What Is a Top Knot?
A top knot is a hairstyle where the hair on the top and crown of the head is grown long enough to be pulled up and tied into a small knot or bun at the highest point of the head. The sides and back are typically cut short — either clipped, faded, or completely shaved — creating a dramatic contrast between the longer top section and the cropped sides. The top knot sits higher on the head than a man bun, usually right at or near the crown.
You need approximately 6-8 inches of length on top to create a functional top knot, which translates to about 12-18 months of growth from a short cut. The sides can be any length from skin to a few inches, but the style's defining characteristic is the visible difference between top and sides.
Who Should Get a Top Knot?
The top knot is a bold style choice that suits men who are comfortable standing out. It works particularly well if:
- You want a distinctive, fashion-forward hairstyle that turns heads
- You prefer keeping your sides short while maintaining length on top
- You have a strong jawline or angular face shape — the top knot accentuates these features
- You're active and want long hair kept completely off your face and neck
- You work in a creative field or an environment that embraces individual style
- You have straight to wavy hair — these textures create the cleanest top knot shape
The top knot may not be ideal for men with very thin hair on top, as the gathered knot can look sparse. If you have fine hair, building some volume with texturizing products before tying the knot helps create a fuller appearance.
How to Style a Top Knot
Styling a top knot is straightforward but requires some practice to get the positioning and tension right. Start by brushing all the top hair upward and backward, gathering it at the crown of your head. Twist the hair firmly and wrap it into a tight coil, then secure with a strong elastic hair tie — you may need to wrap the tie around two or three times for a secure hold.
For a sleek, clean top knot, apply a smoothing serum or light pomade before tying to eliminate flyaways and add a polished finish. For a more relaxed, textured look, tie the hair without product and let a few strands fall loose naturally. If your hair is freshly washed and slippery, a spritz of dry shampoo or texturizing spray adds grip and makes the top knot easier to secure and longer-lasting.
What to Tell Your Barber
The top knot requires careful coordination between the long top and the short sides. Be specific when communicating with your barber:
- Explain that you want length maintained on top — specify in inches how long you want it
- Choose your sides: a skin fade, mid fade, or undercut are the most popular companions for a top knot
- Discuss the transition: do you want a sharp disconnect between long and short, or a gradual blend?
- Specify clipper guards for the sides — #0 to skin for maximum contrast, #2-3 for something softer
- Ask about shaping the top section: some layering can reduce bulk and make the knot neater
During the growing-out phase, visit your barber every 3-4 weeks to keep the sides trimmed while the top continues growing. They can also help manage the awkward mid-length stage with strategic shaping.
Maintenance and Care
The top knot requires attention to both the long and short sections of your hair. The sides need trimming every 2-4 weeks depending on how short you keep them — faded sides grow out faster and need more frequent attention. The top should be trimmed for split ends every 8-12 weeks to keep it healthy and prevent breakage when tying.
Wash and condition the longer top section regularly, focusing conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends where dryness is most common. Avoid wearing the top knot excessively tight, as this puts stress on hair follicles and can lead to traction alopecia over time. Alternate between wearing the top knot and letting the top hair fall naturally to give your hair a break. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle when wet — never pull through knots with force.
Top Knot Variations
There are several ways to customize the top knot to fit your personal aesthetic. The samurai top knot features a very tight, precise knot with cleanly shaved sides for maximum drama. The disconnected top knot has a sharp, defined line between the long top and short sides with no blending. The soft top knot maintains a gradual transition and a looser, more casual knot shape. You can also experiment with a half-up top knot where only the front portion of the top hair is gathered while the back portion hangs loose — this works well during the growing phase or for a more relaxed vibe. Some men add accessories like leather ties or metal cuffs to the base of the knot for an extra style detail.