Here's how to DIY this elusive look

June 4, 2015 11:28 PM

The Topknot has had a long monopoly on hair-dom, but this half-up version of the classic style is quickly taking over.

Kate Mara's half bun do

Over recent months, the one part knot, one part half-up style has become the signature look of models and cool girls everywhere, mostly because of its myriad of variations.

From tightly wound, disheveled and loopy, shiny and spiky, each one as cool and nonchalant as the next.

Even though the appeal of this haphazard look lies primarily in the fact that it's supereasy to do, there are a few pointers to keep in mind when taking your half-up hair game to the next level.

TIE IT OFF RIGHT

To recreate Gwen Stefani's sculptural half-knot, you need to start with a smooth, sleek base. Once you've blow-dried your hair straight and gone over it with a flatiron (prepping with heat-protection spray, of course), separate the top section of hair with a rattail comb, using the arches of your eyebrows as a gauge for how wide the section should be.

To ensure clean lines and a spiky knot, tie the elastic really tight when making your ponytail and loop the band around as many times as possible before pulling the tail halfway through, says hairstylist Matt Fugate.

ROLL IT

Kate Mara's wavy half-up loop works well for fine hair because it adds volume to the crown. To create the disheveled texture, wrap medium-size sections of hair around a large-barrel curling iron (about one and a half inches), alternating the direction of each wave as you go.

Make a center part and section away the top of the hair (everything above the temples basically); but this time, don't create a loop. Instead, pull the hair all the way through to create a ponytail that hits right below the crown of the head. Then roll the ponytail under to form a bun and secure it with bobby pins close to the elastic.

WRAP IT UP

On the half-bun spectrum, Margot Robbie's style is more bun than haphazard loop.

"It looks like she spent a little more time on it," says Fugate. To get the look, brush all the hair above your ears straight up to the top of your head and create a tight, high ponytail.

Once that's in place, wrap the tail around the elastic to create a knot, pinning the ends in place with bobby pins that match your hair color. A spritz of hair spray keeps flyaways at bay, while a light misting of shine spray ups the glamour factor.