When grooming, one of the big questions is whether to clip the dog before the bath or after. Both approaches have benefits depending on the coat type, its condition, and the style you want to achieve.
✂️ Pre-Clipping on a Dry Coat
Clipping a dog before washing can be very practical, especially when the coat is matted, greasy, or heavily overgrown. Removing excess bulk first can save time during the wash and reduce drying time and also protect your equipment from unnecessary wear.
Pro Tip: Keep separate scissors and blades just for pre-clipping. This helps preserve the sharpness of your finishing tools for more detailed and polished work.
🛁 Washing Before Clipping
Bathing first is often preferred for dogs with manageable coats or for styles requiring a smooth, polished finish. Clean, fluffy hair after blow-drying allows blades and scissors to glide more easily, giving you sharper lines and better results.
Washing also removes dirt and grease, reducing the risk of equipment dulling too quickly.
💧 Diluting Shampoo Properly
Whether you wash before or after clipping, always dilute shampoo according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Applying neat shampoo can be harsh on the skin and wasteful. Dilution ensures even coverage, easy rinsing, and economical use.
🐾 Which Method is Best?
There isn’t one rule for every dog. For heavily matted dogs, dry pre-clipping is often kinder and more efficient. For regular grooms with softer coats, bathing first usually creates a smoother, more professional finish.
At Wow Grooming, we suggest choosing the method based on each individual dog, always balancing coat condition, equipment care, and the pet’s comfort.
