1. Voluminous High Buns
Two curly buns set high near the crown are full and bouncy thanks to all that natural texture, standing tall and reading playful and confident. Curls give the buns instant volume, so they look statement-full without any padding or backcombing. This suits every curl pattern wanting a bold look, and works for festivals, gym days and weekends. Do not brush the curls out; gather each side gently with your hands to keep the definition, coil into buns, leave a few curls loose at the front, and pin generously to support all that fullness.
Who it suits: All curl patterns wanting statement volume.
Tip: Do not brush - gather with your hands to keep curls defined.
2. Defined Coil Buns
On tight coils, space buns show off the curl pattern beautifully around the face, with each defined coil visible in the shape of the buns. The density of 4-type textures gives full, sculpted buns that hold their form without slipping. This suits tight coils and 4-type hair for everyday, protective-adjacent and festival wear. Style on moisturised, defined coils, gather each side gently by hand to preserve the pattern, and coil into firm buns, keeping tension low at the roots and using snag-free elastics so you protect your edges while celebrating the definition.
Who it suits: Tight coils and 4-type textures.
3. Half-Up Curly Buns
Taking two buns from the top section and leaving your curls flowing loose below is a gorgeous half-up look that shows off both the buns and all your natural length. You get the cute double-bun detail while your curl pattern stays on full display, which feels soft and flattering. This suits anyone who wants their curls on show, across curl types on medium to long hair. Gather only the top gently by hand, coil into two buns, and let the rest fall free.
Who it suits: Anyone who wants their curls on show.
4. Low Curly Buns
Setting curly buns low at the nape keeps all that texture contained and polished, so the volume reads tidy and grown-up enough for work or everyday wear. The low placement is also gentler on your hairline than a high, tight bun, and gravity helps it stay comfortable all day. This suits curly and coily hair for the office, school and low-key days. Gather each side gently by hand rather than brushing to keep definition, coil into two low buns at the nape, keep them level, and pin softly so the curls stay full but neat and professional.
Who it suits: Work and everyday.
5. Buns with Face-Framing Curls
Leaving a few curls loose at the front softens the pulled-back look and lets your curl pattern frame the face, which is one of the prettiest and most flattering ways to wear curly space buns. Those free curls take the edge off a full pull-back and add movement, so the style never looks severe. This suits any curl pattern for everyday, dates and festivals. Gather the rest gently into two buns, then pull out a couple of defined curls at each temple and refresh them with a little leave-in or curl cream so they spring back soft and shaped.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a soft frame.
6. Cornrows into Curly Buns
Sleek cornrows braided flat at the scalp that open into full, curly buns give a stunning contrast between crisp, tucked-away braids and soft natural volume. The neat rows frame the face and tuck the roots away while the buns show off your curls, so the look is both polished and protective-adjacent. This suits curly and coily hair wanting braids plus volume, and lasts a few days with care. Keep tension gentle on your edges as you cornrow, feed the ends into the curly buns, and moisturise the buns so they stay defined and frizz-free.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting braids plus volume.
7. Pineapple-Style Buns
Gathering the curls loosely and high, pineapple-style, keeps the coils falling downward so the curl pattern is protected from being crushed or flattened, giving full, bouncy buns. Because the gathering is loose rather than tight, it is one of the kindest options for your curls and edges. This suits anyone protecting their definition, and works beautifully overnight or as a gentle daytime style on any curl type. Tip your head and gather each loose, high bun without pulling tight, secure with a snag-free elastic, and sleep in a satin bonnet to keep the curls intact.
Who it suits: Anyone protecting their curl definition.
Tip: Loose, high gathering is the gentlest option for your curls and edges.
8. Sleek Root, Curly Bun
Smoothing just the roots with gel while keeping the buns full and curly gives a chic sleek-meets-textured contrast, the flat, glossy scalp playing against soft natural volume. It is a way to look polished and done while still celebrating your curls rather than stretching them out. This suits any curl pattern for going out, events and dressed-up days. Use a gel that smooths without drying your curls, brush the roots flat from the part, then gather each side gently by hand and coil the curls into buns, laying your edges to finish the sleek base.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a sleek-glam finish.
Tip: Use a gel that smooths without drying your curls.
9. Messy Curly Buns
Undone, loosely gathered curly buns with plenty of curls left out give an effortless, festival-ready finish that looks like you barely tried. Curly texture is perfect for the messy look, because the natural volume and irregular pattern make undone read intentional rather than scruffy. This suits casual and festival wear on any curl type. Gather each side loosely by hand without smoothing, coil into soft buns, and pull plenty of curls free around the face and crown, refreshing them with a little water and leave-in so they stay defined and springy.
Who it suits: Casual and festival looks.
10. Braided Curly Buns
Leading a braid into each curly bun adds an intricate detail while helping to control and contain the curls on the way up, so the finished buns are neater and more secure. The plait gives structure against the soft texture, making this a pretty middle ground between fully sleek and fully loose. This suits any curl pattern wanting a braided detail for everyday or festivals. Braid gently from the front without pulling too tight on your edges, feed the tail into each curly bun, and keep the two braids mirrored so the look stays balanced and tidy.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a braided detail.
11. Jumbo Curly Buns
Long, thick curly hair coils into bold jumbo buns brimming with volume, filling out oversized shapes that read dramatic and confident. The natural density of curls means the big buns look lush and full without any padding, making them a real statement. This suits long, thick curls wanting drama, and works for festivals, concerts and photos. Gather each side gently by hand to keep the definition, coil into large buns, and support the size with several pins placed around each base and angled toward the scalp, keeping tension soft to protect your edges.
Who it suits: Long, thick curls wanting drama.
12. Twist-Out Buns
Styling space buns on a twist-out gives beautifully defined, stretched waves throughout the buns, so the texture looks uniform and elongated rather than tightly coiled. The twist-out prep means every strand carries the same soft, springy pattern, giving full, cohesive buns with lovely definition. This suits twist-out and braid-out wearers on any curl type. Do your twist-out the night before, gently separate the waves, then gather each side by hand and coil into buns, preserving the stretched pattern and pinning softly so the definition stays intact.
Who it suits: Twist-out and braid-out wearers.
13. Accessorized Curly Buns
Adding clips, cuffs or a scarf to curly buns makes them feel styled and festival-ready, dressing up the natural texture with a personal, decorative touch. The hardware or fabric adds colour and a finished, considered look that turns simple curly buns into something special. This suits festivals, parties and adorned looks on any curl pattern. Gather and coil the curly buns first, then add cuffs to a front piece, tuck small clips at the base of each bun, or wrap a scarf around one, keeping the accessories balanced across both sides for a cohesive finish.
Who it suits: Festivals and adorned looks.
14. Bubble Braid Curly Buns
Segmenting the front sections with small elastics and puffing them into bubbles before the curly buns adds a trendy, rounded texture while gently stretching the curls between each tie. The mix of structured bubbles and soft curly buns is playful and eye-catching, and needs no braiding skill. This suits playful, festival looks on any curl pattern with a little length. Space the elastics evenly down each section, gently puff the curls between them for full bubbles, then coil the ends into buns, using snag-free elastics and keeping tension gentle to protect your curls and edges.
Who it suits: Playful, festival looks.
15. Wavy Space Buns
On loose waves, space buns turn out soft, full and effortless, with a relaxed, undone boho finish rather than a tight or sculpted one. The gentle 2-type texture gives just enough body for pretty, airy buns that never look stiff, so the look feels easy and romantic. This suits loose waves and 2-type textures for casual days, festivals and beachy occasions. Gather each side by hand without brushing out the wave, coil into soft buns, and leave a few wavy pieces loose at the front, misting with a little sea-salt or texture spray to keep the movement.
Who it suits: Loose waves and 2-type textures.
16. Mini Curly Buns
Shorter curly hair makes surprisingly cute, full mini buns, because the texture packs plenty of volume into a small shape even when length is limited. The curls give the little buns body they would lack on straight hair, so short curly bobs can absolutely wear this. This suits short curly bobs for everyday and festival looks. Gather each side gently by hand rather than brushing, keep the buns small and proportionate to your length, use a little curl cream and extra pins for grip, and let any short curls that will not reach frame the face.
Who it suits: Short curly bobs.
17. Curly Buns with Bangs
Curly buns worn with a curly fringe frame the face softly and double down on the texture, so the whole look is full of bounce and personality from front to back. The curly bangs give the front movement and interest while the buns keep the rest cute and controlled. This suits anyone with curly bangs on any curl pattern for everyday and festivals. Style and refresh the fringe with a little leave-in so the curls spring back, then gather the rest gently by hand into two buns, keeping the bangs separate and defined.
Who it suits: Anyone with curly bangs.
18. Zigzag Part Curly Buns
Swapping the straight part for a zigzag adds a fun, editorial detail that stands out especially well against full curly buns, the sharp graphic line contrasting with all that soft volume. It is a small change that gives even a simple curly style a considered, fashion-forward edge. This suits anyone wanting a playful part on any curl pattern for parties, shoots and festivals. Carve even zigzags along the crown with the end of a rat-tail comb before gathering, then coil each side gently into buns, keeping the parting crisp so the graphic detail reads clearly.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a playful part.
19. Sleek Curly Half-Up
Smoothing the top section flat into two neat buns while the curls flow loose below is a chic, polished half-up look that marries sleek and textured in one style. The glossy, controlled crown contrasts with the soft curls beneath, giving something more refined than a fully undone half-up. This suits anyone wanting a polished half-up on any curl pattern for events and dressed-up days. Smooth the top with a soft gel that will not dry your curls, coil into two neat buns, and let your defined curls fall free below, refreshing them so they stay bouncy.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a polished half-up.
20. Glitter Curly Buns
Working glitter gel along the part turns curly buns into a full festival hairstyle, the sparkle tracing the parting and catching the light against all that texture. It is a quick, high-impact way to make a simple curly style feel celebratory, and it rinses out with normal shampoo. This suits festivals and parties on any curl pattern. Gather and coil your curly buns first, then apply glitter gel with a fingertip along the part and hairline, letting it set for a minute before you move so the sparkle stays put and defined against the curls.
Who it suits: Festivals and parties.
21. Curly Side Buns
Placing curly buns to one side or at different heights gives a fresh, modern take that breaks from the usual symmetry, and the natural volume of curls makes the asymmetry look full and intentional. It is an easy way to switch up the classic double-bun and show a bit of personality. This suits anyone wanting something different on any curl pattern for casual and festival days. Gather each side gently by hand, set the buns off-centre or at deliberately different heights, and pin softly, keeping the placement balanced enough that it reads as a choice rather than a mistake.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting something different.
22. Curly Buns with Added Hair
Adding curly hair or extensions gives bigger, fuller buns and tucks your natural ends away, so this doubles as a protective style with real drama. The extra density means the buns look bold and voluminous, and the added length takes pressure off your own hair. This suits anyone wanting extra fullness or protection on any curl pattern for festivals and longer-wear looks. Match the added hair to your curl pattern and colour, blend it in gently from the root, coil into full buns, and keep tension soft at your edges so the protective style stays comfortable.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting extra fullness or protection.
Tip: Match the added hair to your curl pattern and color.
23. Scarf-Wrapped Curly Buns
Winding a printed scarf around each curly bun adds colour and a chic, retro detail while genuinely helping to contain and tame all that volume. The fabric keeps the buns neat, holds the curls in place and adds a personal, styled finish, so it is as practical as it is pretty. This suits anyone who loves an accessory on any curl pattern for festivals and everyday. Coil each curly bun first, then wrap the scarf firmly around the base, tie or tuck the ends underneath, and choose a print that complements your outfit for a put-together look.
Who it suits: Anyone who loves an accessory.
24. Boho Curly Buns
Loose, undone curly buns with plenty of curls left out give a dreamy, romantic boho finish that feels soft and effortless. Letting so many curls fall free around the face and neck softens the whole look, and the natural texture makes the undone effect look intentional rather than messy. This suits boho and relaxed looks on any curl pattern for festivals, beach days and easygoing weekends. Gather each side loosely by hand, coil into soft buns, pull out generous face-framing curls, and refresh everything with a little water and leave-in so the curls stay defined and airy.
Who it suits: Boho and relaxed looks.
25. Curly Gym Buns
Secure but gently gathered curly buns keep all that texture off your face during a workout while splitting the weight across two buns so nothing pulls or bounces uncomfortably. Done with soft tension, they stay put through movement without stressing your edges, so they are practical and still cute enough for the walk home. This suits workouts and active days on any curl pattern. Gather loosely at the root to protect your hairline, coil into two secure buns, use snag-free elastics and a couple of extra pins, and avoid pulling tight so your edges stay healthy.
Who it suits: Workouts and active days.
Tip: Gather loosely at the root to protect your edges while staying secure.
26. Crown Braid Curly Buns
A braid running across the crown before feeding into curly buns creates a boho-crown effect that frames the hairline with a soft, garland-like plait above all that texture. The braid adds a romantic, intricate detail that lifts the style well beyond a basic double bun. This suits boho and romantic looks on any curl pattern for festivals and weddings. Braid gently across the crown without pulling tight on your edges, pinning as you go, then feed the tails into each curly bun and moisturise the curls so they stay defined beneath the braid.
Who it suits: Boho and romantic looks.
27. Double Puff Buns
Styling the buns as loose double puffs - gathered softly so the curls stay open and rounded rather than wound tight - is the gentlest and most voluminous option, protecting the curl pattern from stretching or stress. The puffs read soft, full and playful while being kind to your hair and edges. This suits anyone prioritising volume and gentleness on any curl pattern, and works well overnight or for low-manipulation days. Gather each puff loosely with a snag-free elastic, do not coil or twist tight, and fluff the curls outward for maximum softness and fullness.
Who it suits: Anyone prioritising volume and gentleness.
28. Curly Buns with Laid Edges
Laying the edges around curly buns gives a polished, on-trend contrast, the smooth, swirled baby hairs at the hairline setting off all that soft volume above. The neat edges make the whole style read styled and deliberate rather than simply pulled back. This suits anyone who loves a styled-edge finish on any curl pattern for events and dressed-up days. Coil the curly buns first, then shape the baby hairs with edge control and a small brush into gentle curves, using it sparingly and giving your edges a rest between styles to keep the hairline healthy.
Who it suits: Anyone who loves a styled-edge finish.
Tip: Lay edges gently and give them a rest between styles to protect them.
29. Colored Curly Buns
Space buns show off coloured or highlighted curls beautifully, coiling brighter pieces and money-piece framing so the colour spirals through the buns and lights up the face. The double-bun shape draws the eye straight to the contrast, making it a fun way to pair colour with style. This suits anyone with highlights, a money piece or all-over colour on any curl pattern. Gather each side gently by hand so the coloured curls stay defined, position the brightest pieces where they will catch the light around the buns and face, and keep them moisturised so the colour looks glossy.
Who it suits: Anyone with color or highlights.
30. Half-Up Braided Curly Buns
Braiding the top section into two buns while leaving your curls flowing loose below combines braids, buns and natural texture in one gorgeous, layered look. You get the intricacy of plaits at the crown, the cuteness of the double buns, and all your curl definition on show underneath. This suits anyone wanting braids plus flowing curls on any curl pattern for festivals and events. Braid the top gently without pulling tight on your edges, coil the ends into two buns, and let your defined curls fall free below, refreshing them so they stay full and bouncy.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting braids plus flowing curls.
How to Keep Curly Space Buns Full and Defined
The golden rule for curly space buns is to gather gently and never brush - brushing breaks up your curl pattern and causes frizz, while gathering with your hands keeps the definition and volume that make curly buns so gorgeous. Style on defined, moisturised curls (a wash-and-go, twist-out or braid-out all work), and use a little leave-in or curl cream to smooth without flattening. Pin loosely rather than pulling tight, and let some curls out at the front. The fuller and more defined your curls are to start, the more beautiful the buns.
Protecting Your Curls and Edges
Space buns are cute, but tight pulling can stress your edges and cause breakage over time, so keep the tension gentle at the roots and use snag-free elastics. Loose, high gathering (pineapple or double-puff style) is the kindest to your hairline. Moisturise before styling and refresh with a little water and leave-in the next day, and at night protect the buns with a satin bonnet or pillowcase. Give your edges and hairline a rest between pulled-back styles, and use edge control sparingly rather than daily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is brushing curly hair into the buns, which destroys definition and creates frizz - always gather gently by hand. The second is pulling too tight, which flattens the volume and stresses your edges; keep it soft and loose. Styling on dry, un-moisturised curls leaves the buns frizzy and undefined, so start with well-moisturised, defined curls. Protect your definition by gathering gently, keeping tension low, and refreshing rather than restyling, and your curly space buns stay full, defined and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you do space buns on curly hair?
Part your hair down the middle, gather each side gently by hand (never brush), and coil each section into a bun, securing with a snag-free elastic and pins. Leave some curls out at the front and keep the tension loose to protect your curls and edges.
Do space buns work on natural and coily hair?
Beautifully. Coily and natural hair makes full, defined, voluminous buns. Style on moisturised, defined curls, gather gently, and consider loose double-puff or pineapple-style buns to protect your curl pattern and edges.
How do I keep curly space buns from frizzing?
Gather gently by hand instead of brushing, start with moisturised and defined curls, and smooth with a little leave-in or curl cream. Protect the buns at night with a satin bonnet, and refresh with water and leave-in rather than restyling.
Are space buns bad for your edges?
They can be if pulled too tight or worn very often. Keep the tension gentle at the roots, use snag-free elastics, choose loose gathering styles, use edge control sparingly, and give your hairline a rest between pulled-back styles.
Can short curly hair do space buns?
Yes - short curly hair makes cute, full mini buns thanks to the texture. Gather gently, keep the buns small and proportionate, use a little product and extra pins for grip, and let any short curls frame the face.
Pulling curls too tight can stress the hairline and cause breakage. Keep tension gentle, moisturise well, and give your edges a rest between styles.
Which space buns look are you saving?
Curly space buns are proof that texture is an advantage - all that volume and definition makes for the fullest, cutest buns. Gather gently, keep your curls moisturised, and go easy on your edges, and they will look gorgeous and stay healthy. Save your favourites for festivals, gym days and cute everyday looks, and show off your curls.
