Dematting & Stripping Tools – Remove Mats & Dead Hair
Dematting & stripping tools tackle tough tangles and manage hand-stripped coats with control and minimal coat damage. From mat splitters and rakes to stripping knives, stones, and carding tools, the right kit removes compacted hair, evens density, and preserves natural texture.
What dematting & stripping tools do
- Break apart and lift tight knots and felted areas while protecting skin with controlled, short strokes.
- Card and hand-strip wire or harsh coats, removing blown/dead hair to maintain correct texture and color.
- Balance bulk and density before finishing—reducing scissor time and improving airflow to the skin.
Working patiently on a clean, dry, well-brushed coat yields faster progress, less pull, and a smoother final outline.
Key tools & features
- Dematting rakes & splitters – single or multi-blade heads; rounded, micro-serrated edges to slice mats safely when needed.
- Undercoat rakes & carding tools – fixed or replaceable teeth in coarse/fine spacings to lift dead undercoat without stripping topcoat.
- Stripping knives – coarse-to-fine tooth counts; non-cutting backs for pulling, with grips that keep the wrist neutral.
- Stripping stones & blocks – pumice-style surfaces for delicate areas and soft, controlled hand-stripping.
- Grip aids – latex finger cots, chalk or powder to improve hold on harsh coat and reduce slip.
- Ergonomics – contoured handles, balanced heads, and left/right variants to reduce fatigue over long sessions.
How to use (workflows)
Dematting workflow
- Assess severity. For felted coats close to the skin, choose a humane clip-down rather than prolonged dematting.
- Support the skin with your free hand. Start at the edge of the mat and work in small sections from tip toward root.
- Use a splitter or dematting rake with light, short strokes; re-comb frequently to check progress and prevent over-pulling.
- Finish with a slicker/comb to align the coat; trim frayed ends if needed for a clean outline.
Hand-stripping/carding workflow
- Identify coat stage (rolled vs blown). Chalk lightly or use finger cots for grip.
- Hold skin taut. With a knife or stone at ~45°, pull small amounts in coat direction—never yank or twist.
- Work in rotations—back/shoulders first—review density from multiple angles and stop when texture is even.
- Comb out loosened hair; rest the skin periodically to avoid irritation.
Always maintain steady, light pressure and keep strokes short—control matters more than force.
How to choose the right tools
- Coat type – coarse knives/stones for harsh, wire coats; finer carding teeth and gentle rakes for softer or dense undercoats.
- Mat severity – narrow splitters for pinpoint cuts; multi-tooth rakes for larger mats and bulk removal.
- Tooth spacing – wider for heavy build-up; tighter for finishing and detail zones.
- Ergonomics – handles that fit your grip and reduce wrist deviation; choose left-hand options where needed.
- Serviceability – replaceable blades/teeth and durable materials that tolerate routine cleaning and disinfection.
Important notes
- Work only on clean, dry coats; moisture increases friction and skin pull.
- Keep sessions humane—if a coat is felted to the skin, pivot to clipping to avoid pain and dermatitis.
- Protect thin-skinned areas (armpits, groin, flanks); use stones or fine tools and very small pulls.
- Disinfect tools between pets and check edges/teeth regularly; replace burred or bent parts promptly.
- Confirm breed/owner preferences before hand-stripping; some coats are maintained by clipping instead.
Build a focused kit of dematting and stripping tools matched to your coat mix and technique. With patient, controlled use—and the right ergonomics—you’ll clear mats cleanly, maintain correct texture on hand-stripped breeds, and deliver a comfortable, polished finish.