Grooming Brushes – For All Coat Types
Brushes are essential grooming tools for detangling, de-shedding, and finishing coats to a smooth, even look. With the right head design, pin length, and pad flexibility, brushes remove loose hair and debris while lifting the coat for faster drying and cleaner scissor work.
What brushes do
- Loosen and remove dead undercoat, surface dander, and trapped debris to keep skin ventilated and reduce shedding.
- Break up tangles and early mats with controlled strokes that protect the skin and preserve length where possible.
- Set the coat for finishing—aligning hair direction so clipper passes and scissoring produce a consistent result.
Used on clean, fully dried coats, professional brushes speed prep, improve finish quality, and support coat and skin comfort between grooms.
Key brush types commonly used
- Slicker brushes – fine, angled pins on a cushioned pad; excellent for working through tangles, legs, and furnishings.
- Pin brushes – longer, rounded pins for medium/long coats; good for daily maintenance and fluffing without static.
- Bristle brushes – natural or synthetic bristles to smooth topcoats, distribute oils, and add shine on short to medium coats.
- Undercoat rakes – wide-tooth designs that reach dense double coats to pull loose undercoat with minimal topcoat disruption.
- Curry/coat brushes – rubberized nubs for short coats and bath-time massage to lift shed hair and improve lathering.
How to use brushes (grooming workflow)
- Prep the coat: bathe, dry thoroughly, and lightly mist with a detangling spray if needed (avoid soaking).
- Select the tool for the coat type and area—slicker for tangles, rake for dense undercoat, pin/bristle for finishing.
- Work in sections from the skin outward; support the coat with a comb hand and use short, even strokes.
- Check progress with a comb; stubborn knots may need careful splitting before re-brushing—never rip through.
- Finish by fluffing with a pin or bristle brush to align lay, then reassess under strong light for missed areas.
Consistent, light pressure and frequent re-combing help prevent breakage and reduce skin irritation.
How to choose the right brush
- Coat type & density – deeper pins and rakes for double coats; gentler slickers and pins for fine or silky hair.
- Pin length & tip style – rounded, polished tips protect skin; choose length that reaches the undercoat without scratching.
- Pad stiffness – soft pads for sensitive areas; firmer pads for heavy tangles and dense furnishings.
- Head size & shape – compact heads for faces/feet; wider rectangles or ovals for faster body coverage.
- Ergonomics & materials – balanced handles, non-slip grips, and corrosion-resistant pins for daily salon use.
Important notes
- Brush only when the coat is clean and dry—dirt and moisture increase friction and damage hair.
- Monitor skin frequently; reduce pressure on thin areas and avoid repetitive strokes on one spot.
- Disinfect and remove hair from tools between pets; replace bent pins or worn pads promptly.
- Pair brushing with routine comb checks—if a comb won’t pass easily from skin outward, keep working in smaller sections.
Build a brush kit matched to your breed mix and finish goals. The right combination of slickers, pins, bristles, and rakes speeds prep, reduces shedding, and delivers a polished, comfortable result on every appointment.