How to trim a topknot?
 

Wendell's topknot has grown out well, but now it's so long that it flips over and covers his eyes. I've seen photos of other dogs with their topknots braided. So I tried that, but even the braid wants to fall forward instead of back.

What is the best way to trim it so that it doesn't end up looking choppy? When my hairdresser layers my hair she holds a section up at an angle and trims it so that when it lays down it is in different lengths. Is there an equivalent technique for a topknot so that it sort of fans out?

try not cutting it straight across...hold it up and cut into it...like you are making it look jagged...it should lay nicely....not "broom" looking.

Having the top knot hair in their eyes was a concern to me, also...so I have played with trying to keep it back over their heads.

If you just want it to lay back, even if it is just until you trim it, what I do with Brody's top knot is, when I put on the band, I make sure the last wrap is on the front and I put the band just a smidgen higher than the other wraps so it pushes the top knot backwards. It it's not enough, I just nudge it back a little more. This works great for everyday.

Mia's is shorter, so I extend the band upwards also...just not as high, but enough to lean it backwards just a tad.

If you wanted to, you could also either, on the last wrap or using a second (or third) band, make a little 'knob' top knot by looping the top knot hair over about a inch and band the hair together again...so the rest of the top knot falls down the back of the head and you can just brush it in...and you can fan the loop out, too, if you want. Then, there is showing only the little loop (or fan) on top. Then, when/if the bow goes on, it hides all the banding and looks pretty cool. You can part the top knot 'fall' and it is difficult to tell where it is down the back of their neck, too.

For trimming, you can also use the grooming shears that are not straight across when you cut and cut in 'slices' so the jags are uneven and look more natural...like hair grows out...at slightly different speeds.

Good luck. :)

I think I've seen my hair stylist do that trick with my hair, too. I'll give it a try.



I've tried the looping it into a knob, but when he starts running and playing it ends up coming out. Thanks for the tip about using the wrap of the band to force the topknot back. I'll give that a try until I get the courage to try to trim it up a bit.

I do the band trick, too, and force the topknot back. If I didn't, it would flop forward.

Another thing you might try is after you make the topknot, hold the pony tail up and from behind (just hold on to the back have of the hair in the band), stick the handle of the comb under the hair above the eyes and pull some hair out. It will shift the band back a little and make the forehead look rounded.

It should not hurt doing this as you are only moving the hair. Just make sure you only have a little of the hair on your combs handle.

That sounds like a great trick, too. I'll give that a try. Sounds like I won't have to trim his hair after all.

My daughter is a hairsylist...that is how she cuts hair...gives it a more "laid down" look..

I thought I was the only one with the forward facing topknot. I tried doing things with the bands, but this is the solution that worked best for me. I don't actually take any hair out of the top knot, I just put the tail of the comb close to band and loosen it, which does the same thing as you describe.

Thanks for asking this! I was wondering the same thing myself. I know I want to keep KS's top knot trimmed back. :)

We wish...just kidding! lol :D

:thumbup::thumbup:

I am glad you mentioned the 'pull out' from the band...I forgot, and it's a great trick ! :p

I don't have to do it much anymore. Pretty early on, after I got Brody, I got into a habit of holding the hair and applying the band in such a way that there is already a little puffiness on the forehead, with the hair tighter to the head behind the top knot but still loose enough to 'wiggle' so it doesn't pull, and then using my thumb if necessary to slide/push the band back a bit more if the hair 'fountains' forward over his eyes.

Mia's top knot is still short enough it doesn't matter yet, and Brody is very good about it all, but is still only so tolerant of mommy messing with his hair and then he gets bored with it so I try to make it a one shot deal. lol

I must admit, it took some fiddling on my part to get the habit going, but now I can almost always get the top knot in pretty quickly even with the head a-bouncing, and mostly when I do the pull out now, it is because it looks like I got it too tight on the sides or back.

His groomer did his top knot once with the 'fall' down in front of his left ear...it was virtually invisible. I took a really close look at how she did that and played with that as well. It looks great with a bow, but since I do not put bows in their hair unless I am with them, during the day while I work they just wear a top knot 'pony'...which looks better falling straight down behind IMHO. I attached a photo which I marked up to point out the 'top knot fall'...it is the silvery hair over the pale tan that comes from the top knot.

Thanks again...Take care!