You've seen them everywhere. On your TikTok feed, at music festivals, and definitely on that one cool girl at the gym who somehow keeps her hair perfect during a heavy lifting set. We’re talking about braids with two buns. Most people call them "space buns" or "double buns," but adding braids into the mix changes the whole vibe from a quick messy look to something that actually looks intentional. It’s a style that bridges the gap between childhood nostalgia and high-fashion editorial.
Honestly, it’s refreshing.
People think this is just a Gen Z trend, but the history of braided double buns goes way back, rooted in indigenous cultures and specifically Black hair traditions before it ever hit a Coachella stage. It’s versatile. You can do a sleek, tight version that looks like you’re ready for a photoshoot, or a loose, bohemian version that says you haven’t washed your hair in three days and you’re totally okay with that.
The Real Reason Braids With Two Buns Stay Secure
The biggest mistake people make? They try to just twist their hair into two circles and hope for the best. It never works. Within an hour, one bun is sagging like a sad pancake while the other is defying gravity.
Braiding the hair first—whether it’s a simple three-strand or a complex Dutch braid—creates an internal structure. Think of the braid as the "skeleton" of the bun. When you wrap a braid around itself, the texture of the plaits locks into each other. You need fewer bobby pins. You need less hairspray. It just stays.
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If you have fine hair, this is basically a cheat code. Braiding adds bulk. If you pancaking the braid (which is just a fancy way of saying you pull at the edges to make it look wider), your buns will look twice as thick as they actually are. Stylists like Justine Marjan, who has worked with everyone from the Kardashians to Ashley Graham, often preach about using texture spray before you even start braiding to give the hair "grip." Without grip, you're just fighting your own hair.
Choosing Your Base: Dutch, French, or Cornrows?
Not all braids with two buns are created equal. The "vibe" of your look depends entirely on the type of braid you choose to lead into the buns.
Let's talk about Dutch braids. These are the ones that sit on top of the hair, looking 3D. If you want that bold, athletic look, Dutch braids from the hairline back to the crown are the way to go. It keeps every single flyaway out of your face.
French braids are softer. They’re tucked in. If you’re going for a more romantic or "soft girl" aesthetic, French braiding the front sections and then swirling the ends into buns gives a much more delicate finish.
Then there’s the reverse braid. This one is tricky but looks incredible. You flip your head upside down and braid from the nape of your neck upward toward the crown. Once you reach the top, you tie it off and form the buns. It’s a great way to show off the back of your neck and keeps you cool in the summer. It's functional. It’s stylish. It’s a pain to do the first time, but you’ll get the hang of it.
What About Hair Health?
We have to talk about tension. Professional braiders and trichologists often warn about "traction alopecia." If you pull those braids too tight at the hairline every single day, you’re going to see thinning. It’s just facts. Use a moisturizing scalp oil—something with jojoba or peppermint—before you start.
The Tools You Actually Need (And The Ones You Don't)
Forget the fancy "bun makers" or those foam donuts. They look fake. They’re hard to hide.
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Instead, get yourself some "hair pins" (the U-shaped ones) rather than just standard bobby pins. Bobby pins are for holding hair flat; hair pins are for anchoring bulk. You also need clear elastics. Don't use those thick fabric scrunchies for the base of the braid unless you want a giant bump that's impossible to hide under the bun.
- A rat-tail comb: This isn't optional. If your center part is crooked, the whole look feels "off" rather than "effortlessly messy."
- Edge control: Essential for that polished finish, especially if you have baby hairs.
- Dry shampoo: Even if your hair is clean. It adds the grit needed to keep the braids from sliding.
Adapting the Look for Different Hair Textures
For those with 4C hair, braids with two buns are a fantastic protective style. You can incorporate Marley hair or Kanekalon to add length and volume to the buns. The beauty here is that the braids protect your natural ends while the buns keep everything tucked away from environmental stressors.
If you have short hair, don't give up. You can do "half-up" braided buns. Just section off the top third of your hair, braid two small sections, and pin them into "mini-buns" or "space puffs." It gives the same energy without needing ten inches of hair to pull off.
Common Pitfalls and How to Fix Them
Ever finished your buns and realized one is an inch higher than the other? We've all been there. It’s annoying.
The trick is to use your ears as a horizontal guide. Before you start braiding, part your hair down the middle and then use your comb to mark exactly where the braid will end on both sides. Check yourself in a hand mirror. If the "exit point" of the braid is symmetrical, the buns will be too.
Another issue: The "droop." If your hair is heavy, the buns will pull down over time. To fix this, criss-cross two bobby pins at the very base of the bun where it meets the scalp. This creates an "X" anchor that won't budge.
Actionable Steps for the Perfect Style
To get the best result with braids with two buns, follow this specific workflow next time you're in front of the mirror:
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- Prep the canvas. Apply a light mousse or texturizing spray to damp hair and blow-dry or air-dry. You want the hair to have some "tooth" to it.
- The Perfect Part. Use the bridge of your nose as a guide for your center part. Go all the way to the nape of the neck. Clip one side out of the way so you don't accidentally grab hair from it.
- Braid with Intention. If you’re doing Dutch braids, keep your hands close to the scalp. The further away your hands are, the looser the braid will be.
- Secure the Base. Use a clear elastic at the end of the braid.
- The "Twist and Pin." Twist the remaining hair into a rope, then wrap it around the base. Use U-shaped pins to catch the edge of the bun and hook it into the braided base.
- Set it. A light mist of flexible-hold hairspray. Don't go overboard; you want it to move a little.
This style isn't just about looking "cute." It’s about a functional way to manage hair that keeps it out of your way while looking like you actually put in effort. Whether you're heading to a concert, the gym, or just a long day of classes, it's a reliable choice that works across nearly every hair type and length. Focus on the tension and the parting—the rest is just practice.