Topknots are the perfect on-the-go hairstyle. Therefore, as a tribute to our flag’s colors and our nation’s rich history, this article is dedicated to sharing three fabulously-styled topknots by some of Instagram’s leading hair aficionados.

In fact, their creations have really taken the topknot to the next level.

Originally, my plan was to publish the July article days before the fourth, showcasing several options of festive hairstyles to celebrate the holiday in style.

VIEW: July 4th Hair Inspiration Board

However I’d been pulling (and still am) 20-hour workdays just trying to launch the redesign of LuvlyLongLocks that I didn’t get the time. Wanting to stay in theme of Independence Day for this blog post, I decided to pay homage to our flag.

A symbol of pride, to many the American flag represents freedom: freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion and freedom to the pursuit of happiness.

While some will argue the true significance behind the flag’s design, the meaning behind its colors is more commonly known. The number of stars represents our nation’s 50 states, and the red and white stripes, 13 in total, represent our nation’s original colonies.

Now, many don’t know, but there’s a lesser-known interpretation for the stars and stripes. As it states in the 1977 House of Representatives book, “The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun.”

Now isn’t that absolutely poetic?! I prefer this interpretation if you ask me.

Hairstylists Doing the Topknot Right

Michelle O’Connor (on Instagram as @MichelleOconnorBeauty) is an award-winning hairstylist and the artistic director at L’Oréal Matrix. Her Instagram page showcases some of her work and it’s absolutely amazing. She definitely has an eye for beauty, and it’s clear she can find inspiration in just about anything, for instance, she named this masterpiece hairstyle, ‘MODERN/ CHI•GNON.’ I mean it’s absolutely impeccable. Look at the precise detailing of her styling and the detailing of the topknot and the low, double-bun cinched together is exquisite. This is such a great tribute to Japanese culture, very classy and respectful.

VIEW: Ruby Hair Inspiration Board

Then there’s the talent of stylist and colorist Maggie May Hancock, on Instagram as @maggiemh. Her page is filled with lovely hairstyles and examples of great coloring. She’s unable to accept new clients, which definitely says something good about her skill set. This thick, braided topknot is simply fabulous. Perfectly centered and parted, this easy-to-do look can make any casual tee look chic. And this shade of white hair color is ideal for any khaleesi.

VIEW: Hologram Hair Inspiration Board

Another one of my favorites on Instagram is braider and blogger Tamara, known on Instagram as @ice_braids. A unicorn tribe member, Tamara’s page is full of vivid blue hues and braids galore, all done on her or her two little beauties. Her half-up, double-braided topknot really makes a statement, especially with the addition of the hair charms. If I were to describe her braided creations in one word, I’d say they’re absolutely ‘dreamy.’

VIEW: Ocean-Blue Hair Inspiration Board

The Topknot Throughout History

It’s clear that topknots have made their comeback! But before topknots were a fashion statement, did you know they were a hairstyle worn by men of several ancient cultures and civilizations, mainly prevalent in Asia?

For instance the,

• • Chonmage, a traditional Japanese haircut worn by men during the Edo Period. The top of the head was nearly all shaven except for a cluster of hair tied up in a knot. Originally, samurai used this hairstyle to keep their helmet in place.
  • Sangtu, a knot of hair (at the top of the head) that married men of the Joseon Dynasty wore in Korea, and to keep their hair from falling, a pin (called a donggot) held it together while a headband was worn on the forehead. Men even had hats specifically made with space for their buns.
  • Touji, a bun of hair on top of the head, worn by Chinese men from earliest times up to the end of the Ming Dynasty and still worn by Taoist priests and practitioners.
  • Sikha, a long tuft or lock of hair left on top or on the back of the shaven head of a male Orthodox Hindu. Though traditionally all Hindus were required to wear a śikhā, today it is seen mainly among Brahmins and temple priests.
  • Khokhol, the stereotypical Ukrainian Cossack-style haircut that features a long lock of hair left on the otherwise completely shaved head, commonly sprouting from the top or the front of an otherwise closely shaven head.
  • Tikitiki, a top-knot worn by high-ranking Māori men—the indigenous Polynesian people that migrated to New Zealand between 1250 and 1300 CE. They used oils from berries and wooden or bone combs to style their hair.

I absolutely love every single variation of the Independence Day-themed topknots pictured.

Be sure to check out the Instagram pages of the talented ladies featured in this post if you’re looking for inspiration, and if you think your topknot styling skills are on fleek, tag @LuvlyLongLocks on Instagram or comment below.  

Article written by Avni Parekh