6 of the Best Top Knot Hairstyles, Plus How to Create One at Home
The side braid trend has had a really good run, but it's time to move on.
And right now, it's all about top knot.
Not only is this high bun hairstyle extremely practical for warm weather, but it also shows off your neck and cheekbones with its elegant, ballerina-esque vibe.
And did I mention it's also super-easy to DIY?
Keep scrolling for some of the best celebrity top knot examples, plus how to get the look at home.
Kelli Garner
Kelli Garner at the 2010 Disney/ABC Summer TCA Tour.
Now THIS is the perfect top knot. A little bit messy and so effortless, with a long side bang to frame the face.
Keri Russell
Keri Russell at the 2009 New York premiere of 'Serious Moonlight.'
See how this style also works well on curly hair?
Whitney Port
Whitney Port at a 2010 Guess event.
Dress up your top knot with a headband to add a bit of sparkly glam.
Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff at the 2010 Teen Choice Awards.
This version is all about volume, both through the lengths and in the teased, textured bun itself.
Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Hudgens at the 2010 Nylon Young Hollywood Party.
A super-simple version with an oversized knot, and no escaping tendrils.
Olivia Wilde
Olivia Wilde at the 2010 Tokyo premiere of 'Tron: Legacy.'
This one is super-sleek and futuristic, with the hair pulled tight to the head and the bun placed far forward.
How to Do a Top Knot
Because the top knot sits high on your head, ideally you should have long hair for this style. Otherwise, pin up any stray, shorter bottom pieces with bobby pins.
Step 1: Put your hair into a high ponytail at the top of your head and secure with a clear elastic. How tight or loose you make it is up to you—that's what's great about this look, it works both ways.
Note: If you want your hair to be super-smooth, spray your brush with a bit of hairspray before you use it to comb back your hair. This will get rid of frizz. If you're going for a looser style, just go with it!
Step 2: If you want a more casual style, pull some wispy pieces out at the sides, top or back.
Step 3: If you don't want much volume in your knot, simply wrap your ponytail around the elastic and secure it in place with bobby pins. (Note: To secure the bobby pins properly, you need to criss-cross them.)
If you want a bigger, more voluminous knot, then spray your ponytail with a texturizer. Backcomb it with a paddle brush to get even more volume before wrapping and pinning.
Step 4: Once everything's pinned in place, spray liberally with hairspray to set.
Step 5: Look adorable.
What do you think of the top knot?
Have you tried this style?
