How To Create The Perfect Top Knot

Of all the trends out right now, I’ve become mildly obsessed with the bun.  And by mildly obsessed, I mean that I absolutely can’t get enough of them.  Every time I see one I swoon and then become instantly jealous that I don’t have a similar knot plopped atop my head.  Everywhere we look, celebs are sporting this look and for good reason.  Not only is it easy to create and easier to maintain, but it gives off a “I am glamorous and couture and super trendy and stylish without even really trying” vibe.  With just a few tricks up your sleeve, you too could give Sienna Miller a run for her top-knotted money.  Just follow the DIY tips below, and twirl and tease your way to the levels of higher fashion.

A great thing about this look is that it works with any hairstyle (provided your hair is at least long enough to wrap up) and texture.  Depending on how you like it, you can go the sleek route or try instead for a messier is better approach.  So there’s no reason to think, “I can’t pull off a bun”, because I PROMISE that you can!

Things you’ll need: a hair tie, bobby pins, hairspray, and smoothing gel/mousse/serum (pretty much whatever you favor to calm those pesky flyaways).  Begin by pulling your hair back into a pony tail at the crown of your head.  You want to take the time to smooth out the hair going into the pony.  The focus and height should be on the bun itself, not the hair on your scalp pre-pony, so brush it back or pull it tight enough.  I like to put a bit of gel or hairspray on my hands as I pull back the hair, to ensure sleekness.

Once pulled back, secure with a hair tie.  You can do this in a few ways.  You can simply twirl the hair up in a tight knot and be done with it.  Simpler is better, right?  These knots work great for gals without the luxury of super long locks, and are a favorite among fashion editors.  For more volume, you have options.  You can loop your ponytail through on its last trip through the hair tie, so that the hair never makes it completely through the band.  Then, take the remaining hair (all the hair that never made it through the loop) and wrap around the loop to create a bigger bun.  Then take bobby pins and secure in place.  You can manipulate the loop in the center and pin as desired to create the perfect shape for your bun.

 Or, tease to please.  Before pulling back into a ponytail, tease your hair to achieve maximum volume.  Then smooth back the tops as you pull into the pony tail, creating a massive mane at the top of your head.  Twirl the hair into a knot and begin securing with bobby pins.  Continue to tease out the bun, either with your fingers or with bobby pins, and mussing it up to maintain the height.  Smooth out the roots with some gel and then apply hairspray to the bun to keep in place.

Easy, right?  This hairstyle is perfect for that big night out on the town AND on those mornings when you over sleep and don’t have time to do your ‘do.  No matter what time of day or night, this hairstyle is guaranteed fashionista in a pinch.  Do you agree?  Have any other tips for creating the perfect top knot?  Let me know in the comments section below!

After graduating from college in ’09, Allyson Barkan flew off to Greece to teach English Literature at a private high school and explore Greek and European culture for a year.  Since returning stateside, she now works in Entertainment Public Relations in New York City.  For travel advice, stray observations as a 20-something in the big city, and the occasional hilarious misadventure, follow Allyson atwww.allysonbarkan.com and on twitter at @aebarkan.