Get this chic look like a pro.
All you need to get the perfect topknot is an elastic hair tie, a soft boar bristle brush and fine hair pins, says Mark Williamson, international master stylist at Femme Coiffure Hair Spa.
“First, tie the hair in a ponytail on top of the crown area, depending on preference, ensuring it’s not pulled too tight,” he explains. “Take your brush and lightly back brush the hair in downward strokes, creating some texture. Take the end of the ponytail and start to wrap it around the base until you see a mushroom-like shape forming at the top. Take the hairpins and start to loosely pin the top around the base about two inches away from the elastic. Continue to work around the entire ponytail base.”
Finish the look with a light holding spray to control flyaways and frizz.
The topknot works for any occasion, especially during the hot summer months, says New York City-based stylist Angelo David. “A laid back outfit needs a killer top knot,” he says.
To give your hair a casual, undone flair, David recommends adding a volumizing spray, like his Angelo David Premier Volume Spray, to the roots before blow drying your hair smooth.
“Make it appear as if you were in a hurry doing the look and you are ready to rock ‘n’ roll,” he says.
The way you style your topknot depends on where you're going. If you’re heading outdoors, release a few pieces of loose hair to give it a messy, casual look. However, if you’re heading to work, a sleek ‘do will be more appropriate. And as for night, make sure your makeup is perfectly polished.
Forget the usual wash and blowout. With a topknot, you can skip the heat products and get a quick tousled look with just a handful of tools. “To get the best topknot look use a dry shampoo,” says celebrity hairstylist Pasquale Caselle for IT&LY HAIRFASHION. “Unwashed hair works best to give it a bit of volume. Make sure to do your bun right at the crown so it doesn’t look droopy. Criss-cross your bobby pins to lock your hair in place. This will also keep your top knot from coming loose.”
For a night out on the town, dress up your topknot with crystal brooches or jeweled pins. For a runway-ready look, stylists suggest braiding the hair before tying it into a bun on top of your head.
Hollywood-based stylist Janine Jarman notes that topknots are sizzling hot this summer because it perfectly pairs with the ‘90s inspired floral looks and geometric prints that are also on trend this fashion season. However, the concept isn’t a new one. “We always start to see the bun in some form emerging as soon as it heats up,” she explains.
The ballerina bun, the topknot’s equally chic cousin, is a look stylists highly recommend if want to give any outfit a touch of glamour. To achieve this hairstyle, swirl your hair around the back of the head before pinning. Make sure to use a volumizing spray prior to give your hair extra oomph. The ballerina bun is especially useful for ladies with beachy hair waves, as you won't need to use excess hair products to get the right amount of height needed.
“This variation on the traditional bun allows for more personalization and therefore knowing that you will never have hair that looks identical to the woman sitting next to you,” says Los Angeles-based stylist Julia Papworth. “Also, most topknots can be done in around five minutes, and depending on whether you like it clean or messy, it can be worn for any occasion.
No matter what type of hair you have, stylists agree that the topknot works for everyone. Take a cue from actress AnnaLynne McCord, who opted to show off her curls with her topknot.
To refresh your topknot after a long day, stylists suggest misting dry shampoo at the roots, which will remove excess moisture. Finish the look by adding pins that matches the color of your hair wherever needed to tidy up any loose strands.