Spring has sprung and it is time to remove all the dead undercoat. We want to help you trust the dreaded process of deshedding. Learn the science behind hair growth and check out our line up of must have tools and conditioners.
Hair Growth Cycle
To get a better understanding of deshedding, we need to understand the foundation. The hair cycle goes through stages of growth.
- Growth: Hair grows from follicle
- Regressing: Hair stops growing and has reached full length
- Rest: Hair dies and becomes weak
- Shedding: Hair falls out and is replaced by new hair
The hair growth cycle is usually influenced by the changing weather. When the weather is cold or in the fall/winter, most dogs grow a second layer to create enough insulation to keep them warm. Once spring and summer come, it is time for the fourth phase to shed that undercoat to keep cool. For most household dogs, they shed all year because they don't experience real seasons indoors.
Conditioning
To make this process easier, correct conditioning is key to avoid tangling and matting. The plaques of the hair shaft are left open because of incorrect conditioning. As you can see in the photo below, the closed hair shaft is nice and smooth, while the opened hair shaft is exposed and more likely to stick to the hairs around it to cause tangling and matting.
The Process
Hydrate The Coat
We love these conditioning sprays because most of them also detangle to make your deshedding process faster and easier! Conditioning sprays let you easily manage the coat while providing the moisture the coat desperately needs. Here are some of our favorite conditioning sprays:
- Blackworks TAME Conditioning Detangling Spray
- Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Spray RTU
- iGroom Magic Detangler Conditioning Spray
- iGroom Silicone Free 3-1 Conditioning/Detangling Spray
- Nature's Specialties Sheablast Conditioning Spray
Remove Tangles or Mats
Slickers are perfect for removing hair before the bath and tackling tangles. The golden rule in picking out a slicker depends on the coat type - the longer the pins, the longer the coat it is for. For example, there is a big difference between the Chris Christensen Big G (coral) and the Big K (black) slickers. The Big G has 40% more pins than the Big K. The Big G can do more work per stoke on curly coats like poodles and doodles, where the Big K can penetrate deeper into denser coats like Black Russian Terriers. Here are some of our favorite slickers
- Artero Double-Sided Flexible Slicker Brush
- Artero Double-Sided Long Pins Slicker Brush
- Artero Small Dematting Slicker Brush
- Chris Christensen Big G
- Chris Christensen Big K
- Millers Forge Curved Slicker Brush
Dematting tools get out those stubborn mats you just can't get out with a slicker. Easily remove the dead hair and eliminate tangles.
Rakes are the tool to safely and gently detangle and demat. Rakes get deep in the coat to get the trapped, dead undercoat out to reduce shedding and achieve a healthy coat.
- Andis De-Matting Rake
- Artero Retractable Pin Rake
- Blackworks Double Row Rake 33 Teeth
- Chris Christensen T-Rake 6" Straight Staggered Pins
- Chris Christensen Mini T-Rake 4" with Bent Staggered Pins
- Millers Forge Undercoat Rake
The Ultimate Deshedders
- Andis De-Shedding Tool
- Artero De-Shedding Tool
- Artero Extreme Coat Brush
- Artero Super Coat De-Shedder
- Blackworks Combo Deshed and Dematting Tool or Large
Our Favorite Deshedding Shampoo and Conditioners
As you learned, conditioning the coat is very important. Get the most power from the conditioner by using it with the same formulated shampoo.
- Envirogroom Natural De-Shed Shampoo & Conditioner
- iGroom Deshedding + Detangling Shampoo & Conditioner
- iGroom Prebiotic Shampoo & Conditioner
- Nature's Specialties EZ Out Deshedding Shampoo
- Nature's Specialties EZ Shed Conditioners
- Nature's Specialties Super EZ Dematt Conditioner
- Wild Animal Liquid De-Shedder Shampoo & Conditioner
Leave-In Conditioners
Rubber Brushes or Mitts: Pawfect for deshedding in the tub or massaging in shampoo
Blow Out The Undercoat
It is time to put that mask on and avoid groomers lung because no matter how much undercoat comes out of the bath, there is still going to be a furball storm when drying. Here are some of our powerful dryers and accessories.
- Chris Christensen Kool Dry Dryer Diffuser Nozzle
- Chris Christensen Kool Dry Dryer Concentrator Nozzle
- Chris Christensen Kool Dry Xtreme Dryer
- Double K ChallengairExtreme Dryer
The Final Comb
The dog looks happy and healthier than ever thanks to you! Oh the satisfaction of finally combing through your work and not catching any dead undercoat. Comb through with some of our favorites like the Chris Christensen #000 Buttercomb or the Blackworks Medium 7.5" Medium/Coarse Comb. Shop All Combs!
We hope Part 2 of our Shave Down Season Survival Guide gave you everything you needed for All About Deshedding! Happy Grooming!
If you missed The Shave Down Season Survival Guide Part 1: Blades & Clippers click here to check it out!