How to Clip a Topknot on a Poodle

The topknot, a rounded cut of hair on top of a poodle's head, is an essential component of poodle hairstyles. All of the American Kennel Club (AKC)-approved show cuts include a topknot of some kind. Cutting a topknot on a poodle isn't difficult, but it may take some practice to make both sides even. Though you can cut a topknot with straight scissors alone, curved scissors make the job quicker and easier.

Things You'll Need

  • Fine-toothed comb
  • Straight grooming scissors
  • Curved grooming scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Bathe, dry and comb your poodle. It's easiest to cut a top knot when the hair is dry and tangle free.

    • 2

      Flip one of the poodle's ears back. Holding the straight scissors horizontally cut a straight line from the poodle's eye to the base of the ear. Flip the ear back down and continue the line across the top of the ear.

    • 3

      Switch to curved shears and, continuing on the same horizontal line, cut a curve from the back of the ear to the back of the head.

    • 4

      Comb the rest of the hair on the poodle's head over the hair you just cut. Now, you're ready to start working on the side of the topknot.

    • 5

      Trim the sides of the hair so that the topknot comes out from the bottom at an angle, not a straight vertical line.

    • 6

      Repeat steps 2 through 5 on the other side of the poodle's head. Comb out the hair and make sure the cut so far is even.

    • 7

      Shape the hair on top of the poodle's head with the scissors. It should already have a basic shape from the cutting you did on the sides. To make your topknot look smooth, try to give the top a rounded appearance.

    • 8

      Trim the hair in front of the poodle's eyes. The topknot should extend slightly over the eyes, but not so much that the poodle's vision is impaired.