How to Do Sailor Moon Buns: Easy Hairstep Tutorial

Few hairstyles capture the playful, magical essence of anime like the Sailor Moon buns. This iconic look, worn by Usagi Tsukino, transforms long hair into two perfectly rounded, elevated spheres that sit high on the crown. Achieving this style is more than just brushing hair up; it is a precise technique that balances tension, volume, and polish to recreate the silhouette that defined a generation of fans.

The Foundation of Perfect Buns

Before attempting the signature coils, the groundwork determines the final result. Start with clean, dry hair that is free of tangles but retains a bit of natural texture or dry shampoo for grip. Fine or slippery hair will struggle to hold the shape, so a light texturizing spray or dry shampoo applied at the roots is essential for creating the necessary friction.

Sectioning for Symmetry

Divide your hair horizontally from ear to ear across the back of your head, securing the bottom portion with a clip. From the front section, use your fingers to partition off a triangular piece at the crown, running from temple to temple. This top section is the hair that will actually form the visible buns, while the hair underneath provides the foundation and cover.

Building the Volume

With the top section released, gently tease the roots near the front hairline and the crown using a boar-bristle brush. Focus on lifting the hair vertically at the base of where the bun will sit rather than dragging the brush through the ends. Once the volume is achieved, smooth the outer layer of this section to hide the teasing, ensuring the surface looks sleek while the interior maintains its structure.

Forming the Iconic Shape

Gather the teased section and sweep it back into a high ponytail, positioning it directly above the crown of the head. Loop the ponytail into a tight, circular bun against the scalp, ensuring the ends are tucked securely underneath. Use bobby pins in a crisscross pattern to anchor the bun firmly; the style requires significant anchor points because the upward angle puts leverage on the hairline.

Recreating the Second Bun

Release the clip from the lower section of hair and repeat the volume-building process on the back of the head. Create a second high ponytail directly aligned with the first, mirroring the height and position. Form the second bun, securing it tightly against the first. The key to the Sailor Moon aesthetic is symmetry; the buns should appear as two perfect orbs balanced on either side of the head, maintaining a uniform distance from the parting.

Final Polishing

Once the structure is set, the final step is refining the edges. Use a small amount of pomade or oil to smooth any flyaways around the hairline and nape of the neck, creating a sharp contrast against the matte texture of the buns. Check the front view to ensure the bangs or fringe are neatly tucked away, preserving the clean, youthful frame that completes the celestial guardian’s look.