Is it better to cut a dog's hair wet or dry?

When we pick up the scissors and prepare to trim the hair of our furry babies at home, we are full of expectations and a little nervous. Looking at the trusting eyes of the dogs, we all hope to create a comfortable and beautiful look for them. At the same time, we can't help but be entangled: should we trim the dog's hair when it is wet, or wait until the hair is dry before doing it? This seemingly simple question contains a lot of professional knowledge and meticulous care for dogs. Every trimming is an interaction of love between us and the dog, and choosing the right trimming method is a concrete manifestation of this love. ​

From a professional point of view, the structure and characteristics of dog hair are important factors in determining the trimming method. The dog's hair is composed of the epidermis, cortex and medulla, and these layers give the hair different physical properties. When the hair is wet, water molecules will penetrate into the cortex of the hair, making the hair soft and swollen, reducing the friction between each other, and making it easier to comb and shape. Just like when we take care of wet hair, it feels easier to straighten it. At this time, using scissors to trim can make it easier to control the length and shape of the hair, especially for some styles that require fine carving, such as trimming the hair into a rounded arc or shaping a neat edge. However, wet hair will sag due to the weight of water, which may cause the trimmed length to deviate from the expected. Once the hair is dry, the length will shrink. The length that seemed appropriate may appear too short after drying, affecting the overall styling effect. This change in length caused by moisture is like a little "magic". If you don't understand the principle, it is easy for the owner to regret after trimming. ​

Dry hair presents completely different characteristics. The texture of dry hair is relatively firm, and each hair remains in a natural state, which can truly reflect the growth direction and density of the dog's hair. When trimming, we can see the distribution of hair more intuitively to avoid uneven trimming due to misjudgment. For some trimming that needs to retain the layering of hair, such as trimming to create a fluffy effect, dry trimming can better grasp the length and angle of each layer of hair, making the trimmed shape more natural and three-dimensional. But dry trimming is not perfect. Dry hair is prone to static electricity, causing the hair to fly around, which not only increases the difficulty of cleaning, but may also make the dog feel uncomfortable. Moreover, dry hair is relatively hard. When trimming thicker hair, the scissors need to be more forceful, which not only increases the difficulty of the owner's operation, but may also pull the dog's skin and cause unnecessary pain to the dog. ​

In addition to the characteristics of the hair itself, individual differences of dogs are also important factors to consider when choosing a trimming method. The texture, length and density of hair of different breeds of dogs vary. For example, poodles, bichon frise and other curly-haired dog breeds have tightly curled hair, and wet shearing can better open the hair knots, comb smoothly and then trim, which can make the shape more regular; while double-coated dog breeds such as huskies and Alaskans have dense hair and hard outer hair, and dry shearing can better highlight the layering of the hair, avoiding the entanglement of the bottom fluff and the outer hard hair due to wet shearing, which affects the trimming effect. In addition, the dog's personality and mood will also affect the trimming method. Some dogs are very resistant to bathing and hair drying. Trimming when the hair is wet may increase their tension and anxiety; while some dogs are more sensitive to the sound of scissors, and the noise caused by the friction between the hair and the scissors during dry shearing may scare them. At this time, the owner needs to flexibly adjust the trimming method according to the specific reaction of the dog, and give them more comfort and patience. Every dog ​​is unique, and our trimming method should also fit their personality and needs like a tailor-made dress.​

In the actual trimming process, whether it is wet trimming or dry trimming, certain operating specifications and techniques need to be followed. If you choose wet trimming, first make sure that the dog's hair is thoroughly wet, especially the roots of the hair, but be careful to avoid moisture entering the dog's ears and eyes to prevent infection. Before trimming, comb the hair carefully with a comb and untie the knotted parts to ensure smooth and even trimming. When trimming, follow the direction of hair growth, and be gentle and steady to avoid cutting the dog's skin. After trimming, use a hair dryer to dry the hair as soon as possible to prevent the dog from catching a cold. When dry trimming, comb the hair first to remove stray hair and dust. During the trimming process, observe the length and styling effect of the hair at any time, and adjust the angle and strength of the scissors in time. In order to reduce the generation of static electricity, you can spray a small amount of anti-static spray on the hair before trimming. Regardless of the method, during the trimming process, the owner must always pay attention to the dog's reaction. Once they are found to be uncomfortable or nervous, they should stop immediately and give comfort and rewards.​

In fact, there is no absolute difference between wet trimming and dry trimming. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The key is to choose according to the specific situation of the dog. Every time you trim the dog's hair, it is a process of close contact and heartfelt communication with them. The scissors in our hands not only trim the dog's hair, but also trim the emotional bond between us and them. When we see the happy look of the dog after trimming, all the entanglement and hard work turn into full happiness.