Few hairstyles can enter a room before you do, introduce themselves, and possibly hum a little John Williams in the background. Princess Leia hair is one of them. Whether you call the look “Leia buns,” “space buns,” “side buns,” or “the galaxy’s most recognizable cinnamon-roll situation,” this hairstyle has become a pop culture classic for a reason: it is bold, symmetrical, practical, and instantly fun.
The best part? You do not need a royal title, a movie set, or a professional hair trailer to recreate it. You just need the right method for your hair length, texture, and patience level. Some people want the classic over-the-ear buns from Star Wars: A New Hope. Others prefer a braided version, a softer modern space-bun style, or a crown braid inspired by Leia’s other regal looks. This guide covers four wearable ways to do Princess Leia hair, with practical styling tips, product suggestions, and troubleshooting advice for real-life heads that do not come with a costume department.
Before You Begin: What Makes Princess Leia Hair Work?
Princess Leia hair depends on three basic elements: balance, volume, and secure placement. The iconic version places two large buns at the sides of the head, usually around or slightly above the ears. The buns should look round and intentional, not like two sleepy bagels that gave up halfway through brunch.
To get the look, start with hair that has a little grip. Freshly washed, slippery hair can be harder to pin, especially if it is fine or very straight. Day-two hair often works beautifully. If your hair is clean, add dry shampoo, texture spray, mousse, or a light styling cream before you begin. For curly or coily hair, a moisturizing curl cream or gel can help define texture while keeping the style neat.
Basic Tools You May Need
- Rat-tail comb for clean parting
- Brush or wide-tooth comb
- Two strong hair elastics
- Bobby pins or U-pins
- Hairspray or flexible finishing spray
- Optional bun makers, hair donuts, or clip-in extensions
- Optional hair nets for a very polished costume look
One important hair-health note: Princess Leia hair should feel secure, not painful. If your scalp feels tight, stings, or looks pulled, loosen the style. Tight buns and tightly pulled updos can stress the hairline when worn too often. For a costume party, school spirit day, comic convention, or themed event, you are fine. For every day until the next moon rises over Alderaan? Give your scalp a break.
Way 1: Classic Princess Leia Side Buns
This is the hairstyle most people picture when they hear “Princess Leia hair.” It is the famous double-bun look from A New Hope: two rounded buns positioned on the sides of the head, wide enough to make a statement and neat enough to survive a dramatic hallway entrance.
Best For
This method works best for medium to long hair. If your hair reaches past your shoulders, you can usually create the shape with twisting and pinning. If your hair is shorter or fine, use bun makers or faux hair pieces to add volume.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create a center part. Use a rat-tail comb to part your hair from your forehead to the nape of your neck. A clean part makes the final style look more polished.
- Make two low side ponytails. Place each ponytail near the side of your head, close to the ears. For the most classic Leia effect, the ponytails should sit low and wide rather than high on top of the head.
- Twist one ponytail. Twist the hair from base to end. Keep the twist firm but not scalp-yanking tight.
- Coil the twist into a bun. Wrap the twisted ponytail around its base in a flat spiral. Think cinnamon roll, not doorknob.
- Pin as you go. Slide bobby pins around the outer edge of the bun, catching both the bun and the hair underneath. For thicker hair, U-pins may hold better.
- Repeat on the other side. Check both buns in the mirror from the front and sides. Adjust until they look like cousins, preferably identical twins.
- Finish with hairspray. Mist lightly to control flyaways. Add a hair net over each bun if you want the most costume-accurate hold.
Pro Tips for Bigger Leia Buns
If your buns look too small, do not panic. Leia’s buns were famously full, and fullness is often helped by styling tricks. Gently pancake the twist by loosening it before pinning. You can also wrap your ponytail around a small bun donut, foam bun maker, or matching hair padding. Another option is to braid the ponytail first, then widen the braid before coiling it; this creates more texture and visual volume.
For very long hair, do not wrap too tightly. A tight coil can become bulky and heavy. Instead, form a flatter spiral and pin it in sections. For fine hair, add dry shampoo before twisting so the hair has grip. Smooth shiny hair is gorgeous, but when it refuses to hold a bobby pin, it has chosen chaos.
Way 2: Braided Princess Leia Buns
Braided Leia buns are a wonderful upgrade if you want the same recognizable side-bun shape with more texture and stronger hold. Braids help contain layers, reduce flyaways, and make the buns look detailed even if you are not a professional stylist. Basically, braids are the responsible older sibling of loose twists.
Best For
This style works for medium, long, thick, curly, wavy, or layered hair. It is especially helpful if your hair tends to slip out of regular twisted buns.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Part your hair down the middle. Clip one side away while you work on the other.
- Create two side ponytails. Position them near the ears for a classic Leia look, or slightly higher for a more modern space-bun effect.
- Braid each ponytail. Use a simple three-strand braid. Secure the ends with small clear elastics.
- Loosen each braid slightly. Gently tug at the outer edges of the braid to make it look fuller. This is called pancaking, which sounds like breakfast but is actually hair architecture.
- Wrap the braid into a bun. Coil the braid around the base of the ponytail. Tuck the end underneath.
- Pin securely. Use several pins around the bun, especially at the top, bottom, and outer edge.
- Set the look. Use flexible hairspray so the buns stay put without becoming helmet-level crunchy.
Why Braided Leia Buns Are Great
Braided buns are excellent for events because they hold their shape longer than loose twisted buns. They are also easier to decorate. You can weave in a ribbon, add tiny star clips, or use metallic hair cuffs for a subtle sci-fi touch. For natural hair or protective styles, braids can be wrapped into beautiful side buns with plenty of volume and texture.
For kids, braided Leia buns can be more practical than loose buns because the style stays neater during running, jumping, snack negotiation, and other high-stakes missions. For adults, the braided version feels a little more polished and can work for cosplay, Halloween, fan events, themed parties, or anytime your outfit needs a tiny galactic wink.
Way 3: Modern Space Buns Inspired by Princess Leia
Modern space buns borrow the spirit of Princess Leia hair but move the buns higher on the head. This version is playful, trendy, and easier to wear with everyday clothes. It says, “I appreciate classic cinema,” but also, “I may stop for iced coffee after this.”
Best For
This method works for almost every hair type and many hair lengths. It is especially good for layered hair, shoulder-length hair, curly hair, and anyone who wants a less costume-heavy version of Leia buns.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Part your hair in the center. A straight part creates a clean, balanced look. A zigzag part makes the style more playful.
- Make two high pigtails. Place them above or slightly behind the ears. The higher the ponytails, the more modern the style looks.
- Add texture. Tease the ponytails lightly or mist them with texture spray if you want fuller buns.
- Twist and wrap. Twist each ponytail loosely and wrap it around its base.
- Pin or tie. Secure each bun with pins or a second elastic. Let a few ends peek out for a casual look.
- Shape the buns. Gently pull at the buns to make them even. Do this slowly unless you enjoy rebuilding hairstyles from scratch.
- Style the front pieces. Leave out face-framing tendrils, curl your bangs, or slick the hairline for a cleaner finish.
Modern Variations to Try
For a sleek version, smooth each side with gel or styling cream before making the pigtails. For a messy version, use your fingers instead of a brush and let soft pieces fall naturally. For a festival-inspired look, add clips, ribbons, glitter gel along the part, or satin scrunchies around each bun.
If your hair is short, try half-up space buns. Section the top half of your hair from temple to crown, split it into two, and create mini buns while leaving the rest down. This gives you the Leia-inspired silhouette without needing long hair. It is cute, quick, and far less likely to require an emergency bobby-pin search under the bathroom sink.
Way 4: Princess Leia Crown Braid
Princess Leia wore more than one memorable hairstyle, and braided looks are a major part of her style legacy. A crown braid gives you a regal Leia-inspired look without the famous side buns. It is elegant, practical, and perfect for people who want princess energy with fewer “Are those cinnamon rolls?” comments.
Best For
This style works best for medium to long hair. It is especially beautiful on wavy, curly, thick, or textured hair because the braid naturally looks full. Fine hair can still do it with texture spray and gentle pancaking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start with detangled hair. Add a little styling cream or mousse for grip.
- Create a deep or center part. A center part looks more symmetrical, while a side part gives a softer romantic finish.
- Begin braiding near one ear. Start a Dutch braid or French braid, depending on the look you prefer. A Dutch braid sits more visibly on top of the hair.
- Braid around the head. Add small sections as you move along the hairline or around the crown.
- Continue to the opposite side. Once you have added all loose hair, finish with a regular braid to the ends.
- Wrap and pin the braid. Tuck the tail of the braid along the crown and pin it discreetly.
- Loosen for softness. Gently tug the braid to make it fuller and more relaxed.
How to Make It More Leia-Inspired
Keep the braid smooth and structured if you want a formal, royal effect. Add a low braided bun at the back for a look inspired by Leia’s later hairstyles. You can also pair the crown braid with a white outfit, a high neckline, or simple silver accessories to hint at the character without wearing a full costume.
Crown braids are also fantastic for warm weather because they keep hair off the neck. They look complicated, but once you learn the rhythm, they become surprisingly manageable. The secret is not speed. The secret is section control, patient pinning, and not trying your first attempt twelve minutes before leaving the house.
How to Choose the Right Princess Leia Hairstyle for Your Hair
For Short Hair
Try half-up space buns or use faux bun pieces. Short hair can still create the Leia vibe through placement and symmetry. Mini buns are adorable and often easier to secure than large heavy buns.
For Fine Hair
Use dry shampoo, texturizing spray, or light teasing before styling. Braided buns usually look fuller than twisted buns. Bun makers are also your best friend, your loyal droid, and your secret styling assistant.
For Thick Hair
Use strong elastics and larger pins. Divide each ponytail into two twists if one big twist feels too heavy. Pin in sections instead of trying to secure the whole bun with two heroic bobby pins. They are pins, not miracle workers.
For Curly or Coily Hair
Work with your texture instead of flattening it completely. Moisturize first, then define or smooth the sections as desired. Braided buns, puff buns, and wrapped buns can look especially full and beautiful on natural texture.
For Long Hair
Keep the buns flatter and wider so they do not stick out too far. If the coil becomes bulky, braid first or wrap the hair in a spiral pattern. Long hair gives you plenty to work with, but it also needs serious pin support.
Common Princess Leia Hair Mistakes and How to Fix Them
The Buns Look Uneven
Check ponytail placement before you start wrapping. Uneven ponytails create uneven buns. Stand straight, look in the mirror, and adjust the elastics first. Once the buns are pinned, small differences can be fixed by gently pulling one bun wider or pinning the other tighter.
The Buns Keep Falling Out
Add more pins and anchor them properly. A pin should catch hair from the bun and hair close to the scalp. Insert it at the outer edge, scoop a little base hair, then push it inward. For slippery hair, spray the pins with hairspray before using them.
The Style Looks Too Flat
Tease the ponytails lightly, pancake braids, or use bun padding. You can also curl the hair before styling to create more body. Texture is the difference between “galactic princess” and “two small office knots.”
The Hairline Feels Too Tight
Loosen the ponytails immediately. A secure style should not hurt. Use softer elastics, avoid pulling baby hairs too tightly, and choose a slightly lower placement if high buns strain your scalp.
Products That Help Without Overcomplicating Things
You do not need a bathroom shelf that looks like a salon exploded. A few basic products are enough. Dry shampoo adds grip. Texture spray builds volume. Flexible hairspray sets the style. Styling cream smooths frizz. Edge control can polish the hairline for sleek versions. For curly hair, leave-in conditioner or curl cream helps keep the style hydrated.
Choose products based on your finish. For screen-accurate Leia buns, go smoother and more controlled. For modern space buns, allow softness and flyaways. For braided styles, use products that provide grip without making the hair stiff. The goal is hold, not hair that sounds crunchy when you turn your head.
of Real-Life Experience: What Princess Leia Hair Teaches You After You Actually Wear It
The first thing you learn after doing Princess Leia hair is that symmetry is humbling. You may believe you know where your ears are. You may believe your hands are working evenly. Then you turn your head in the mirror and discover one bun is ready for a royal ceremony while the other has gone backpacking through the Outer Rim. This is normal. The fix is to place your ponytails carefully before you build the buns. The foundation matters more than the final pinning.
The second lesson is that bobby pins disappear into another dimension. You can start with twenty and end with three, even if you have not moved. For Leia buns, keep more pins nearby than you think you need. Place them in a small bowl or on a towel so they do not roll away. If you are styling for an event, bring emergency pins in your bag. Nothing tests character like feeling one bun slowly surrender during a party.
Another experience: hair texture changes everything. On fine, silky hair, the buns may slide unless you add grip. Dry shampoo can make a dramatic difference. On thick hair, the challenge is not volume but weight. Large buns can feel heavy, so pinning in sections helps. On curly hair, the shape can look naturally full and beautiful, but detangling and moisturizing beforehand make the process smoother. The same tutorial can look different on every head, which is not failure. It is hair being hair, the most unpredictable supporting character in the story.
Princess Leia hair is also surprisingly confidence-building. There is something funny and powerful about wearing a style that everyone recognizes. People smile. Someone may quote a movie line. Someone else may ask how you made the buns stay. You become, temporarily, a walking conversation starter. That can feel silly at first, but it is also the point. Hair can be playful. It can reference a character, a memory, a fandom, or a mood. Not every hairstyle has to whisper. Some are allowed to enter dramatically.
Comfort matters, though. After wearing Leia buns for several hours, you notice whether the elastics are too tight or the pins are poking. A good version should feel stable, not like your scalp is filing a complaint. Looser styling, softer elastics, and smart pin placement make the hairstyle much easier to enjoy. If you are doing this for a convention, school event, photoshoot, or Halloween, test the style once before the big day. A practice run teaches you what your hair needs: more texture, smaller buns, stronger pins, or maybe a bun maker doing undercover work.
The final lesson is that perfection is overrated. Leia’s hair is iconic because it is bold, memorable, and connected to a character with courage and attitude. Your version does not need to be museum-accurate. It can be braided, messy, mini, curly, sleek, or accessorized. If the buns are balanced, secure, and fun, you have succeeded. And if one side looks slightly larger? Congratulations. You have added personality. The galaxy will survive.
Conclusion: Princess Leia Hair Is Easier Than It Looks
Princess Leia hair may look legendary, but the core techniques are simple: part, ponytail, twist or braid, wrap, pin, and set. The classic side buns are perfect for costumes and fan events. Braided buns add texture and staying power. Modern space buns make the look wearable for everyday style. A crown braid gives you a softer, regal Leia-inspired option.
The best version is the one that fits your hair and your plans. Keep the style comfortable, use enough pins, and remember that volume can be built with braids, texture, padding, or gentle teasing. Whether you are dressing up for Star Wars Day, heading to a themed party, or simply trying a hairstyle with personality, Princess Leia hair proves one thing: a great bun can absolutely run the galaxy.
