Top knot hairstyles have earned their place as a timeless staple, and it’s easy to see why. Adaptable enough for a morning commute or a black-tie event, this updo continues to hold its own season after season. The 35 styles below cover everything from sleek and polished to loose and textured, so you’ll find something that works for your hair type and length. Take a look and let the ideas speak for themselves.
Long hair works beautifully here. The crown is backcombed for height, a side bang adds a soft, angled frame, and the bun itself sits somewhere between polished and undone. It reads elegant at a formal event and relaxed enough for everyday wear.
@tonyastylist
This bun is great for those who crave big hair. The front and nape sections are heavily teased, and the sides are featuring escaping wisps for added softness of the look. The styling trick is a good way to create thickness if you have thin hair.
@darzere
Dreadlocks and box braids can also be styled into a high bun. These rich, burgundy-colored faux locs are formed into a very neat knot with a bang-like section that falls off to one side. The golden accent accessories look wonderful with this color.
@kersti.pitre
Colorful upswept styles just keep coming, and this version in a bright and funky turquoise blue shade is an illustrious representative of the class. It’s rather loose and with a slightly messy feel that gives a stylish effortless appearance.
@xandervintage
Starting at the nape and braiding upward before finishing in a loosely gathered bun at the crown, this style layers technique and color in a way that reads both playful and intentional. The pastel mix of pink, blue, and green keeps it fresh without veering into costume territory.
@chitabeseau
Can you believe that this bun is made from medium hair? Her locks are shoulder-length, and she is not afraid of experimenting with hairstyles. We, girls with shorter hair, should all follow her example… and her blog, of course.
@daphnenarcy
Bold red color paired with etched nape designs and a high knot makes a clear statement. It’s not a style for everyone, but if you like strong, defined looks, the knot itself is a great reference even without the color or undercut. Works particularly well on short-to-medium lengths.
@hugosalon
In terms of classic style, this particular version of the classic updo is at the top of the list. It is so full of volume and cute (but not perfect) in shape, that you simply can’t leave it unnoticed if you have long hair. When styling, leave some soft, subtle wisps on the sides and at the nape of the neck.
@jenniekaybeauty
Finding unique ways to incorporate braids into your top knot hairstyle is a part of the updo-styling fun. Here, you have three simple plaits braided as cornrows running towards the crown and a whimsical knot that crowns the style.
@modernsalon
For those with long or thick hair, you need an updo that embraces the length and thickness of your strands, like this one. The bun is tucked and pinned in such a way that it looks voluminous yet not heavy. To keep the style interesting, you could also tease the crown for a little bit of height.
@styled_by_val
A great updo should be two things: easy to do and stylish. The messy knot checks both. A mixture of loose braids and wispy strands wrapped into a high knot makes for a cute updo with a personal touch.
@salonleah
Curled all over, then teased and pinned up in sections, this style carries a relaxed elegance that works well for a night out. The looseness of the swept-up shape keeps it from feeling too formal, while the overall height gives it a polished finish.
@tonyastylist
Flip your head forward, braid from the nape upward to the crown, then gather the remaining hair into a bun that connects directly to the braid end. The technique sounds involved, but it becomes second nature with a bit of practice. The result is a bun with genuine visual depth.
@nicoledrege
Buns are truly diverse in their finishes. To keep things on the casual side, let there be some flaws in the style. It’s ok to have bumps and flyaways here and there. Pull a few pieces out and don’t worry if others tag along throughout the day.
@emmachenartistry
Pigtail buns are making a comeback from their late 90s debut. This take on the duo upswept style features a softer approach with two disheveled loopy knots that almost look like a singular bun.
@missysueblog
An unexpected spin on the traditional top knot is the half-up style with bangs. A half-up half-down is a great option if you have extra-long or thick hair that you love to wear loose but with a fun detail. Try your half-up bun with bangs and a shiny cuff.
@femmeakoi@erinelizabethh
This gorgeous braided up-do looks like it belongs to a medieval princess. Start by using a smoothing serum and gather your hair into a high pony. Secure with an elastic and braid your pony tightly. Simply wrap the braid around itself, or use a bun builder for fullness.
@hair_by_pelerossi
Buns create a pretty backdrop to showcase hair accessories of all kinds. If you have a cute barrette you want to wear for a pop of bling, use this style to its full advantage and adorn away. It’s the perfect way to go from office casual to downtown chic in a matter of minutes.
@braids_in_action
A bun is easy to achieve once you’ve had a little practice. The most popular method is with the help of a bun foundation that can be purchased for very little at beauty supply stores. For shorter hair, you can pull hair up into a pony, curl its ends and pin them to mimic a bun. It will be softer and more relaxed than a classic wrapped bun knot, but it’s undoubtedly charming.
@hairbyjaxx
Nothing says cute and casual better than a top knot hairstyle with a headband or headscarf. It’s a cute look whether you’re headed to the gym or for a day out with friends. Prep this as you would a ballerina bun, but pin loosely with some stray sprigs of hair sticking out.
@kayleymelissa
For an effortless yet elegant style, a loose high bun is perfect. Unfortunately, an “effortless” glam can sometimes be more difficult to execute than a more structured do. YouTube is a great resource when trying to master a new style. Look for tutorial videos and then just practice, practice, practice.
@art4studio
For thin or medium-length hair, angled braids worked into a half-up knot create dimension that the hair alone might not provide naturally. Leaning into your natural texture here is the right instinct rather than fighting it.
@game_of_braids
A Dutch braid running along the hairline feeds into a loosely gathered bun at the crown, creating a layered style that photographs particularly well. It takes time to master the braid path, but searching for a Dutch braided bun tutorial online will get you there faster than trial and error alone.
@braidsbyjordan
Where a ballerina bun features a sleek and smooth finish, a textured bun allows for some imperfection. It’s also a great option if you have curly hair. Pull your hair into a high ponytail, backcomb and then twist four small sections into mini messy buns. Secure each section with bobby pins and spray with a strong-hold hairspray.
@kellgrace
A high knotted bun works well with natural Afro-textured hair and requires minimal manipulation. It’s a user-friendly style for anyone embracing their natural texture, and extensions are a straightforward option if you want additional length or density.
@kersti.pitre
Undercut with a shaved design is a visual treat for the eyes, and it allows you to express your inner artist. High up-dos are the best way to showcase the style. Undercuts are often associated with shorter hairstyles. If you have longer hair up top, you can still utilize a simple bun with short hair at the nape of your neck.
@whatmiasaid
Celebrities such as Khloe Kardashian and Ariana Grande have brought the double knot back onto the scene. This is a style that’s an easy go-to for short hair or thinner strands. Part down the middle and then pull back into two slick sections. Make looped ponytails that’ll work as cute tiny buns.
@prephair
Nothing holds your hair in place better than tight braids. If you’re searching for a style that will stay out of your way and last for a few days, give a bun with cornrows a try. This is a fancy version of the hairdo with a sculpted bun, but a messy knot will also look cool with those dimensional vertical braids.
@sachikoreece
When you’re first learning how to do a top knot hairstyle, you may find a simple pulled-back style to be the easiest. However, once you’ve mastered that, there is a world of options to explore. Voluminous styles require more prep work, but create a gorgeous end result.
@tonyastylist
In professional settings you need an updo that is classy, chic and able to withstand a full day at the office. With its ultra-sleek look and simplistic styling, the updo is almost picture-perfect. To recreate this, the most important thing you need is a sturdy pomade to achieve a sleek appearance and tame flyaways.
@jalex.marty
The main quality of a high bun is the look of effort-free styling. This version doesn’t feature any frills or intricate touches, but it still seems very lovely and perfect for casual wear.
@allisonwollen
This half up half down hairstyle with a knot looks so cute thanks to the braided front. And those effortless waves only improve the hairdo. Easy, pretty, and comfy, what else do you need?
@headstudio
Introducing a texture into your knotted look is a way to add some thickness while also spicing it up a bit. These loosely interwoven sections remind a braided bun, but this style is obviously different and unique.
@modernsalon
A diagonal parting and shaped peekaboo bangs introduce an asymmetry that keeps this precise, smoothed-down style from reading too stiff. The retro reference is subtle enough to feel current rather than costume-like.
@tiffanyyyy_j
If you’ve been trying to find the right version of the top knot hairstyle for your hair type and lifestyle, the range above should give you a solid starting point. Some will suit you immediately, others might take a tutorial and a bit of practice. Either way, the format is flexible enough to adapt to casual or formal settings equally. Pick the one that catches your eye and adjust from there!
