How to Apply Dog Bows With Rubber Bands

Add a pretty bow to your dog's hair after grooming. This will not only make it look beautiful, but serve a practical purpose in keeping long hair out of your dog's eyes. You can use a bow on a long- or short-haired dog, but the method of applying the bow, which is called "banding" in dog-grooming circles, is different. Whatever type of hair your dog has, remember to remove the bow and comb out the hair every third day. This will prevent the hair from matting and creating a knot that you will have to cut out.

Things You'll Need

  • Bows with rubber bands
  • Rat-tailed comb
  • Hair gel
  • Hemostats
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Instructions

  1. Long-Haired Dogs

    • 1

      Separate the hair you want to use for the bow, using a rat-tail comb. Comb it through carefully to ensure it is knot-free. For fine, flyaway long hair use a small amount of human hair gel to help control the hair.

    • 2

      Wrap the rubber band attached to the back of the bow around the hair several times. Do this the same way that you would wrap a rubber band around a ponytail, by putting it over once then twisting it and wrapping it around again. Usually the rubber bands used on dog bows are small, so you should only need to wrap it once or twice.

    • 3

      Insert a comb between the rubber band and the skin, to check that you have not pulled up any skin with the hair. Adjust the bow if necessary, and make sure the rubber band is not too tight, as this could lead to hair loss.

    Short-Haired Dogs

    • 4

      Select the hair you want to use for the bow, and use a small amount of gel to help secure it. Do not use too much hair as the rubber bands will pull it tight and it may be uncomfortable for the dog.

    • 5

      Take a pair of hemostats and wrap the rubber band around them a few times. Open the hemostats just wide enough to grip the hair you have prepared for the bow.

    • 6

      Slide the rubber bands off the hemostats and onto the hair held between them. This will create the miniature "ponytail" that is needed to secure the bows. Adjust the bow to ensure that it is in position.