The top knot is the toddler hairstyle that requires almost no skill, takes under a minute, and holds better than most SA moms expect. Here's exactly how to do it with just one clip.
The top knot is the toddler hairstyle that requires almost no skill, takes under a minute, and consistently holds better than most parents expect. It's the style you reach for when you're running late, when your toddler won't cooperate, and when everything else feels like too much effort. Here's exactly how to do it.
The Method
Gather all or most of the hair at the top of the head — not quite at the crown, slightly forward of it. Wrap a small elastic around it. Don't pull the tail all the way through on the last pass — stop when you have a loop of hair, with the tail still inside. Arrange the loop into a small circular shape against the head. Clip through the loop and the base together to secure. Done.
The whole process takes under sixty seconds once you've done it twice. The clip does the work of holding the knot flat against the head — without it, the knot can unfold. With it, it stays neat through an entire school day.
Why It Holds Better Than a Full Ponytail
A top knot distributes the weight of the hair in a compact, contained way. There's no swing, no tail to catch on things, no length to create leverage that pulls the elastic loose. For active toddlers who run and tumble and do everything with full-body commitment, a top knot often outlasts a ponytail by hours.
The Clip Placement
Place the clip slightly toward the front of the knot rather than at the very back. This means the clip is visible from the front — which is where you and everyone else looks — and becomes a design element rather than just a fastener. A beautiful bow clip placed intentionally at the front of a simple top knot transforms a quick fix into a considered style.
For very fine baby hair that makes the knot look sparse, try the top knot on slightly damp hair with a tiny amount of lightweight hold product worked through it first. The product gives fine hair enough texture and grip to form a tidier knot that holds its shape better through the day.
The clip that finishes the top knot
Beautiful, secure, made for South African toddlers. Free delivery on all orders.
Shop bow clips →
