I use the bands you can get at wal-mart they are made by goodys. (the type that won't pull hair). My problem is Jada will leave them alone and keep her topknot all day if only her little brother Bogie will leave them alone!!! They love to wrestle and play and he thinks its a game to see if he can take her bows out. I have to take her hair down when i'm at work(afraid he will pull her hair) or eat her bow!!!