I take Bella's topknot down at night because I know how MY head feels after wearing a ponytail all day so I figure what's good for me is good for her.
The other thing I'd suggest is getting her used to the nails being trimmed; even if it's just a miniscule piece you clip, doing it once a week or so will keep her from being afraid of them. (WISH I'd taken this seriously when I got Tuffy, he hates the nail clippers now
) The same with the electric trimmer...try using the opposite end letting it touch her but not actually cutting anything.