space buns 4c hair
I’m so excited because today I get to talk about my favorite short 4c hairstyle – space buns!
As a former Sailor Moon stan, I have grown to love this youthful and cute hairstyle. And since my big chop a few years ago, space buns were the first style that I could do with my hair length.
But don’t just take my word for it.
Space buns have become a popular hairstyle for black women and girls of all ages. Because it is an easy and quick way to wear your hair up, especially if you have natural 4c hair.
In addition, it requires minimal manipulation contrary to other natural hairstyles, like Bantu knots, a high bun, or even a high puff. And if you have short hair like me in the beginning, you can simply add some hair extensions to make your space buns bigger.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. It’s time I share everything I know and love about space buns on 4c hair.
What are space buns?
Space buns are a protective style in which your natural hair is divided into two sections and put into two buns. The buns are typically placed on either side of your head near the temples.
It’s a fun and trendy style that has gained popularity in the natural hair community over the last few years.
The reason for that is that it’s an easy hairstyle that does not require a lot of hair products and is doable even on short natural hair. Moreover, space buns can be worn by women with various hair textures.
The buns can be made sleek and tight using edge control or gel. Or they can be worn loose for a more relaxed messy bun look.
Do space buns damage your hair?
Like most protective hairstyles, space buns themselves do not damage your natural 4c hair. However, the way you create and maintain them will have an impact on your hair’s health.
To protect your 4c hair from damage make sure they are constantly hydrated, by using water and a good moisturizing conditioner. Here you can use a water spray bottle to mist your hair daily.
It is also important to make sure that you do not put too much tension on your hair. So instead of pulling your hair to the top of your head, leave out your edges and place the buns more to the side.
Moreover, avoid using hair tools that snug and pull your hair like rubber bands. Instead, opt for hair ties that provide more elasticity. And instead of using bobby pins to secure flyaways, smooth down your hair with hair butter or edge control gel temporarily.
Lastly, don’t sleep with a space buns hairstyle in, or at least loosen up the hair ties overnight to protect your 4c hair from breaking off. And moreover, wear a silk scarf or use a satin pillowcase.
If you keep these things in mind you can prevent hair breakage and traction alopecia. And if you notice any signs of hair damage, such as breakage or thinning, take a break from styling your 4c hair in space buns and give it time to heal.
Can u do space buns with thin hair?
Yes, you can do space buns with thin hair. As a matter of fact, that used to be my biggest problem. When I used to have relaxed hair three years ago, before I started my 4c natural hair journey, my hair was very thin.
So what I would do is add braiding hair to my own hair. That would make the space buns look bigger and more voluminous.
However, remember that constantly pulling your hair up into tight buns can be damaging, especially for thin hair. So, if you struggle to create space buns, with your thin hair, look into another short 4c hairstyle like dutch braid or flat twists.
How to do space buns with short 4c hair?
Now let’s get into the best part, my space buns 4c hair tutorial. As you will see this is a very simple style, perfect for days when you are in a styling rut or don’t have much time to do your hair.
Here are the steps to create space buns with short 4c hair:
1. Wash and condition your hair
Ideally, you want to start by washing your natural 4c hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and deep conditioner to hydrate your coils and reduce frizz. Of course, it’s not necessary but that’s how you will get the best results. However, if it’s not wash day you can simply use a water spray bottle to mist your hair.
2. Moisturize and detangle your hair
Next, you want to apply a daily moisturizer to add moisture. This will make it easier to detangle your hair and set it up for a long-term hairstyle. Make sure to use a comb or detangling brush to get knots and tangles out. The smoother your hair, the easier it will be to create a sleek bun.
3. Part your hair
Once your hair is moisturized and detangled, it’s time to divide your hair into two sections. Use a rattail comb to carve a straight line down the center of your head. If you want a sleek look I suggest applying good edge control to the line.
4. Tie up your hair
Next, you want to take a hair tie and put each section into a high pony. Again, if you desire a sleek look, you want to use a bristle brush and edge control to smooth out the hair as you tie it up. Remember not to pull too tightly to avoid hair breakage. Instead, leave out your edges for now, as you will be able to style them at the end.
5. Form your space buns
Now that you have two high ponytails on each side of the line, you can form your space buns. If you have thick hair, you simply want to use your hands to scrunch the hair into a bun. If you have curly hair, you can apply a curl cream and fluff it up or pin it into a bun. And if you have short 4c hair, you can add some braiding hair and wrap it around your ponytail until you have a bigger bun.
6. Set the style
Use an edge brush to style your baby hairs as desired. Once you are done, wrap your head with a silk scarf and either let it air dry for 15 minutes or use a blow dryer for 3 minutes. That will set the gel and edge control in place and ensure that the hairstyle lasts a while.
Done! Trust me, space buns on 4c hair are one of the easiest hairstyles, and perfect for girls with very tight coils. And with the right products and hair care you will be able to enjoy this new hairstyle without having to worry about hair breakage.