The knot hairdo is making a comeback this season with clean lines up front and loose ends in the back. This style is one of the most versatile you’ll see and takes you seamlessly from business to pleasure, or, in reverse, can go from stylishly messy to smooth and sleek. Whatever you’re wearing, here’s how to make the knot work for you.

Whatever your style in the front and on top, make sure it’s swept neat and clean to the back of your head. Use a spritz or smoothing gel to achieve maximum shine and a soft finish. For knots worn high at the back of your head, pull all your hair front to back and start with a traditional ponytail. As you pull the hair through the last time, stop when hair is half-way through the hair band. Tuck the end of your pony through the loop of hair you created and pull snug for a tight knot or use pins or small clips tucked under the knot to secure the ends for a fuller look. Smooth the knot with your fingers. You can position the knot to sit to the side or on top of the loose ends. To create a side knot, pull the last loop through the hair band to the side so the loop is facing one ear and the ends are in line with the other ear. Tuck the ends through the loop and allow them to hang outside the knot. For high knots, use texturizing gel and hairspray on the ends to create a stiff, uneven couture effect.

For low knots placed at the neck, begin with a side part on top and pull hair tightly to the side, or allow bangs and loose side pieces to flow around your face. A low knot can be created by using gel and hairspray to hold hair in place as you tie it in a knot. Use pins or clips (anything that can be tucked under your hair and hidden away) to secure the knot. This free-flowing knot will loosen during wear, so keep ends smooth and sleek for an even look.

For a larger knot, use the ponytail approach described above, but position the hair band in the middle of your neck. Pull the last pass of hair into a loop so the ends are directly under the loop. Tuck the ends halfway into loop from the side, carefully separate the loop of hair into two halves, and pull the ends through the space you’ve created in the middle of the loop. Gently pull the ends and secure. The ends should imitate the way the ends of a ribbon would flow down your back.

Shorter styles can use the free-flow knot approach around the crown of your head or along the sides. Secure with bobby pins or decorative clips that don’t need to be hidden. Use hairspray to style the ends so they are stiff.

Whatever style you choose to begin with, you can make it funky for a night out with the girls by texturizing the ends of your knot and creating a fanlike effect. To get your ends back under control, begin with gel that can be removed with a little water and smoothed with your fingers. For sprayed ends, brush out and smooth a dab of shine enhancer or leave-in condition through them to even out the texture.

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