secure the end of the braid with a small elastic band.
* **Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail, forming a bun.**
* **Secure the bun with bobby pins.**
**Step 5: Repeat on the Other Side**
* **Release the secured section of hair.**
* **Repeat Step 4 to create the second bun.** Try to make the second bun as similar in size and shape as the first bun. Symmetry is key for a balanced look, but don’t worry about perfection! Slightly mismatched buns can add to the charm.
**Step 6: Secure and Refine**
* **Check for Symmetry:** Stand in front of a mirror and assess the symmetry of your space buns. Adjust the placement and shape of the buns as needed until you’re satisfied with the overall look.
* **Secure Loose Ends:** Use bobby pins to tuck in any loose ends or stray hairs that are sticking out. The goal is to create a clean and polished look, but don’t be afraid to leave a few strands out for a more relaxed vibe.
* **Add Hairspray (Optional):** If you want extra hold, lightly spritz your space buns with hairspray. This will help to keep the style in place and prevent flyaways.
**Step 7: Accessorize (Optional)**
* **Now comes the fun part – accessorizing!** Consider adding scrunchies, headbands, hair clips, or other accessories to personalize your space buns. Here are a few ideas:
* **Scrunchies:** Choose scrunchies in fun colors or patterns to add a pop of personality.
* **Headbands:** A headband can add a touch of elegance or a bohemian flair to your space buns.
* **Hair Clips:** Use decorative hair clips to secure loose ends or add sparkle to your buns.
* **Glitter:** For a festival-ready look, add some glitter to your roots or buns.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Space Buns on Short Hair
* **Experiment with Placement:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with the placement of your space buns. Try placing them higher on your head for a more playful look, or lower for a more subtle look. You can also try placing them closer together or further apart.
* **Tease Your Roots:** For added volume, tease your roots before creating the buns. This will give your hair a lift and make the buns appear fuller.
* **Use a Texturizing Product:** Texturizing sprays and dry shampoos are your best friends when it comes to creating space buns on short hair. These products add grip and texture, making it easier to style your hair and preventing the buns from slipping.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Get Messy:** Space buns don’t have to be perfect. In fact, a slightly messy and undone look can be even more stylish. Don’t be afraid to let a few strands of hair fall out around your face for a more relaxed vibe.
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** Like any hairstyle, creating perfect space buns takes practice. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually master the technique.
* **Consider Hair Extensions (For Extra Short Hair):** If your hair is very short, you might find it difficult to create full and voluminous space buns. In this case, consider using clip-in hair extensions to add length and volume. Choose extensions that match your hair color and texture for a seamless blend.
* **Use Clear Elastics:** When securing your ponytails, opt for clear elastics. These are less visible than colored elastics and will blend in with your hair, creating a cleaner look.
* **Sleep in a Silk Scarf:** To preserve your space buns overnight, sleep in a silk scarf or bonnet. This will help to prevent frizz and keep the buns in place.
* **Adjust for Different Hair Types:** The technique may need slight adjustments based on your hair type. For fine hair, focus on adding volume and texture. For thick hair, ensure the buns are securely pinned and that the weight is evenly distributed.
Variations on the Space Bun Style
Once you’ve mastered the basic space bun, you can experiment with different variations to create a unique look:
* **Half-Up Space Buns:** Create two small space buns on the top half of your hair, leaving the bottom half down. This is a great option for a more casual and playful look.
* **Braided Space Buns:** Braid sections of your hair before creating the buns for added texture and detail.
* **Double Dutch Braid Space Buns:** Create two Dutch braids that lead into space buns for a more intricate and eye-catching style.
* **Space Bun Pigtails:** Instead of wrapping the hair into buns, leave the twisted ponytails hanging down for a cute and quirky look.
* **Sleek Space Buns:** For a more polished and sophisticated look, create sleek and smooth space buns with a strong-hold hairspray.
* **Asymmetrical Space Buns:** Place the buns at different heights or sizes for a more edgy and unconventional look.
Space Buns for Different Occasions
Space buns are surprisingly versatile and can be worn for a variety of occasions:
* **Casual Outings:** Space buns are perfect for casual outings like running errands, grabbing coffee with friends, or going to the beach.
* **Festivals and Concerts:** Space buns are a popular choice for festivals and concerts, thanks to their fun and playful vibe.
* **Parties:** Dress up your space buns with glitter or accessories for a party-ready look.
* **Workouts:** Space buns can be a practical and stylish way to keep your hair out of your face during workouts.
* **Even Semi-Formal Events (With the Right Twist):** Sleek and polished space buns, paired with the right outfit and accessories, can even work for semi-formal events.
Troubleshooting Common Space Bun Problems
* **Buns are Slipping:** If your buns are slipping, try adding more texture to your hair with a texturizing spray or dry shampoo. You can also use more bobby pins to secure the buns in place.
* **Buns are Too Small:** If your buns are too small, try teasing your roots for added volume. You can also use clip-in hair extensions to add length and volume.
* **Buns are Uneven:** If your buns are uneven, adjust the placement and shape of the buns until you’re satisfied with the overall look. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a balance that works for you.
* **Flyaways and Frizz:** Tame flyaways and frizz with hairspray or a smoothing serum.
Conclusion
Space buns are a fun, versatile, and surprisingly easy hairstyle to achieve, even on short hair. By following these step-by-step instructions and tips, you can create stunning space buns that are perfect for any occasion. So, embrace your inner space princess and give this trendy hairstyle a try! Experiment with different variations and accessories to make the style your own. With a little practice, you’ll be rocking space buns like a pro in no time. Now go forth and conquer the galaxy… one space bun at a time! You’ve got this! Don’t be afraid to experiment and most importantly, have fun with it!