19 Top Knot Hairstyles
A top knot solves more problems than almost any other hairstyle, it's fast, keeps hair fully off the neck, and somehow looks intentional even when it's thrown together in thirty seconds. The trick is knowing that a top knot isn't one style, it's a base you can dress up or strip down depending on the day. Here are nineteen ways to wear it.
Classic Sleek Top Knot
Hair pulled straight back and twisted into a smooth, high bun creates the most polished version of this style. Smoothing gel and a fine-tooth comb keep flyaways controlled at the hairline. This works well for both office days and dressier occasions where a clean finish matters.
Messy Top Knot
A looser, more undone version, twisted rather than smoothed, with a few pieces pulled out around the face, feels more casual and less deliberate. This takes even less time than the sleek version. It's a strong everyday option for low-effort days that still look put together.
Braided Top Knot
Braiding the hair before twisting it into a bun adds texture and a bit more visual interest than a simple twist. A loose three-strand braid works best here, kept relaxed rather than tight. This version holds up especially well through workouts or long days.
Double Braid Top Knot
Two braids gathered together and wrapped into one bun at the crown create a fuller, more structured look than a single braid. This version takes a bit more time but holds securely through high-movement activities. It works particularly well on thicker hair that needs the extra hold.
Top Knot With Face-Framing Pieces
Leaving a few strands loose around the face softens the pulled-back severity of a full top knot. A light curling wand on just those pieces adds definition without extra effort elsewhere. This version works well for both casual and slightly dressier settings.
Low Top Knot
Positioned at the crown rather than the very top of the head, this version sits slightly lower and reads a touch more relaxed than a high top knot. It works well for anyone who finds the higher placement too severe. A texturizing spray before twisting adds grip.
Curly Top Knot
Curly hair twisted into a top knot keeps its natural volume and texture even while pulled back, since the curls resist flattening into the bun completely. A curl cream applied before gathering helps prevent frizz around the edges. This version tends to hold shape especially well throughout the day.
Half-Up Top Knot
Gathering only the top section of hair into a small knot while leaving the rest down keeps hair off the face without a full updo commitment. This version works well for everyday wear and takes under a minute to create. A few bobby pins hidden underneath keep it secure.
Top Knot With A Deep Side Part
Starting with a deep side part before gathering hair up adds a bit of asymmetry to an otherwise simple style. This works especially well for balancing a wider forehead or softening angular features. The part remains visible even once the hair is pulled back.
Top Knot With Hair Wrap
Wrapping a small section of hair around the base of the bun hides the elastic completely for a more finished, polished look. This small addition takes only a few extra seconds. It elevates a basic top knot into something that reads more intentional for dressier occasions.
Twisted Top Knot
Twisting two sections of hair together before wrapping them into a bun creates texture and visual interest without needing a full braid. This version sits somewhere between the sleek and messy versions in terms of effort and polish. It works well for both daily wear and special occasions.
Top Knot With Bangs
Curtain bangs or a fuller fringe left loose in front while the rest of the hair is pulled into a top knot keeps the face softened even with hair mostly pulled back. A round brush trains the bangs while the rest air dries or gets pulled up. This combination works for nearly any hair type.
Space Buns Inspired Top Knot
A single top knot split visually with a center part underneath, giving the impression of two smaller buns from certain angles, offers a playful variation on the classic style. This works especially well for casual outings or festival settings. It photographs distinctly compared to a standard single bun.
Top Knot With Baby Hairs
Styling small pieces at the hairline with a bit of edge control before pulling the rest into a top knot adds a polished, precise finish around the face. This technique works especially well on textured or curly hair types. The contrast between sleek edges and a fuller bun creates dimension.
Voluminous Top Knot
Backcombing or teasing the hair slightly at the crown before gathering it into a bun creates a fuller, more voluminous finished shape. This works particularly well on fine or thin hair that needs a bit of extra body. A texturizing spray before teasing helps the volume hold through the day.
Top Knot With A Scarf Wrap
Wrapping a thin scarf or ribbon around the base of a top knot adds a decorative element and a pop of color or pattern. This works well for both casual and dressier styling depending on the fabric chosen. It's a simple way to elevate a basic bun without much extra effort.
Wet-Look Top Knot
Using a strong-hold gel to slick hair back completely before twisting into a bun creates a sleek, wet-look finish that reads modern and editorial. This version requires more product than other top knots but holds its shape without touch-ups throughout the day. It works especially well for evening or formal occasions.
Top Knot On Layered Hair
Layers add texture to the bun itself, since shorter face-framing pieces tend to fall loose naturally around the pulled-back sections. This creates a softer, more effortless finished look without extra styling steps. It works well on hair that already has layers built into the cut.
Top Knot With Loose Waves Underneath
Curling the ends of hair before gathering it into a bun means any loose pieces that fall from the knot carry natural wave rather than falling flat. This small step adds polish to an otherwise simple style. It works particularly well for dressier occasions where a bit more finish is wanted.
