What kind of bands are you using? I buy mine from Jenny/Mimimomo at
toplinepet.com
Good bands are less damaging than the ones you find at the store. When you take them out, use a band cutter or small pair of scissors. Don't pull them out.
We use the mini scrunchies from WalMart or BowBiz, but they were too big before the boys grew thicker topknots after 1 year of age.
Little barrettes work for some doggies, but I worry my boys would try swallow them. Too much of a choking hazard if they fall out.
You can also use Vellus satin creme to help thicken the topknot hair, condition it to prevent breakage. I bought mine directly through the Vellus website.