Put a fresh spin on the topknot with a simple trick.
1. Start smooth: If hair is fine, warm up a pea-size amount of lightweight hair oil (like
Moroccanoil Treatment Light, $44) in your palms and apply it from midlength to ends. For thick hair, rub a quarter-size dollop of smoothing cream (such as
Garnier Whole Blends Smoothing Leave‑In Conditioner, $7) between your hands and work it through from roots to ends.
2. Blow-dry hair straight and sleek.
3. Tilt your head forward and down to make it easier to gather your hair into a high pony. "You want it above the crown of your head. Otherwise, the bun won't be high enough,” says Quintero. Secure tightly with a coated or bungee elastic in a shade that matches your haircolor.
4. Tame flyaways by misting a makeup brush or a toothbrush with hairspray and smoothing down areas around the hairline and nape. If you have fine hair, thicken your pony by spritzing it with a texturizing spray.
5. Hold your pony straight up by the end and twist it tightly. Once you've twisted the entire length, keep going to force the twisted pony down into a knot at the base.
6. Secure the topknot with bobby pins.
