If the circle of men you hang out with doesn’t often sport a top knot hairstyle, then you may want to branch out in circles or at least be the first one to wear it! Top knot styles are trending for several reasons: they pair well with all types of facial hair whether it’s a beard or minimal scruff, it looks great for men with medium to long hair, and it leaves plenty of room for adding your own creativity through shaved details or an undercut.

How to Style A Top Knot

Styling a top knot is fairly easy, but there are a few things that will make the process easier and look better in the end. Depending on your type of hair and the type of top knot you want, you’ll want to make sure it’s cleaned and combed. Aiming for curly or thick texture? Scrunch in product with fingers first. Want super sleek hair? Straighten with a flat iron.

After getting the texture you want, the next step is using fingers or a comb to gather the hair into the top knot. Secure your top knot up high at the crown or mid level. You can alter the look of your top knot by pulling it tight and nixing frizz with more product or leaving it a little loose for that relaxed vibe.

Not into spending styling time in front of the mirror in the morning? Roll out of bed and haphazardly gather those locks in a messy top knot – perfect for the beach, the gym, or running errands.

Many top knots are defined by their extra features, such as shaved designs and undercuts. As long as you have medium to long hair (or enough to make a ponytail), it doesn’t matter what features you add to your top knot. Choose to add a bald fade for the punk-rock feel or leave the fade just a little buzzed. Either level will add a punch of personality to the top knot.

Additionally, the nice thing about sporting a top knot is that it will always look great with facial hair. Keep that beard you’re so proud of or a handlebar mustache; even leaving sideburns connected will add a totally different spin to the top knot style.