If you want to get instant style points and cool girl creds in one fell swoop, throw your hair into a top knot. It’s one of the most versatile hairstyles that, depending on how it’s executed, can go from day to night, red carpet to an after-party, without much touching up. In its most basic form, the top knot is a knot of hair arranged on the crown of the head. In its most complex, it’s an intricate web of strands, pins, and product woven into a fabulous bun.
There’s more than one way to pull off top knot hair for different occasions and depending on your hair type — let’s count the ways!
A Casual, Wispy Top Knot for a Power Huddle
A top knot for medium-length hair, this casual bun is loosely held together by pins and isn’t really twisted into a bun. It’s sleek but not rigid. Put-together, but not stiff. This makes it the perfect top knot for daytime functions that require a little bit of effort. Work event? Important presentation? Cam-on video call? Wear this casual top knot like actress Jodie Comer.
Any hair type can easily do this look. But if you have fine hair, use a shampoo like Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Volume and Bounty Shampoo to create more volume. Dry hair upside down, and when done, spray TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Texture Hold to maintain the texture and volume of your top knot.
A Messy Up-Do for Dressed-up Evenings
A “chignon” is a French term for a bun, which comes from the phrase chignon du cou, or “nape of the neck.” Anya Taylor-Joy's version, however, rests high on the crown of her head. The few loose clavicle-grazing pieces make this hairstyle elegant and romantic.
Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair — make sure to keep it healthy by conditioning daily with Cream Silk Salon Expert Treatment Keratin Damage Repair.
Pigtail Buns for Playful Days Out
Nineties pigtail buns, popularized by Gwen Stefani, Emma Bunton, and Britney Spears, were never out of style. It’s just a matter of wearing them with the right accessories and the proper context. Take this look on Jennifer Lopez, who pairs playful pigtails with glam hoop earrings and a sporty hoody — the contrast makes it modern and cool.
Hairstyles like these tend to tug on your hair and scalp, so be sure to use Sunsilk Strong & Long Shampoo to infuse each strand with biotin and aloe vera—keeping hair stronger no matter what hairstyle you experiment with.
A Twisted Tower for a Fashion-Girl Vibe
For a more fashion-forward, trendsetting top knot, style it a la Lily Collins. This twisted, towering top knot has a super sleek foundation and is held in place by an elastic, which can be replaced by a ribbon or a twilly. Because it’s already fun, to begin with, you can get creative with how you style it. Wear this look on a fun night out with the girls.
After all that styling, make sure to nourish your hair with a deep conditioning treatment, such as Dove Restorative Oil Nourishing Care Conditioner. It repairs damage from within, making hair soft, shiny, and frizz-free.
Channel It Girl Style with Long Bangs
“It” Girl Dua Lipa pulls off this cool look so well. She transforms the bun — which is a formal kind of hairstyle traditionally worn as a form of obedience to a certain status, occupation, or code — into something that is modern yet completely wearable. This top knot comes up an inch from the hairline, leaving long bangs that frame the face. The middle part makes it different from its romantic tousled or side-swept counterparts.
Keep it all in place with TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Boost Hold, a hairspray that gives invisible hold with a natural finish, so your bangs still have some movement, but your bun stays in place.
Inspired by these creative top knot hairstyles? Try them out with your friends to see which styles fit you best!