From Perm to Space Buns: Transformation Ideas

In the ever-evolving world of hair trends, two distinct styles have made a massive resurgence over the last decade: the modern perm and the playful space bun. While they might seem like separate aesthetic choices—one being a chemical treatment and the other a styling technique—they actually form a symbiotic relationship that creates one of the most dynamic looks in hair fashion today. The days of stiff, frizzy perms are long gone, replaced by soft, digital waves and structured curls. Similarly, space buns have graduated from the rave scene to the red carpet, becoming a staple for anyone looking to add a touch of whimsy to their appearance.

Combining a perm with space buns is not just a style choice; it is a strategic advantage. One of the biggest challenges with updo styles on straight hair is the lack of grip and volume. Straight hair often requires excessive teasing, hairspray, and bobby pins to maintain the shape of a bun. However, permed hair comes with built-in texture and volume, making it the perfect foundation for gravity-defying space buns that look full, effortless, and intentionally messy. This transformation from loose, flowing curls to a structured, dual-bun updo offers versatility that can take you from a casual brunch to a music festival with ease.

This comprehensive guide explores the art of transforming permed hair into various space bun styles. We will delve into the preparation required to protect your curls, step-by-step styling techniques, creative variations to suit different face shapes, and the aftercare necessary to ensure your perm bounces back once the hair ties come off. Whether you are rocking a tight coil perm or a loose beach wave body wave, these transformation ideas will elevate your styling game.

Why Permed Hair is the Perfect Canvas for Space Buns

Understanding the mechanics of hair texture is crucial when attempting intricate updos. Straight hair, by its nature, is slippery. When you attempt to twist it into a bun, the strands tend to slide against each other, often resulting in a style that falls flat or requires an uncomfortable amount of tension to stay in place. Furthermore, to achieve the coveted "big bun" look, those with straight hair often have to use donut fillers or excessive backcombing, which can be damaging.

Permed hair changes this equation entirely. The chemical process of a perm alters the disulfide bonds in the hair shaft, creating permanent bends and curves. This structural change adds significant surface friction between strands. When you twist permed hair, the curls lock into one another, providing a natural hold that reduces the need for tight elastics. This is particularly beneficial for hair health, as it reduces traction alopecia risks associated with tight hairstyles.

Moreover, the volume inherent in a perm means that your space buns will naturally look larger and more textured. The "messy" aesthetic, which is highly sought after in modern styling, is almost automatic with permed hair. Pulling a few tendrils loose doesn't look like a mistake; it looks like a stylistic choice because the tendrils are curled and finished. This natural volume allows for the creation of "puff" buns that stand up on their own, creating a silhouette that is bold and fashion-forward.

Preparation: Protecting Your Curl Pattern Before Styling

Before manipulating permed hair into an updo, it is vital to prepare the hair properly. Permed hair is generally drier and more porous than untreated hair due to the chemical processing it has undergone. Therefore, the primary goal during preparation is hydration and protection. Attempting to style dry, brittle curls into tight buns can lead to breakage and frizz that ruins the definition of the perm permanently.

Start with a moisturizing leave-in conditioner or a curl cream. Apply this to damp or dry hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. This ensures that the hair remains pliable while it is tied up. If you are working with day-two or day-three hair, a refreshing spray—composed of water and conditioner—can reactivate the product already in your hair, making it easier to manipulate without causing friction damage.

Detangling is another critical step. Never use a fine-tooth comb on permed hair, even when styling updos. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently separate tangles. When creating the partings for space buns, use the tail of a rat-tail comb only for the scalp line, but use your fingers to separate the actual lengths of the hair. This prevents the disruption of the curl clumps, ensuring that the hair within the buns maintains its texture rather than turning into undefined fuzz.

The Classic Messy Space Buns: A Step-by-Step Guide

The classic messy space bun is the go-to look for a casual, effortless vibe. With permed hair, this style takes on a romantic, bohemian quality thanks to the texture. Here is how to achieve the perfect balance between structure and chaos.

Step 1: The Parting. Divide your hair down the center from the forehead to the nape of the neck. For a perfectly symmetrical look, use a mirror to ensure the line is straight. However, for a more modern, casual look, a zigzag part can add interest and hide the scalp line, making the hair appear thicker. Secure one side with a clip while you work on the other to keep the sections clean.

Step 2: High Pigtails. Gather the first section of hair high up on the head. The placement is key here; for a playful look, aim for the crown of the head. For a look that mimics ears (like the popular anime-inspired styles), place them slightly forward. Secure the pigtail with a fabric-covered elastic or a spiral hair tie. Avoid rubber bands, which can snag and snap permed strands. Do not pull the ponytail too tight; leave some slack at the root to maintain volume.

Step 3: Creating the Volume. This is where the perm shines. Instead of twisting the hair tightly into a coil, lightly twist the ponytail and wrap it loosely around the base of the elastic. Because the hair has texture, you don't need to be precise. Alternatively, for maximum volume, don't twist the hair at all. Simply wrap the loose curls around the base, pinning them in place as you go. This creates a "cloud" effect.

Step 4: Securing and Refining. Use U-shaped hairpins rather than closed bobby pins if possible. U-pins catch the curls without compressing them, keeping the buns airy. Once secured, gently tug on the edges of the buns to expand them. Pull out face-framing layers near the temples and in front of the ears. The permed texture will ensure these loose strands look styled and intentional.

The Half-Up, Half-Down Transformation

For those who want to showcase the length of their perm while still participating in the space bun trend, the half-up, half-down variation is ideal. This style reduces the weight on the scalp and creates a beautiful cascading effect where the curls flow down the back while the top is styled playfully.

To achieve this, section the hair horizontally from ear to ear. The top section will be used for the buns, while the bottom section remains loose. It is important to refresh the curls in the bottom section first. Use a light mousse or a curl refreshing spray to ensure the loose hair is defined and bouncy. Frizz in the loose section can make the overall style look unkempt rather than messy-chic.

Divide the top section into two and create your buns. With a half-up style, smaller buns often look more proportionate. You might consider doing "knot" buns, where you pull the hair halfway through the elastic on the last loop, creating a fan shape. This looks particularly striking with permed hair because the ends that stick out will be curled, adding a cute, feathery detail to the look. This style effectively frames the face while allowing the drama of the perm to remain visible at the back.

Braided Bases for Added Texture

Incorporating braids into space buns elevates the look from casual to intricate. While braiding permed hair requires patience to avoid tangles, the result is incredibly durable and textured. A popular variation is the double Dutch braid leading into space buns. This involves braiding the hair from the hairline back to the crown before securing it into buns.

With permed hair, braids appear much thicker and more voluminous than with straight hair. To maximize this, use the "pancaking" technique: once the braid is secured, gently pull on the loops of the braid to widen them. The texture of the perm will prevent the braid from unraveling or slipping, allowing for extremely wide, dramatic plaits.

Another variation is the upside-down braid. This involves flipping your head over and braiding from the nape of the neck up to the crown. This is a fantastic option for keeping the hair off the neck in summer or during workouts. Once the braid reaches the crown, divide the remaining hair into two sections and form the buns. This transformation showcases the perm's texture in three distinct ways: tightly woven in the braid, voluminously wrapped in the bun, and softly curling in the face-framing tendrils.

Accessorizing Your Textured Space Buns

Accessories can completely transform the vibe of your space buns, and permed hair provides a sturdy base for holding them in place. In professional styling, we often see a return to retro aesthetics, and space buns are no exception.

Scrunchies: Using oversized silk or velvet scrunchies is not only stylish but also protective. The fabric provides a buffer between the elastic and the delicate permed hair cuticle. Choose a color that contrasts with your hair color to make the buns pop, or a matching shade for a seamless, voluminous look.

Clips and Pins: Decorative butterfly clips or snap clips placed along the hairline or scattered throughout the buns add a nostalgic 90s feel. For a more elegant evening look, consider weaving a thin ribbon through the base of the buns or using pearl-tipped pins. The texture of the perm helps these accessories stay put without sliding out, which is a common annoyance with straight hair.

Glitter and Gel: For festivals, applying a glitter gel to the parting or the roots adds a magical element. When applying gels to permed hair, ensure they are alcohol-free to prevent drying out the curls. Apply the gel carefully with a tint brush to avoid disturbing the curl pattern of the surrounding hair.

Post-Style Care: Reviving the Perm

One of the main concerns with updos on permed hair is the fear of ruining the curl pattern. While perms are permanent, the shape can be temporarily distorted by tight elastics. The "transformation" isn't complete until you have successfully reverted to your loose curls.

When taking down space buns, patience is key. Do not rip the elastics out. Unwind them slowly. Once the hair is loose, you will likely see a "dent" where the elastic was. Do not panic. This is temporary. Do not brush the hair dry, as this will result in a ball of frizz.

Instead, saturate the hair with water or a curl refreshing spray until it is damp. Use your hands to scrunch the hair upwards, encouraging the curl memory to return. If the hair feels dry, apply a small amount of lightweight oil, such as Argan or Jojoba oil, to the ends. Allow the hair to air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting. Within a few hours, the chemical bonds will reassert their shape, and your perm will return to its natural state. Rotating between wearing your hair down and styling it in space buns can actually protect the ends of your hair from friction against clothing, potentially prolonging the life of your trim.

Expert Tips for Styling Permed Space Buns

• The "Pineapple" Method: If you are sleeping with space buns to preserve the style for the next day, keep them very loose and use satin scrunchies. However, it is generally recommended to take them down and use a satin bonnet to protect the perm overnight.

• Hide the Ends: If your ends are looking a bit dry or straight compared to the rest of the perm, tuck them under the bun and pin them. This creates a polished finish and protects the oldest part of your hair.

• Volume Powder: If your perm is loosening or your hair is fine, apply a little texture powder or volume dust to the roots before creating the buns. This adds grit and lift without the need for backcombing.

• Balance the Profile: Check your profile in a mirror. Because permed buns are voluminous, ensure they aren't placed too far back, which can distort the head shape. Placement near the apex (top) or slightly forward usually yields the most flattering profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I put my hair in space buns immediately after getting a perm? No. You must wait at least 48 to 72 hours after a new perm before washing it or using hair ties. Using elastics too soon can leave permanent indentations in the newly formed curls. Wait until the chemical bonds have fully completely hardened.

Q: Will wearing space buns loosen my perm over time? Occasional styling will not loosen a perm. However, if you wear tight buns every single day, the constant tension can stretch the curls near the root and potentially cause breakage. Variety is key to maintaining hair health.

Q: What is the best type of hair tie for permed space buns? Spiral hair ties (coil ties) or satin/silk scrunchies are the best options. They distribute pressure unevenly, preventing the "ring" or dent mark that traditional thin elastics leave, and they reduce friction on the hair cuticle.

Q: How do I manage frizz in my space buns? Frizz is often a sign of dryness. Ensure your hair is well-moisturized before styling. Use a smoothing serum or a small amount of pomade on the palms of your hands and gently smooth over the surface of the buns once they are secured to tame flyaways.

Q: Can I do space buns on short permed hair? Yes! If your hair is too short to gather into high buns, try "low space buns" at the nape of the neck. If you have layers that fall out, use bobby pins or snap clips to secure them, or embrace the messy look and let them frame your face.

Conclusion

Transforming your permed hair into space buns is a fantastic way to diversify your look and take advantage of the unique texture and volume that a perm provides. This style marries the structural integrity of chemically treated curls with the playful, trendy aesthetic of modern updos. By following the proper preparation, styling, and aftercare techniques, you can enjoy this fun hairstyle without compromising the health or longevity of your perm. Whether you opt for the messy, bohemian vibe or a sleek, braided variation, space buns offer a creative outlet for expressing your personal style while highlighting the beauty of your textured hair.