The top knot: an updo’s answer to nonchalance. Straight out of bed hair, for the day you might have skipped a wash (or, indeed, just rolled out of bed). An office go-to amongst tastemakers, and a must for when serious work is getting done – we all know, the top knot means business.
Except that, it is supposed to mean anything but business. A top knot is sold – on appearance at least – as total “don’t care hair”. It shouts, “look at me! I’m totally chic but totally didn’t try.” It also feels a bit French – perfect with a sun kissed tan, a fresh face and Breton stripes, or a matte red lip. More than anything, it oozes a cool elegance – not least because of the fact you can also display a very now array of ear piercings to accompany it. Did I also mention that the neck is a power player of erogenous zones? Lest we forget that Season 5 Gossip Girl scene with Chuck and Blair…I digress. The point is, the top knot is key styling arsenal, all relaxed, chic and sexy in one. The only unrelaxed thing about it, one finds, is getting it just right.
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This is something I struggle with. Put me in front of my laptop, on the tube or mid-way through a night out and the hair goes up into a perfect knot without me even thinking about it. I suddenly catch myself in the mirror and wonder how on earth I managed it. On a day I am trying to actually rock one, however, it all goes wrong. From position on the head, to bun height (it’s a thing) and getting just the right amount of wistful tendrils around the face, there is in fact a certain skill to top knots.
In light of this, I decided to take my woes into the salon chairs of those who actually know what they’re doing – this is what they had to say.
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Michael Lendon, Advanced Master Creative Director at Aveda
“The undone top knot is a great look – it appears casual and oozes natural, effortless beauty. Here’s how we create it.”
- Prep the hair; this is the most important part to ensure you have a good canvas to work with. As you blow dry your hair, work Aveda Thickening Tonic Styling Spray into the hair, combing from roots to ends to ensure even distribution. This will give the hair a firm grip whilst adding instant thickness and bulk.
- Finger-comb your hair into a ponytail at the top of the head and begin twisting from the base into a loose bun, securing with an elastic.
- Pin at the base of the bun to secure to the head. Gently tease out small sections from around the hairline with the end of a comb to give a more natural finish.
- Massage your top knot to add extra texture.
- Finish with a misting of Aveda Air Control Air Spray to gently set.
Jason Lawrence, Advocate Stylist at Josh Wood
“The key to a “Top Knot” isn’t over loading products, says Jason. “Focus on the prep, the look will stay for longer and it has a professional salon finish.”
- Into dry hair, scrunch mousse or Mist sea salt spray as a base, Mousse will be best for a sleeker look, Sea salt for a more textured look. Dry this into hair on a medium heat so you don’t create too much frizz.
- Now depending on your texture required using the correct brush is your next key factor. Wider the bristle the softer the knott is… tighter the bristle the cleaner and stronger the image.
- For the best results always start with a ponytail! This gives the bun the support to stop the style from falling. Smooth sleeker knots can be twisted and pinned into place.
- More texture can be tonged or curled then twisted into the knot giving more random movement to the twist.
- Once in place you can tease areas out to give more height/width as required.
- When using stuffing always take into account how dense your hair is, finer hair is advised to cut the stuffing down to measure.
“Remember that you don’t have to wear it off the peg! We custom ours for everyone – that way you get the best out of your look, he adds. “Finally, stay easy on the hairspray – this is key for keeping quality to your hair. Too much and it starts to look greasy, as if you’ve glued it in place.”
Jo Hansford, Founder at Jo Hansford
“A top knot usually works best with second day hair,” says Jo. “For a fashionably messy, dishevelled look, follow the below.”
- Create a ponytail positioned to the height that you would like your top knot.
- Back comb ends till hair has texture.
- Using the structure created by back combing – either twist the hair into a top knot and secure with a band or mold the ends into a messy top knot and pin with hair grips.
- Tailor the shape depending on your look, and go!