HAND STRIPPING
THE BASICS
Stripping the coat is generally divided into three sections with a transition area between the Jacket (C) and the Flats (A).
THE GROWTH CYCLE
A dog’s hair follicle is made up of a thick guard hair and soft undercoat. The cycle of growth for hard, wiry coats has 4 stages.
Hand stripping is a grooming technique used to remove excess dead hair to help maintain the coats natural texture and colour. It is done by manually pulling (stripping) the dead hairs from the root. This method of grooming can be used on many breeds, from Terriers to Sporting & Hound breeds, and those with double coats.
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How it works:
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Manual Removal:
Our highly trained groomers will use a number of methods, such as hand pulling with their fingers or using tools like stripping knives to pluck dead hairs that have reached the end of their growth cycle, from the root.
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Promotes New & Healthy Hair Growth
By removing the dead hairs, new, healthy hair can grow ensuring the dog maintains its natural coat texture. Removing dead hair clears the follicle, allowing for new hair growth.
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Maintains Coat Texture & Coat Health
Hand stripping is especially desired for breeds with a hard, wiry outer coat, as it helps to keep the desired texture and colour. Removing dead hairs prevents matting and skin irritation
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Natural Shedding:
Hand stripping can be done to accelerate the natural shedding process. ​​​
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When is the right time for a strip?:
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Typically done twice a year, in spring and autumn, which is a dogs natural shedding cycle.
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Frequency depends on the condition and type of coat, temperament etc.​​
What is carding?
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Carding is similar to hand stripping, and is still as technical a skill as hand stripping, but this is the process of removing the dead undercoat. Removing the undercoat should be done before clipping or scissoring. After a full hand stripping, carding the coat will remove any remaining loose hairs.
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Prices for carding the coat are the same p/h as hand stripping.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Handstripping is an expert skill. Our groomers may have trained for several years to master this technique, and therefore it is reflected in our pricing.
It is not only an expert skill, but it is also very physically demanding. Depending on breed, coat and temperament, an appointment can take anywhere from 2 hours to 5+ hours.
We also have to take in to consideration that because hand stripping is so time consuming, our dogs and our groomers may need to take short breaks to eat, drink or relieve themselves, this is also factored into our prices.
Our hand stripping service prices are inclusive of a full hand strip, scissor/clipper trim of certain areas, eg: pads & feet, sanitary, plus nail clipping & ear clean.
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NB: We DO NOT wash the coat on the same day as stripping can leave pores open, potentially making the skin more susceptible to irritation or infection. We will invite you for a return appointment within 10 days of the stripping for a wash & dry service.
**We do request the coat be free of mud, grass & burrs etc, and that the coat is 100% dry - we CANNOT strip a damp coat as the hair is too slippery.
**We also request that you DO NOT wash your dog for up to 7 days before your booked appointment, a clean, soft coat is difficult to pull and can cause much discomfort.
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Hand stripping a neutered or spayed coat can sometimes be more difficult due to hormone changes after neutering. This can affect the growth cycle and the coats texture, making it more difficult to strip the hair without causing discomfort. Some dogs may also become more sensitive after neutering, making the process of stripping more uncomfortable.
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​Age can become a factor against hand stripping because older dogs may experience changes in their coats texture and quality, making it harder to strip and potentially uncomfortable for the dog. Additionally, the time and effort required for hand stripping might be less suitable for the well-being of an older dog compared to a quicker method like clipping.
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PRICE GUIDE:
Small dog eg: Border Terrier - £36.25p/h
Medium dog eg: Irish Terrier - £46.25p/h
Large dog eg: Irish Setter - (carding & groom) - £112.50 for 2.5hrs
Giant dog eg: Spinone - £63.00p/h
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