How to Style Space Buns for Homecoming | The Ultimate Trendy Hoco Guide

Homecoming is one of the most anticipated events of the school year, marking a night of celebration, school spirit, and, of course, impeccable fashion. While dresses and shoes often take center stage, the perfect hairstyle is the accessory that ties the entire look together. In recent years, there has been a significant shift away from overly stiff, traditional updos toward styles that are more playful, youthful, and expressive. Enter the space bun. Once reserved for music festivals and casual lounging, this versatile style has been elevated to red-carpet status. Learning how to style space buns for homecoming allows for a unique blend of edgy and elegant that stands out in a sea of traditional curls and French twists.

Whether you are aiming for a sleek, high-fashion aesthetic or a romantic, bohemian vibe, space buns offer a canvas for creativity. They keep hair off the neck—perfect for a night of dancing—while offering endless opportunities for customization with braids, glitter, and accessories. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to achieve the perfect double-bun look, ensuring your hair stays flawless from the first photo op to the last song of the night.

Essential Tools and Preparation for the Perfect Base

Before diving into the actual styling, it is crucial to understand that the longevity and finish of your hairstyle depend entirely on the preparation. Professional stylists often emphasize that "dirty" hair holds a style better than freshly washed hair. If possible, wash your hair the day before the event rather than the day of. This allows natural oils to build up slightly, providing the grit needed for pins and ties to grip securely.

To begin, gather the necessary tools. You will need a fine-tooth comb for sectioning (a rat-tail comb is ideal), a paddle brush for smoothing, clear elastic bands or bands that match your hair color, and plenty of bobby pins. For products, invest in a high-quality texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add volume, a flexible-hold working hairspray, and a strong-hold finishing spray. If you are aiming for a sleek look, a tub of styling gel or pomade is essential for taming flyaways.

Start by brushing out any tangles. If you have fine hair, apply a volumizing mousse to the roots and blow-dry it upward to create lift. For those with naturally curly or textured hair, decide whether you want to work with your natural texture or blow it out smooth. Both textures work beautifully for space buns, but they yield different results. Once your hair is prepped and product has been applied, you are ready to section your hair. A perfectly straight center part is the hallmark of professional-looking space buns. Use the tail of your comb to draw a line from the center of your hairline all the way down to the nape of your neck, securing one side with a clip while you work on the other.

Style 1: The Sleek and Chic High-Fashion Buns

For a Homecoming look that screams high fashion and modern elegance, the sleek space bun is the go-to choice. This style pairs exceptionally well with high-neck dresses, jumpsuits, or minimalist gowns. The objective here is a glass-like finish with zero flyaways, emphasizing bone structure and makeup.

Step-by-Step Execution

• Saturate and Smooth: On your first section, apply a generous amount of styling gel or smoothing cream from the roots to the mid-lengths. Use a boar bristle brush to smooth the hair upward toward the crown of your head. The placement is key here; for a lifted look, position the ponytail high on the curve of the head.

• Secure the Foundation: Secure the pigtail tightly with a hair tie. Repeat on the other side, ensuring distinct symmetry. A good tip is to look in the mirror while positioning the second pigtail to match the height and distance from the center part perfectly.

• Twist and Wrap: Twist the hair in the ponytail tightly until it naturally begins to coil around the base. Wrap the hair into a tight bun and secure it with another hair tie or bobby pins. For a cleaner look, leave the ends tucked in. If you want an edgier finish, leave the very ends spiking out slightly and straighten them with a flat iron.

• The Glass Finish: Once both buns are secured, spray a toothbrush with strong-hold hairspray and gently brush down any baby hairs along the hairline. Finish with a shine spray to give the hair that glossy, red-carpet reflection.

Style 2: The Romantic Half-Up, Half-Down Space Buns

If you are torn between wearing your hair down or putting it up, the half-up, half-down space bun style is the perfect compromise. This look is incredibly popular for Homecoming because it retains the length and flow of loose hair while keeping the face framed and open. It pairs beautifully with flowy, floral, or pastel dresses.

Creating the Look

Start by sectioning your hair horizontally from ear to ear. Clip the bottom half out of the way. With the top half, create your center part to divide the hair into two sections. The key difference here is that you want the buns to sit slightly further back on the head to avoid looking too childish. Create two ponytails with the top sections.

Before twisting the buns, tease the ponytails with a comb to create volume. This makes the buns look fuller and softer, rather than tight and severe. Loosely twist the hair and pin it into place, pulling at the loops slightly to "pancake" or expand the bun. This creates a flower-like effect that is very romantic.

For the hair left down, use a 1-inch or 1.5-inch curling iron to create soft beach waves or glamorous curls. Brush the curls out gently so they flow seamlessly. You can also pull out two thin strands of hair near the temples to frame the face, curling them slightly away from the face for a soft, ethereal vibe.

Style 3: The Braided Space Bun Complex

Adding braids to your space buns instantly elevates the technical skill of the hairstyle and adds intricate detail that looks amazing in photos. Braids also provide extra structural integrity, making this a great option for students who plan on dancing vigorously all night.

The Upside-Down French Braid

This is a show-stopper technique. Instead of braiding from the hairline back, you braid from the nape of the neck upward. To do this, flip your head upside down. Section the hair down the middle. Starting at the nape, create a French braid or Dutch braid traveling up toward the crown of your head. Once you reach the point where you want the bun to sit, secure the braid with an elastic.

Gather the remaining loose hair from the braid into a messy or sleek bun. Repeat on the other side. This style looks incredible from the back and is a favorite for dresses with open backs or interesting rear details. Alternatively, you can braid the ponytails themselves before wrapping them into buns for a woven, textured look that resembles a rosette.

Elevating the Look: Accessories and Glitter

Homecoming is the time to sparkle. While space buns are a statement on their own, accessories transition them from "everyday cool" to "formal event ready." The trend of "glitter roots" has taken the styling world by storm. To achieve this, mix hair gel with chunky cosmetic-grade glitter. Using a tint brush, apply the mixture along your center part or around the base of the buns. This catches the light beautifully under the dance floor disco ball.

If glitter isn't your style, consider hair jewelry. Pearl pins inserted into the center of the buns add a touch of classic elegance. Velvet ribbons tied around the base of the buns can match the color of your dress, tying the whole ensemble together. For a celestial theme—very popular for space buns—look for star-shaped clips or moon accessories to scatter throughout the hair. Even simple metallic cuffs clipped onto braids can add an industrial, modern edge to the look.

Longevity Tips: Making Your Buns Dance-Proof

The biggest fear with any updo is that it will fall apart halfway through the night. Space buns, because of their placement, can sometimes feel heavy or wobble if not secured properly. The secret lies in the anchoring technique. When using bobby pins, do not just slide them in straight. Instead, hook a small amount of hair from the bun, pivot the pin toward the scalp, and push it in toward the center of the elastic. This "locking" technique is what professional stylists use to ensure updos don't budge.

Furthermore, consider the texture of your hair ties. Silk scrunchies are cute but slippery. For the base structure, always use rubber or strong elastic grip ties. You can always cover the practical tie with a decorative scrunchie later. Finally, layer your hairspray. Use a working spray while styling and a freeze-hold spray only when the look is 100% complete. Don't touch the hair after the final spray until it is dry to avoid crunchiness or white residue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My hair is shoulder length/short. Can I still do space buns? A: Absolutely. For shorter hair, half-up space buns are often easier to manage. If you want full buns, try creating two smaller buns at the nape of your neck (low space buns) instead of high on the head. This captures the same vibe but accommodates shorter layers that might fall out of a high style.

Q: I have very thin hair. How can I make my buns look voluminous? A: Volume can be manufactured! Use a texturizing powder on your ponytails before wrapping them. You can also use a "hair donut" or sock bun form cut in half to wrap your hair around, giving the illusion of thick, full buns. Teasing (backcombing) the hair before wrapping is also highly effective.

Q: Should I straighten my hair before styling? A: It depends on the look. For the sleek, sci-fi look, yes, straightening helps achieve that glass-like smoothness. However, for boho or messy buns, natural texture or curled hair actually helps the pins grip better and provides more volume.

Q: How do I hide the hair ties? A: Take a small section of hair from the ponytail before you wrap the bun (or leave a piece out). Wrap this small strand around the base where the elastic is showing, and pin it underneath with a small bobby pin. This creates a seamless, professional finish.

Q: Can I use hair extensions for space buns? A: Yes, clip-in extensions are great for adding volume. Clip them in upside down if you are doing high buns so they lay flat against the head when the hair is pulled upward. This prevents the wefts from showing and ensures a smooth transition.

Conclusion

Styling space buns for Homecoming is a bold, fashionable choice that breaks away from the monotony of traditional curls and chignons. Whether you opt for the razor-sharp precision of sleek buns, the whimsical flow of a half-up style, or the intricate detail of braided buns, this hairstyle offers versatility for every personality and dress code. By focusing on proper preparation, utilizing the right tools, and securing your style with professional techniques, you can ensure your hair looks stunning all night long. Remember, the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident. So grab your hairspray, gather your bobby pins, and get ready to rock the most trendy look on the dance floor this Homecoming season.