The Top Knot

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It seems like everyone is coveting the top knot, as illustrated by my favorite fashion blogger.  The problem with the top knot is it doesn’t look very good if you don’t have thick hair (which I don’t – it’s long but not thick).  However, I have a handy little trick that makes your buns look awesome… and all you need is a sock.  Yes, a sock.

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(I think it’s really funny that I’m about to give a hair tutorial on Healthy Tipping Point.  This is the ONLY hair trick that I can do!)

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Take a light or dark colored sock (depending on your hair color).  A sock with a lot of thickness is best (no ankle socks).  Cut the toes out.

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Roll up the sock so it creates a thick scrunchie.

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Put your hair up in a ponytail, high up on your head.  Doesn’t matter what color the hair fubby elastic is because it’s going to get covered up.

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Add the sock.

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Tilt your hair forward so you can brush ponytail over the sock.  Using an elastic, secure your hair around the sock.  This was my first attempt and I clearly didn’t cover the sock well enough, so I re-did it.

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If you have long hair like mine, you’ll have all these loose ends around the bun.  I swirl them around the ponytail and secure with bobby pins or another dark elastic.  If your hair is closer to shoulder-length, you can leave the ends spiky or tuck them under, too.

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Spray with hairspray and enjoy!

 

This is my total go-to hairstyle for nice dinners, parties, or whenever my hair is dirty and I don’t want to wash it.  And it looks super cute whether it’s messy (like today) or super polished.  Sometimes I add flowers or a pretty barrette, too!  My mom actually taught me this trick when I was 8 or 9 and I’ve been doing it for years.  I have lots of socks without toes. 🙂

 

Alright – onto eats.  I made us French toast and grilled pear for breakfast.

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And I spent the morning working at the clinic, so I hopped over to our favorite burger joint to grab a lunch.

 

I got the salad (looks small but calorie-dense and satisfying) with a black bean burger on top:

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In the salad:  Napa cabbage, apples, feta, pecans, carrots, corn, onions… Mmm.  With balsamic vin on top!  And that black bean burger was extra fried today.  🙂

 

Do you have any great hair tricks to share?  Anyone ever used a sock to fake big hair?

{ 172 comments }

 

  • Leah @ L4L December 22, 2010, 12:44 pm

    I’ve done a tutorial of this trick on my blog as well. Love it!

  • VeggieGirl December 22, 2010, 12:45 pm

    LOVE the hair do! My trick is just to not overdo the hairspray, gels, mousses, or any of that. Just enough, not too much.

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin December 22, 2010, 12:45 pm

    What a good little trick! My friend had these “donuts” with a really similar concept that you can buy at Sally Beauty Supply for $5 that we used in a wedding and they looked awesome.

    • Shellybean December 22, 2010, 3:22 pm

      I was actually working in a coffee shop next door to a Sally’s when I read this so I looked to see if they have one. It was $3 which I figured wasn’t significantly more expensive than a pair of socks (and I was worried about matching socks to my hair color) so I got it. I’m wearing it now! Very cute!

      • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin December 22, 2010, 3:24 pm

        Awesome! $3 – even better! You can make them look super fancy if you take the time. One of my friends did a low bun to the side for the wedding with one of them and it looked professionally done.

        • shellybean December 23, 2010, 1:27 pm

          I tried that when I got home last night and you’re right, it looks really cool!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine December 22, 2010, 12:47 pm

    I LOVE topknots!! I always rock them. My trick is to coil the hair LOOSELY and use bobby pins. It’s really pretty and voluminous but stays in perfectly!

  • Evan Thomas December 22, 2010, 12:48 pm

    Thank you. I’d been wondering how to make a top know with my thin hair. Nothing I tried before worked.

    • Caitlin December 22, 2010, 12:49 pm

      😛

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday December 22, 2010, 12:48 pm

    You could also use a scrunchie for that. But maybe people stopped using those in 1993.

    Am I the only person that still owns an actual scrunchie?

    • Caitlin December 22, 2010, 12:49 pm

      I’m not sure an actual scrunchie would be dense enough.

      Also – my sister in law still owns and wears scrunchies.

    • Cindy Robinson December 22, 2010, 1:02 pm

      My Mom has a bunch, and they like to wander over to my house 😉 They’re just so darn comfy! I will only wear them when nobody is around 😉

    • Sarah December 22, 2010, 5:29 pm

      I definitely know people who still wear scrunchies!

      • Mary December 22, 2010, 5:45 pm

        I only wear them at night when I go to bed. My hair is long and thick and because I shower at night, it definitely does not leave a dent in my hair when I get up and go to work in the morning like a normal hair thing would 🙂

  • Annette December 22, 2010, 12:49 pm

    Whoa! That is a cool trick 🙂 As a former ballet dancer, this would have been perfect for back then…. guess I’ll have to bring out the good ‘ole bun look! P.s. that salad looks really amazing- was it as yummy as it looks?

    • Sarah December 22, 2010, 5:29 pm

      I think the bun is coming back!

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) December 22, 2010, 12:50 pm

    I always am shocked when I find out what people have in their hair… like a sock! And it turns out so cute!

    I clearly have no hair tricks or knowledge, but I do have super (SUPER) think hair… maybe I can try this sockless?

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing December 22, 2010, 12:51 pm

    i kind of do the same, except i just put it in a ponytail, wrap the tail around the original hair tie, and then use 2 more hair ties to keep it in place! super easy and cute 🙂

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) December 22, 2010, 12:51 pm

    For synchronized swimming, everybody needs to wear their hear in a bun up top – for the ones with thin hair, we do something similar with pantyhose that have a run in them.

  • Rachel December 22, 2010, 12:52 pm

    Haha my entire dance team in high school had to rock the sock bun for ALL of our performances.

  • Kelly December 22, 2010, 12:52 pm

    Sweet trick! This reminds me of the episode of King of Queens when Carrie starts wearing her hair in a bun and Doug haaaaaaaates it.

    • Brittany December 22, 2010, 3:45 pm

      OMG that episode is so funny! My Hubby hates buns just as much as Doug!

      • Cindy Robinson December 23, 2010, 9:09 am

        Ha Ha, everytime I put my hair in a bun I think of this episode!

  • Rose December 22, 2010, 12:52 pm

    Sadly I do not have enough hair to do the top knot. I can’t even fit it into a ponytail!

    • Caitlin December 22, 2010, 12:53 pm

      yea but your hair cut is so cute for your face!

  • Laura December 22, 2010, 12:53 pm

    Oh my god, I thought you were insane despite the great pictures 😛 so I just tried this! It works perfectly!!

    • Caitlin December 22, 2010, 12:56 pm

      haha i never lie!

  • Laura December 22, 2010, 12:53 pm

    I used to be a ballet dancer and I recall girls with short or thin hair wrapping panty hose around their elastic and covering it with their own hair to make a bun. The pantyhose is a good option because it is easier to get a closer match to your hair color in the event some of it peeks through.

  • liane December 22, 2010, 12:53 pm

    Too funny that you posted this tutorial today. I woke up LATE, LATE this morning and am rocking a top knot style at work.
    Although, I “fancied” it up by adding a thin, sparkly black head band too… so it looks like I “planned” this hair style and didn’t just roll out of bed… 😉

  • Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) December 22, 2010, 12:54 pm

    Thanks for this! It looks great, and my hair is very long and thick, so it should work well! Looks so cute! 😀

  • Beth @ Will Run for Books December 22, 2010, 12:55 pm

    Yes! Genius! You are my hero! I’m doing this very, very soon.

  • Chrissy (The New Me) December 22, 2010, 12:55 pm

    I think it’s so funny that there’s a sock in your hair! Awesome.
    And Kendi is my favorite fashion blogger as well. We’re both living in small Texas towns, so I feel a kindred spirit with her, even though she’s way more fashionable than me!

  • nicole December 22, 2010, 12:55 pm

    Cute! Thanks for this, I would have never thought of it. My hairstyle doesn’t vary much, other than throwing in some braids if I’m feeling crazy. I must try or make my own black bean burger soon- you and fitnessista are tempting me!

  • Ashley December 22, 2010, 12:56 pm

    What a cool hair trick! I really don’t have any “tricks”, but I can put my hair up with a pen or pencil & no elastic at all!

  • Kristina @ spabettie December 22, 2010, 12:57 pm

    I love that you have a sock in your hair. When I have long hair I love to wear it like this.

    I have ZERO hair tricks. I am clueless about how to do anything with hair. I know, it’s embarrassing considering a couple of the spas I’ve run have had a large hair floor. I miss coming into work and having someone blow dry me into a style for the day!! 😀

  • sweeter salt December 22, 2010, 12:57 pm

    I love top knots – what a great trick! I’ll have to try that with one of my socks that mysteriously lost its pair.

    Laura

  • megan @ whatmegansmaking December 22, 2010, 12:58 pm

    wow I want to try this! I do a cute little bun thing a lot that works when my hair is wet. But my hair is curly so it just curls around the top no matter what. But when it’s dry I can’t do anything so I’m going to try this!

  • Cindy Robinson December 22, 2010, 1:00 pm

    Awesome! Thank you so much. I am not too fashionable and don’t have much hair knowledge either, so love the tips! I’m cutting some socks tonight and giving it a whirl!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers December 22, 2010, 1:00 pm

    Ummm does adding a headband to a messy ponytail to make it look like an intentional “do” count as a trick? It’s all I’ve got 😉

    • Caitlin December 22, 2010, 1:04 pm

      in my opinion… yes.

  • Liz @ Blog is the New Black December 22, 2010, 1:04 pm

    HOw have I never seen this?!

  • grocery goddess jen December 22, 2010, 1:08 pm

    Love that trick!! Would have never thought of it in a million years.

    The only hair trick I have is: Put hair in low ponytail. Divide hair closest to head, above elastic, into two sections. Pull tip of ponytail up over elastic band and through the slit between the two sections. The two sections closest to your head get rolled and it is a bit fancier than a ponytail.

    • shelly December 22, 2010, 1:15 pm

      My low ponytail trick is to tuck the low ponytail back under the elastic (I guess you’d call this a clubbed ponytail?) Then pin it up with bobby pins to make a pretty loose bun thing. Takes 2 seconds and looks lovely. I don’t do this often enough.

  • Paige @Running Around Normal December 22, 2010, 1:09 pm

    That looks so cute! I have the opposite problem. I have thick hair, but it barely brushes my shoulders!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat December 22, 2010, 1:09 pm

    Love your trick Caitlin!! I don’t really have any, but I do tease my hair a LOT – definitely a good volume-adder!

  • Janene @ One Run at a Time December 22, 2010, 1:10 pm

    LOVE it, totally gonna use this one!!

  • Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow December 22, 2010, 1:12 pm

    That is the coolest trick I’ve ever seen!

    I have no tricks but I stand in awe of you right now. : )

  • shelly December 22, 2010, 1:12 pm

    My fine hair and I can’t wait to try this! My hair trick is that I can go a long time (like a week) in between shampoos (which make my hair frizzy) by scrubbing my scalp with conditioner then working it through my hair. It has a mild detergent in it!
    Other than that, my rule of thumb is if I want to get away with slept on hair pulled back into a ponytail at work, wearing a blazer makes it look like an intentional contrast rather than utter laziness! 🙂

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) December 22, 2010, 1:13 pm

    ahhh I LOVE your bun trick!!! My hair is not thick either and buns always look strange. I can’t wait to try this out. I am getting my hair cut friday but this will surely help me from going crazy the next 2 days! lol

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion December 22, 2010, 1:13 pm

    I love this trick. I have thin hair, so this will be super helpful! My hair is short now, but whenever I have it long I will have to use this.

  • Sarah for Real December 22, 2010, 1:13 pm

    Great trick! That Wife does a little hair trick thing for an up-do that’s sorta similar. I think the tutorial was on her wedding-bee blog, but if you email her I’m sure she can direct you.

    Make a ponytail, then take sections of the gathered hair and loop them back to your head, securing with a bobby pin. I always make mine a little messy and piece-y so it looks intentional.

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table December 22, 2010, 1:17 pm

    This makes me miss having long hair! Not that I have the skill to pull it off… 🙂

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef December 22, 2010, 1:18 pm

    what a cool trick! too bad i just chopped my hair off yesterday. will have to try it when my hair grows out 🙂

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write December 22, 2010, 1:18 pm

    Can I borrow your usher phrase for this? Oh em gee. I am so stealing that technique. My hair has recently grown out and I am finding I have NO idea how to style long hair anymore. You are awesome!

  • sarah December 22, 2010, 1:18 pm

    I am at home and pretty bored and JUST DID THIS. I think it looks cute! On the other hand, I don’t have two mirrors to check out whether my ratty sock is poking out of my bun. I think I’m okay with being oblivious on this one.

  • Amber K December 22, 2010, 1:22 pm

    I don’t do anything fancy with my hair, so I have no tricks to share. But that looks really cool!

  • chandra December 22, 2010, 1:22 pm

    I love this idea! I might have to try it this weekend, hopefully my hair is long enough…

  • Allison @ Food For Healing December 22, 2010, 1:24 pm

    i love that you have a hair style tip on your blog, but hey its informative and helpful since your readers are 99.9% female i’m sure! lol

  • Ashley @ Ashley's Adventures in Alaska December 22, 2010, 1:28 pm

    I love this idea– how have I not seen it before!? I too have thin long hair and need all the help I can get in boosting it when I put it up. Much better than the messy ponytail and headband I’m rocking today in the office. 🙂

  • Amalfi Girl (EatRunHaveFun.blogspot) December 22, 2010, 1:29 pm

    I don’t know why you are giving this away when it could easily be made into a nifty infomercial a la the Bump It. 🙂

    • Caitlin December 22, 2010, 2:11 pm

      heheh

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey December 22, 2010, 1:32 pm

    Cute trick! I’ve never used that trick before, but my mm used to get us those hair scrunchies with the hair on them that matches yours!

  • Natalie December 22, 2010, 1:33 pm

    I rock the topknot a lot with wet hair in the summer, when it’s too blazing hot to blow-dry and I know I’ll end up with a head full of frizz regardless. My hair is thin too, so my trick is to NOT use a hair elastic and just keep the bun kinda loosely looped, then use lots of bobby pins (works much better with damp hair).

    Another trick I picked up is to blow dry your hair until its almost dry. Hang your head upside down, blast with the dryer one more time to warm it, then roll it into a loose topknoty-bun and stick a few bobby pins or salon clips into it. Then, finish getting dressed and doing your makeup. Take the bun out, finger comb, and add some silicone-cream or similar if necessary….you get easy, natural volume and a slight wave! 🙂

  • AllieNic @ Frisky Lemon December 22, 2010, 1:33 pm

    Thanks for the hair tip! I have not-thick hair also and I’ve been getting sick of the same old pony tail! I’m definitely going to try this…That french toast looks awesome too!

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) December 22, 2010, 1:34 pm

    Love that idea! I have really thick hair (my friends use to call it hay) but it’s still straight so it doesn’t make for voluminous buns. Trying this NOW!

  • Sarah @ Long Legs Healthy Life December 22, 2010, 1:36 pm

    You just saved my Christmas!!

    Well not really, but I’m going to a fancy-pants Christmas dinner, and I was really having a hard time thinking about my hairstyle. I read this post to the end of the tutorial, ran to my bathroom to try it, and then ran back to read the rest!! I will definitely be doing this for Christmas dinner, and whenever I’m feeling lazy and need something quick.

    Thanks Caitlin!

    • Caitlin December 22, 2010, 2:11 pm

      hahah i am a christmas miracle!

  • Amanda December 22, 2010, 1:37 pm

    I like that trick!

  • Jessie December 22, 2010, 1:38 pm

    Awesome trick! I have superfine hair and need all the tricks I can get.

  • Dee December 22, 2010, 1:40 pm

    Oh, love! The top knot is too cute!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) December 22, 2010, 1:42 pm

    Cute idea..I have always just used huge scrunchies, hello 1992 but they work, to create the same illusion 🙂

  • suki December 22, 2010, 1:45 pm

    i’ve wanted to do this for awhile, but here’s the youtube video of the sock bun that i’ve been wanting to work with. 🙂 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I13J7ArHTkM

  • Sarah AJ December 22, 2010, 1:45 pm

    I generally don’t do my hair — I’m lucky if it gets combed — but I’m so going to try this. Thanks! I don’t think I even own hair spray though…

  • Jennifer December 22, 2010, 1:46 pm

    LOVE it! Thanx, Caitlin! I need to cut up some socks now and I want to give this a try for my boxing/kickboxing classes, as well as everyday and fancy outings!

  • Kimberly December 22, 2010, 1:52 pm

    Thanks for the tip! I’m going to try it this weekend!

  • Alina @ Duty Free Foodie December 22, 2010, 1:54 pm

    I am definitely going to use this tip! I have long thin hair as well. Also, I love Kendi’s blog!

  • Summer December 22, 2010, 1:55 pm

    My mom used to always roll my hair using old sweatpants. I think it’s very Little-House-on-the-Prairie. You can sleep in them, and the curls always come out perfect, and they stay all days, too!

    • Amanda December 22, 2010, 4:26 pm

      I used to do this too!! It was the best, I’m not sure why I stopped.

  • June December 22, 2010, 1:56 pm

    ok i want to try this, but maybe i am just stupid because ’tilt your hair forward so you can brush ponytail over the sock’… :o/ guess i am just going to have to try it!

    • Caitlin December 22, 2010, 2:10 pm

      It will all make sense when you do it, trust me!

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun December 22, 2010, 1:57 pm

    That is impressive. No joke!

  • Brittney December 22, 2010, 2:01 pm

    I pretty do the same thing with my hair every day. I will try this!

  • Sarra December 22, 2010, 2:02 pm

    HAHAHA hair fubby! thanks for this tutorial, i suck at putting my hair up in a bun for some reason!

  • Alayna @ Thyme Bombe December 22, 2010, 2:05 pm

    Cute! I use chopsticks to put my hair up mostly, it’s pretty easy to do.

  • Beth December 22, 2010, 2:14 pm

    That hair trick is genius! I can never get a bun because my hair is so fine, but that just might work. Can’t wait to try it!

  • Maria December 22, 2010, 2:17 pm

    Thin-haired girls unite! Thank you for this. I am wearing a ballerina bun today, and was lamenting not having more/thicker hair to work with this morning. Now I’m bowing down to old socks. 🙂

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss December 22, 2010, 2:22 pm

    I always wondered how people did that! Thanks!

  • Joanna @ Drizzle of Sunshine December 22, 2010, 2:24 pm

    Love this simple hair trick!! Just my style, quick and simple!

    I love going on Youtube and searching for hair and makeup tutorials! They’re just as addicting as blogging! hehe

  • Katie @ peacebeme December 22, 2010, 2:31 pm

    You seem like you have such a busy, full life. I can’t wait to have that myself someday, and I know you have put so much hard work into it!

    • Caitlin December 22, 2010, 3:06 pm

      busy is good but it’s so stressful too. i hope to find more balance soon.

  • Amanda (Life in bloom) December 22, 2010, 2:48 pm

    great hair trick! it makes me wish I had longer hair!

  • carlee December 22, 2010, 3:04 pm

    A SOCK?? Oh goodness no i have not!
    You do seem like your always soo busy like katie said!
    🙂

  • Jamie @ A Healthy J.D. December 22, 2010, 3:05 pm

    This is genius! I have weird hair: it’s curly but it’s thin so I’m always looking for ways to add volume to it, I will definitely be trying this soon!

  • Kiran December 22, 2010, 3:10 pm

    I miss my long hair. Sigh 🙁

  • Michele @ Healthy Cultivations December 22, 2010, 3:13 pm

    This hair trick is great, but I think the BEST part is how the sock, your sweater, and the wall are color-coordinated!!

  • Alyssa December 22, 2010, 3:20 pm

    I know a trick for keeping french braids in-tact overnight … cut the legs off a pair of pantyhouse and put the elastic part on your head like a hat. It looks funny, but works like a charm 🙂

  • Cristina December 22, 2010, 3:28 pm

    I am trying this when I get home tonight!

  • erica December 22, 2010, 3:29 pm

    aaah. very clever! i would never have thought to use a sock!

  • Ellie December 22, 2010, 3:34 pm

    hey Caitlin! cooooool thanx for sharing! But, I got a lil confused at the ‘brush hair over the sock’ part. So, do you spread your hair out evenly all over the sock and go over it and tuck it in then? One style I like to do for fun or when short on time is curls/waves with socks! It’s really cool actually. You get approximately 5-6 good-length socks, then take a segment of your hair and stretch the sock with the segment of hair on it, then start rolling it up like rollers until you get almost to the roots, and then tie the sock once and you’re done. Repeat with others. Your hair should be somewhat damp, or spray it with water. You can sleep on it if you want them tight! Or keep them on for 10 minutes and voila! 🙂

    • Caitlin December 22, 2010, 3:37 pm

      You want to tilt your head down and brush your ponytail over the sock so it covers the whole thing. Then you can slip a hair thing over the hair and sock, which will make a bun. You’ll need to tuck the ends still sticking out.

  • Brittany December 22, 2010, 3:36 pm

    This is such a cool tutorial! My hair is MASSIVELY thick and super long, so I have had to come up with some tricky hair moves of my own. They are super easy:

    1. If my hair is wet with no time to dry, I’ll do a deep side part and do a side low ponytail, and then braid the tail, coil it around the base, and secure the ends with another band + pins as needed. It dries with no flyaways and can look either casual or professional. I always get tons of compliments on this 1-minute hairstyle! You can make it more creative by adding a sparkley accessory or weaving a ribbon into the braid. I’ve worn my hair like this for both a marathon and a job interview!

    2. Become a pro at hot rollers. They are super old-fashioned, but they do miracles for thick and thin hair alike, whether long or short. They just take some practice! I can do my whole head in 5 minutes or so. I dry my hair upside down to get it dry as fast as possible, then throw in a set of rollers, mist with hairspray while they’re “setting,” do my makeup, and take them out 10-15 minutes later. The waves look bouncy and full in the morning and relax throughout the day, but never go flat! Looks good the next day too 🙂

    3. For some nice texture and movement, pile your hair in a very loose, haphazard bun on the top of your head. Wrap loosely with a hair tie, mist with a tiny bit of hairspray, and take out an hour or so later for some subtle waves. This works even better if you heat your hair up with a hairdryer before hand and mist in some styling spray. I sometimes do this before bed and wake up with great hair!

    4. Lastly, when I’m absolutely crunched for time, I just style the “top” or roots of my hair. Whatever’s going on at the roots has the biggest impact on the shape of your hair, so sometimes I will use a dryer/round brush/teasing comb to just shape the roots and face framing pieces, and let rest go. It ends up looking sexy and undone but still face-flattering and not messy.

  • Maren December 22, 2010, 3:37 pm

    I have super fine hair, probably like you, and I hate that my buns are always small and mis-shaped!! I am sooo going to try this!!

  • Kelly December 22, 2010, 3:38 pm

    Oh my gosh…I just tried this…awesome!!! It works! It works!! Sweet! Finally my fine hair can be in a bun! I <3 U!

    • Caitlin December 22, 2010, 3:41 pm

      Haha i love this comment.

  • Maggie @ Flour Child December 22, 2010, 3:46 pm

    O.M.G. GENIUS.

    Caitlin, you’ve just changed my life. I love to rock topknots — and covet this girl’s: http://taza-and-husband.blogspot.com — but I have long, fine hair like yours. I am trying this trick as soon as I get home from work.

    Thaaaaaaaank you.

  • MegaNerd December 22, 2010, 4:00 pm

    Sexy look. 🙂

    I used to do this in middle school!!!! LOL

  • Amy December 22, 2010, 4:08 pm

    Amazing! How have I never heard of this??? My hair’s too short right now but hopefully soon I can rock this. 🙂

  • eliza December 22, 2010, 4:17 pm

    Caitlin, I hope you realize you have gotten 102 comments about your silly little hair style trick 🙂 🙂 That is so amazing !!

  • Val @ Balancing Val December 22, 2010, 4:26 pm

    Holy Sock Knot Batman!

  • Jessica M December 22, 2010, 4:34 pm

    Cute! I will try this sometime.

    I love your hair color… do you color it or is it natural?

    • Caitlin December 22, 2010, 4:58 pm

      Caught! I color it. It’s light brown and I dye it dark (at the salon)

      • Jessica M December 22, 2010, 7:05 pm

        haha. Well it suits you!

  • Camille December 22, 2010, 4:42 pm

    What a great idea! I have so much hair that this isn’t an issue for me, but seriously awesome!

  • annie December 22, 2010, 4:46 pm

    omg i love doing buns! very chic! thanks for the helpful tip!

  • Anne P December 22, 2010, 4:52 pm

    Whoa. What a great idea! I have massively thick hair, so I don’t need this, but still. Genius. 🙂

  • L December 22, 2010, 4:59 pm

    This cracks me up! I love this tip. Also, I had to comment because your blog was the very first one I ever found and it was because I was googling hairstyles for a friend’s wedding. It linked me to your wedding hair trial post I think. Anyway, I kept reading your blog and I now read a million, plus I’ve been inspired to run countless races, eat more veggies, and just signed up for my 5th half marathon (National Half in DC). So, don’t think your hair tips lead to nothing!

    • Caitlin December 22, 2010, 5:00 pm

      I love this comment. Thank you so much L!!!

  • Kristina @ life as kristina December 22, 2010, 5:13 pm

    I too have thin long hair-I actually bought “clip in” extensions and take them to my hair dresser to put in for special occasions-this is a good go to trick and I can’t wait to see the fiances face when I take my hair out and a sock falls on the floor-haha. Thanks for the tip!

  • monicanelsonfitness December 22, 2010, 5:17 pm

    your hair looks great!

    Thanks for the tip, I also don’t have thick hair so I will need that stock! 🙂

  • Lauren December 22, 2010, 5:25 pm

    I stick to leaving my hair down & curly (or up) because it’s so thick! It curls/waves really well, but it takes at least an hour to straighten – then it won’t stay straight very long.

  • Jaclyn December 22, 2010, 5:43 pm

    Great tip – I have similar ones like it 😉
    That black bean burger salad looks totally yum!

  • Mary December 22, 2010, 5:47 pm

    I am a huge fan of the low ballet bun (I’m sporting one right now in fact) I’ll have to try this trick out and see how it looks… My question though is how do you brush your hair over the sock and get it to look like that?

    • Caitlin December 22, 2010, 6:00 pm

      just brush it forward and to the sides with your hands. since you’re looking down, it will pretty much naturally fall into place!

  • Leanne December 22, 2010, 5:56 pm

    I think headbands can be a girls’ best friend when you quickly have to do your hair! I do the top knot look with a cute leopard print hairband and I get compliments on it 🙂 easy but cute!

  • Lauren December 22, 2010, 6:03 pm

    Super cute hair trick!!

    We flew in and out of Charlotte this weekend (way cheaper for this trip than where we are in ATL) and on the way home yesterday I made my family stop at Big Daddy’s since I see you eating it all the time. I HAD to have a black bean burger- um, YUM. I wish we had one in GA!

  • Gabriela @ Fro-Yo Lover December 22, 2010, 6:15 pm

    Loved the hair trick, Caitlin!
    So easy and fun 😀

  • Lee December 22, 2010, 6:23 pm

    I love that there is a sock in your hair. I just pile my hair on top of my head in a messy bun sometimes but I’ve never thought of how to do it not messy.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin December 22, 2010, 6:42 pm

    I used to have super thick hair, but it majorly thinned out over the past few years. One thing I’ve missed is rocking buns, so I’m definitely going to try this trick out. 😀

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit December 22, 2010, 6:51 pm

    I like to french-braid or twist my hair while it’s still damp if I take a shower at night. In the morning I take it out and it’s in smooth curls 🙂 I have curly hair to begin with so it “molds” well. Putting mousse in it before I braid it helps to form the curls even more securely. I like your sock tip!

  • Taylor December 22, 2010, 7:00 pm

    Thank you for sharing the hair tip. I tried this afternoon & it worked!! 🙂

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) December 22, 2010, 7:42 pm

    Love the hair! Super cute! I’ll have to try it!

  • Erin December 22, 2010, 7:43 pm

    Hey Caitlin, I am 14 years old and live in London. I have suffered with an ED for a year now, and I know this is hardly relevant to the post I am commenting on, but you are such an inspiration to me. You are so positive and the work you do is so incredible. I read your blog every day and I love it 🙂 Your meals look so healthy and delicious and make me want to get better and be able to be healthy again. For Christmas I asked for your book and can not wait to read it. I already know that it will help me get on the right path! Keep up the wonderful work!

  • Alicia at Poise in Parma December 22, 2010, 9:29 pm

    We have the exact same type of hair: thin and lots of it. I’m giddy to try this ASAP! Thanks for the tip!

  • Marnie December 22, 2010, 9:29 pm

    This tutorial was the best Christmas present ever!!!!!!

  • Joy - HTP Mom December 22, 2010, 9:51 pm

    OK This post on the hair knot made me laugh…thanks. I remember the time I found a “hair rat” on my aunt Cassie’s dressing table – your great aunt. It looked like a sauce in color and size, or a piece of pantyhose stuffed with something beige and soft. You could rap it in a circle for a bun “filler” or bobbie pin it lower on the back of the head from temple to temple like so many of us have seen in old pictures of picture from the 1920’s. So with that said – your bum looks fuller and nice and it’s great to know the hair rat is back!

    • Lacey @ Lake Life December 22, 2010, 10:44 pm

      Sorry HTP Mom but are you sure it’s politically correct to tell your daughter her bum looks fuller? 😉

      • Joy - HTP Mom December 23, 2010, 7:46 am

        haha you’re quick Lacey = Happy Holidays from a Santa.

  • Laura (Starloz) December 22, 2010, 10:15 pm

    my hair isn’t long enough to add a sock yet but i’m working on it, one day i’ll be linking back to this exact post.

    i love that you grilled a pear, yummo!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life December 22, 2010, 10:42 pm

    Before the invention of dry shampoo I used to sprinkle baby powder on my roots so I could go longer without washing. I have really thick and long hair so washing and drying (espicially in the winter) is a huge time-consuming ordeal.

  • Amanda (tomboythatwearsmakeup December 22, 2010, 11:26 pm

    Great tip Caitlin! Thanks

  • Gracie (complicated day) December 23, 2010, 12:24 am

    A panty-hose knee high works great for this, as it is easy to match to hair colors and is soft and easily adjustable.

  • Gigi December 23, 2010, 5:03 am

    What a great handy tricky! I always fantasize the low ballet bun. I wish I had long hair to do top knot.

  • Dawn December 23, 2010, 5:22 am

    I had to be at work very very early this morning and needed something cute but super quick to do with my hair. I generally go with a low bun at the nape of my neck but since I have thin hair it looks kind of puny. I am wearing the top know complete with the sock. It looks wonderful and I feel very fashionable as well. Thanks!

    • Caitlin December 23, 2010, 11:28 am

      I love it!!

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete December 23, 2010, 8:36 am

    This makes me wish I never cut my hair off — but when I have it long I never seem to know what to do with it! Now it is shoulderlength, so I either wear it straight (with bangs showing or tucked under a bobbypin) or leave it naturally wavy.

    I know, I’m sharing (BIG) secrets! 🙂

  • Marte December 23, 2010, 8:42 am

    THANK YOU! I wish I’d found this 10 years ago, haha. I have long, thick hair but can NEVER get it into that cute bun that all the girls seem to be able to do effortlessly. I tried it this morning and it worked perfectly! Yay for good hair days to come!

    • Caitlin December 23, 2010, 11:29 am

      top knot revolution!

  • Kristi December 23, 2010, 9:57 am

    This is SO funny! When I was in grade school the sock bun was totally in-it was around forever and I am glad to see someone is bringing it back 🙂

  • Halley (Blunder Construction) December 23, 2010, 9:59 am

    This might not be news to you, but in winter months when your hair gets static-y: rub a used dryer sheet(one that’s been through a dry cycle) all over your hair. Boom, no more static and you will smell powder-fresh.

    • Caitlin December 23, 2010, 11:30 am

      love this trick!

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good December 23, 2010, 10:50 am

    Fun hair trick!

  • Natalia - a side of simple December 23, 2010, 11:20 am

    Haha I love your hair trick! I’ve never heard of it before. I’m also a fan of the burger, extra fried, of course 😉

  • Gabrielle @ Weightless December 23, 2010, 11:52 am

    Love the top knot trick. My hair is long but thin, so this would be great for me!

  • Kendi December 23, 2010, 11:57 am

    The sock! Why didn’t I think of that?! Pure genius.

    Thank you for the shout out and link! You’re one my favorites too!

    XO
    Kendi

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 23, 2010, 12:08 pm

    You have such pretty hair!

  • Sarah December 23, 2010, 12:23 pm

    I LOVE this!! I think it’s a fabulous idea. And your hair is lovely – you have great shine and colour.

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair December 23, 2010, 1:41 pm

    I LOVE THIS TRICK! I wish I’d known about it when I had long hair. Now I have an inverted bob and while I love the way it looks when I actually do it sometimes I miss having long hair that I can just throw up!

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence December 23, 2010, 1:46 pm

    you can use a hair doughnut, too! (not an eating one:))

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] December 23, 2010, 2:04 pm

    Yummm… the french toast looks incredible!

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy December 23, 2010, 2:09 pm

    The sock = a great idea! 🙂 I am trying to grow my hair out for Pantene Beautiful Lengths (in honor of my aunt) so I need all the “putting your hair up” tips I can get (well, soon. It’s still pretty short!)

  • Stephanie @ The Travelling Tastebuds December 23, 2010, 2:29 pm

    The sock bun is SUCH a great trick… thanks for sharing!

  • Shayla December 23, 2010, 5:51 pm

    Oh my gosh Caitlin, thank you so much for this tip! I cannot wait to try this tonight! I have such fine, thin hair and I’ve always tried to wear my hair in a high or low bun and it always look so puny and pathetic. But now I can finally wear the elusive bun!!

  • Michelle Dennis December 23, 2010, 6:21 pm

    Oh my gosh Caitlin, thank you so much for this tip! I cannot wait to try this tonight! I have such fine, thin hair and I’ve always tried to wear my hair in a high or low bun and it always look so puny and pathetic. But now I can finally wear the elusive bun!!

  • kell December 23, 2010, 11:01 pm

    Hi Caitlin,
    just in case you dont already know, i just wanted suggest that you may want to test for a b-12 deficiency. this is very common in vegetarians because the primary source of B-12 (especially the kind that our bodies can absorb and utilize) comes from animal sources. fine, thin hair is usually a sign of this deficiency and i only know this because i had the same problem. for the longest time i just thought i was someone with thin hair and had to learn to live with it, but then, through the suggestion of my homeopathic doctor, began supplementing vitamin b-12 (and omega-3’s) and low and behold my hair got thicker- and shinier too! . . . just thougth id throw that out there just in case it might work for you too??
    . . . no matter what, you rocked your top knot, like a ballerina – so pretty!!

    • Caitlin December 24, 2010, 8:38 am

      I actually get b-12 shots from my doctor for this very reason! 🙂

  • Pam C December 26, 2010, 4:00 pm

    I’m pretty much obsessed with this post! This is my second time coming back to read it. I have super thin hair that every hairdresser I’ve ever been to loves to comment on with “Oh My God Wow!” haha. This will be perfect for crappy weather days that you still want to look nice. Can’t wait to try it tomorrow.

  • Karen December 27, 2010, 1:52 pm

    Oh my gosh, thank you!!! I have been wanting to do my hair like this forever and couldn’t find anything to make this work- I never even thought of a sock! I will totally try this out.

  • topknotlover June 16, 2011, 2:01 pm

    I have always loved the topknot but never went out in public! But now I just cut my hair, and can never make it look good! Since it is summer now, I was so sad that I lost my chance to wear it out this summer..but thanks to your trick I can do it once again. Thanks so much!!!!

  • Katie August 8, 2011, 8:24 am

    ha just googled for this post so i could rock the top knot today. can we say monday morning and i’m too lazy to shower?! 🙂

  • Mariely August 23, 2011, 11:04 pm

    Thanks Caitlin!

    I love the knot top but I have very thin and few hair no there is no way for me to rock one of those! But now thanks to you I will! 😀

  • Madi May 2, 2012, 4:31 am

    my hair is STILL too thin to do it. it didnt even cover half the sock!!!! i hate my hair!!!

Healthy Tipping Point