Top Knot Hairstyles for Men: 27 Modern Styles + How to Wear Them
Discover how to get creative with linear patterns, high fade in combination with a high knot
The top knot hairstyle has become one of the most popular long hairstyles for men thanks to its versatility, low maintenance, and modern edge. Whether you prefer a clean undercut, a textured messy look, or a sharp fade, there’s a top knot style that works for nearly every hair type and face shape.
Unlike the traditional man bun, the top knot sits higher on the head and usually pairs with shorter sides for a stronger contrast. The result is a hairstyle that feels stylish, masculine, and practical at the same time.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best top knot hairstyles for men, how to get the look, which styles work best for your hair type, and how to maintain your knot without damaging your hair.
Curly Top Knot and Undercut
A home-run for the curlies out there! All you need do is tie your knot and let the free ends do their thing. A great simple look with no effort at all.
Check out this guide too: 55 Outstanding Quiff Hairstyle Ideas!
Top Knot Hairstyles with Undercut and Mid Fade
This top-knot style is achieved by keeping the hair at the top of the head significantly longer. The sides are kept high and tight, and they are closely faded to the skin. Also, the front hair line is closely lined up for a more precise look.
Top Knot with Disconnected Undercut
An undercut is ideal for guys who want an exciting and contemporary look. Take it up a notch by snipping away your hair length into a top knot, and you get a smoother look. The well-shaped beard makes it even more eye-catching.
Shaved Sides Top Knot
So, you like the look of a top knot but not the inconvenience of having long hair? Why not opt for a knot on the top with totally buzzed sides?
High Skin Fade Top Knot
Here’s another variation on the top knot undercut, where a high fade is used on the sides. This ultra modern look is a great choice for guys all of the ages.
Top Knot Hairstyles: High Sleek Knot
Top knots and man buns can look particularly creative when you allow facial hair — sideburns, beard, and all — to grow around the face. This fresh style certainly doesn’t sacrifice on masculinity.
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The Full Head Bun Knot
With topknots, you’ve got an unlimited choice on how much or how little hair to tie into the bun. What’s more, you can vary the length of the hair around the head to get your bun just the right size. Here, all of the hair is pulled together for a big, majestic knot.
Undercut with Taper Fade
If you end up with a slightly thinner mass of hair to tie into your knot, you might want to forget about the knot entirely. With just a few hair bands or a rubber band, you can leave the hair loose for a scorpion tail look.
Undercut Taper Fade
You don’t NEED to have a straight line parting the undercut if that’s the style you’re looking to sport. The trendy top knot is more than enough to bring some life to the whole ‘scruffy’ vibe we get from this stud.
Snow White Dyed Knot
Oh, mother of dyes! Platinum is a bold color for sure but it can take this particular haircut to a whole new level bringing an extra edge to it.
Undercut Curly Top knot
Can a hairstyle get any neater than this? The top is thick curls with a cheeky top knot which is quite informal in here. The sides are undercut faded for that neat look plus the short lineup is just a sweet touch to the style.
The Messy Top Knot
If you love the look of a top knot, you need to try this style. The hair is kept long, which adds plenty of options for styles, and is pulled up and back into the knot. Two or three small strands from the fringe are left out of the knot, which perfectly frames your face, while the neatly trimmed beard gives you an edgy look.
Two-Tone Top Knot
The top knot has gained traction on many fronts as of late. This gentleman shows us exactly why. The Hair on top is grown long enough to pull up and into a bun or “knot.” The curls in this style and add a great textured look to the style. Accentuating the sleek look is the high fade that goes down to the skin, while the two gold chains add elegance.
Top knot with disconnected undercut
A dramatically faded cut or totally shaved sides paired with a top knot.
The samurai top knot
Referring to the samurai’s of ancient Asian cultures, the “samurai ponytail” avoids the common practice of forming a bun with the hair in the tie or band, but instead forming a short tail.
Hidden Knot with Undercut Tapered Sides
If you’re looking for a top knot style that’s a little more reserved than most, why not opt for a hidden knot? For this look, the hidden knot is combined with an undercut and carefully trimmed facial hair, giving a youthful, hipsterish look.
Taper Faded Top Knot
Looking for a little more flare in your topknot hairstyle? Why not ruffle up the bun, complement with facial hair, or even trim in a line? Here’s a look with all those pieces put together.
Temple Shaved Undercut
This topknot undercut uses the line we mentioned earlier, plus some cool hairline patterns, to create a style that stands out above all others!
Top Scaled Dense Knot
Honestly, this is the best of both worlds. He’s got a pretty good amount of hair to knot or to let loose. If you’re looking to do a similar style with long hair take a look at our selection of the +10 Modern Long Hairstyles For Men.
Undercut Top Knot
Classy and put together, we love the simplicity of this cut. You can always opt for a fade for added flair.
Surreal Design with Top Knot
Want something a little more catchy for the eye? Check out this awesome spacial-looking design. Use this example as inspiration the next time you’re trying to mix things up a bit at the barbers.
Braided Top Knot
To be fair, this hairstyle does take a little bit of skill to achieve by yourself, especially if you have got no clue how to braid hair, much less your own.
That’s not a reason to not learn, right? Who knew the next skill you might take on involves braiding hair?
Undercut Low fade Top Knot
The hairstyle is both, dense and sleek at the same time. The top is thick and long-haired with an undercut so that the sides can be tapered and then it is low faded for that ultimate neat look with temple fade for that beard to hold the weight down.
Top knot undercut fade
A slightly faded undercut paired with a top knot.
Top Knot with That Fade
Definitely love some grading play! A taper fade that starts with an inch of hair length can provide the look we see above.
Grey Top Knot
No matter what life stage you’re on, a top knot will always give your look a much cooler edge than a lot of haircuts around there.
Add a clean-shaven high fade and your bad-ass look is complete!
Top Knot and Medium Fade
The fade of the sideburns blending into the beard and how shiny and healthy their hair look is totally a plus on our look!
What Is a Top Knot Hairstyle?
A top knot is a men’s hairstyle where the hair on top of the head is tied into a small bun or knot while the sides and back remain shorter. The hairstyle originated from traditional Japanese samurai hairstyles but has evolved into a modern barbershop staple.
The biggest difference between a top knot and a man bun is placement and contrast. A man bun usually uses all the hair on the head, while a top knot focuses mainly on the hair at the crown.
Top knots pair especially well with:
- Fades
- Undercuts
- Taper cuts
- Beard styles
- Long textured hair
Top Knot vs Man Bun: What’s the Difference?
Although people often use the terms interchangeably, there are important differences.
Top Knot
- Hair tied high on the crown
- Usually combined with faded or shaved sides
- More structured and modern
- Stronger contrast
Man Bun
- Uses most or all of the hair
- Sits lower on the head
- Softer and more relaxed appearance
- Better for fully long hairstyles
If you want a sharper, cleaner style, go with a top knot. If you prefer a laid-back long hairstyle, the man bun may suit you better.
How Long Does Your Hair Need to Be for a Top Knot?
For a proper top knot, you’ll generally need:
- Minimum: 6 inches of hair
- Ideal length: 8–10 inches
Men with thick or curly hair may need slightly more length for a secure knot.
Growing your hair evenly and trimming split ends regularly will help the style look cleaner during the awkward growth phase.
How to Get a Top Knot Haircut
When visiting your barber, ask for:
- Long hair left on top
- Short faded or undercut sides
- Blended or disconnected transition depending on preference
Popular combinations include:
- Top knot fade
- Undercut top knot
- Samurai top knot
- Textured top knot
Bring reference photos to show your desired length and fade level.
How to Style a Top Knot
Styling a top knot is relatively simple once your hair has enough length.
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Start with clean, dry, or slightly damp hair.
Step 2: Gather the Hair
Pull the top section toward the crown of your head.
Step 3: Tie the Knot
Use a soft elastic band to secure the hair without pulling too tightly.
Step 4: Add Texture
Use matte clay, sea salt spray, or light cream for natural movement.
Avoid tying your hair too tightly every day, as excessive tension can lead to breakage or traction hair loss over time.
Best Top Knot Hairstyles by Hair Type
Thick Hair
Thick hair naturally creates fuller knots with better shape and hold.
Best styles:
- Messy top knot
- Undercut top knot
- Samurai knot
Curly Hair
Curly hair adds volume and personality but requires hydration and frizz control.
Best styles:
- Curly top knot fade
- Loose textured knot
- Tapered curly knot
Straight Hair
Straight hair creates cleaner and more polished knots.
Best styles:
- Classic top knot
- Samurai knot
- Sleek undercut knot
Thin Hair
Men with thinner hair should avoid extremely tight knots.
Best styles:
- Messy textured knot
- Mid fade top knot
- Loose small knot
Using volumizing products can help create a fuller appearance.
Best Top Knot Styles by Face Shape
Oval Face
- Almost every top knot variation works well with oval face shapes.
Round Face
Choose styles with:
- Height on top
- Tight faded sides
- Added structure
This helps elongate the face visually.
Square Face
Square faces pair well with:
- Sharp fades
- Structured knots
- Defined beards
Diamond Face
- Avoid overly tight sides that exaggerate cheekbones.
- A textured top knot with moderate volume works best.
Final Thoughts
The top knot hairstyle continues to evolve because it offers something few hairstyles can: versatility, individuality, and practicality in one look. Whether you prefer a clean professional knot, a rugged beard combination, or a textured street-style version, there’s a variation that fits your hair type and personal style.
The key to a great top knot is balance — the right length, proper maintenance, and a style that complements your face shape. Once you find the right variation, the top knot becomes one of the easiest and most stylish long hairstyles you can wear.
FAQs
Are top knots still in style?
Yes. Top knots remain popular because they combine practicality with modern style trends.
Do top knots damage your hair?
Low and mid fades are the most versatile because they maintain balance without making the hairstyle look overly harsh.
Can men with thin hair wear a top knot?
Yes, but looser and more textured styles usually look better than tight knots.
Is a top knot attractive?
Many people find top knots attractive because they create structure, confidence, and a modern masculine appearance.