How to Comb Correctly: Tools & Technique for a Smooth Finish
Combing is the final check that guarantees a neat groom. Done properly it protects the coat, reveals hidden matts and helps you achieve a professional finish — without upsetting the dog.
🔎 Check your work after brushing
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Always run a comb through the coat after brushing to find any missed tangles or mats - The Cruise and Lady Sass are great work horse combs.
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Work methodically: section the coat and comb each area fully before moving on.
✋ Technique — lift, don't flatten
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Use gentle, circular movements to lift the coat and allow the comb to pass through the hair easily.
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Lift the hair away from the skin as you comb — this reduces pulling and shows whether the brush reached the undercoat.
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Do not push or force the comb into a tangle. If the hair resists, stop and work with fingers or a detangling spray first.
🪄 Tools — pick the right comb
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Extra-fine comb: use for the second pass to remove loose undercoat and smooth the finish.
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Eye comb: small, fine-toothed comb for dried eye discharge — use gently to avoid tugging delicate skin - https://www.wowgrooming.co.uk/search?type=product&options%5Bprefix%5D=last&q=eye+comb
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Small combs: ideal for precision areas (face, paws, tail).
📏 Pin design & spacing
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Conical pins: rounded tips are kinder to skin and glide in more easily than sharp pins.
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Pin spacing: wider, longer pins are best for poodles and thick, curly coats — they move through the coat faster.
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Closer pin spacing removes finer tangles and is useful for finishing work — spacing determines how quickly and easily you comb.
🔁 Work flow — two-pass approach
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Pass 1: use a comb with wider spacing to remove bulk and larger tangles.
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Pass 2: follow with a finer comb to smooth and finish the coat.
🧴 Product tip — detanglers & coatings
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Apply a detangling spray sparingly when needed — it helps the comb glide and reduces pulling.
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Teflon-coated combs are favoured by many groomers because they reduce static, glide easier and speed up the process.
⚠️ Safety & comfort
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Never yank or force a comb — break knots apart gently with fingers or scissors if necessary (and only when trained).
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Keep smaller, delicate tools for sensitive areas and always watch the dog’s body language.
Following these simple checks, techniques and tool choices will make grooming faster, safer and more comfortable for dogs — and give you a cleaner, more professional finish every time.
