Topknots

Bhe-Jei Maltese

Raised with Love Shown With Pride

Making Those Topknots

The first step in making Maltese topknots is to use a little clear gel (human hair type) in the topknot area when drying the hair to give it a little more body. A product I like for this is ReBlance Mega Gel made by L'Anza. This product does not contain alcohol, which is bad for the hair and can cause breakage. Another product I have found helpful for adding more body to the topknot hair is Radical Creme, a thickening/texturizing creme by Rusk. Both these are human hair products that can be purchased at many beauty supply stores. The Maltese pictured to the left is BIS BISS CH. Marcris Risque' Omen, bred & owned by Joyce Watkins (Marcris Maltese).

Things you will need to make topknots include:

	permanent end papers or mesh
	some small orthodontic rubber bands
	rattail comb
	small greyhound face comb
	gel or "stick-'em" of some type
	bows

The permanent end papers or mesh should be cut into squares approximately 2" x 2".

Use a small pillow for your Maltese to lay his head on while making the topknots. The pillow elevates the head so that as you are looking at the dog you get a straight look at the head and will not make the topknots too far back.	Start to make topknots start by using a rattail comb to part the hair straight back about the outside edge of each eye for about an inch. Make a part in the center and divide into two equal sections.
Next gather up that hair in each section . You may wish to back comb the section to give the hair a little more pouf. When you are happy with the pouf and section secure this with a small rubber band. Using the rat tail end of the comb to pull out any additional pouf you desire in the front.	Next take the end paper and fold over the top about one third and place the top with the fold on the top and wrap this around the rubber-banded portion of hair. Place the end paper in the back and fold each side over to the front and then wrap around to the back --the idea is to have the end paper folded in thirds.
Next place the tail of the rat-tail comb behind the hair and end paper and fold the top portion over the rat-tail to give the resultant topknot a nice even fold. Then use another small rubber band to secure the topknot.	Finish the top knots by using some gel to hold down any wispy pieces of hair that are not secure in the top knot. Finally its time to put on the bows. Bows can be purchased from several suppliers as well as being made from satin ribbon. Small pieces of colored yarn also make attractive bows. Best colors for Maltese bows are red, royal blue, purple, green and black. See dog shopping page for list of suppliers of Maltese bows & bands.

Top knot demo by Bobbie Linden; our thanks to Linda Haas (Ta-Lin Maltese) for taking these topknot grooming pictures and Ta-Lin's Cherokee Summer for being a very patient model!!

The finished model -- Ch. Ta-Lin's Cherokee Summer with topknots

Maltese in the United States are shown with two topknots as adults. Many puppies are shown with single topknots because they may not have enough hair to make the two top knots. In other areas of the world such as Europe and Australia they are shown with a single topknot.

Single top knots are made by gathering the hair from just above the corner of each eye and using a rattail comb parting for about an inch towards the back of the dogs head. The resulting hank of hair is secured with a small rubber band. The rattail comb can be used in the front to get some additional pouf if desired. Placing a large bow over the rubber band finishes the topknot.

This web page was designed by Bobbie Linden and is maintained by the
members of the "Maltese Forum" as a tribute to Bobbie Linden of Bhe-Jei Maltese
Contact sharon@foxstonemaltese.com at Foxstone Maltese for more information
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