When it comes to festival hair, nothing captures the playful, rebellious energy of retro fashion quite like ’90s space buns. Popularized by iconic pop stars and club kids of the 1990s, double buns have solidified their status as an undisputed festival staple. They keep hair off your neck during hot summer days, hold up through hours of dancing, and offer endless opportunities for creative customization with glitter, braids, clips, and color.
Whether you’re heading to a weekend rave, an indie music festival, or just looking to recreate a classic throwback look, these DIY space buns ideas will elevate your festival style. Here are 10 distinct ways to wear ’90s space buns, complete with step-by-step DIY instructions and pro tips.
1. The Classic High Space Buns
The quintessential ’90s look is simple, symmetrical, and sits high on top of the head. It works across almost all hair lengths and textures.
- How to DIY: Part your hair cleanly down the middle using a rat-tail comb. Section hair into two high pigtails at the crown of your head and secure with clear elastics. Twist each pigtail tightly from base to ends, wrap the twisted hair around the base, and secure with bobby pins.
- Pro Tip: Pull out two small tendrils at the front to frame your face for that authentic nostalgic vibe.
2. Glitter Roots Half-Up Space Buns
If you want to keep some length flowing down your shoulders while channeling cosmic festival vibes, half-up space buns are your go-to.
- How to DIY: Divide your hair horizontally from ear to ear, separating the top section from the bottom. Part the top section down the middle and wrap each side into small, neat buns. Mix hair gel with bio-degradable festival glitter in a small bowl, then paint the glitter directly along your center part line using an eyeshadow brush.
3. Dutch Braided Space Buns (Braids into Buns)
For an intricate, edgy style that locks hair firmly in place through three days of dancing, invert Dutch braids into high buns.
- How to DIY: Flip your head upside down and part hair down the center. Starting at the nape of your neck, Dutch braid (underhand braid) upward on each side until you reach the crown. Secure the remaining hair into high pigtails and wrap into textured buns.
4. Space Buns with Butterfly Clips
Nothing screams 1990s quite like pastel plastic butterfly clips arranged throughout a hairstyle.
- How to DIY: Create standard high space buns. Once pinned in place, cluster colorful butterfly clips along the base of each bun and cascading down your face-framing pieces. Vary the colors for a vibrant, nostalgic pop.
5. Messy Boho Space Buns with Face-Framing Micro Braids
If crisp perfection isn’t your aesthetic, opt for effortless, undone space buns paired with delicate micro braids.
- How to DIY: Create loose, low-to-mid height space buns, pulling gently at the wraps to add volume and texture. Frame your face by taking two thin sections on either side of your part and braiding them into tight micro braids, securing the ends with mini clear bands.
6. Sleek Cyberpunk Low Space Buns
For a sleek, futuristic aesthetic, low space buns placed near the nape of the neck offer a sharp, modern twist on the classic style.
- How to DIY: Apply a generous amount of strong-hold smoothing gel throughout hair. Create a sharp center part, pull hair low behind each ear, and twist into tight, smooth mini-buns. Spray with extreme-hold hairspray for a high-shine, liquid-smooth finish.
7. Messy Curly Space Buns with Scrunchies
Curly and textured hair gives space buns natural volume, shape, and structure without needing tons of teasing or product.
- How to DIY: Embrace your natural curl pattern. Gather curls high onto the crown without over-combing, allowing natural texture to pop. Wrap into full, fluffy buns and secure each base with neon or velvet ’90s oversized scrunchies for a touch of retro flair.
8. Space Buns with Temporary Color Spray
Add dramatic flair without long-term commitment by incorporating pastel or neon hair color sprays.
- How to DIY: Construct high or half-up space buns as usual. Take temporary hair color spray (like neon pink, electric blue, or pastel lavender) and mist the buns and surrounding roots. You can even use dual colors, spraying each bun a different shade.
9. Triple Space Buns (Mohlhawk Style)
Why stop at two? Taking inspiration from ’90s punk and club-kid fashion, triple space buns create a daring, head-turning silhouette down the center of your head.
- How to DIY: Section hair horizontally into three equal parts from forehead to nape. Gather each section along the center of your head into pigtails, then wrap into three distinct, stacked buns aligned like a faux-hawk.
10. Space Buns with Metallic Hair Rings & Cuffs
Elevate your space buns with metallic hair jewelry like silver rings, gold cuffs, or hanging charms woven throughout the hair.
- How to DIY: Braid a small accent braid into the front of each section before gathering hair into buns. Loop open hair rings through the braids and along the base of the buns, then pinch them closed.
Essential Supplies for Long-Lasting Festival Buns
Before starting any DIY festival style, assemble a quick kit to ensure your style survives humidity, wind, and dancing:
- Rat-tail comb: Essential for razor-sharp center parts.
- Clear elastic bands: Stronger and less visible than standard hair ties.
- Texturizing spray or dry shampoo: Adds grip to clean or fine hair so buns don’t slide out.
- Heavy-duty bobby pins: Match your hair color for seamless hold.
- Flexible-hold hairspray: Locks style in place without making hair rigid or brittle.
