1. Prep with Texture
Start with day-old hair if you can, or mist texture spray or dry shampoo through your lengths for grip. A little texture gives the buns something to hold onto and helps them look effortlessly undone rather than slippery.
Common mistake: Trying to style freshly washed, silky hair, which slips out of the buns.
Pro tip: Second-day hair genuinely holds space buns better than clean hair.
2. Part Down the Middle
Part your hair down the center from your forehead to your nape, splitting it into two even sections. Clip one side away so you can work on the other. A clean, straight part is what keeps space buns looking balanced and cute.
Common mistake: An uneven or wobbly part, which makes the finished buns look lopsided.
Pro tip: Use the end of a rat-tail comb to draw a clean, straight part.
3. Tie Two Ponytails
Tie each section into a ponytail where you want your buns to sit - high on the crown for a classic look, or lower for a softer one. Make sure both are at the same height and mirror each other. Leave a few face-framing pieces out at the front.
Common mistake: Ponytails at different heights, so the buns do not match.
Pro tip: Line the ponytails up with the tops of your ears as a symmetry guide.
4. Twist and Wrap into Buns
Loosely twist each ponytail, then wrap it around its base into a bun and secure with a second elastic. Do not pull it tight or make it too neat - a loose, slightly undone wrap is what gives the messy effect.
Common mistake: Wrapping too tightly and neatly, which loses the messy, effortless look.
Pro tip: For extra volume, gently tug at the wrapped bun to loosen and expand it.
5. Pin, Tousle and Set
Cross two bobby pins under each bun in an X to lock it in place, then gently pull out a few pieces around the buns and face to soften the look. Finish with a mist of flexible hairspray to set everything without making it stiff.
Common mistake: Relying on the elastic alone, so the buns loosen and slip during the day.
Pro tip: Add one more pin than you think you need - it is the difference between all-day hold and a droopy bun by lunch.
Best Variations to Try
Once you have the basic messy bun down, try leading a braid or twist up into each bun for a festival-ready version, or curl the face-framing pieces you left out for a softer, more styled finish. A half-up messy space bun - where you only take the top section into buns and leave the rest down - is a great option if you want to keep your length on show. On curly hair, skip the brush and gather gently to keep all that gorgeous volume.
How to Make Them Last
For all-day hold, the two secrets are texture and pins. Prep with dry shampoo or texture spray so the hair grips, and always secure each bun with crossed bobby pins, not just an elastic. Tuck and pin any loose ends into the buns, and set with a flexible hairspray you can still move. If your hair is very fine or slippery, wrapping a thin scarf or ribbon around each bun adds both hold and a cute finish. Refresh any fallen pieces with a quick re-pin rather than redoing the whole style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you do messy space buns?
Prep hair with texture spray, part it down the middle, tie two even ponytails at your chosen height, loosely twist and wrap each into a bun, then secure with an elastic and crossed bobby pins. Pull out a few pieces and set with hairspray.
How do you make space buns look messy on purpose?
Wrap the buns loosely rather than neatly, gently tug at them to expand and loosen, and pull out a few face-framing and background pieces. Texture spray on day-old hair gives the ideal undone, effortless finish.
Why do my space buns fall out?
Usually because they are relying on the elastic alone or the hair is too clean and slippery. Add texture spray for grip and secure each bun with two crossed bobby pins under it - and add an extra pin for a long day.
How long do messy space buns take?
Once you have the technique down, messy space buns take about 5 to 10 minutes. They are one of the quickest cute hairstyles because the undone finish means they do not need to be perfect.
Can you do messy space buns on wet hair?
You can, but they hold best on dry, day-old hair with a little texture. Wet or freshly washed hair is silkier and slips out of the buns more easily, so add dry shampoo or texture spray if your hair is very clean.
Which space buns look are you saving?
The best thing about messy space buns is that imperfection is the goal, so there is no pressure to get them flawless. Add texture, keep them soft, leave a few pieces out, and pin more than you think you need. Save this tutorial and try it on second-day hair - it holds even better. Have fun with it.
