How to Weave a Half-Up Braided Top Knot

Half-up top knots: what’s not to love? Where one half of your head screams tailored and tied up, the other flows freely to show off a little length. Now, as much as we love a classic half-up top knot, we’re here—as always—to show you how to take the classic hairstyle up a notch with a little weaving action. Equally as easy to achieve as its classic sister, the half-up braided top knot will instantly elevate your overall beauty look, making this hairstyle a no-brainer for everything from work presentations to weekend parties. Ready to learn how to master the pretty hairstyle trend? Below, you’ll find the hairstyle products and step-by-step instructions to bring your look to life.

What you’ll need:

Fine-tooth comb

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray

Clear elastic

Bobby pins

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Load Your Hair with Products

Where some hairstyles call for a single product, the braided top knot is all about meshing textures so we recommend relying on two essential hairstyling products: hair gel and wave-enhancing hair spray. First, apply some hair gel into the top section of your hair to help create a smooth veneer. Only apply hair gel from your hairline back to your crown, as the other sections of hair will embrace a more lived-in texture appeal. After applying your hair gel, reach for a bottle of wave-enhancing hair spray and generously spritz your strands along the mid-lengths and ends.

Step 2: Divide Your Hair

After loading your hair with products, use your product lines as a guide as to where you should section your hair off. You want to pull your top section of hair up to the crown of your head. To do so, place your fingers just above your ears and swoop them up to your crown, effectively dividing your hair. Before tying this section into a half-up ponytail, use your comb to smooth out any bumps and lumps from your hairline back to your baby ponytail. Once everything looks super-smooth, it’s time to tie it off.

Step 3: Braid Your Ponytail

Next, split your ponytail into three strands and weave to the ends. Instead of tying your ends off with an elastic, gently fluff it up to make for a more voluminous top knot and immediately twist your braid around itself and pin it in place in the back to keep the bobby pin out of sight.

Step 4: Give Your Loose Hair a Little Added Texture

While you already sprayed your strands with wave-enhancing hair spray, now’s the time to determine if you want a little extra oomph. If you do, pop the top off your wave-enhancing hair spray and be generous in your spritzed, stopping every few seconds to gently squeeze and scrunch your strands for added definition.

Step 5: Finish with Hair Spray

Sure, the point is for your hairstyle to mix sleek with textured, tight braids with loose waves, but that doesn’t mean that you want to risk it falling out. To help keep your hair looking as flawless as it does now, give it an allover spritz of a shine-enhancing hair spray and go on with your day.

Love this top knot look but craving a cool neck with all your hair pulled up? Check out our article, 7 Top Knots for Every Day of the Week.