hair tutorial: easy topknot / high bun that actually stays put

cable knit sweater distressed jeans petite fashion

Today’s video tutorial is for a simple but secure hair bun, which can easily be dressed up or down based on your outfit. It was too dark in my house, so I hopped up to our roofdeck where it happened to be a rare beautiful day in Boston. Instead of using a velcro bump-it or teasing to add volume, my current favorite tool is just a claw hair-clip. This lets me pull out a little hair at the crown to create a poof, plus anchors the bun center and adds bun volume as well.

Press play below! Or direct link to my YouTube

YouTube video

I also included a few different looks below of this hairstyle worn for various occasions!

topknot tutorial tools

Tools: Non-slip claw clip, hair elastics, spin pins, hairspray and toothbrush (optional). These items can all be found at a drugstore or places like Target. My spin pins are a MUST for every updo…say goodbye to dozens of bobby pins that just end up falling out! I still use a few bobby pins just to clean up side and back wispies.

topknot hair bun how to video tutorial

I stumbled upon the claw trick while my hair was wet from the beach, so this is also a great way to keep damp hair out of your face. With damp hair, I skip the first elastic and instead give the hair a good twist at the base of the ponytail, before wrapping it into a bun circle.

cable cream sweater casual boyfriend jeans petite fashion

Past outfit posts with this same hairstyle:

boston new england snow winter coat outfit

Casual winter – outfit from this post

classic date night valentines day outfit black flare skirt

Date night – outfit from this post

loft lace tee denim shorts

Lilac lace – outfit from this post

white marble kitchen cooking sunday night dinner

Comfy at home – outfit from this post

topshop scallop hem miniskirt1

Cape Cod casual – outfit from this post

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

For Daily Posts

Leave a Comment

53 Comments

  1. Paul Reddam wrote:

    I'm new to following your blog, and so far I'm really enjoying it. I'd never heard of spin pins until this, so thank you for turning me onto those! — Marquette

    Posted 5.2.16 Reply
  2. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean, loved the tutorial; it looks so easy and the end result is beautiful. I'm actually here to ask about your WHBM sandals, though! I was wondering what size you were wearing – they're sold out everywhere in size 5 but I can get them in a 5.5. Like you, I'm between 5 and 5.5, depending on the brand. Would love to know the size you got and how they fit. Thanks!

    Posted 3.14.16 Reply
  3. Emily Amy wrote:

    I just had to come back here and say that I followed your tutorial and it worked! It was so easy! The only difference was that I used a smaller claw clip. Since my hair isn't as thick or long as yours, I found the smaller claw clip worked better- I bought both sizes to try them out, but liked the look of the smaller more.

    Also, the spin pins were very easy and simple to use. There was absolutely no pain inserting them or taking them out.

    LOVE this tutorial. Thank you.

    Posted 2.28.16 Reply

Get the newsletter!

What updates would you like?