How to create a braided top knot: Hair tutorial

Ever wanted to know how to do a braided top knot? Then count your lucky stars, because with our braided top knot tutorial, you'll have the hottest look of the season in no time!  

blonde woman with upside down braid wearing a denim shirt

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During fashion month we were treated to a delightful array of braided top knots, coming in all sorts of shapes and sizes. And ever since those stunning runway moments, we’ve been experimenting with the style to get it just right. So, being the good Samaritans we are, we’re going to share with you how to create a braided top knot updo like no other!

Being the ideal hairstyle for turning any bad hair day into a good one, a braided top knot bun can take your mane from drab to fab in an instant. So if you’re ready and willing, scroll down and let us teach you how to braid a top knot for a look that you’ll be rocking morning, noon and night!

How to do a braided top knot

1

Start with clean hair.

For this braid top knot, begin with clean hair. Try using a wash and care system, like the TRESemmé Silky Smooth Salon Silk Shampoo and Conditioner.

This duo uses an advanced smoothing system to help leave your mane smooth and salon-soft. Also, ake sure your tresses are tangle-free to make your braiding easier.

braid top knot: blonde woman with wavy hair wearing a denim shirt
2

Begin your plait.

Now it’s time to start learning how to do a braided top knot! Flip your hair over your head – it’ll make it easier to reach behind your head.

Take a small section of hair near the nape of your neck (roughly 2 inches wide), and divide it into three equal sections to start your Dutch braid.

Begin to cross the strands once like a typical braid. Cross the left section of hair under the middle section, and then cross the right section under the middle section.

Repeat this plaiting process, remembering to pick up hair from the sides and adding it to your left and right sections as you go.

Braided top knots: blonde woman plaiting her wavy hair wearing a denim shirt
3

Continue weaving.

Continue weaving your Dutch braid until you reach about two-thirds of the way up the back of your head. At this point, stop adding in hair from the sides and continue plaiting your hair in a standard braid – you’ll use this to wrap around your bun in the next steps.

How to do a braided top knots: blonde woman braiding wavy hair wearing a denim shirt
4

Finish your braid.

Finish plaiting your braid all the way to the end and secure with an invisible hair band. You should now have a Dutch braid on the underside of your head, with the rest of your hair loose.

braided top knot bun: blonde woman holding a braid at the bottom and holding half her hair into a high ponytail wearing a denim shirt
5

Create a ponytail.

Gather your loose hair, leaving the braid separate, and pull it into a high ponytail. Secure it in place with a snag-free hair tie.

braid top knot: blonde woman with a braid at the bottom and holding half her hair into a high ponytail wearing a denim shirt
6

Twist into a bun.

Now, create a bun with your ponytail. Start by twisting your ponytail and wrapping it around itself, then secure it in place with a few bobby pins.

French braid into a top knot: blonde woman with a braid creating a bun
7

Wrap your braid.

Lift your braid straight up, so that it’s centred, and bring it towards the front of your head. Then wrap the end of your braid around the base of your bun and secure with a bobby pin.

braid top knot: a blonde woman wrapping her braid around her top knot
8

Final look.

And you’re done! A deceptively simple braided top knotbun that’s perfect for work or play. To seal the look, lightly spray your ‘do with the Toni&Guy Flawless Sleek Creation Hairspray to help protect against frizz and humidity. Added extra: you can mist a shine spray (like the VO5 Smoothly Does It Tame & Shine Spray) over your finished ‘do, too, for further glossiness!

 

 

braided top knot bun - the final look from the back

Loved our braided top knot tutorial but what to know how to put a French braid into a top knot? Then check out our upside down French braid tutorial now!

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