10 Space Buns & Double Knot Coily Hairstyle Ideas
Space Buns and Double Knots (including Bantu knot variations) are among the most playful, iconic, and culturally rich hairstyles for natural coily hair (Type 4A–4C). Celebrating symmetry, volume, and sculptural geometry, these twin-bun updos elevate everyday styling while keeping fragile ends tucked away and protected.
Creating striking space buns on coily hair requires balancing scalp comfort, tension-free parting, moisture preservation, and edge smoothing. By integrating feed-in cornrows, face-framing tendrils, metallic gold wire, hair cuffs, and half-up cascading textures, you can transform classic space buns into a variety of formal, festival, or everyday bohemian looks. This comprehensive guide details 10 creative space buns and double knot ideas tailored for coily textures.
Essential Rules for Healthy Space Buns & Double Knots
Before parting and securing your coils into twin knots, keep these fundamental hair care and tension-control rules in mind:
- Never Part or Pull Dry Coils: Scraping dry Type 4 hair with fine-toothed parting combs causes severe snags and snapping. Always mist your hair with water and a rich leave-in conditioner before parting and smoothing.
- Avoid Over-Tightening at the Base: Pulling space buns too tightly causes traction alopecia along the crown and center part line. Use wide, satin-covered elastic bands or adjustable stretch ties rather than thin, sticky rubber bands.
- Moisturize Your Ends Before Tucking: The ends of your hair are the oldest and most fragile. Saturate the ends of your coily sections with a hydrating cream or butter and seal with a natural oil (such as argan or jojoba) before wrapping them into knots.
- Use Alcohol-Free Edge Controls: Choose hydrating, water-based edge gels infused with castor oil or aloe vera to smooth baby hairs without drying out your hairline or creating white flaking.
Idea 1: Classic High Space Buns with Swooped Edges
Concept and Design Overview
The iconic, high-energy favorite! Natural Type 4 coily hair is split down the center with a crisp vertical part line, smoothed upward into twin high ponytails at the top corners of the head, and wrapped into two expansive, fluffy spherical buns.
The hairline along the front and temples is laid smooth using an alcohol-free edge gel and a soft bristle brush, creating clean, polished swoops that contrast against the textured volume above. The color palette pairs rich jet black or espresso coils with gold hoop earrings.
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| CLASSIC HIGH SPACE BUNS |
| |
| ( EXPANSIVE PUFF BUN 1 ) ( EXPANSIVE PUFF BUN 2 ) |
| / \ / \ |
| +-------------------------+ +-------------------------+ |
| | LEFT CROWN BUN TIE | | RIGHT CROWN BUN TIE | |
| +-------------------------+ +-------------------------+ |
| | [ CRISP CENTER VERTICAL PARTING LINE ] | |
| | [ Smoothly Laid Swooped Edges along Temple ] | |
| +------------------------------------------------------+ |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
Step-by-Step Styling Guide
- Hydrate & Part: Mist hair with water and leave-in conditioner. Create a clean vertical center part from the front hairline to the nape using a rat-tail comb.
- Smooth Side 1: Apply edge gel along the left hairline, brush upward toward the high crown, and secure into a sleek high ponytail using a satin scrunchie. Repeat on the right side.
- Wrap Buns: Fluff the ponytail coils with an afro pick, then loosely wrap the coils around each base, pinning with bobby pins to form fluffy twin spheres.
- Detail Edges: Use an edge brush to detail swoops and baby hairs along the forehead.
Idea 2: Feed-In Braided Base Space Buns
Concept and Design Overview
A protective and long-lasting hybrid style! The front and side scalp sections feature neat feed-in cornrows moving upward toward the high crown points, feeding directly into the base of each twin bun.
The cornrows keep the hairline completely flat, protected, and low-maintenance for days, while the top knots showcase rich coily texture. Metallic gold braid cuffs are clipped along the cornrow tracks for a gilded accent.
Step-by-Step Styling Guide
- Section Grid: Split hair down the center, then sub-divide each side into 2 to 3 vertical or diagonal braid panels sloping upward.
- Braid Feed-Ins: Braid neat feed-in cornrows moving upward toward the top crown points, incorporating synthetic braiding hair if extra length is desired.
- Anchor Buns: Gather the braid ends on each side into high ponytails, wrapping the remaining unbraided coily ends into firm double knots.
- Add Cuffs: Clip gold filigree braid cuffs along the cornrows.
Idea 3: Soft Chunky Bantu Knots with Gold Capped Rings
Concept and Design Overview
Sculptural, regal, and deeply rooted in African heritage! The entire head is partitioned into clean, geometric diamond or square parts, with each section two-strand twisted and wrapped tightly around its own base to form raised, defined Bantu knots.
Small metallic gold rings or wire wraps encircle the base of each knot, transforming a traditional protective style into an eye-catching statement look.
+-------------------------------------------------+
| CHUNKY BANTU KNOTS WITH GOLD RINGS |
| |
| ( RAISED BANTU KNOT 1 ) ( RAISED KNOT 2 ) |
| ( RAISED BANTU KNOT 3 ) ( RAISED KNOT 4 ) |
| \ / |
| +-------------------------------------+ |
| | GEOMETRIC DIAMOND PARTING GRID | |
| | Gold Capped Rings around Knot Bases | |
| +-------------------------------------+ |
| |
+-------------------------------------------------+
Step-by-Step Styling Guide
- Part Geometric Grid: Section the head into 4 to 8 equal diamond or square sections using parting balm for crisp lines.
- Twist & Wrap: Apply sealing butter to a section, two-strand twist it firmly to the ends, and wrap the twist in a spiral around its base until it forms a raised cone-like knot.
- Secure: Tuck the ends underneath the base or secure with a mini elastic band.
- Accessorize: Slide gold metallic hair rings around the base of each knot.
Idea 4: Half-Up Space Buns with Cascading Back Coils
Concept and Design Overview
A romantic half-up, half-down variation! The top half of the hair is split down the center and gathered into twin high space buns at the crown, while the lower back half remains loose, cascading over the shoulders in lush, hydrated coils.
This offers the face-framing lift and structure of double knots while showcasing the full length and density of loose Type 4 hair.
Step-by-Step Styling Guide
- Horizontal Split: Create a horizontal part running from ear to ear across the crown, separating top and bottom halves.
- Build Top Buns: Split the top section down the center and form two high space buns at the top corners.
- Define Back Coils: Apply curl-defining cream or leave-in conditioner to the loose back section, shingling or finger-coiling to enhance natural spring.
- Fluff for Width: Pick out the loose back coils to create a wide, voluminous background behind the twin buns.
Idea 5: Space Buns with Face-Framing Coily Tendrils
Concept and Design Overview
Soft, bohemian, and effortlessly chic! Sleek twin space buns sit high on the head, while two small, juicy coily tendrils or two-strand twists are left ungathered in front of the ears to frame the face.
This style softens strong facial angles and adds a romantic, casual vibe to a classic sleek updo.
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| SPACE BUNS WITH FACE-FRAMING TENDRILS |
| |
| ( SLEEK HIGH SPACE BUN 1 ) ( SLEEK HIGH SPACE BUN 2 ) |
| / \ / \ |
| +---------------------------++---------------------------+ |
| | SLEEK SMOOTHED SCALP BASE | |
| +--------------------------------------------------------+ |
| | [ Defined Coily Tendril ] [ Defined Coily Tendril ]| |
| | (Hanging beside Left Ear) (Hanging beside Right Ear)| |
| +--------------------------------------------------------+ |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
Step-by-Step Styling Guide
- Reserve Tendrils: Separate two small 1/2-inch square sections of coils directly in front of the ears before smoothing the rest of the hair.
- Gather Space Buns: Smooth the main hair upward into twin high space buns using edge gel and a boar bristle brush.
- Define Tendrils: Apply curl jelly to the reserved front tendrils, finger-coiling or two-strand twisting them to define their curl pattern.
- Set with Scarf: Tie a silk scarf around the slicked perimeter for 10 minutes to lay edges completely flat.
Idea 6: Zig-Zag Parted Bubble Double Knots
Concept and Design Overview
Playful, retro, and full of personality! Instead of a straight center line, the central parting line is styled in a clean, sharp zig-zag pattern across the scalp.
The twin buns are partitioned into segmented “bubbles” using gold elastic bands before being wrapped into double knots, creating a textured, multi-tiered bun silhouette.
Step-by-Step Styling Guide
- Create Zig-Zag Part: Use a rat-tail comb to trace a sharp zig-zag line from the front forehead down to the nape of the neck.
- Form Bubble Segments: Gather each side into a high ponytail, then place a second elastic band 2 inches above the base, fluffing the space between to form a “bubble.”
- Wrap Knots: Wrap the remaining coil ends around the bubble base and pin securely.
- Highlight Part: Apply a light shine pomade along the zig-zag scalp line to make the pattern pop.
Idea 7: Ankara Fabric-Wrapped Double Knots
Concept and Design Overview
A vibrant celebration of African heritage! Sleek twin space buns are fully or partially wrapped in narrow strips of colorful Ankara wax-print fabric or silk scarves.
The bold fabric pattern protects the ends of the hair from environmental exposure while creating an artistic statement piece that matches bright summer outfits.
+-------------------------------------------------+
| ANKARA FABRIC-WRAPPED DOUBLE KNOTS |
| |
| ( ANKARA FABRIC WRAPPED DOUBLE KNOT 1 ) |
| ( ANKARA FABRIC WRAPPED DOUBLE KNOT 2 ) |
| \ / |
| +-------------------------------------+ |
| | SLEEK CENTRAL CENTER PART | |
| | Bold Wax-Print Pattern Accent | |
| +-------------------------------------+ |
| |
+-------------------------------------------------+
Step-by-Step Styling Guide
- Sleek Base: Smooth hair into two high twin ponytails using edge gel and stretch ties.
- Wrap Hair: Twist the coils on each side into firm double knots.
- Add Fabric: Take two 2-inch wide strips of Ankara fabric and wrap them tightly around the body and base of each knot, leaving small glimpses of natural texture.
- Tuck Ends: Tuck the fabric ends neatly underneath the knot bases and secure with bobby pins.
Idea 8: Low Double Nape Knots (“Low Space Buns”)
Concept and Design Overview
Understated, elegant, and ideal for formal or professional environments! Instead of sitting high on the crown, twin sleek double knots sit low at the nape of the neck, resting just behind the ears.
This low placement reduces scalp tension significantly, making it a comfortable option for sensitive scalps or longer wear.
Step-by-Step Styling Guide
- Clean Center Part: Create a straight, precise center part from forehead to nape.
- Smooth Downward: Apply a smoothing pomade and brush hair downward toward the nape on both sides.
- Form Low Ponytails: Secure twin low ponytails just behind the ears near the nape using satin ties.
- Wrap Low Knots: Twist each ponytail into a neat, low donut or cinnamon-roll knot, pinning flat against the neck base.
Idea 9: Butterfly Locs & Coily Double Space Buns
Concept and Design Overview
Bohemian, textured, and full of volume! The hair is styled using textured, distressed butterfly loc extensions wrapped into massive, oversized twin space buns at the top crown.
Curly or coily tendrils are left sprouting out from the centers of the buns, creating an effortless, undone bohemian texture.
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| BUTTERFLY LOCS DOUBLE SPACE BUNS |
| |
| ( OVERSIZED DISTRESSED LOC BUN 1 ) ( LOC BUN 2 ) |
| / \/ \ |
| +----------------------------------++-----------------+ |
| | Sprouting Loose Coily Tendrils from Bun Centers | |
| | Distressed Faux Loc Texture Texture | |
| +-----------------------------------------------------+ |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
Step-by-Step Styling Guide
- Install/Gather Locs: Gather pre-installed butterfly locs or crochet locs into two high side ponytails.
- Wrap Oversized Buns: Loosely wrap the distressed locs around the bases, allowing the looping “butterfly” texture to build wide, voluminous buns.
- Leave Coily Ends: Pull a few loose curly or coily tendrils out from the center and base of each bun.
- Swoop Edges: Smooth baby hairs along the temples with edge gel.
Idea 10: Triple Stacked Vertical Knots (“Mohawk Knots”)
Concept and Design Overview
Edgy, avant-garde, and dynamic! Instead of a horizontal side-by-side arrangement, three identical double knots are stacked vertically along the central line of the scalp—one at the front hairline, one at the crown, and one at the nape.
This creates a striking, sculptural Mohawk silhouette that elongates the neck and face profile.
Step-by-Step Styling Guide
- Part Three Horizontal Panels: Divide the head horizontally into three equal sections (Front, Crown, Nape).
- Sleek Each Section: Smooth the side walls of each section toward the central vertical line using edge gel and a boar bristle brush.
- Form Stacked Knots: Secure each section into a ponytail along the central line, wrapping into three uniform, raised double knots.
- Add Gold Wire: Wrap metallic gold craft wire around the base of all three stacked knots for an edgy, unified finish.
Common Beginner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Parting Dry Coils with Fine-Toothed Combs: Scraping dry Type 4 hair causes severe snags and breakage. Always dampen hair with water and leave-in conditioner before parting.
- Pulling Ponytails Too Tight: Over-tightening twin ponytails creates scalp tension and bumps along the hairline. Keep tension comfortable and use wide satin ties.
- Neglecting Night Protection: Sleeping on space buns flattens volume and ruins sleek edges. Wrap edges with a silk scarf and cover buns with an oversized satin bonnet.
- Using Alcohol-Heavy Gels: Gels containing high alcohol content dry out coily hair and leave white flaking. Stick to alcohol-free, hydrating gels containing aloe or castor oil.
Essential Supplies & Accessories Checklist
- Parting & Styling Tools: Rat-tail parting comb, boar bristle edge brush, afro pick, and wide-tooth detangling comb.
- Tension-Free Ties & Pins: Satin-covered elastic bands, adjustable stretch ties, mini rubber bands, and sturdy bobby pins.
- Hydration & Edge Products: Water spray bottle, rich leave-in conditioner, sealing butter (shea or mango butter), and alcohol-free edge control gel.
- Accessories: Metallic gold braid cuffs, gold wire wraps, hair rings, Ankara fabric strips, and silk/satin scarves and bonnets.
