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Home • News

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!

When it comes to fancy evening hair, we know a few things to be true: A.) Sweeping your strands off your face equals instant glamour, and B.) Nothing's sexier than showing a little neck. Good thing the classic topknot is back in a major way! This always-elegant style manages to do both, while also being incredibly easy to do. From Jada Pinkett Smith to India Arie, here are the celebs with the best buns in Hollywood.
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
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01
Beautiful Bun

Sanaa Lathan rocked an ultra-sleek topknot at Ella Moss’ tenth anniversary party. Perfect for the blazing hot weather!

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
02
Twist and Shout

During a performance at the Summer Block Party, Jill Scott swept her twists into an elegant updo.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
03
Do the Twist

With her uber-attention-getting, twisted bun and that electric pink lip, all eyes were on Ashanti backstage at the Fall 2011 Max Azria show.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
04
Exotic City

Alicia Keys adds an exotic flair to her intricate bun with a dangling pearl headpiece.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
05
Angel Face

Kimberly Elise accentuates her slicked-back bun with this a delicately embroidered headband. So angelic!

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
06
Pretty as a Princess

Model/actress Princess Keisha Omilana (yep, she’s a real Nigerian princess) sported this intricate, twisted updo.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
07
High Times

Zoe Kravitz goes for hipster cool with this fire engine red lips and a slicked-back topknot.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
08
High Times

Katerina Graham swept her long locks up into a high, dramatic bun at the CBS, The CW And Showtime TCA party.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
09
Two of Hearts

At the BET Awards, pint-size trendsetter Willow Smith replaced a traditional topknot with a micro-braided heart!

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
10
Haute Hair

At the ESPY awards pre-party, Lala swept her hair up into an impossibly elegant topknot.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
11
Bold Beauty

Ketty Washington goes for a flawless, sleek look with a smooth, high bun gathered at the crown of her head. Sometimes the easiest styles make the boldest statement!

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
12
Hot Cross Bun

A traditional bun is chic in any setting. Rachel Roy’s slick topknot is like a LBD — necessary for every woman’s hair wardrobe.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
13
Curly Girl

Topknots aren’t always a nighttime ’do! Janet Jackson sweeps her tight, curly hair on top of her head and slides on a skinny headband for a cute, casual look.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
14
Red Carpet Coif

At the Oscars, Nicole Richie let her eyes do the talking with this glamorous, 1960s-inspired high bun.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
15
Haute Hair

Jada Pinkett Smith pairs her high bun with long, sleek bangs swept across her forehead.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
16
Double ‘Do

Kimora Lee Simmons combined an “I Dream of Jeannie” ponytail with a glossy, high bun for an avant garde style that only she could pull off.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
17
Best Tressed

Thandie Newton’s topknot is little more than a modified ponytail (she simply rolled her pony under and secured with pins), but the look is so chic.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
18
Pretty Plaits

At the Grammy’s, India Arie gathered her micro-braids on top of her head, twisted into a bun, and added a delicate headband. The result? A regal hairdo perfectly befitting the soul songstress.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
19
High Drama

At an amFAR charity event, Chanel Iman lets her face take center stage, sweeping her hair up into a dramatic, oversized bun.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!
20
Prom Queen

With her impossibly high, pin-curled topknot, Keyshia Cole looked every inch the prom queen at a pre-Grammy party.

Hot Hair: The Topknot is Back!