Did you try to pull the bow off?
You should never use the bow itself to make the topknot. The best way to make a topknot is to first make it with high quality latex grooming bands that won't get stuck in the hair. You then just pop the bow on top or clip it to the base of the topknot if you use a bow on a barrette.
You should never try to pull the bands out. The best way to remove the bands is to use band removal scissors with a hook on the end. You snag the band and pull it away from the topknot so you only cut the band, not the hair, when you snip it.
Here is a picture of the scissors: |