Best Space Buns Variations for School Girls | Cute & Easy Hairstyles
Introduction: The Ultimate Guide to Space Buns for School
When it comes to school mornings, time is often of the essence, yet every student wants to look their best and feel confident walking down the hallway. Among the myriad of hairstyle options available today, space buns have emerged as a timeless, versatile, and incredibly practical choice. The best space buns variations for school girls combine the perfect balance of fun, functionality, and fashion. Whether it is for a regular day of classes, a high-energy gym session, or a special school event, space buns offer a solution that keeps hair neatly secured while making a bold style statement. Originating from pop culture icons and 90s nostalgia, this hairstyle has evolved into a modern staple that suits various hair textures and lengths.
Why are space buns so particularly well-suited for the school environment? primarily, they are durable. Unlike a loose ponytail that might sag by lunchtime or curls that fall flat after recess, a well-constructed pair of space buns can survive the rigors of an eight-hour school day. Furthermore, they keep hair completely off the face and neck, which is ideal for focusing on schoolwork without the distraction of stray strands. From the classic messy look to intricate braided designs, the adaptability of this style allows for endless creativity. It allows students to express their personality—whether they prefer a sleek, polished look or a bohemian, relaxed vibe.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best space buns variations for school girls, breaking down exactly how to achieve these looks and which hair types they suit best. We will delve into styling techniques that ensure longevity, explore accessorizing options to match school uniforms, and answer common questions about maintaining hair health while wearing updos. Get ready to transform the morning routine with these stylish, easy-to-master variations.
1. The Classic Messy Space Buns: Effortlessly Cool
The classic messy space bun is perhaps the most popular iteration of this style, beloved for its "perfectly imperfect" aesthetic. This variation is ideal for school girls who want a relaxed look that doesn't appear too rigid or over-styled. The key to the messy bun is texture and volume. It works exceptionally well on second or third-day hair, where the natural oils provide a bit of grip, making the buns easier to shape and secure. For students with fine or slippery hair, utilizing a texturizing spray or dry shampoo before styling can provide the necessary foundation to keep the buns voluminous throughout the day.
To achieve this look, the hair is parted down the middle—either with a precise comb for a sharp contrast or using fingers for a more organic, jagged part. Once the hair is separated into two high pigtails, the magic happens in the teasing. By lightly backcombing the ponytail before wrapping it, you create a fluffy, voluminous shape that looks effortless. The hair is then loosely wrapped around the base and secured with bobby pins, allowing a few wisps to fall naturally around the hairline. This framing softens the face and adds to the casual, trendy vibe that is so popular in middle and high schools today.
What makes the messy variation one of the best space buns variations for school girls is its forgiving nature. If a piece of hair falls out during gym class or the wind blows on the way to the bus, it simply adds to the style's charm rather than ruining it. It removes the pressure of needing a pristine, salon-perfect finish every morning, reducing stress during the rush to get out the door. It pairs wonderfully with casual school outfits, hoodies, and denim, making it a staple for the everyday student wardrobe.
2. Double Dutch Braided Space Buns: Durability Meets Style
For active students or those with long days involving sports practice immediately after school, the Double Dutch Braided Space Buns are a superior choice. This variation incorporates the structural integrity of braids, ensuring that the hairstyle remains tight and secure from the first bell to the final whistle. The Dutch braid, often referred to as an "inside-out" braid, sits on top of the hair, creating a 3D effect that leads beautifully into the buns. This style not only looks intricate and impressive but also serves as a protective style, preventing tangles and breakage that can occur when long hair is left loose.
The process involves starting a Dutch braid at the hairline on each side of the part and braiding backwards towards the crown or wherever the buns will sit. Once the braid reaches the desired height, it is tied off, and the remaining length is wrapped into a bun. The contrast between the intricate weaving of the braid and the round fullness of the bun creates a visually striking silhouette. This style is particularly effective for controlling layers or shorter bangs that might otherwise escape from a standard ponytail, making it a functional choice for science labs or art classes where hair needs to be fully contained.
While this variation requires a bit more dexterity and time in the morning compared to the messy bun, the payoff is worth it. The braids anchor the weight of the buns, preventing the headache that sometimes accompanies high updos. Additionally, this style is incredibly photogenic, making it a favorite for school picture days or spirit weeks. By loosening the loops of the braid slightly (a technique known as "pancaking"), you can make the hair appear thicker and more voluminous, adding a touch of glamour to a practical school hairstyle.
3. Half-Up, Half-Down Space Buns: The Best of Both Worlds
Sometimes, students want to showcase the length of their hair while still enjoying the cute factor of space buns. Enter the Half-Up, Half-Down variation. This style is one of the best space buns variations for school girls because it offers versatility and softness. It keeps the hair out of the eyes—crucial for reading and writing—while allowing the rest of the hair to flow freely. This look is often associated with a sweeter, more whimsical aesthetic and is incredibly popular across all grade levels, from elementary to high school.
To create this look, the hair is sectioned horizontally from ear to ear. The top section is then divided into two parts to create the buns, while the bottom section is left down. The buns in this variation are typically smaller and sit higher on the head, often resembling "ears," which adds a playful element to the look. The remaining loose hair can be styled in various ways: straightened for a sleek look, curled for a romantic vibe, or left in its natural texture. This variation is less heavy than a full updo, making it a comfortable option for students who are prone to tension headaches from heavy hair ties.
The Half-Up, Half-Down style is also an excellent canvas for accessories. Since the buns are smaller, they can be easily adorned with small clips, ribbons, or colored elastics without looking overwhelming. It creates a balanced profile that looks styled but not overly formal. For school girls with shorter hair, such as a bob or lob (long bob), this is often the most achievable space bun variation, as it doesn't require pulling the shorter hairs at the nape of the neck all the way to the crown.
4. Sleek and Polished Space Buns: For Picture Day and Presentations
While messy buns have their place, there are occasions at school that call for a sharper, more refined appearance. Presentations, choir concerts, or formal assemblies are the perfect setting for Sleek and Polished Space Buns. This variation relies on smoothing products, such as gel, pomade, or a high-shine hairspray, to eliminate flyaways and create a glossy, professional finish. The aesthetic is modern, chic, and high-fashion, drawing inspiration from runway looks and celebrity styles.
Creating the sleek look requires a dense bristle brush to smooth the hair flat against the scalp as it is gathered into pigtails. Unlike the messy version where volume at the root is desired, this style focuses on a streamlined silhouette. The buns themselves are often twisted tightly into neat coils or braided smoothly before wrapping to maintain a compact, geometric shape. The result is a hairstyle that looks intentional and put-together, signaling that the student has put effort into their appearance.
One of the benefits of the sleek variation is its resistance to weather. On humid or rainy days, a sleek style secured with the right products will hold up much better than a loose, textured style that might frizz. It creates a "face-lift" effect that highlights the eyes and cheekbones. For school girls who prefer a minimalist aesthetic or who have naturally straight hair that struggles to hold a messy texture, the sleek space bun is the ultimate go-to option.
5. Curly and Afro-Textured Space Buns: Celebrating Natural Volume
Space buns are a phenomenal way to celebrate and showcase natural curls, coils, and afro-textured hair. For school girls with textured hair, this style is not just cute; it is a practical protective style that keeps ends tucked away and reduces manipulation throughout the day. The natural volume of curly hair creates the most stunning, full buns without the need for teasing or donut fillers. This variation is all about embracing the hair's natural density to create bold, statement-making shapes.
The approach for curly space buns varies slightly. Often, it is best to style on moisturized hair to prevent breakage. The perimeter can be smoothed down with edge control for a sleek look, while the buns themselves are left fluffy and voluminous. termed "puffs" in many communities, these buns can be positioned high on the head for a playful look or lower towards the nape for a more subdued style. Using wide, soft hair ties or shoelace methods can help gather thick hair without causing tension or headaches.
This variation is undoubtedly one of the best space buns variations for school girls with textured hair because it reduces the morning struggle of detangling. Once the hair is secured in buns, it can stay that way for the entire school day, and with a satin scarf at night, the style can often be preserved for the next day as well. Accessories like gold cuffs or beads can be added to the hair leading up to the buns, adding a personalized touch that celebrates cultural heritage and personal style within the school dress code.
6. Accessorized Space Buns: Personalizing the Look
School uniforms can sometimes feel restrictive, leaving little room for self-expression. Hair becomes the primary outlet for creativity, and accessorized space buns are the perfect vehicle for this. By incorporating accessories, a standard hairstyle is transformed into a fashion statement. The trends in hair accessories change, but the compatibility of space buns with these items remains constant. From oversized scrunchies to delicate pearl pins, the options are limitless.
Scrunchies are the most comfortable and popular accessory for school space buns. They come in velvet, silk, or cotton and can be coordinated with school colors or outfit themes. Wrapping a bright, oversized scrunchie around the base of each bun instantly adds a pop of color and makes the buns appear larger. For a more subtle look, ribbons tied in bows at the base of the buns offer a classic, preppy aesthetic that fits well with private school uniforms.
Another trending option is the use of glitter roots or hair clips. While glitter might be reserved for spirit days or pep rallies, snap clips and barrettes are everyday staples. Placing clips along the part line or on the side of the head adds visual interest and helps secure shorter layers. The ability to customize space buns with accessories makes them a fun, interactive part of the morning routine, allowing school girls to choose their "vibe" for the day.
7. Low Space Buns: The Underrated Alternative
While high space buns are the most recognizable, low space buns are a sophisticated and comfortable alternative that deserves recognition. Positioned at the nape of the neck, behind the ears, this variation is less "anime character" and more "boho chic." It is an excellent choice for older students or those who find high ponytails uncomfortable due to the weight of their hair. Low buns exert significantly less tension on the scalp, making them ideal for long study sessions or exam days where comfort is priority number one.
Low space buns can be styled in messy, braided, or sleek variations just like their high counterparts. A popular method for school is the "rope twist" low bun, where the pigtails are twisted into two strands before being wrapped. This creates a mesmerizing spiral effect that looks complicated but is actually very simple to execute. This style also fits comfortably under winter hats or beanies, making it a practical choice for students walking to school in colder climates.
Because they sit lower, these buns are less likely to bump into headrests on the school bus or in the car. They offer a mature take on the trend, bridging the gap between a childish pigtail look and a grown-up updo. For school girls seeking a hairstyle that is unique yet understated, the low space bun is the perfect solution.
Tips for Making Space Buns Last All School Day
Creating the perfect space buns is only half the battle; ensuring they survive gym class, recess, and changing weather is the other. Here are professional tips to maximize longevity:
- The Foundation Matters: Avoid styling on freshly washed, slippery hair if possible. Day-old hair holds styles better. If hair is clean, use a sea salt spray or texturizing spray to add grip.
- Secure Anchoring: Use high-quality hair elastics that do not contain metal connectors, which can snag hair. For thick hair, use two elastics per pigtail to ensure the base is solid before wrapping the bun.
- The Bobby Pin Technique: Don't just push bobby pins straight in. Hook a small section of the bun, flip the pin, and push it towards the center of the elastic. This "locking" technique provides a hold that can withstand running and jumping.
- Taming Flyaways: Keep a clean toothbrush sprayed with hairspray or a travel-sized mascara wand filled with hair gel in the school locker. This allows for quick touch-ups of the hairline between classes.
- Volume Tricks: If the buns look small or flat, gently tug on the edges of the bun after securing it to fluff it out. For extra volume, consider using small hair donuts or padding specifically designed for space buns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do space buns damage hair? A: Generally, no. However, tying hair too tightly can cause traction alopecia (hair loss due to pulling). It is important to ensure the pigtails are secure but not painful. Using fabric-covered elastics and silk scrunchies can minimize breakage.
Q: Can I do space buns with short hair? A: Absolutely! For bob-length hair, half-up space buns are the best option. If you want full space buns, you can embrace the "messy" look and use bobby pins to secure the shorter hairs at the back, or opt for low space buns.
Q: How do I get my part perfectly straight? A: Use a rattail comb (a comb with a long, thin handle). Place the tip of the handle at the hairline and draw a line straight back to the nape of the neck. Using a second mirror to see the back of your head helps immensely.
Q: Are space buns appropriate for high schoolers? A: Yes. While they are often associated with younger children, trends have shifted. High schoolers and even college students wear space buns frequently. The key is the variation; sleeker or messier styles often look more mature than tight, small pigtail buns.
Q: How can I make my space buns look even? A: Symmetry can be tricky. Align the placement of the buns with the ears or the arches of the eyebrows. When securing the pigtails, look in the mirror straight on to ensure they are at the same height before wrapping the buns.
Conclusion
Space buns have solidified their place as a staple in school fashion, transcending fleeting trends to become a reliable, go-to hairstyle for students of all ages. From the ease of the classic messy look to the durability of braided variations and the elegance of sleek styles, there is a version to suit every hair type, personality, and schedule. The best space buns variations for school girls are those that instill confidence and provide comfort throughout the academic day.
By experimenting with these different techniques—incorporating braids, playing with texture, and utilizing fun accessories—students can keep their look fresh and exciting. Whether the goal is to keep hair out of the face for a science experiment or to look cute for a Friday pep rally, space buns offer the perfect solution. Remember, the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel great, so don't be afraid to customize these looks to make them uniquely yours. Grab some bobby pins and hair ties, and start styling!
