Let’s talk about how to keep your dog’s hair on trend friends, because it’s a thing, and I am obsessed!
Chances are, if you have a dog that needs grooming every month or so you’ll need to be maintaining that hair at home (keeping it tangle free and healthy to prevent matting at the least). That’s gonna include washing and drying, brushing and combing-so bring on the spritzers and get ready for a wild Friday night!
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Doggy detangler quickly became my best friend when I brought this fancy looking ~ yet not so fancy acting ~ poodle home. As a (human) hairstylist I knew this is where my product obsession and familiarity would come into play. I was determined to make her look like she walked out of a magazine, and maybe at some point she would be asked to model for the poodles of instagram because that’s also a thing. I’ve got some high hopes and dreams for her future, but who am I kidding, she’s probably rolling in the dirt as I speak.
Right away I got down to business experimenting with her hair. By the way, it’s a work in progress and this grooming thing takes some PRACTICE. So if you also own a long-haired breed or mix of some sort, you will benefit and need to invest in a few good tools, products and brushes. Consider it insurance for your pet’s mane. You and your fur baby will be thankful for the preventative maintenance.
My number 1 go to is a leave in conditioner/ detangler, oil or spray. Something to prep and condition the hair to prevent breakage before you put a brush through it. I can’t stress this enough and there are many, many options out there nowadays, so let’s not rip through it like our moms did to us back in the day as children OK. Detangler hydrates and even soothes the skin while refreshing in-between shampoos. We need our dogs smelling fresh so that’s an added bonus.
I had a few in mind to try and I also had some products on hand I thought might work well. Mind you, a few I decided to use are not dog specific, but they are completely safe and they are keeping this girls hair soft and manageable. So I just go with it. Of course, you want to be cautious and aware of any product you use based on your personal needs, and if your dog has skin allergies there may be certain products that work best. My pup has had no irritation issues with anything thus far.
Related Article : Grooming Essentials
LOVE! I was eager to try this because I already religiously use the Unite 7Seconds Detangler in my salon on every single person that sits in my chair, so I knew the doggy’poo would be simply amazing too. I use this as a leave in conditioner after baths along with dry brushing and her hair feels soft and silky smooth.
A weightless leave in conditioning spray is a must with frequent brushing and this one is good to keep on hand. Plus, all proceeds go to Shelter and Soldier and San Diego Humane Society. UNITE passionately strives to aid in finding loving homes for as many dogs as possible. I seriously love this company.
Benefits:
- Use as needed (wet or dry)
- Provides weightless shine
- Instantly detangles all coat lengths
- Safe for all pet types
- Paraben, sulfate and sodium chloride free
- Ginger lily scent
John Paul Pet: Lavender Mint Detangling Spray ($12)
This product had me at Lavender Mint. I have to say this is a wonderful combination and they were spot on with the fragrance and consistency. It’s a very light mist but it does the job while leaving no heaviness or residue on the hair. This is such an important factor to me when choosing my products. I want it to look and feel clean for days of use, so when a product can build on itself without getting oily or dirty feeling, I know it’s a winner. I think this is a great price point for the quality as well. My girl smells fresh!!
Kevin Murphy Dry Conditioner ($37)
You’re probably familiar with dry shampoo, but dry conditioner can be equally as important. I have to say, this has been the BEST spray of all. I have used KM products in my salon for many years and they have always been a sure bet. They’re clean, don’t contain sulfates or parabens, are light, freshly scented, and don’t build up on the hair at all. I really started using this particular product with my blondes and extension clients to prevent breakage and use before brushing (because going days without washing is advisable and that hair needs moisture). It’s pretty much magic potion and a must have.
Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Detangling and Finishing Spray ($23)
This product has built in sunscreen, repels dirt and pollutants, tames flyaways and strengthens the coat while adding a light shine. This is a good product for hair that knots making it easier to brush through the tangles when working them out. CC products have been around for a long time and have proven to be some of the best.
If you love his brushes too, here’s a good combo!
Biosilk Detangler plus Shine Mist ($8.50)
I’ve been a big fan of Biosilk by Farouk Systems for many years now behind the chair. In the 80’s this was the first line of hair care products to contain silk. This has that signature smell that all the BioSilk products have… if you’ve ever used them you know. This detangler protects against heat, strengthens and moisturizes the coat while also sulfate and paraben free. Good for all dogs and puppies 8 weeks or older. Great for after a bath or in-between.