Half top knots – your new favourite hairstyle

Just putting it out there – half top knots will be your new favourite hairstyle.

The gorgeous Laura from This Island Life is helping me with today’s hairspiration. The half top knot has made a comeback lately because it’s just so easy to wear.

The half top knot is the perfect compromise hairstyle. It keeps your hair off your face but still lets you wear most of your hair out.

Now it was supremely windy when we shot these styles on Bondi Beach so I can’t claim these hairstyles will keep your hair completely off your face in all weather conditions, but they do a pretty good job.

There are so many variations on this simple style but here are five different ways to wear a half top knot to inspire your hair this weekend.

Half top knot hairstyle inspiration

1. The Loop

How to get the look: Take a section of hair from above your ears and instead of pulling it through your elastic, only pull it halfway to create a loop.

Variations: Place the loop right on top of your head or change the angle of the loop. You could also use a thicker elastic to make the loop stand out more.

2. The tail out twist

How to get the look: Take a section of hair from above your ears and twist it up. Then twist it around to form a bun but leave the tail out at the back. Pin in place with bobby pins or tie it with an elastic.

Variations: Depending on how long your hair it, you can leave the end of your hair out more or twist it all in for a neat bun.

3. The braided bun

How to get the look: Take a section of hair from above your ears and split it into three. Create a basic braid (plait) by crossing the sections over into the middle. Stretch out your braid and then twist it around into a bun. Pin in place with bobby pins.

Variations: Try a fishtail braid for a beautiful texture or a rope twist braid for something simple.

4. The top twist

How to get the look: Take a section of hair right on top of your head. I like to go from the arch points of each eyebrow. Twist the hair up and around into a bun right on the top of your head. Pin in place with bobby pins or tie it with an elastic.

Variations: Play with the proportions of this style, taking a smaller or larger section of hair. Leave the ends loose for a relaxed look or pin them down with a bobby pin and some hairspray.

5. The forward roll

How to get the look: Take a section of hair from the top of your ears right across top of your head. Secure it with an elastic on top of your head. Starting at the end of you half-ponytail, roll your hair down and pin it in place with bobby pins.

Variations: I like to leave the ends loose but you can tuck them in for a more polished look. If you have fine hair, backcomb your hair gently to create more volume before rolling your hair.

Half top knot tips

• Play with proportions – try taking smaller or larger sections and change your part to suit your face shape.
• Go high or low – experiment with placing the bun high and forward or low at the back.
• Create some texture – use braids to add in more details and create a different shaped bun.
• You don’t need long hair – half top knots look great in bobs and lobs too.

Huge thanks to Laura from This Island Life for lending me her gorgeous hair. Thank to Laura for also for standing around Bondi for ages while I played with different hairstyles! You have to follow Laura’s blog for endless summer inspiration.

Do you love half-top knot hairstyles? Which is your favourite look? Let me know in the comments below.

PS. Please pin this post or share it with a friend who would love this look xx