Show Topknots

[Bravo916]

Hi All,

I am new to this forum but I hope I can get some guidance from some of you show people with this. I originally posted in the General Forum but someone was kind enough to direct me here.

I have a 14mo old male who just won his first major last weekend (YIPPIE!!). I am having A LOT of trouble doing a show topknot. Either I get it in and there's not enough poof or I get the poof but there are lumps.

I have seen so many professional handlers with their FLAWLESS topknots and for the life of me cant get them right. I am currently using 3 segments. One that extends from the base of the skull to the ear line (careful to not grab any hair that might appear as if I am trying to tie the ears), the second segment is in the middle, and the third is is from the first third of the head where the poof is.

Also, does anyone know what the product is that they "paint" on the loop of hair above the bow? It literally looks like it is a bottle of nail polish.

Any guidance is GREATLY appreciated. I've gotta get this down for our next show (another major) on 11/25!!

Thanks!!

[fannie]

There is a link running around here somewhere that shows how to do them. It's really helpful. I'm not sure what they're using to "paint". This is how I do them:

First off, as soon as I get them out of the tub and their top hair combed, I put in a generous amount of Garnier Fruictis Bold It! Endurance Gel. Then I dry it thoroughly, using my brush to brush the hair back so that it is naturally going that direction before I even start.

I then make a triangle from the outside corners of their eyes to the middle of their ears. The point being by the ears. I then divide that in half so there is a front and a back. I then slip a loose band around the back half to keep it from getting in the way or falling.

Then, comb the front half straight up so that it is nice in smooth. Using the rat tail comb, I back comb the hair down nice and tight, all the way to the top. Do your back combing in the middle where you've made your part. When you are done, it should stand straight up and look like a troll doll.

Next, I do the same to the back part. Again, doing the back combing from the middle where I've made that part.

Once both sections are done, I join them together. Now, using a baby brush, you lightly brush the outside of that so that it looks smooth. Now, depending on the length of his hair, you place your band either close to the top if it's a puppy and you need more hair for the bubble, or near the middle for longer hair. Once you have the band secured, start pulling gently on those middle hairs to bring the band down and create the bubble. Pull so that it goes down to the front, closer to the eyes.

Once you have your band down tight to the head, you can use the tail of your comb to strategically pull hairs in the bubble to make it even. After that, I very lightly go over it with the baby brush to smooth the hairs. Then I use Garnier Fructise Fiber Gum Putty to get it to hold. I just dip the tip of my comb in, wipe off excess so there aren't any globs and gently smooth it over the hair. When I have the right look, I very lightly spray with hair spray. Let that dry good. Then you can comb out the top of the hair so it is smooth.

Next, you will slip your bow over that 1st band. I go around twice and on the 3rd time I just pull up the part I need for the top knot.

[Tx2Stepn]

I have learned that each person has their own routine. You can go to http://members.cox.net/jrogan/ for how she does hers and you can go to www.sweetyblue.com and buy a video...

Good luck...

[lwolfe]

Instead of using the fixative in the nail polish bottle I use clear mascara or brow gel. I use Lacome clear brow gel. No. 7 and Bare Essentials also makes one. I have been told that KY Jelly works well because but I have never tried it.


Sweety Blue sells a wonderful DVD on how to do a Topknot. It shows topknots at different ages and different lengths of hair.

[Sugar's Mom]

Originally Posted by lwolfe

Instead of using the fixative in the nail polish bottle I use clear mascara or brow gel. I use Lacome clear brow gel. No. 7 and Bare Essentials also makes one. I have been told that KY Jelly works well because but I have never tried it.


Sweety Blue sells a wonderful DVD on how to do a Topknot. It shows topknots at different ages and different lengths of hair.

Topknots are so hard for me to learn. Also, some venues do not allow hairspray so I am not at this point clear on what products I can use legally.

[jencar98]

This is a great instructional presentation on topnots!

http://purepaws.net/Top_Knots_files/frame.htm

[Mardelin]

The sweety blue tape is marvelous....it teaches you several methods, from puppy knots to adults....it also teaches you that the amount of hair and the way you make the poof is determined on the size of the head, earset, and muzzle...topknots are not easy to learn.....mostly taking patience and training that pup to lay still.........

[rose_pinero]

Top knot training

this is the thread where top knots are discussed...

[Tx2Stepn]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

The sweety blue tape is marvelous....it teaches you several methods, from puppy knots to adults....it also teaches you that the amount of hair and the way you make the poof is determined on the size of the head, earset, and muzzle...topknots are not easy to learn.....mostly taking patience and training that pup to lay still.........

Ditto Mary...

It was well over a year before I was able to make a nice one and it took me a long time to put it together even then... Now I can get it done quickly... I suggest the video as it taught me that I had to figure out my own way... I was trying to do it just like my mentor and others and just couldn't get it... I do a combination of the link that I sent you and the video and a few of my own little routines... practice practice practice...

[Mardelin]

Marie Cardona was at the Bluebonnet Specialty (she's also one of the instructors on the Sweety Blue tape).....but, what was so nice is that she held an informal instruction on how to do topknots while she was there......the art of how much hair to take up...alot is determined how how to tease and the tools used to tease with and how to smooth down.....which hair to pull for the poof....how to anchor down....in what sequence to do it in. There are several times to pull a couple of strands from different areas.

[Bravo916]

Oh wow! Thank you guys for all of your help. I am going to order that video. My topknots aren't horrendous but definitely need some improvement.

The one thing I have noticed is that none of these threads no one mentions taking up and banding the triangle of hair from the base of the skull. A while back, I had the privilege of being able to see one of Molly's finished topknots that she did on Fury and noticed that the back was always pulled up too.

I did hear about the KY Jelly to smooth out the stray hairs but every time I try to use it, it makes the hair greasy and separate.

I guess the moral of the story is practice, practice, practice. Something that is made even more difficult then your pup is all oiled up and wrapped!

[Mardelin]

Some do the triangle to bring it up into the front band. Some will band the piece left from the front topknot to the extra hair hanging down the back, other's braid it....it depends on what works for you. There is Centra Gel used sparingly to smooth out the stray hairs....as well as other products.....I find, liking my hand and smooting it out that way, works best for me. There are alot of products that people use....Hair spray, topknot stickup, Gel....Just practice on what works for you.

[tegamom1]

You're getting some great advice and the video is great. Just wanted to say Hello and Welcome! It's nice to be getting more exhibitors here. How old is your dog, what's his name, what's his breeding??? Questions...questions..
Would also love to see pictures! Also..Congratulations on your major..! Great win!

[Bravo916]

Originally Posted by tegamom1

You're getting some great advice and the video is great. Just wanted to say Hello and Welcome! It's nice to be getting more exhibitors here. How old is your dog, what's his name, what's his breeding??? Questions...questions..
Would also love to see pictures! Also..Congratulations on your major..! Great win!

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I have a 14 month old male. His call name is Diesel and his registered name is Pastyme's American Dream. He is out of Ch Sapphire's American Idol and Ch. Pastoral Fair Notice. He is a phenominal long-legged puppy (which is quite the challenge for growing coat)

I will post pictures from the major last Sunday as soon as they come in. I should probably dig up and scan the picture of him at the YTCNC Specialty where he won RWD. The picture I am attaching was taken right after one of our very first shows when he was 8 mos old.

This is our first show dog so we've been doing a lot of learning these past few months!

[tegamom1]

Originally Posted by Bravo916

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I have a 14 month old male. His call name is Diesel and his registered name is Pastyme's American Dream. He is out of Ch Sapphire's American Idol and Ch. Pastoral Fair Notice. He is a phenominal long-legged puppy (which is quite the challenge for growing coat)

I will post pictures from the major last Sunday as soon as they come in. I should probably dig up and scan the picture of him at the YTCNC Specialty where he won RWD. The picture I am attaching was taken right after one of our very first shows when he was 8 mos old.

This is our first show dog so we've been doing a lot of learning these past few months!

He's lovely! He reminds me of my CJ, Mardelin's Lets Party Again,who also has a lot of Pastoral behind him. He's out of Ch This Time I'm Here Lets Party and Ch This Time Worth the Wait. Love the leg! His color is nice and dark like CJ's. Did you get him from Georgina? You have started out with great breeding and a beautiful dog. I'll be looking forward to hearing more from you as he continues his career. Hey, what's your name??