If you’re anything like us, you’re constantly scrolling through Instagram and saving hair inspiration pictures that you promise yourself you’ll attempt one day. One of our latest faves was a picture of Jess Conte rocking a braided topknot with some shorter locks. We love how fun and flirty this look is and wanted to recreate this short hair updo ourselves.

In today’s tutorial, Azra from our Luxy Hair support team, gives you step-by-step instructions on how to create this Jess Conte inspired hairstyle. Enjoy the video tutorial below, or scroll down for a more detailed explanation.

Tools Needed

• Luxy Hair extensions (optional)
• 5-6 bobby pins
• 1 clear elastic band

Step 1

The key to this look is having lots of volume at the crow of your head. Even with shorter hair, opt for some Luxy Hair extensions to ensure your braid is nice and thick. Azra uses a couple of wefts from her 220g Off Black set.

Step 2

Section off the front section of your hair, and pull it forward. Clip in a one-clip weft at the back of the section. This will ensure the French braided detail is nice and thick.

Step 3

Separate the front section into three strands. Now we're going to start French braiding towards the back. Take the left strand and cross it over the middle strand. Then take the right strand and cross it over the middle strand. Add a little bit of hair on the left side.

Step 4

Do the exact same thing on the right side and just keep braiding until you reach the crown of your head. Secure it off with an elastic, and now you have a beautiful French braid going up in your head.

Step 5

Grab two more one-clip wefts of Luxy Hair extensions and clip them underneath the end of your braid - right where you tied it off with an elastic.

Step 6

Next is the messy bun - in order to create a nice full and thick messy bun, grab the a section of hair at the back of your head and back comb it to add extra volume and texture. Twist the hair around itself to create the messy bun and secure with some bobby pins.

Step 7

For extra drama, add some twists along the side of the French braid. To do this, grab a small section from the front-left side of your head and twist backwards until you reach the back of you head. Tuck underneath the messy bun and secure with bobby pins. Repeat on the right side for a symmetrical look. 

Step 8

Curl time! For some extra fun, take a one-inch curling wand to create some bouncy curls. If you want a more detailed explanation on how we love to curl our hair, check out our Five Minute Curls tutorial.

And you're all done! An easy braided topknot, perfect for shorter hair- we especially love the twisted details. If you're interested in trying more short hair looks, be sure to check out our other blog post tutorials here and here.

Who's your latest hair muse? Let us know so we can recreate their look in an upcoming post!