it's been my experience that no groomer knows what they're doing when it comes to topknots. At least, none that I have met. The groomers I've taken Kaji to, use regular rubber bands, which matt the hair, and are difficult to remove. I use these for him,
Buy Scunci Rubber Bands 22534-A online at CVS.com and they slide out easier and hurt him less. That is when he has a topknot. I don't do it often.