We’re Not Entirely Sure How We Feel About Space Buns Coming Back

As if we needed any more proof that the 90s are alive and well, Jennifer Lopez has been pictured wearing space buns. Hot on the heels of two-toned hair and chunky highlights, it’s the latest hair trend to give us serious 1990s vibes. Lopez’s new look was created by hairstylist Chris Appleton, who posted a snap of the singer on Instagram alongside the caption: ‘Spicy.’ Space buns are remarkably easy to do yourself: it’s just a case of dividing sections of your hair into two buns and securing them on top of your head. In the Nineties, it was a go-to rock chick look, regularly worn by singers like Mel B and Gwen Stefani. One of the best things about the style is how easily it can be customized. Lopez gives it a modern spin by modeling twin buns with plenty of fringe hanging out.

But back in the day, it was particularly popular to have half your hair in two twists, with the rest cascading loose at the back. Alternatively, you can really commit and scrape all of your hair into two buns. The style is similar to Bantu knots, a protective look often worn by Black women, where the hair is divided into sections and twisted into multiple buns.

While space buns might instantly transport you to the Spice Girls’ heyday, every few years it threatens to make a comeback. It’s particularly popular at festivals – perhaps because it’s a fairly stylish way to hide unwashed hair… and who can forget the Wrecking Ball stage of Miley Cyrus’ career? The singer would wear two teeny-tiny buns at the top of her head, with the rest of her hair cropped short. In recent years, stars including Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa and Perrie Edwards have regularly been seen sporting space buns, with Grande favoring small, tight twists with long extensions trailing down her back. The look is vaguely reminiscent of Princess Leia’s iconic Star Wars hair – although actor Carrie Fisher’s version was slightly different – her hair was coiled and pinned either side of her head, rather than on top.

In 2002, director George Lucas told Time: “In the 1977 film, I was working very hard to create something different that wasn’t in fashion, so I went with a kind of Southwestern Pancho Villa woman revolutionary look, which is what that is. The buns are basically from turn-of-the-century Mexico.” As a leader of the Resistance, it seems only right that Princess Leia’s hair would be inspired by revolutionaries.