A top knot is simply a bun placed high on the crown, but the finish changes everything. This gallery ranges from ultra-sleek knots that hold up through a working day to deliberately messy ones made with second-day hair. In between you will find teased, voluminous high buns for fine hair, a formal bridal bun with a barrette, a braided bun fit for a medieval princess and a curly top knot on natural hair.
Braids come up again and again: upside-down braids running from the nape to the crown, cornrows leading into the knot, a Dutch braid headband and braided half-up styles. There are also playful options such as loopy pigtail buns, two space buns for short hair, colourful turquoise and pastel knots, and edgy versions with a nape undercut and etched design.
Long, thick hair makes the biggest buns, but shoulder-length and fine hair can still manage a top knot with teasing, a bun builder or by pinning curled ends instead of wrapping. Messy knots suit curly and textured hair best, while sleek styles need smoothing products and very little flyaway-prone breakage. If you wear high buns often, vary the position to avoid tension on the same spot.
1. Elegant Chignon Bun
Long hair looks dreamy in this top knot, which pairs a teased, raised crown with a side bang for a little mystery. The bun manages to be smooth and messy at once, so it works equally well for everyday wear and dressier events.
Inspiration: @Instagram
2. High Bun with Tease
Perfect for anyone who loves big hair, this high bun relies on heavy teasing at the front and nape. Loose wisps at the sides soften the look. Backcombing like this is a great trick to make thin hair appear thicker.
Inspiration: @Instagram
3. Top Knot for Dreadlocks
Faux locs and box braids can be gathered into a top knot too. These rich burgundy locs form a neat knot, with one section falling to the side like a fringe. Gold cuffs and accessories complement the warm colour beautifully.
Inspiration: @kersti.pitre
4. Turquoise Blue Top Knot
Colourful top knots keep growing in popularity, and this bright turquoise version is a standout. Wrapped loosely with a slightly messy finish, it looks stylish and effortless. A great way to show off a bold hair colour.
Inspiration: @Instagram
5. Colorful Back-Braided Top Knot
For a statement style, try a colourful knot with a braid running up the back. Starting at the nape, the upside-down braid climbs to the crown, where a messy bun finishes it off. Pastel pink, blue and green give it a dreamy look.
Inspiration: @chitabeseau
6. Top Knot Bun for Shorter Hair
Surprisingly, this top knot is made from shoulder-length hair. With a little teasing and careful pinning, medium hair can achieve a full, high bun. It shows that you do not need long lengths to experiment with updos.
Inspiration: @Instagram
7. Red Top Knot with Nape Undercut
Bright red hair, a high knot and shaved designs at the nape make this one of the edgiest looks in the gallery. It is not for the faint-hearted, but the knot itself works for short-to-medium hair even without the bold extras.
Inspiration: @Instagram
8. Full High Bun
This full, voluminous high bun is a true classic for long hair. Its slightly imperfect shape keeps it from looking stiff. Leave soft wisps at the sides and nape when styling for a romantic, relaxed touch.
Inspiration: @jenniekaybeauty
9. Braided-Front Top Knot
Three cornrow-style plaits run toward the crown and lead into a playful knot on top. Combining braids with a bun is part of the fun of updo styling, and this version is both practical and eye-catching.
Inspiration: @Instagram
10. Fancy Blonde Knotted Bun
Long or thick hair needs an updo that embraces its volume. This blonde bun is tucked and pinned so it looks full but not heavy. Tease the crown slightly for a little extra height and interest.
Inspiration: @Instagram
11. Messy Top Knot Bun
A great updo should be simple and stylish, and this messy knot is both. Loose braids and wispy strands wrapped into a high bun give it a personal, creative touch while staying quick to create.
Inspiration: @salonleah
12. Elegant Swept-Up Bun
A loosely swept high bun is elegant enough for prom or a night out but has a playful edge. Curl your hair all over first, tease lightly and pin it up in sections for a soft, voluminous finish.
Inspiration: @tonyastylist
13. Upside Down Braid with a Bun
Flip your head over and braid the lower half of your hair up to the crown. Then gather the top portion into a bun that joins the end of the braid. The result elevates a simple braid and bun into something special.
Inspiration: @nicoledrege
14. Casual High Knot Bun
Buns can be finished in many ways. For a casual look, embrace some imperfections: bumps and flyaways are fine. Pull out a few pieces and let others escape naturally throughout the day. A spritz of texture spray adds grip.
Inspiration: @emmachenartistry
15. Loopy Pigtails
Pigtail buns are back from their late-90s heyday. This softer take uses two loose, loopy knots placed so close together they almost look like a single bun. It feels playful without being overly youthful. Leave a few pieces loose at the front.
Inspiration: @missysueblog
16. Half-Up Half-Down Knot
A half-up top knot with bangs is a fun twist on the classic. It is ideal for long or thick hair you love to wear down but want to keep out of your face. Add a shiny cuff around the knot for extra polish.
Inspiration: @femmeakoi
17. Messy Top Bun
The messy bun is a lifesaver when you need a quick, stylish look. It suits curly or straight hair of any length or thickness and is perfect for stretching an extra day between washes. Dry shampoo at the roots adds lift.
Inspiration: @erinelizabethh
18. Sleek Braided Bun
This sleek braided bun has a regal, almost medieval feel. Smooth hair with serum, gather it into a high ponytail and braid it tightly. Then wrap the braid around itself, or use a bun builder for extra fullness.
Inspiration: @hair_by_pelerossi
19. Large High Formal Bun
Buns make a lovely backdrop for hair accessories. A large, high formal bun is perfect for showing off a sparkling barrette, and it transitions easily from office to evening in minutes. A great bridal option too.
Inspiration: @braids_in_action
20. Classy Bun for Shorter Hair
With a bun foundation from a beauty supply store, top knots become much easier. For shorter hair, pull it into a ponytail, curl the ends and pin them to mimic a bun. The result is softer and more relaxed but still charming.
Inspiration: @hairbyjaxx
21. Everyday High Bun with Headband
A top knot paired with a headband or headscarf looks cute and casual, perfect for the gym or a day out. Prep as for a ballerina bun but pin loosely, letting a few stray pieces fall.
Inspiration: @kayleymelissa
22. Loose Top Bun
A loose high bun looks effortless and elegant, though it can be harder to perfect than a structured style. Online tutorials help, and regular practice is the key to getting that relaxed shape right. Slightly curled hair holds it best.
Inspiration: @art4studio
23. Half Top Knot with Braids
Top knots are not only for thick hair. Medium-length, thinner hair can still look great with a creative half top knot. Embrace your natural texture and add angled braids for an eye-catching look. Gently pull the braids wider for fullness.
Inspiration: @game_of_braids
24. Headband Braid and Messy Bun
Braids instantly make a standard top knot more interesting. This Dutch braid headband with a messy bun would make a beautiful bridesmaid style. It takes a bit of practice, so find a tutorial and try it a few times first.
Inspiration: @braidsbyjordan
25. Textured High Bun
Unlike the sleek ballerina bun, a textured bun embraces imperfection and suits curly hair beautifully. Pull hair into a high ponytail, backcomb, then twist four small sections into mini buns, pinning each and finishing with strong hairspray.
Inspiration: @kellgrace
26. Voluminous Top Knot for Black Hair
Top knots work with all hair types and are especially easy for women embracing natural hair. A voluminous curly bun looks gorgeous, and extensions can add extra length or fullness if needed. Keep the base loose to protect your edges.
Inspiration: @kersti.pitre
27. Undercut Top Knot
An undercut with a shaved design is a real work of art, and a high updo is the best way to show it off. Longer hair on top can still be twisted into a simple top knot, leaving the short nape on display.
Inspiration: @whatmiasaid
28. Two Space Buns for Short Hair
Double top knots, worn by stars such as Khloe Kardashian and Ariana Grande, are perfect for short or thin hair. Part down the middle, pull back into two sleek sections and make looped ponytails that act as tiny buns.
Inspiration: @prephair
29. Loose Top Knot Bun with Cornrows
Tight cornrows hold hair securely, making a bun with braids a style that stays put for days. This version has a sculpted bun, though a messy top knot would also look great with the vertical braids.
Inspiration: @sachikoreece
30. Voluminous Messy Bun
A simple pulled-back bun is the easiest place to start, but voluminous styles open up many more options once you have the basics down. They take more prep, yet the full, tousled result is worth it.
Inspiration: @tonyastylist
31. Sleek Top Knot
At work you need an updo that looks chic and lasts all day. This ultra-sleek twisted top knot is almost picture perfect. A strong pomade is the key to a smooth finish and controlled flyaways.
Inspiration: @Instagram
32. Quick and Messy Bun
The charm of a top knot lies in its effortless look. This version has no frills or intricate details, yet it looks lovely and is perfect for casual days. It takes only a minute to create.
Inspiration: @Instagram
33. Braided Half Up Bun Hairstyle
A braided front makes this half-up top knot extra cute, while loose waves below complete the look. It is easy, pretty and comfortable to wear, ideal for everyday styling. Loose waves made with a large iron complement the braid best.
Inspiration: @Instagram
34. Braided Top Knot
Adding texture to a top knot creates thickness and interest. These loosely interwoven sections resemble a braided bun but have their own unique character. It is a great way to make fine hair look fuller.
Inspiration: @Instagram
35. Top Knot with Peekaboo Bangs
A diagonal part and shaped peekaboo bangs add intrigue to any style, including a top knot. Sleek and polished with not a hair out of place, this version feels retro and modern at the same time.
Inspiration: @Instagram
Building a top knot that stays put
- Brush the hair up while bending forward, then flip back and smooth any bumps with a boar-bristle brush for sleek styles.
- Secure the ponytail with a strong elastic, then twist and wrap the lengths around the base.
- Use U-shaped pins rather than standard bobby pins; they hold volume without flattening the bun.
- Finish sleek knots with a little pomade or wax stick along the hairline, and messy ones with texture spray.
Protecting your hairline from high buns
Tight, high styles worn daily can stress the edges and the crown. Use soft, snag-free scrunchies or spiral ties, loosen the bun when you get home and avoid sleeping in it. Alternating between a top knot, a mid-height bun and loose hair gives the same follicles a break. For shorter hair, a bun builder or donut creates the look without pulling the lengths too tightly to reach the crown.