Is Jennifer Lopez's updo the easiest Valentine's Day hairstyle?

This is one to bookmark for February 14th.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 12: Jennifer Lopez attends "Second Act" World Premiere at Regal Union Square Theatre, Stadium 14 on December 12, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/WireImage)
(Image credit: John Lamparski/ Getty Images)

When it comes to Valentine's Day hairstyles there's something top-notch about a top-knot. 

Valentine's Day may look a little different this year but that doesn't mean you shouldn't bring your beauty A-game to the event. Even if it's a takeaway for two or a socially-distanced dinner over Zoom, this is all the inspiration you need for an easy-to-achieve hairstyle at home. 

When talking about an updo, there's the first: a sort of messy twist while cleansing over the sink. But then there's number two - the chic top-knot beloved of A-listers, often created with the best hairdryer and a large round brush. 

The beauty of this second option is that it works well for all face shapes and hair types. Jennifer Lopez is without a doubt queen of the 'knot' thanks to the  work of hairstylist Chris Appleton. She knows the power of a classic and frequently adopts the same top-knot she wore in the '90s for red carpet events today. 

And the best bit? It's so easy to do.

For a sleek top-knot, simply brush your hair into place. Mist with a lightweight hair spray (Elnett is the pro's favourite) and smooth the strands down again. 

Grab your hair as if you were putting it into a ponytail above the crown of your head. Then, wrap your bun into place and secure with a rubber band. For more control, use bobby pins to keep everything in place. Spray hair one last time.

You can leave a little hair out around the face to make things softer and play with your natural texture by losing the brush to straighten strands.

If you have a fringe, Appleton says: "I always like to spray @colorwowhair Style on Steroids to make the bang more lived in and textured ."

Fiona Embleton is a beauty writer who is now Acting Beauty Editor at Stylist. She is obsessed with Isabel Marant and cats.