What is Creative Grooming?
Creative Grooming is anything you can imagine outside of the realm of a traditional show or pet trim. From colour stenciling, airburshing, or colouring using pet safe dyes, to coat carving and stylized trimming, there are so many ways to make your pup stand out from the pack. Creative Grooming bends the rules of traditional grooming and showcases the creativity and skill of the groomer.
What are the most popular options for Creative Grooming?
The most popular options, as mentioned above, are Airbrushing, Colouring with pet safe dye, Blow Pens, and Coat Carving/Stylized Trimming.
Using an Airbrush is a great way to give your pup a unique look. You can choose from a variety of colours and designs to create a one-of-a-kind look using a stencil or by free-hand colouring. The ink is specifically designed for a pets coat, and will last 1-3 washes depending on the saturation and coat texture.
Blow pens are also a great way to add some personality to your pup's coat. They are easy to use and allow you to create fun and unique designs. A great option for home groomers wanting to add a pop of colour to their dogs coat on special occasions. Our blow pens come with 12 fun colours and 8 unique stencil designs, and will wash out after 1-2 washes.
Dog safe dyes are a more permanent way to add colour to your dogs coat. Dyes normally come in permanent and semi-permanent formulas, which can range between 1-6 months in longevity.
Coat carving is a more intricate process that can create a beautiful design on a dogs coat. This is can be done by removing hair in negative spaces, to create a design using the depth of the coat, or by removing small sections of hair to create an outlined image within the coat.
Is Creative Grooming safe for dogs?
Yes. Creative Grooming is safe for dogs when done correctly. The colouring products used on pets to create vibrant works of art are specifically formulated to be safe for use on dogs. Brands such as Groom Professional offer pet friendly creative colour products in the form of airbrushes and blow pens. It is important to only use colour specifically designed for pet use. Human products can be toxic for animals, so it’s important to make sure that you’re using a pet-safe colour.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the product is applied properly and that your pup is comfortable throughout the process. Each individual dog has their own tolerances and behaviors, which should be taken into consideration when deciding if creative grooming is right for you. Colouring a dog as well as grooming them can be a very time consuming process. If your dog doesn't enjoy grooming, or is unable to stand on the table for long periods of time, creative grooming may not be right for your pet. It is very important to respect your dogs limits, and only proceed if your dog is happy and willing.
If I colour my dog, will this affect their socialization with other dogs?
The good news is, in most cases, other dogs won’t treat your pup any differently if you colour them. Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell and the scent of other dogs, and in most cases wont bat an eyelid at your dogs colourful appearance. However, it’s important to remember that you should always socialize your dog to ensure that they are comfortable around other dogs, regardless of how they look. Creative grooming can also be a great way to make your dog stand out to other owners and humans, and can help to make them more approachable. This can help your pup build relationships and become more comfortable in social situations.
Take a look at Andis Grooming Ambassador, Gabrielle Feitosa, taking his Pokémon Poodle to the beach:
Is dying the fur harmful for the dog?
The short answer is no, it is not harmful to the dog. When done properly, dying your dog’s fur is completely safe and can be a fun way to show off your pup’s personality. As long as you use a pet-safe colourant that is non-toxic, such as the Groom Professional Airbrush Kit or Groom Professional Blow Pens, your dog won’t suffer any harm.
The stigma around creative grooming and dying dogs is largely unfounded. In reality, creative grooming and dying dogs is a safe and humane practice, as long as it is done properly, with the welfare of the dog in mind. Professional groomers use only pet-specific non-toxic dyes and products, and they take every precaution to ensure that the process is as safe and comfortable as possible for the pet. The colour options we offer can be easily washed out and will not cause any long-term damage to the pet’s fur or skin.
At the end of the day, creative grooming and dying dogs is a fun and harmless way for pet owners to express their personalities and bond with their beloved companions. With the right products and techniques, it can be a safe and enjoyable experience for both pet and owner alike. So don’t let the stigma around creative grooming and dying dogs stop you from enjoying this unique bonding experience, and let your creativity shine!
Show us your looks by tagging us on Facebook or Instagram, or send us a photo to support@allgroom.co.nz!