The Polished Top Knot
A top knot is the busy person's best friend. It’s trendy, simple, and keeps hair completely out of your face. For a polished work look, start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head. To keep it sleek, brush out any bumps.
Twist the ponytail tightly, wrap it around its base to form a bun, and secure it with a hair tie or bobby pins. A quick spritz of hairspray can tame any flyaways. For a casual outing, you can create a messier version by pulling a few face-framing pieces loose and not worrying about making the bun perfectly smooth. This 'intentionally undone' look is effortlessly stylish.
The Sleek Power Ponytail
Never underestimate the power of a great ponytail. It’s a classic for a reason. To elevate it for the office, aim for a sleek, high-volume look. Gather your hair at the crown of your head and secure it tightly with an elastic. For a professional finish that hides the hair tie, take a small, half-inch section of hair from the underside of the ponytail, wrap it around the elastic, and secure the end with a bobby pin underneath the pony. For a more relaxed weekend vibe, you can create a bubble ponytail by adding elastics every few inches down the length and gently pulling each section to create 'bubbles'.
The Quick French Twist
A French twist exudes sophistication but doesn't have to be complicated. A simplified version can be achieved in minutes and is perfect for a formal work setting. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck as if making a low ponytail. Instead of securing it, twist the hair upwards, folding it against the back of your head to create a vertical roll. Tuck the ends into the roll and secure it firmly with bobby pins or a large claw clip for a modern twist. A claw clip makes this elegant style achievable in under a minute. For a softer, more casual feel, allow a few strands to fall naturally around your face.
The Low Braided Bun
This style looks intricate but is surprisingly easy, making it a great option when you want to look like you put in more effort than you did. Start by creating a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Braid the ponytail using a simple three-strand plait and secure the end with a small elastic. For extra volume, you can gently tug at the sides of the braid to make it appear fuller. Next, wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail to form a bun and secure it with bobby pins. This style is elegant enough for the office but also works beautifully for a casual brunch or day out.
The Half-Up, Half-Down Knot
For those who want their hair out of their face but still like to show off their length, the half-up, half-down style is a perfect compromise. This look works well for medium to long hair. Section off the top half of your hair, from your temples to the crown. Pull this section into a ponytail. From there, you can either twist it into a small bun or simply loop the ponytail through the elastic one last time to create a knotted effect. This keeps the front looking neat and tidy for work, while the loose hair at the back maintains a soft, casual feel perfect for after-hours.
