hi everyone i'm new to this site so im just now trying to get the hang of it...lol well my two girlz hair type are very different. i took them to petco for there first haircuts n gave very good directions on what i wanted done but to make a long sad story short. they hacked away at their hair

and its taking forever to grow back.
now for the problem.
percious 's hair is very fine n straight and princess's hair is just right but when ever i tie their hair up it breaks off.
i use the lil bands that are flat and are not supposed to break the hair but it still does and i take care not to put them on too tight.
is there a easy safer way to tie up my girlz hair?
or will i end up having to cut their hair into bangs

if you have any tips that would be great
thanx