You’ve seen them everywhere. On Coachella stages, in high-end fashion editorials, and definitely on that one girl at the gym who somehow looks effortlessly cool while sprinting. They go by many names—space buns, double buns, or the classic twin buns hairstyle. Honestly, it's one of the few looks that managed to jump from 90s rave culture straight into the mainstream without losing its edge. It’s playful. It’s practical. It’s also surprisingly difficult to get perfectly symmetrical when you're running late on a Tuesday morning.
People usually think of this look as a "Gen Z thing," but that’s not really the whole story. While TikTok definitely breathed new life into the trend, the history of wearing two buns on your head stretches back way further than a smartphone app. From ancient Chinese hair traditions to Princess Leia’s iconic (and much heavier) cinnamon rolls, we’ve been obsessed with doubling up on buns for centuries.
The Reality of Getting Twin Buns Right
The biggest lie the internet tells you is that you can just "throw your hair up" and look like a Pinterest board. If you’ve ever tried it, you know the struggle of the "lopsided bun." One is high and tight; the other is sagging toward your ear. It’s frustrating.
To get a twin buns hairstyle that actually stays put, you have to start with the part. This is the foundation. If your center part is zigzagged or off-center, the whole silhouette is ruined. Use a rat-tail comb. Seriously. Using your fingers won't cut it if you want that crisp, intentional look.
Once you’ve split the hair down the middle, you’re basically working with two separate canvases. A lot of stylists, like Chris Appleton (who has famously worked with Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez), suggest using a bit of wax or a taming pomade right at the roots before you even secure the pigtails. This prevents those annoying "bubbles" of hair that pop up once you start twisting.
Texture Is Your Best Friend
Flat, freshly washed hair is the enemy of a good bun. It’s too slippery. If your hair is "too clean," the buns will just slide down your neck by lunchtime. Most pros recommend doing this on second-day hair. Or, if you just showered, blast your roots with a heavy-duty dry shampoo or a texturizing spray.
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You want grit. You want the hair to have some "grab."
When you start twisting the hair into the actual bun shape, don't just wrap it in a circle. Twist the length of the hair first—like a rope—and then coil it around the base. This gives the bun structure. If you just flop the hair around the elastic, it looks more like a messy knot than a deliberate style. Secure it with "U" shaped hairpins rather than just standard bobby pins; they hold more volume without squashing the shape you just spent ten minutes perfecting.
Why This Style Isn't Just for Festivals Anymore
For a long time, the twin buns hairstyle was pigeonholed. It was for "e-girls" or people going to Burning Man. But things shifted around 2022 and 2023. We started seeing "sleek" versions on red carpets.
Think about the "Clean Girl" aesthetic. It took the messy festival bun and turned it into something polished. Instead of fuzzy, loose buns, people started using extreme-hold gel to create a mirror-like shine. It became sophisticated. You can wear a sleek set of low twin buns to a business casual dinner and it looks intentional, not childish. It’s all about the execution and the height.
- High Buns: These scream energy. They’re youthful, bold, and great for showing off earrings.
- Low Buns: These are the "quiet luxury" version. Nape-of-the-neck placement feels more grounded and editorial.
- Half-Up Buns: Perfect if you’re insecure about your ears or just want the length of your hair to show.
Addressing the Cultural History
We can’t talk about this style without acknowledging where it comes from. In many East Asian cultures, particularly in China, the "ox horns" or niujiaotou style has been a traditional look for children and young women for ages. It represents youth and vitality.
Then you have the 1970s. When Star Wars hit theaters in 1977, Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia transformed the double-bun look into a symbol of revolution and strength. Although those were technically "kolobok" inspired rolls, they paved the way for the double-bun obsession in Western pop culture.
Fast forward to the 90s. Gwen Stefani and Björk took the look and made it "grunge." It was weird, it was spiky, and it often involved glitter. That’s the version that most people are nostalgic for today. Understanding that this isn't just a "new trend" helps you appreciate why it keeps coming back. It’s a recurring character in the history of fashion.
Common Mistakes That Ruin the Look
Most people fail because they try to be too perfect. Paradoxically, if you make the buns too symmetrical and too tight, you end up looking like a cartoon character. Unless that’s the specific vibe you’re going for, let a few tendrils fall out around your face.
Face-framing pieces are essential. They soften the jawline. If you pull everything back bone-tight, it can be very harsh on your features. Use a small toothbrush with a bit of hairspray to lay down your baby hairs (edges) if you want that polished look, but let the buns themselves have a little bit of "air" in them.
Another mistake? Using the wrong elastics. If you use those thick, colorful fabric scrunchies for the base, the bun will be massive and heavy. Use small, clear elastic bands for the initial pigtails. They’re invisible and they don't add unnecessary bulk. You want the hair to be the star, not the rubber band.
Maintenance and Hair Health
Let’s be real: wearing tight buns every day is bad for your hair.
Traction alopecia is a real thing. If you’re pulling your hair into a twin buns hairstyle every single morning, you’re putting a lot of stress on your hairline. Variety is the spice of life—and the savior of your follicles. Switch up the placement. If you did high buns yesterday, do low buns tomorrow. And for the love of everything, don't sleep in them. Your hair needs to breathe, and those elastics will cause breakage if they’re rubbing against your pillow all night.
The Evolution of the "Space Bun"
Interestingly, the term "space buns" is relatively new compared to the style itself. It’s a very internet-centric name. It likely comes from the futuristic, galactic vibe the look gives off—very "Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century."
But in 2026, the trend has evolved again. We're seeing "multi-buns" now—three, four, or even five buns trailing down the back like a mohawk. But the core "two bun" look remains the gold standard because it frames the face so symmetrically. It’s basically the "winged eyeliner" of hair. It takes practice, it can go horribly wrong, but when it’s right? It’s unbeatable.
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Actionable Steps to Level Up Your Bun Game
If you're ready to move past the "struggle bun" phase, here is exactly how to execute a professional-grade look:
- Prep with Volume: Use a volumizing mousse on damp hair if your hair is fine. If it’s curly, keep the moisture in with a leave-in conditioner so the buns don't look like frizz-balls.
- The "Ghost" Part: If you don't want a harsh line down the back of your head, use a zigzag parting method. It hides the scalp better while still dividing the hair equally.
- The Anchor: Use two elastics for each bun. One to create the ponytail, and one to secure the bun after you've coiled it. This "double-anchor" method ensures nothing moves even if you're dancing or running.
- The Finishing Touch: Use a shine spray. A lot of people forget this. A quick mist of gloss makes the buns look intentional and "finished" rather than just a gym hairstyle.
Ultimately, the twin buns hairstyle is about personality. Whether you’re going for the "spiky 90s" look with the ends sticking out or the "soft girl" aesthetic with ribbons tied around the base, it's a style that adapts to you. Stop worrying about making them identical. They’re sisters, not twins—well, okay, they're twin buns, but you get the point.
Invest in some quality pins. Get a good tail comb. Don't be afraid of hairspray. You'll find that once you master the tension and the height, this becomes the fastest way to look like you actually put effort into your appearance when you really just didn't want to wash your hair.
Next Steps for Your Hair Routine:
Check your hair elastic stash and replace any with metal joiners, as these will snap your hair mid-twist. If you have fine hair, look into "hair donuts" specifically sized for mini-buns to add artificial bulk. Practice your parting in a double mirror setup—one in front, one behind—to ensure your back part is straight before you commit to the elastics.