Crossword Genius

In hairdressing, the best union (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

topknot

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'in hairdressing' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'best union' is the wordplay.
'best' becomes 'top' (top can mean the very best).
'union' becomes 'knot' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'top'+'knot'='TOPKNOT'

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for topknot that I've seen before include "Hair extension" , "Decorative bow on head" , "Crest of hair or feathers on the crown of the head" , "Crest - tuft of hair" , "Tuft or crest on crown of head" .)

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