How to Do the Perfect Top Knot

The top knot is one of our very favorite updos for a reason. For starters, it’s super-easy to throw your mane up into one when you’re running late and don’t have time to straighten or curl your hair. (Seriously, heat styling your hair takes a whole lot of work!) And second of all, there’s just something about a top knot that is oh-so-chic, isn’t there? Of course, while the top knot is great for busy mornings, there is a certain technique to it. The good news is, it’s not difficult. Whether you want to rock a sleep top knot or one that’s on the messier side, we’ve got you covered. Follow along with our two tutorials below!

The Sleek Top Knot

For a slick look, opt for the classic, sleek top knot. Keep this in mind: This hairstyle is a particularly good choice for second-day hair that you just haven’t had the chance to wash. It’s an easy way to get your hair off your face—and it doesn’t hurt that it looks great on just about everyone.

What you’ll need:

Texturizing spray

Hair elastic

Bobby pins

L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Start by spritzing on a little bit of texturizing spray to give your hair some grit.

Step 2: Brush your hair to evenly distribute the texturizing spray before creating your top knot.

Step 3: Pull your hair back into a high ponytail and tie it with a hair elastic. When making the ponytail, try to include all of your loose hairs so that you can get that sleek look.

Step 4: Take the length of your hair and wind it around the base of your ponytail.

Step 5: Secure it with a couple of bobby pins.

Step 6: Finish off your look with a hairspray, like the L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray, to help keep everything in place. Pro tip: You can also help tame flyaways by spraying some hairspray onto an unused toothbrush and gently brushing it through.

The Messy Top Knot

For an edgy look that boosts a ton of texture, it’s time to try a messy top knot. Think of this hairstyle as a more put together version of the messy bun. They two differ in that top knots are still situated at...you guessed it…the top of your head! The messy top knot is one of the best hairstyles to try on those lazy days when you don’t feel like doing much but still want to look good.

What you’ll need:

L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray or texturizing spray

Bobby pins

L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: You can either create this look on freshly-washed strands or on second-day hair. If you’re going to wash your hair, spritz on a wave spray, like the L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray, to towel-tried hair to help create some texture. Then, let your hair air dry. If you’re working with second-day hair, use a texturizing spray instead. 

Step 2: Like with the sleek top knot, pull your hair into to a high ponytail—but this time you don’t have to worry about flyaways. (Aren’t you happy that messy hairstyles are in?)

Step 3: Divide your ponytail into two parts and then wrap each part in opposite directions.

Step 4: Secure the bun with a couple of bobby pins—and remember, the messier the better!

Step 5: If you want, you can gently pull at the top of your hair to make it look even messier. It’s up to you!

Step 6: Spray on a little bit of the L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray. Get ready to get a ton of compliments on your messy top knot!