1. Single Braid into Buns
One neat braid running from the front hairline up into each high or mid-height bun is the easiest braided version, adding instant intricacy without any real skill. Because the braid only covers a short section before the bun swallows the ends, beginners can get a clean, symmetrical result quickly. It works on any length and suits an everyday step-up from plain buns, a first festival look, or a casual weekend out. Keep the part crisp and the two braids mirrored so the finish reads intentional.
Who it suits: Beginners and everyday wear.
Tip: A three-strand braid or two-strand twist both work - twists are quicker.
2. Cornrow Space Buns
Cornrows braided flat along the scalp and fed up into two high buns give a sleek, close-to-the-head finish that looks polished and intricate and tucks the ends away. The tension of the cornrow rows makes this one of the longest-lasting versions, holding its shape for several days on straight, curly or coily hair. It reads as a genuine protective style, so it suits busy weeks, holidays and anyone who wants to wash-and-go less often. Lay the edges and oil the scalp to keep the parts clean and comfortable.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a protective, lasting style.
3. Bubble Braid Space Buns
Instead of braiding, you segment each front section with a row of small clear elastics and gently puff the hair between them, creating rounded bubble braids that lead up into the buns. It needs no braiding skill at all, so it is ideal if plaiting feels fiddly, and the puffed segments add playful, eye-catching texture. The look suits medium to long hair with a bit of body, and reads especially cute for festivals, parties and photo days. Space the elastics evenly and tug each bubble outward for a full, balanced effect.
Who it suits: Festivals and playful looks.
Tip: Space the elastics evenly and gently puff each section for the bubble effect.
4. Dutch Braid Space Buns
Dutch braids cross the strands underneath so the plait sits proud of the scalp, giving a bold, raised, three-dimensional lead-up into each bun rather than a flat one. That extra dimension catches the light and reads more intricate, which is why it is such a festival-ready choice. It suits anyone comfortable with an inverted braid and works best on medium to long hair with enough length to feed into a full bun. Braid firmly and keep both sides even so the raised rows mirror each other neatly.
Who it suits: Anyone comfortable with Dutch braiding.
5. French Braid Space Buns
French braids cross the strands over the top, so they lie smooth and flat against the head for a classic, understated lead-up into each bun. The result is neater and more grown-up than a raised Dutch braid, giving a put-together, almost bridal finish. This version suits weddings, work events and anyone who prefers elegant over edgy, and it flatters most lengths and textures. Start the braid high near the part and keep the sections even so the two sides match and the finish stays sleek.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a classic, neat look.
6. Two-Strand Twist Buns
Two-strand twists simply wrap two sections around each other, so they are the quickest way to add braided-looking texture without learning to plait. Each twist leads neatly into its bun and takes seconds, making this the go-to when you are short on time but still want more than a plain bun. It suits beginners, busy mornings and every hair type, though a little product helps twists hold on silky straight hair. Twist both sides in the same direction so they look symmetrical and secure the ends well into the bun.
Who it suits: Beginners and quick styling.
7. Fishtail Braid Buns
A fishtail braid crosses fine pieces from each side over to the middle, creating a delicate, herringbone weave that looks far more complex than it is. Leading a fishtail into each bun gives an intricate, detailed finish that photographs beautifully and feels special. It suits weddings, date nights and anyone who loves a pretty, refined braid, and works best on medium to long hair with a little grip. Keep the pieces small and even for the finest weave, then gently pull the edges to make the braid look fuller.
Who it suits: Anyone who loves an intricate braid.
8. Cornrows into Curly Buns
Sleek cornrows braided flat at the roots that open into full, curly buns give a striking contrast between crisp, tucked-away braids and soft natural volume. The neat scalp work frames the face while the buns show off your curl pattern, so the look feels both polished and playful. It is especially flattering on curly and coily hair and doubles as a protective-adjacent style, tucking the ends and lasting a few days. Keep tension gentle on your edges and moisturise the curly buns so they stay defined and frizz-free.
Who it suits: Curly and coily hair.
9. Half-Up Braided Buns
Here you braid only the top section from the temples up into two small buns and leave the rest of your length loose, so you get a braided detail at the crown without committing to a full pulled-back style. It keeps your hair on show while adding intricacy, which makes it a soft, flattering choice for dates, brunches and everyday wear. The look suits medium to long hair that you want to keep down, and pairs nicely with waves or a curl below. Take a clean horizontal section so the down hair falls smoothly beneath the buns.
Who it suits: Anyone who wants their length down.
10. Accent Braid Space Buns
Rather than braiding the whole section, you take one thin accent braid on each side and blend it into an otherwise regular space bun, adding a small, pretty detail with barely any effort. It is the easiest way to hint at braided texture when you do not have time for a full plait, and it suits anyone wanting a subtle upgrade from plain buns. The delicate braid works on any length and reads cute for everyday or a low-key event. Place it near the part so it frames the face.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a subtle braid detail.
11. Braided Buns with Beads
Threading hair beads, cuffs or rings onto the braids as they lead into the buns turns a simple braided style into an adorned, festival-ready statement. The hardware adds colour, movement and a personal touch, and it photographs beautifully in the sun. This look leans into festival, holiday and celebration energy and suits braids firm enough to hold the weight of the beads, so it works especially well on cornrows or thicker plaits. Slide the beads on before you secure the ends into the bun and space them evenly so both sides balance.
Who it suits: Festivals and adorned looks.
12. Rope Braid Buns
A rope braid twists two strands individually and then wraps them around each other in the opposite direction, giving a neat, cord-like texture that is quicker and easier than a three-strand plait. It leads tidily into each bun and holds firmly, so it is a smart choice when you want structure without much fuss. The look suits beginners, busy days and any hair type, though a little grip helps it stay put on slippery hair. Twist each strand tightly before wrapping so the rope stays defined all the way into the bun.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting quick, neat texture.
13. Braided Crown into Buns
Here a braid runs across the crown or curves around the head before feeding into the two buns, creating a boho-crown effect that frames the whole hairline. The wrapping braid adds a romantic, garland-like detail that lifts the style well beyond a basic double bun. It suits festivals, weddings and any dreamy, whimsical occasion, and flatters medium to long hair with enough length to braid across and still fill the buns. Anchor the crown braid with pins as you go, then feed the tails smoothly into each bun so the line stays unbroken.
Who it suits: Boho and romantic looks.
14. Braided Glitter Space Buns
Working glitter gel along the braids and part turns braided buns into an all-out festival hairstyle, catching the light with every movement. The sparkle sits on top of the plaits so it defines the braid pattern rather than hiding it, and it washes out easily with normal shampoo. This look is made for festivals, parties and themed nights, and suits any braid style from simple twists to cornrows. Apply the glitter gel with a fingertip or small brush along the braid lines, and let it set for a minute before you move so it stays put.
Who it suits: Festivals and parties.
15. Braided Jumbo Buns
Feeding braids into oversized jumbo buns gives a bold, high-volume statement with plenty of visible texture, and the braiding actually makes the big buns more secure by containing the length. The scale reads dramatic and confident, so it is a real head-turner for festivals, concerts and photo shoots. It suits long or thick hair that can fill a large bun, or anyone using a little added hair for extra body. Support the weight with several pins angled toward the scalp around each base, and braid firmly so the jumbo buns hold their shape all day.
Who it suits: Long or thick hair wanting drama.
16. Braided Buns with Added Hair
Braiding in added hair from the root gives longer, fuller braids and noticeably bigger buns, and tucks your natural ends safely away for a genuine protective style. The extra length and density mean the look lasts well, often a week or more with care, making it ideal for holidays, festivals or a break from daily styling. It suits anyone wanting drama or protection, and works across textures. Match the added hair to your colour, braid it in smoothly from the scalp, and seal the ends into the buns so nothing slips loose.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting length or a protective style.
Tip: Match the added hair to your color and braid it in from the root.
17. Braided Low Buns
Setting the braids so they feed down into two low buns at the nape gives a refined, grown-up take on the braided trend that sits comfortably in a professional setting. The lower placement and neat plaits read polished rather than playful, so this works for the office, interviews and smart occasions. It suits medium to long hair and any texture, and gravity helps the low buns stay put through a long day. Keep the braids smooth and the two buns level at the nape, laying any edges for a clean, put-together finish.
Who it suits: Work and smart occasions.
18. Sleek Braided Buns
Smoothing the roots with gel and laying the edges around braided buns gives a crisp, glossy festival-glam finish where every braid reads sharp and intentional. The sleek base contrasts nicely with the texture of the plaits, elevating the look from casual to editorial. It suits going-out nights, photo days and anyone who loves a clean, done finish, and flatters all textures once the roots are smoothed. Apply gel in sections with a brush before braiding, then lay the baby hairs with edge control and finish with a little shine for a polished result.
Who it suits: Anyone who loves a sleek finish.
19. Zigzag Part Braided Buns
Swapping the usual straight middle part for a zigzag line between the braided buns adds an unexpected, editorial detail that makes the whole style feel considered. It is a tiny change with a big visual payoff, drawing the eye and giving even simple braids a fashion-forward edge. The zigzag suits anyone wanting to switch up their part, works on any length or texture, and is great for parties, shoots and playful days out. Use the end of a rat-tail comb to carve even zigzags, then braid each section from the points for a clean, deliberate finish.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a playful, editorial touch.
20. Boho Braided Buns
Loose, softly pulled braids feeding into slightly undone buns, with a few face-framing pieces left out, give a dreamy, lived-in boho finish rather than a crisp one. Gently teasing the braids wider makes them look full and romantic, and the loose strands soften the whole look. It suits festivals, beach days and relaxed weddings, and flatters wavy and curly hair especially, where the natural texture adds to the undone effect. Pull the braid edges apart before wrapping the buns, and leave out a couple of soft tendrils to frame the face.
Who it suits: Boho and relaxed looks.
Choosing a Braid for Your Skill Level
You do not need to be an expert braider to wear braided space buns. If you are a beginner, a two-strand twist or a single three-strand braid leading into each bun looks intricate but is easy to master. Bubble braids need no braiding skill at all - just a row of small elastics. Once you are comfortable, French and Dutch braids add more texture, and cornrows give a sleek, long-lasting protective finish. Pick the braid that matches your confidence, and remember the braid only has to lead up to the bun, so it is a short section to get right.
Making Braided Buns Last
Braided space buns can last several days, which is part of their appeal. Braid firmly so the style holds, secure the ends well into the buns, and lay any edges for a clean finish. At night, sleep in a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase to protect the braids and stop frizz. A little edge control and a light oil on the scalp keep the style looking fresh, and you can refresh the buns each morning without redoing the braids.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The main mistake is braiding too loosely, so the braids and buns come undone quickly - keep an even, firm tension (without hurting your scalp). Uneven braids on each side make the look lopsided, so mirror your technique and check both sides. And do not forget to secure the ends of the braids well into the buns; loose ends make the buns messy and unstable. Neat, even, well-secured braids are what make braided space buns look intricate and intentional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you braid into space buns?
Part your hair down the middle, then braid each side (a twist, three-strand, French or Dutch braid) from the front toward where the bun will sit. Tie off, then wrap the remaining length into a bun and secure with an elastic and pins.
Are braided space buns a protective style?
They can be. Cornrows or braids into buns, especially with added braiding hair, tuck the ends away and can last several days, making them a great protective option. Sleep in a satin bonnet to keep them fresh.
What braid is easiest for space buns?
A two-strand twist or a single three-strand braid is the easiest, and bubble braids need no braiding skill at all - just small elastics down each section. These look intricate but are beginner-friendly.
How long do braided space buns last?
Braided space buns can last several days, especially cornrow or firmly-braided versions. Protect them at night with a satin bonnet or pillowcase, and refresh the buns each morning without redoing the braids.
Do braided space buns work on all hair types?
Yes. Braided space buns suit straight, wavy, curly and coily hair, and they are especially popular as a protective style for textured hair. Choose the braid type and size that works with your texture and length.
Which space buns look are you saving?
Braided space buns are the easiest way to make the style feel special without much extra effort - a single braid or twist into each bun instantly reads more intricate and festival-ready. Pick the braid that matches your skill level, from a simple twist to full cornrows, and secure the ends well into the buns. Save your favourites and try one this week.
