Hand-stripping is a specialised grooming technique that involves the removal of loose, dead hair from a dog's coat, as well as hair in the telogen stage of the hair growth cycle—hair that is nearing the end of its life and about to shed. Unlike standard grooming methods that use clippers or scissors to trim only the top layer of hair, hand-stripping is performed manually using a gentle "pulling" technique. This method allows a fresh coat to grow in naturally. For dogs suitable for hand-stripping, it is the preferred grooming option to maintain the coat's integrity and provides longer-lasting results compared to a typical shave-down.
Several factors determine whether your dog is suitable for hand-stripping, including:
1. Coat Type - Hand-stripping is ideal for specific breeds and coat types, typically those with wiry coats. Examples include most terrier breeds, the Irish Wolfhound, German Wirehaired Pointer, and some combination coat breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Gordon Setters, and Afghan Hounds.
2. Behaviour - Hand-stripping involves spending more time on the grooming table and requires a dog to tolerate a significant amount of touch. If your dog is uncomfortable being handled or struggles with extended grooming sessions, hand stripping may not be the best option. In such cases, gradual exposure to grooming may help.
3. Previous Clipping - If a dog’s coat has been clipped in the past, it may no longer be suitable for hand-stripping. Clipping often alters the coat’s texture and quality, which can make it difficult or impossible to restore the coat to a condition suitable for hand stripping.
If you would like advice on your dog's eligibility for hand-stripping, you are welcome to contact us!
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The idea of pulling hair and using “knives” might sound uncomfortable, right? But when done properly by a professional, hand stripping is completely painless. The hair being removed is already loose or ready to shed, so it comes out easily without causing any discomfort. For dogs experiencing hand-stripping for the first time, the sensation might feel unusual simply because it's new to them. However, it doesn’t hurt. If anything, they may feel a bit more tired afterward because the process takes longer than a regular grooming session. Many dogs even find it relaxing and often doze off during their appointment!
Hand-stripping tends to be more expensive than standard grooming methods for four key reasons:
1. Time-Intensive Process -Hand-stripping requires significantly more time than using clippers or scissors. It’s a delicate procedure and sometimes involves giving the dog
breaks to ensure their comfort, which further extends the grooming session.
2. Physically Demanding -This technique is not only time-consuming but also physically taxing for the groomer. It requires sustained effort and precision, making it much more
laborious than typical grooming methods.
3. Specialised Expertise - Hand-stripping demands a high level of skill and knowledge. Many groomers are not trained to perform this technique, as it requires extensive education and years of experience to master.
4. Superior Results - Hand-stripping provides longer-lasting results and is better for the dog’s coat health, maintaining its natural texture and appearance. Simply, you’re getting the best quality groom for your pet.
