15 PJ Day Hairstyles for School with Space Buns and Ribbons

PJ Day is the ultimate school spirit event. It combines maximum comfort with a chance to show off your personal style through creative hair and cozy accessories.

Finding the perfect look is easy when you combine the playfulness of space buns with the classic charm of ribbons. These styles stay secure from the first bell to the final bus ride.

Get ready to transform your morning routine. Here are 15 PJ Day hairstyles for school with space buns and ribbons that will make you the star of the hallway.

1. Classic High Space Buns with Satin Bows

This timeless look involves splitting the hair down the center and creating two high ponytails at the crown of the head. Twist the hair firmly around the base to create full, rounded buns that sit prominently.

To elevate the style for PJ Day, tie a thick satin ribbon around the base of each bun. Finish by tying the ribbons into large, floppy bows that face forward for maximum visibility during school.

Satin is the perfect material for this style because it mimics the texture of high-quality pajamas. It adds a touch of “bedroom chic” while keeping the hair tidy and out of your face all day long.

2. Braided Space Buns with Interwoven Ribbons

For a more intricate look, start by incorporating a ribbon into a standard three-strand braid on each side of the head. Secure the ends with a clear elastic before wrapping the braids into buns.

The interwoven ribbon creates a beautiful pop of color that spirals throughout the bun. This technique ensures that the ribbon stays perfectly in place even during active periods like gym class or recess.

Use a contrasting ribbon color to make the braids stand out against your natural hair color. This style is exceptionally durable and prevents flyaways from escaping during a long school day.

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3. Half-Up Space Buns with Cascading Ribbons

If you prefer leaving some hair down, the half-up approach offers the best of both worlds. Section off the top half of the hair and create two mini space buns on the upper corners of the head.

Instead of tying the ribbons into tight bows, let the ends of the ribbons hang long so they blend with the loose hair underneath. This creates a whimsical, flowing effect that looks great with oversized pajama sets.

This style works particularly well for those who want to show off their hair length while still participating in the space bun trend. It provides a relaxed, effortless vibe that perfectly matches the spirit of PJ Day.

4. Low Space Buns with Velvet Bows

Low space buns offer a more sophisticated take on the traditional high-set look. Position the buns at the nape of the neck, just behind the ears, for a cozy and comfortable silhouette.

Velvet ribbons are the ideal accessory for low buns because the heavy texture feels warm and luxurious. Choose deep jewel tones like burgundy or navy to create a stunning contrast against lighter pajama colors.

This hairstyle is especially practical if you need to wear a hood or a hat during your commute to school. The low placement ensures the buns won’t get squashed or cause discomfort when leaning back in a desk chair.

5. Glittery Space Buns with Pastel Ribbons

Add some sparkle to your school spirit by applying a light dusting of hair-safe glitter to the roots of your space buns. This adds a magical element that pairs beautifully with cloud or star-patterned pajamas.

Contrast the sparkle with soft pastel ribbons in shades of mint, lavender, or baby blue. Tie the ribbons in a simple knot around the buns to let the glitter and the ribbon color share the spotlight.

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This look is a favorite for those who want to go all-out for spirit week. The combination of shimmering roots and soft ribbons creates a “dreamy” aesthetic that is synonymous with sleepover themes.

6. Fishtail Braided Space Buns with Ribbon Accents

Fishtail braids offer a more textured and detailed appearance than standard braids. Create two fishtail braids and gently “pancake” them by pulling on the edges to increase their volume before pinning them into buns.

Wrap a thin ribbon around the base of each fishtail bun to provide a clean finish. You can also thread a tiny ribbon through the center of the fishtail for a sophisticated, “corset” style appearance.

This style is excellent for keeping hair extremely secure throughout the day. It is a highly “photogenic” hairstyle that looks professional while remaining completely on-theme for a comfortable school day.

7. Messy Space Buns with Oversized Bows

The messy bun is the quintessential “just woke up” look, making it a perfect fit for PJ Day. Instead of striving for perfection, pull your hair into loose, textured loops and let a few strands fall naturally.

To make the “messy” look intentional rather than accidental, add two oversized ribbons. The large bows provide a structural element that balances out the relaxed nature of the buns.

This style is the quickest to achieve on a busy school morning. It embraces the cozy, low-effort vibe of wearing pajamas while still looking trendy and put-together for the classroom.

8. Triple Space Buns with Vertical Ribbons

Why settle for two when you can have three? Create a vertical line of buns starting from the top of the head down to the nape, or arrange them in a triangular pattern for a unique look.

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Tie ribbons between each bun to create a “connected” effect. This creates a visual trail of color that looks stunning from the side and back, making it a true conversation starter at school.

This style is perfect for those with very thick hair who find that two buns feel too heavy. Distributing the hair into three sections makes the style more comfortable and balanced for long-term wear.

9. Pigtail-to-Space Bun Transition with Ribbons

Start by creating two high pigtails and securing them with elastics. Wrap a ribbon around the elastic several times, then proceed to fold the pigtail into a bun shape, leaving the ribbon ends exposed.

This technique allows the ribbon to peek out from underneath the bun, creating a layered look. It provides extra security because the ribbon is anchored to the base of the pigtail before the bun is even formed.

This is a great option for people with shorter hair. The pigtail base provides a sturdy foundation, making it easier to pin shorter layers into a space bun shape without them slipping out.

10. Zig-Zag Part Space Buns with Patterned Ribbons

Elevate the standard center part by using a rattail comb to create a sharp zig-zag pattern. This adds a geometric element to the hairstyle that looks professional and high-effort.

Since the part is the star of the show, use ribbons with fun patterns like polka dots or stripes to complement the lines of the hair. Match the ribbon pattern to the print on your pajamas for a coordinated look.

Patterned ribbons add a playful energy to the “15 PJ Day Hairstyles for School with Space Buns and Ribbons” collection. They break up the solid colors of the hair and add a sense of fun to the outfit.

11. Donut Space Buns with Ribbon Wraps

For perfectly symmetrical and voluminous buns, use hair donuts or sponges as a base. Stretch your hair over the foam and secure it with an elastic to create large, smooth “cinnamon roll” buns.

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Take a long ribbon and wrap it continuously around the circumference of the “donut.” This hides the hair elastic entirely and gives the bun a colorful, wrapped appearance that is very tidy.

This style is ideal for those who want a polished, “ballerina” version of space buns. It is a very sturdy style that won’t lose its shape, even if you are leaning against a locker or sitting on the floor.

12. Bubble Braid Space Buns with Ribbon Ties

Bubble braids are created by placing elastics every few inches down a ponytail and fluffing the hair in between. Create two bubble braids and then coil them into buns for a “bubbly” texture.

Place a small ribbon bow over every elastic “bubble” within the bun. This results in a bun that looks like it is bursting with tiny bows, offering a high-detail look that is surprisingly easy to execute.

The bubble texture provides a lot of grip, making these buns stay in place without the need for dozens of bobby pins. It is a comfortable choice for students who move around a lot during the day.

13. Heart-Shaped Space Buns with Pink Ribbons

You can mold your space buns into heart shapes by using flexible hair wire or by pinning the bun into two distinct lobes. This adds a sweet, “lovely” touch to your PJ Day ensemble.

Use bright pink or red ribbons to emphasize the heart theme. You can even tie the ribbon across the “cleavage” of the heart shape to help define the silhouette and keep it looking sharp.

Heart-shaped buns are a fantastic choice if your pajamas have a romantic or “sweetheart” print. They show off your creativity and your ability to manipulate hair into fun, thematic shapes.

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14. Space Buns with Ribbon Headband Integration

Instead of just tying ribbons around the buns, start by wearing a ribbon like a headband. Bring the ends of the ribbon up and incorporate them into the buns as you twist and pin them.

This integrates the accessory into the entire hairstyle, rather than just the buns. It helps keep flyaways and bangs back from the forehead, which is helpful during focused classroom time.

This style is perfect for those who find that buns alone can feel a bit plain. The “headband” portion provides a frame for the face and adds a continuous line of color from the ears to the top of the head.

15. Side-Swept Space Buns with Floral Ribbons

For a trendy, asymmetrical look, place your space buns slightly off-center. Having one bun higher than the other or shifting both to one side creates a modern, edgy silhouette.

Use ribbons with floral prints to lean into a “garden pajama” or spring-time aesthetic. The flowers add a soft, organic touch to the structured nature of the space buns.

Side-swept styles are great for balance if you have a side-part or side-swept bangs. It feels fresh and different from the standard symmetrical look, ensuring you stand out during the school festivities.

How do I keep space buns from falling down during the school day?

The secret to long-lasting space buns is a strong foundation. Start with high-quality elastics for the initial pigtails and use a “cross-pinning” technique with bobby pins, where two pins form an ‘X’ to lock the hair in place. Additionally, a light mist of hairspray will help the ribbons stay put and prevent the buns from sagging.

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What kind of ribbons are best for school hairstyles?

Grosgrain ribbons are excellent for school because the ribbed texture provides “grip,” making them less likely to slide off the hair than silk or satin. However, if you want a look that matches the soft texture of pajamas, satin ribbons are more thematic. For beginners, wired ribbons can be helpful because they hold their bow shape without drooping.

Can I do space buns with short hair?

Yes, space buns are possible with short hair, though they might be “mini” buns. Use the “half-up” method if the bottom layers of your hair won’t reach the top. You can also use “hair donuts” specifically designed for small buns to give the illusion of more volume, and use ribbons to cover any shorter pieces that might stick out.

How do I stop ribbons from fraying at the ends?

To keep your ribbons looking premium, use a technique called “heat sealing.” Briefly run the cut edge of a synthetic ribbon (like polyester or nylon) near a flame (with adult supervision if needed) to melt the edge slightly. This creates a hard plastic seal that prevents the ribbon from unraveling during the day.

Are space buns comfortable for all-day wear at school?

Space buns are generally very comfortable because they distribute the weight of the hair across two points rather than one. To ensure maximum comfort, avoid pulling the hair too tight at the scalp, which can cause tension headaches. If you plan on leaning your head back against a chair, low space buns are the most ergonomic choice.

Should I use dry shampoo before styling for PJ Day?

Using dry shampoo is a great idea for PJ Day hairstyles. It adds “grit” and volume to the hair, which makes it much easier to twist into buns and helps the ribbons stay anchored. Plus, it fits the theme of “second-day hair” that often goes along with a cozy, pajama-focused morning.