The rise of the top knot bun
Top knots have become the Instagram it-pack’s go-to hairstyle, spotted everywhere from red carpets and runways to Coachella festival selfies. And of course, is rocked as part of an off-duty look by models of the moment: the Hadids and the Jenners. But how do you make a top knot look like Kendall-Jenner-off-duty-hair rather than slept-in-no-time-to-wash-hair-and-just-popped-to-the-gym-hair? Well, don't fret, it's easier than you think.
How to do a top knot bun (with long or short hair)
The simplest and quickest way to throw your hair into a top knot is to start by sweeping your head upside-down. Now start to pull the hair together around the top of your crown. Flip back upright and twist the long ponytail piece before curling it around into a doughnut shape on your head. Secure in place with a fun hair band or kirby grips. (Those with shorter hair may need to use more kirby grips if tendrils come loose at the back of the head.) Once you've mastered this you can start to personalise your top knot with a fringe or braids by pulling bits of hair out at the sides.
How to do a half up topknot
Just like with a regular top knot, a half up top knot is easy to achieve. Just section your hair - depending on how much hair you want to tie up - and then do the top knot twist and tie. Simple!
Are top knots cool?
Top knots and buns are a year-round favourite among A-listers and the fashion pack. Why? They're simple, stylish and can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion, from evening glamour to laidback chic.
So, to help you nail the look, we’ve rounded up some pictorial inspiration for you. From Gigi Hadid's braided bun and Charlize Theron's three-tiered red carpet up-do, to Jennifer Lopez and Hailey Baldwin's loose off-duty top knots, there’s plenty of try-it-at-home ideas.
And if a high top knot isn’t for you, you can still tap into the trend with a cool and casual bun. We love how Lauren Conrad dresses up her loose and low ballet bun with beaded accessories. Why not wrap a ribbon around yours to add a refined feminine touch?
Check out the chicest top knots and buns in our gallery below for more A-list ideas and inspiration.
Topknots Bun Up-Do Hairstyles
1 of 19Ashley Greene Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Ashley Greene masters ladylike glamour, pairing her flawless high bun with a soft beauty look.
2 of 19Bella Hadid Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Bella Hadid adds a high-shine finish to her low bun, giving this look a gothic edge.
3 of 19Charlize Theron Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Charlize Theron splits her hairstyle into three twisting buns for an edgy red carpet look.
4 of 19Gigi Hadid Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Braid your hair before wrapping it into a top knot for a more youthful approach, a la Gigi Hadid.
5 of 19Gigi Hadid Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Or, take inspiration from a more relaxed Gigi Hadid by keeping your bun low and loose.
6 of 19Hailey Baldwin Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Hailey Baldwin's tousled top knot is the perfect addition to her biker-chic outfit.
7 of 19Jaime King Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Jaime King styles her peachy make-up look with a sleek top knot.
8 of 19Jennifer Garner Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Try backcombing your hair to add volume before pulling it back into a low bun, just like Jennifer Garner.
9 of 19Jennifer Lopez Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Jennifer Lopez adds punch to her off-duty knot with a hot pink lip.
10 of 19Jessica Hart Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Jessica Hart keeps her look simple with a soft ballerina-style bun.
11 of 19Kaley Cuoco Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Use pins to twist your hair into exactly the shape you want it, like Kaley Cuoco's winding top knot.
12 of 19Kendall Jenner Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Kendall Jenner's sweeping fringe adds just the right amount of sophistication to her red carpet hairstyle.
13 of 19Lauren Conrad Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Take inspiration from Lauren Conrad and accessorise your low-slung bun with beaded hairpins.
14 of 19Olivia Holt Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Olivia Holt's blonde balayage locks sweep up into a flawless and relaxed look.
15 of 19Taylor Hill Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Taylor Hill opts for a simple but classic variation of the top knot.
16 of 19Zoe Kravitz Topknot Bun Hairstyles
Zoe Kravitz shows off a striking half-shaven half-braided hairstyle on the red carpet.
17 of 19Best topknot hairstyles
Pull a few short tendrils loose from your top knot to give it a more relaxed feel, inspired by Busy Philipps.
18 of 19Best topknot hairstyles
Lovie Simone balances out her voluminous top knot with oversized hoop earrings.
19 of 19Best topknot hairstyles
Nicki Minaj adds a touch of retro glamour to her perfectly twisted top knot with cat-eye make-up.
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