Top 5 Space Buns Trends for Oval Face Shapes: The Ultimate Styling Guide

When it comes to versatile, fun, and expressive hairstyles, few looks have captured the collective imagination quite like space buns. Once reserved for sci-fi conventions and 90s raves, the double-bun look has matured into a sophisticated, adaptable style suitable for everything from music festivals to high-fashion runways. For those blessed with an oval face shape, the options are nearly limitless. The oval face is widely considered the most balanced of all facial structures, characterized by symmetrical proportions where the length is roughly one-and-a-half times the width.

However, even with a naturally balanced canvas, choosing the right variation of Top 5 Space Buns Trends for Oval Face Shapes is crucial to enhancing your features rather than distorting them. The goal is to highlight the cheekbones and maintain the face's natural symmetry without elongating the visage too drastically or widening it unnecessarily. In 2026, the trends have shifted toward texture, intricate braiding, and intentional placement that turns this playful style into a work of art.

In this comprehensive guide, professional stylists break down the most flattering space bun variations specifically curated for oval face shapes. From sleek, architectural designs to soft, romantic bohemian vibes, these styles are designed to elevate your hair game. We will explore the mechanics of each look, the products required to maintain them, and the styling secrets that professional salons use to keep these buns secure all day long.

1. The Face-Framing '90s Revival Buns

One of the most enduring and flattering styles for an oval face is the Face-Framing '90s Revival. While the oval shape is naturally balanced, pulling all the hair tightly back can sometimes leave the face feeling too exposed or severe. This trend mitigates that by incorporating soft, deliberate tendrils or "money pieces" that hang loosely around the temples and jawline.

Why It Works for Oval Faces

The magic of this style lies in its ability to soften the perimeter of the face. For an oval face, which is longer than it is wide, these face-framing wisps break up the vertical line, drawing attention horizontally toward the eyes and cheekbones. It adds a layer of softness and romance to what can otherwise be a harsh, geometric hairstyle. By curling these tendrils slightly away from the face, you create a widening effect at the cheek level, which perfectly complements the oval structure.

How to Achieve the Look

To master this trend, separation is key. Before securing the buns, use a rattail comb to section off a triangular area of hair at the front of the hairline. The thickness of these sections depends on personal preference, but for 2026, a wispy, feathered texture is preferred over thick, chunky blocks of hair. Once the buns are secured high on the crown, use a curling wand with a 1-inch barrel to add a soft bend to the loose strands. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the movement natural rather than stiff.

2. The Braided Base Space Buns

Texture is a massive component of modern hair trends, and incorporating braids into space buns is a fantastic way to add complexity and visual interest. The Braided Base trend involves creating Dutch or French braids that lead up into the buns, acting as a structural foundation for the style.

Why It Works for Oval Faces

This style is particularly effective for oval faces because it allows for volume control. By braiding tight against the scalp, you reduce volume on the sides of the head—which keeps the silhouette sleek—while focusing the volume at the top where the buns sit. This draws the eye upward, highlighting the symmetry of the oval jawline. Furthermore, the intricate detail of the braids adds a focal point that complements the balanced proportions of the face without overwhelming it.

Styling Technique

For a professional finish, stylists recommend starting with the head flipped upside down if you are braiding from the nape up (reverse French braids). This technique is excellent for keeping the back of the neck tidy and polished. Alternatively, double Dutch braids starting from the front hairline and terminating at the crown create a warrior-princess aesthetic that is incredibly popular. When securing the buns, pancake the braids (gently pulling on the loops) before wrapping the ends to make the hair appear thicker and more voluminous.

3. The Half-Up, Half-Down Boho Buns

For those who aren't ready to commit to a full updo, or for those who want to maintain the length that frames their oval face, the Half-Up, Half-Down Boho Buns are the perfect compromise. This style utilizes the top section of the hair for the buns while leaving the bottom layers cascading down the back.

Why It Works for Oval Faces

This is arguably the most versatile of the Top 5 Space Buns Trends for Oval Face Shapes. The cascading hair creates a backdrop for the face, ensuring that the length of the oval shape isn't exaggerated. The horizontal line created by separating the top and bottom sections helps to widen the face visually, which is often a goal for narrower oval shapes. It combines the playfulness of space buns with the glamour of loose, flowing waves.

Creating the Vibe

Volume is essential here. The bottom section of the hair should be styled in loose beach waves or textured curls to balance the weight of the buns on top. When sectioning, ensure the part line extends from just behind the ears to the crown. If the buns are placed too far forward, they can look disjointed; placed too far back, they disappear. The "sweet spot" for oval faces is right at the curve of the crown, visible from the front but not dominating the forehead area. Use a texturizing spray to give the loose hair a gritty, lived-in finish.

4. The Sleek and Sculpted High Buns

Moving away from the messy and bohemian, the Sleek and Sculpted trend embraces the "clean girl" aesthetic that has dominated beauty trends. This look is characterized by an ultra-smooth finish, a sharp center part, and tightly coiled buns that look almost architectural.

Why It Works for Oval Faces

Oval faces can handle severe styles better than any other shape. Because the jawline is curved and the forehead is slightly wider than the chin, a sleek look doesn't highlight any harsh angles (like it might on a square face) or emphasize roundness (as it might on a round face). The sharp center part emphasizes the perfect symmetry of the oval face, acting as an arrow that points directly to the features. It is a high-fashion, editorial look that exudes confidence.

Products and Execution

Achieving this look requires the right product cocktail. A high-quality styling gel or pomade is non-negotiable. Apply the product to the roots while the hair is damp to ensure a smooth, glass-like finish. A boar bristle brush is the best tool for smoothing out bumps and ensuring the hair lays completely flat against the skull. For the buns themselves, twist the hair tightly until it coils upon itself, securing with U-pins for an invisible hold. This style is also an excellent non-surgical facelift, as the tight tension pulls the skin slightly taut around the eyes and temples.

5. The Low-Set Messy Knots

Contrasting the high-energy vibe of top knots, low-set space buns offer a more subdued, casual, and sophisticated take on the trend. Sitting at the nape of the neck behind the ears, these buns are often styled as loose, messy knots rather than tight spheres.

Why It Works for Oval Faces

Low buns are fantastic for oval faces because they maintain the vertical balance. High buns add height, which can sometimes make a long oval face look even longer. Low buns, conversely, keep the volume at the bottom, widening the appearance of the jaw and neck area. This creates a grounded, elegant silhouette that works beautifully for formal events or relaxed weekends. It draws attention to the long, elegant neck that often accompanies an oval face shape.

The "Undone" Technique

The key to this look is the "perfectly imperfect" texture. It shouldn't look like gym hair, but it shouldn't look stiff either. Use a dry shampoo or texturizing powder at the roots before starting to add grip. When creating the buns, don't pull the hair all the way through the elastic on the last loop, creating a fan shape, and then wrap the loose ends around the base. Pull a few strands loose at the nape of the neck to enhance the effortless vibe. This style pairs exceptionally well with statement earrings, as the space behind the ears is cleared.

Essential Styling Tips for Oval Faces

While these trends are tailored for your face shape, a few universal rules apply to ensure your space buns look professional and polished.

Balancing Volume and Placement

For oval faces, placement is everything. If you have a particularly long forehead, avoid placing the buns too high and tight, as this creates an "egg" effect. Instead, position them slightly wider apart to create horizontal width. If your face is on the shorter side of oval, you can afford to place the buns closer together and higher up to add vertical illusion.

The Importance of Parting

A center part is the classic choice for space buns and highlights oval symmetry. However, don't be afraid to experiment with a zig-zag part for a Y2K retro feel, or a deep side part if you are doing low buns. A side part can disrupt the symmetry in an interesting way, adding a touch of edge to the look.

Accessories are Your Friend

2026 is the year of hair accessories. For space buns, this means weaving ribbons into the braids, using glitter roots for festivals, or employing decorative pins. For oval faces, oversized scrunchies can add necessary width to high buns, while decorative clips placed near the temples can draw the eye outward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I do space buns if I have short hair or a bob? Absolutely. The "Half-Up" trend is perfect for shorter hair. If you want full space buns but lack the length, double buns at the nape of the neck (low buns) are very achievable with bob-length hair. Alternatively, using clip-in extensions or hair donuts can provide the volume needed for high buns.

Q2: How do I keep my space buns symmetrical? The most challenging part is the parting. Use a tail comb to draw a line from the center of your forehead all the way to the nape of your neck. Use two mirrors (one front, one back) to check the line. When securing the ponytails before twisting them into buns, measure their placement by using your ears as landmarks (e.g., "three fingers above the ear") to ensure they are at the same height.

Q3: Are space buns appropriate for formal occasions? Yes, specifically the sleek, sculpted high buns or the low-set messy knots. When styled neatly with the right products and perhaps accessorized with pearls or minimalist gold pins, space buns can look incredibly chic and appropriate for weddings or upscale events.

Q4: Will tight space buns damage my hair? Tension alopecia is a risk with any tight hairstyle. To minimize damage, do not wear tight buns every day. Use silk or satin scrunchies instead of rubber bands, and avoid pulling the hair too tight at the hairline. Always take the style down gently at the end of the day.

Q5: What products are best for texturizing fine hair for this style? If you have fine hair, space buns can look tiny. To bulk them up, use a volumizing mousse on damp hair before drying. When dry, use a texturizing powder (puff powder) on the ponytails before twisting them into buns. Backcombing (teasing) the hair slightly before wrapping it also creates a much larger, fluffier bun.

Q6: Can older women with oval faces wear space buns? Style has no age limit. For a more mature take on the trend, opt for the Low-Set Messy Knots or the Half-Up style. These variations are softer and less severe than high, tight buns, offering a playful yet elegant look that flatters the oval face shape without looking juvenile.

Conclusion

Space buns have evolved far beyond their humble beginnings into a diverse category of hairstyling that offers something for everyone. For those with oval face shapes, the versatility of these styles is unmatched. Whether you opt for the face-framing softness of the 90s revival, the structural integrity of braided bases, or the high-fashion edge of sleek, sculpted buns, there is a variation that will enhance your natural symmetry.

Experimenting with these Top 5 Space Buns Trends for Oval Face Shapes allows you to express your personality while flattering your features. Remember that the key to a salon-quality finish lies in the preparation—using the right texturizing products, precise sectioning, and finishing sprays. So grab your comb and bobby pins, and embrace the double-bun trend that promises to dominate 2026 with style and confidence.