Beat the Heat: The Top Knot

** If you’re stopping by from Pinterest, I have new post with a video on two ways to create the messy top knot for long hair.  Check it out! If you have short hair, no worries! Here’s a tutorial on a messy top knot for short hair. You can also see ’10 Creative ways to wear a ponytail’ here. **

Isn’t it great that it’s Friday?  I am pretty sure I’m not gonna do anything today.  And I’m okay with that.  (thanks Christie!!)  Thank you for all your sweet comments on my post on Tuesday, you are all so sweet!  We just love the blogging community!

So earlier this week, I asked on Facebook what kinda of top knots you guys wanted to see tutorials for.  I always love to see which styles are most interesting to everyone, sometimes it isn’t what I would think.  But this time I went ahead and did a tutorial for every one!  There’s even a bonus one in there!  And since this is kind of a long post (don’t worry, lots of pictures) I’m gonna get right to it!

Loose High Bun

I do this look probably the most often.  It’s easy, cute, and a great alternative to the plain pony tail.  All I do is add some voluminizing spray (like Aquage or Kendra) and flip my head over and blow dry up.  This adds some lovely volume.  Then I flip my head again and loosely twist all of my hair into a bun.  Pin all the side until it feels secure and voila, you’re done!

Triple Loose Buns

This one is also easy and a fun alternative.  All you do it start with the top bun and proceed like the look above.  Then add the middle and lastly the lowest bun.  It’s like a modern day Anne of Green Gables, love it!

Messy Bun

See video here

First put your hair into a high pony tail, relatively tight, but don’t pull all your hair all the way through.  Take half of the hair left hanging down and twist and pin it in the front.  This will cover the pony tail holder.  Do the same thing with the other side.  Pin down parts of the middle part of the pony so it isn’t sticking straight up.  Then pin some down in the back so the other part of the pony tail holder isn’t showing and you’re done!  **New post with a video here**

Braids in a top knot

This one is a little tricky.  And honestly, you need another person to make it look decent.  I also am aware that it doesn’t look exactly like the picture, but it is a doable version.  First put your hair in a high pony tail and braid four single braids.  Wrap the loose hair around the pony tail, under the braids.  Then pin the braids across the bun and into the middle.  This is where Christie helped, because obviously I couldn’t see where to pin them.  Over all, I thought it turned out cute, but it is the one that I would wear the least amount of time.

The Sleek Top Knot

This look is easy and pretty and I like it.  Unfortunately, I don’t like my ears, so it probably won’t be something I wear a lot.  Flip your hair over and gather it into a high pony.  Smooth it all out with your fingers or a comb and secure it.  Then run some hairspray or smoothing cream through the pony tail to smooth out any frizzies.  Then twist it around the pony tail and tuck the ends under the bigger section of hair.  Secure with bobby pins and you’re done!

Beehive Top Knot with a Headband

Start with a high pony.  Take a teaser comb and tease the heck out of your hair.  Make it as big as you can because you can always calm it down when you’re done.  Wrap it around loosely and pin.  Take a fun headband or bandanna and tie it on top and you’re done!

Braided Top Knot

Another easy one!  Separate your hair in half horizontally and secure the front half for now.  Flip your head, French braid up and finish with a regular braid securing at the end. Undo the front section and add it to the braid. Twist it around and pin it!

The Sock Bun

I shared this on 30 Handmade Days a while back, so I thought this post would be perfect to share with this post.  I think the pictures below are pretty self explanatory, but I’ll explain it too.  Start with a high pony tail.  I bought the sponge type bun holder at Sally’s but I am sure you can find them other beauty supply stores as well.  Pull your hair down over the sponge thing (or sock if that’s easier) and wrap it around.  Then pin into place.  The great part about using the sponge-like thing is that you can pin into it so it holds better.  Voila!

So what do you think?  Any of these a top knot that you would try?  You might have seen a theme through them all, they’re easy!!  And with two kids, that’s exactly what I need.  I hope you enjoyed it and give some of them a try!!

Have a great weekend!