In case you haven’t noticed, there are two major hair trends that have been getting attention all summer long. That’s the chic top knot and the cool, intricate braid. Both of these styles are great on their own, but can you imagine the awesomeness that ensues when you combine them into the same hairstyle? The braided top knot not only looks fabulous, but it’s not as hard to do as it looks.

There are two ways that you can pull this look off – one involves braiding the front version near your hairline, while the other braids the section of hair underneath the bun on the back of your head. Either way looks great, and it’s up to you which one you want to pull off.

Start with a little texturizing cream, then French braid your hair. You can do it as you normally would if you’re braiding the top, but if you’re doing the lower section on the back of your head, it may help to lie on your bed or a couch and hang your head off the edge (with your face toward the floor) so you get better access.

Stop braiding when you get to the point where the bun will be and secure it with a small elastic. A spritz of hairspray will keep it in place so you can put your hair into a bun as you normally would, whether it’s with pins, a sock or an elastic. Done!