Lizzo’s 2022 Emmys Topknot is a Nod to Classic Elegance

(Image credit: SexyHair)

published 13 September 2022

Without fail, every fall season I straighten my curls into a sleek lob. It’s a fun decision that always makes sense: The weather isn't humid, it's simple to create, and most importantly, I don't have to worry about my 4C strands morphing into an afro after three seconds outside. But after seeing Lizzo’s high topknot at the 2022 Emmys, I’ve decided to switch things up. Yes, I’ll still straighten my curls, but I’m rocking a high topknot with super cute baby hairs just like the pop star.

To make sure I get it right, I reached out to celebrity hairstylist Shelby Swain—the brains behind the stunning look—for all the details. Here is the full look breakdown:

Step 1: Swain began by shampooing Lizzo’s hair with the SexyHair Boost Up Volumizing Shampoo followed by the SexyHair Boost Up Volumizing Conditioner for hair that had volume and moisture.
Step 2: Once washed, she applied the SexyHair Tri-Wheat Leave-in Conditioner to prepare her hair for straightening while preventing damage from heat styling.
Step 3: As she dried Lizzo's hair, she directed the hair up into the position where she wanted the final topknot to be.
Step 4: After the hair was completely dry, Swain straightened the hair and continued to direct it upwards into the topknot position.
Step 5: Once straightened, she secured with a coated elastic ponytail holder and began to create the knot while applying SexyHair Big Weatherproof Spray. After securing the knot with hair pins, she perfected the any loose strands of hair and sprayed them with SexyHair Spray & Play hairspray.

Lizzo 2022 Emmys — Hairstylist Shelby Swain creating Lizzo's sky high top knot.

If you’re looking to recreate the look at home, here’s a quick tip that Swain highly recommends: “Secure the hair with a minimum of two strategically placed hair pins. The hair is left a bit wispy so don’t over saturate it with product. Have fun and create your own wispy sultry look.”

A high topknot is the perfect style to accentuate your face shape and bring out your best features, and honestly, that's the only vibe I'm striving for this season.

Shop the Products Used to Create Lizzo's Emmys Hair

SexyHair Boost Up Volumizing Shampoo

SexyHair Healthy Tri-Wheat Leave-In Conditioner

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Deena Campbell is the Beauty Director of Marie Claire where she oversees all beauty and health content on all platforms. Deena is a leader who is passionate about driving conversations on beauty topics, and is particularly dedicated to ensuring BIPOC feel seen and that their stories are told. Deena joined Marie Claire after a decade-long career as an editor in print and digital media. Before joining the brand, she managed editorial content for L’Oréal owned Makeup.com and Skincare.com where she led and developed a team of beauty editors and edited their contributions. She also crafted and successfully executed comprehensive brand strategies that resulted in brand growth and differentiation, a skill she currently brings to Marie Claire.

In 2015, she launched Essence.com’s hair channel where she received Time Inc.'s Henry R. Luce Award, shortly before joining Allure.com’s staff as Senior Beauty Editor. Along with her editorial positions, she also consulted on content and marketing strategies for beauty companies including DevaCurl and Dove, and has appeared at various speaking events and live television segments. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Byrdie, SELF, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, and a host of others. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Pittsburgh and lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children. You can find her on Instagram at @deenacampbell.