I use bands on Piper's hair and then put the bow over top also. He too is 4 months old. He hates having his hair up. He scratches at it, rolls his head all over the floor...anything he can do to try to get it out, even if I make sure it's not too tight. Or better yet, he plays with my Boxer, Beowulf, who helps to pull it out. Lost one adorable bow this way...still don't know where it is. I think the Boxer ate it