Salon Talk: Creating an Efficient Bathing Routine

A well-structured bathing routine is the foundation of professional grooming. It’s not just washing, it's a predictable, results-driven workflow where every product choice maximizes efficiency and enhances the final finish. Keep reading to find your essential guide to selecting the right products at every stage.

1. Pre-Work

Detangling, De-Shedding & Coat Preparation

Before water ever hits the coat, pre-work sets the foundation for everything that follows. This step ensures products can penetrate evenly and prevents mats from tightening during the bath.

Essential Pre-Bath Tasks:

Brushing and Line Brushing: This ensures that all dead coat, loose hair, and minor tangles are removed before the water hits the coat. Adding water to an already knotty coat can tighten the knots, making them harder to remove later. 

Nail Trimming: It is best practice to trim and buff nails before the bath. If you accidentally quick a nail, the blood can be easily rinsed away in the tub, preventing stains and unwanted interruption.

Eye Cleaning: Clearing eye gunk and heavy staining now allows the subsequent wash to thoroughly clean the underlying skin and hair for a cleaner look and smell. Clients always notice the face first, and getting the area clean before the bath ensures a better overall finish and presentation.

Product Use for Coat Preparation

Detangling Sprays: 

• Why They Work: These sprays help to lubricate the dry coat, which allows your brush to glide through, preventing matting and breakage.

[product=bio-groom-anti-stat-detangler-aid-355ml]
Eliminates static charges on hair that can result from shampooing, drying, brushing and combing. Anti-Stat leaves the coat much easier to comb and brush. Ideal detangler spray to keep on hand for brushing and combing. Non-sticky, non-irritating. Excellent on fine or thin dog coats and for cats. Fine mist pump sprayer.
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[product=hydra-professional-ultra-dematting-and-finishing-spray]
Hydra Professional Ultra Dematting and Finishing Spray helps to loosen tangles, reducing brushing and detangling time while adding softness and shine to your long-haired dog or cat's coat. Simply spray evenly and brush.
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[product=progroom-easy-comb-detangler-spray-250ml]
ProGroom's Easy Comb Detangler is a easy to use detangler spray that makes knot removal easier and less stressful for groomers, owners and pets. No sticky residue. Just spray then comb or brush. Can be used on wet or dry hair. Use before brushing and combing. 
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Face & Eye Cleaner: 

• Why They Work: These gentle face cleansers are formulated to be mild and gentle enough for use around the face. They help to break down dirt and debris for easier removal, leaving behind a fresh scent. 

[product=hydra-professional-eye-face-cleaner]
Hydra Professional Eye & Face Cleaner gently cleans and removes secretions and scabs from your pet's face and eyes, neutralizing odors. Apply to a cotton ball or soft cloth and gently clean the affected areas.
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[product=progroom-berry-bright-face-foam-cleanser-200ml-foam-pump-bottle]
Berry Bright is a gentle, foaming cleanser that cleans and brightens messy faces and feet. The tearless, sulfate-free formula is safe to use on sensitive areas. Apply to a wet or dry coat. Use to spot clean by itself, or during bathing. Delicious fresh berry scent.
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2. Pre-Wash

Clarifying, Degreasing & Deep Cleansing

The first wash, or pre-wash, is all about removing dirt, oil and product buildup so specialty formulas can perform properly in the next step. Think of this as your everyday, deep cleansing shampoo. 

Purpose:

• Breaks down sebum, pollutants, and environmental buildup.

• Opens the coat for targeted treatment.

• Ensures an even lather during the second wash.

When to use which formulas:

•  Everyday or Pre-Wash options: ProGroom or MiPuchi offer Everyday and Pre-Wash options, great if you just want one untargeted shampoo for all clients. 

[product=progroom-everyday-shampoo-5-litres]
ProGroom's Everyday Shampoo is the reliable go-to for every day use at your grooming salon. This gentle, effective, soap-free formula is the general purpose all-rounder for professionals. Suitable for all coat types from silky and fine, to coarse and curly. Even for thick and double coats. Gentle on skin. Won't irritate or dry out sensitive skin. 
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[product=mipuchi-professional-grooming-series-pre-wash-shampoo-concentrate-5l]
The new natural range of pet grooming products, made pure in New Zealand. Provides thorough pre-wash deep cleansing to remove accumulated oil and dirt, neutralises odours and restores essential nutrients for a revitalised, healthy skin and coat. For professional use on all breeds of dogs and cats, and all coat types. No alcohol, parabens, sulphates or harmful chemicals.
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•  Clarifying shampoos: Ideal for heavily soiled coats or infrequent baths. Hydra and Bio-Groom offer deep cleansing shampoos that clean without over drying.

[product=hydra-professional-x-treme-ultra-deep-cleansing-shampoo-5-litres]
Hydra Professional X-Treme Ultra Deep Cleansing Shampoo effectively removes oil and grease, adding texture and thickness for a perfect groom. Suitable for all breeds and coat types, this concentrated formula uses salon-grade ingredients like mint extract to cleanse while maintaining hydration and softness.
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[product=bio-groom-so-dirty-shampoo-3-8l]
The ultimate deep-cleansing, soap-free shampoo if you have a stinky or dirty dog. With Soy Protein to help condition and repair coat damage, and Wheat Germ Oil, naturally high in vitamin A, fatty acids and linoleic acid, to help condition and moisturise dry skin and nourish the coat. Chamomile and Aloe Vera to help soothe sensitive skin. 
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• De-greasing formulas: Useful for oily breeds (Spaniels, Terriers), stud tail, or coats exposed to heavy dirt.

[product=groom-professional-dirty-dogs-shampoo-4l]
Groom Professional's Dirty Dogs Shampoo is an excellent deep cleaning shampoo with an economical dilution rate of 20:1. It easily cuts through grease and dirt to leave even the smelliest coats feeling soft and smelling fresh, leaving behind a fruity fragrance. Designed to be powerful, yet gentle, Dirty Dogs will remove dirt, grease, stains and odours, rejuvenating the coat as it cleans. It also de-greases which can be especially useful for thick double-coated breeds that often become greasy with time.
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[product=progroom-spot-gel-cleaner-500ml]
ProGroom's Spot Gel Cleaner has been formulated for spot cleaning of greasy and stained areas where normal shampoo is insufficient. This amazing, extra strong, concentrated gel attacks and dissolves buildup of excess oils and products. Use only as directed on specific areas, such as feet or base of tail. Reduces sebum and greasiness, perfect those greasy cocker ears!
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• Soothing gentle formulas: Amazonia, or ProGroom provide mild options for sensitive skin needing a clean start without harshness.

[product=amazonia-sense-oatmeal-shampoo-5-litres]
Amazonia Senses Oatmeal Shampoo helps soothes, conditions, and moisturises dry and itchy skin with the power of oatmeal while maintaining skin's natural oils. This gentle, tearless formula is strong enough to clean but gentle enough not to irritate. Oatmeal extracts provide deep cleaning by removing excess dander and oil while soothing and moisturising troubled skin, leaving behind a healthy coat that shines.
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[product=progroom-dermal-care-hypoallergenic-sensitive-shampoo-5-litre]
ProGroom's Dermal Care is a extra gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo, formulated for sensitive or scratchy dogs, and dogs with delicate coats. Gentle enough for cats too. Sulfate-free, gentle cleanser with a 'less is best' formula to reduce the risk of allergic reaction by avoiding all common allergens. Favoured by groomers with sensitive skin also.
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3. Specialty Shampoo

The Targeted Treatment Step

Once the coat is clean, the second shampoo delivers the specific result you need. This is the “performance” stage where coat-type formulas shine, and where professional product knowledge makes the biggest difference in results.

Purposes:

• Enhancing coat texture

• Hydrating dry or damaged coats

• Whitening or brightening

• Anti-shedding, anti-itch or other targeted effects

Popular categories and coat matches

Whitening or brightening shampoos 

• Best for white, cream, silver and parti coats. Naturally reduces yellow and brassy tones for a bright and clean result. Brighter coats add an extra wow factor to your finished groom. Most brands have their version of a coat whitening shampoo, with purple and blue toned options available, as well as clear based options with optical brighteners. 

[product=mipuchi-professional-grooming-series-whitening-shampoo-concentrate-5l]
Whitening Shampoo with Manuka Honey & Harakeke provides high-powered cleansing while reactivating and enhancing the white coat with an optical brightening action, diminishes yellow stains, and restores nutrients to revitalise the skin and promote a soft, shiny coat. For professional use on all breeds of dogs and cats, and all coat types. Does not stain or discolour hair.
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[product=bio-groom-super-white-shampoo-3-8-litre]
White coats brighten and sparkle without bleaching when shampooed with this extraordinary formula that has been developed for white and other light colored coats. Fortified with protein, it cleans thoroughly while adding life and body to the coat. Blue base shampoo with optical brighteners. Will not stain or discolour coats. 
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[product=groom-professional-bright-white-shampoo-4l]
Groom Professional's Bright White Shampoo does exactly what you’d expect, enhancing white tones on any coat to leave them wonderfully bright, while removing stains and odours. Especially effective when washing bichons, westies, poodles and similar breeds, this purple shampoo doesn’t contain any bleach or nasty chemicals that will harm the coat. Bright white doesn’t just enhance the coat, it also cleans deeply and gently, removing stains and odours for the ultimate shine. 
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Coat-type shampoos

• Volumising for Poodles, Bichons and double coats needing lift. Helps add volume and texture to curly and double coats for easier styling. Helps to avoid the dreaded limp topknot, perfect for show days. 

[product=hydra-professional-volumizing-shampoo-5-litres]
Hydra Professional Volumizing Shampoo boosts the volume of your pet's coat with a salon-grade formula that absorbs excess oil and promotes ideal styling texture. This gentle blend features a wheat protein bond that targets individual strands to build volume while providing a fresh, clean wash. Enjoy the elegant, long-lasting fragrance of goji berry, hibiscus, pomegranate, and tonka bean during and after bath time, leaving your pet with show-ready, fabulous fur. This concentrated formula also helps create the perfect texture for hand scissoring and styling.
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[product=progroom-volume-shampoo-5-litres]
Plump up that style! Infused with hydrolysed Wheat protein & Waratah extract for extra body and fullness, ProGroom's Volume Shampoo will revive a fine or limp coat. Formula contains vitamin B5 to strengthen and improve the overall health of the hair which makes it perfect for show days when you need that extra boost. Also contains wheat protein to strengthen, condition, and hydrate the coat as well as smoothing, thickening and naturally adding volume.
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• Smoothing for drop coats like Shih Tzus, Maltese and Yorkies. Help to reduce frizz and add hair memory, perfect coat preparation for fluff drying long coats straight. 

[product=hydra-professional-silky-smooth-shampoo-1-litre]
Hydra Professional Silky Smooth Shampoo enhances pet's long, straight coat, leaving it hydrated and naturally smooth. This concentrated (4:1) formula, with a blend of amino acids, helps maintain a straight effect while providing essential hydration. It's ideal for dogs and cats with long, straight coats.
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[product=groom-professional-argan-oil-shampoo-4l]
Groom Professional's Argan Oil Shampoo formula contains Argan Oil (Moroccan Oil), which locks in moisture, adds lustre, shine, and restores smoothness. It will repair dry and brittle coats and give new life to tangled, and damaged fur. Contains Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s), which strengthen the hair shaft and heal split ends. Also contains Vitamin E to help maintain a healthy looking coat. 
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• Odour control or deodorising: Useful for active breeds, dogs that swim frequently, and seniors

[product=amazonia-senses-odor-control-shampoo-5-litres]
Amazonia Senses Odor Control Shampoo Experience the fresh scent of a clean and have a happy pet. Formulated with Deoplex, a natural enzymatic odor neutralizer, this shampoo effectively eliminates unpleasant odors caused by dirt, sweat, or other factors. Gently cleans and softens your pet's coat, leaving them feeling and smelling their best.
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[product=hydra-professional-odor-neutralizing-shampoo-5-litres]
Hydra Professional Odor Neutralizing Shampoo is designed for dogs and cats of all breeds and hair types, effectively removing unwanted odors. This shampoo opens hair cuticles, making it easier to remove dirt. It promotes a deep cleaning of fur and can even help prolong a bath's effects. This concentrated formula, enriched with oatmeal extract, helps with itchy and sensitive skin, reducing irritation while promoting moisture and hydration.
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• Shedding control shampoos: Effective for Samoyeds, Huskies, Labs and other high-shed breeds. ProGroom and Bio-Groom both offer great de-shedding lines

[product=bio-groom-anti-shed-deshedding-shampoo-3-8l]
Bio-Groom Anti Shed Deshedding Shampoo is exactly as the name suggests, a mild, high quality, natural shampoo specifically developed to help reduce shedding. This shampoo is great for double coated and long-haired breeds to keep their shedding down. Grips loose coat and removes stubborn hair and loose undercoat during bathing to cut down on brushing and grooming as a whole. Reduces the amount of extra brushing required for double coated or long hair breeds. 
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[product=progroom-furex-de-shedding-system-step-1-cleanse-5-litres]
The advanced, 3 point Furex system targets removal of stuck undercoat of double-coated breeds. This system eliminates the need to pre-groom heavy undercoated dogs before the bath. The product does the work for you. Step 1 is Cleanse. This shampoo deeply penetrates the coat. Cleansing while neutralising the ionic charge within the coat. Removing dirt, odour, excess sebum and oils. This step preps the coat for loose hair removal and is the start of the deshedding process. 
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4. Conditioner

Coat Protection, Hydration & Manageability

Conditioner restores moisture, improves texture, increases elasticity and seals the cuticle. Skipping conditioner almost always leads to more tangling.

Purpose:

• Cuticle Sealing & Static Control: Conditioner deposits positively charged (cationic) ingredients onto the hair cuticle. This action flattens the outer hair scales, increasing shine and neutralizing the negative charge that causes static and leads to tangling.

• Damage Control: It boosts elasticity, reducing breakage during brushing and scissoring.

Read more about the importance of conditioner here. 

Selecting the Right Formula:

• Lightweight/Neutral: Use a lightweight formula for double coats where volume must be maintained.

[product=progroom-gentle-easy-rinse-conditioner-5-litres]
Lightly fragranced, ProGroom's Gentle Easy Rinse is a unique conditioner designed for instant results, faster rinsing and rapid drying times. Designed for sensitive coat types, it contains a low allergen fragrance. Formulated with natural aloe vera to soothe and cool as well as ultra-emollients that hydrate and moisturise, leaving coats more manageable without being too heavy.
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• Deep-Moisture/Rich: Use a heavier conditioner for curly, damaged, or dehydrated coats.

[product=hydra-professional-flash-thermo-active-deep-conditioner]
Hydra Professional Flash Thermo Active Deep Conditioner revitalizes the coat in just 90 seconds, leaving it hydrated and naturally shiny. This unique formula features collagen, argan, sesame, and coconut oils to boost moisture, reduce frizz, and protect against heat damage.
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• Silkening conditioners: Perfect for drop coats requiring slip, shine and movement. Helps to reduce frizz, and protects against coat damage while brushing. 

[product=bio-groom-silk-creme-conditioner-3-8-l]
The anti-static, tearless formula won't weigh down the coat, adding body and fullness - fantastic for lank coats needing a boost. Helps protect the hair cuticle for better resiliency to heat-styling, clipper blade heat, dusty or salty air, air conditioning and frequent bathing. Popular choice for show dogs. pH balanced. Biodegradable. Ideal for longer or knot-prone coats between grooming (perfect finishing rinse for clients you know you won't see again for a while!). Rinses clean - no irritating residue. Designed for all coat colours, including white. 
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• Advanced Use: The Close-Open-Close method (conditioning dry, shampooing, then conditioning again) is excellent for thick, dirty, impacted, or double coats.

Why it matters

Conditioner allows more efficient brushing, less breakage and a smoother finish for scissoring. It also boosts long-term coat health and reduces static. 

5. Drying Sprays

Heat Protection, Coat Memory & Reduced Dry Time

Sprays used before and during drying dramatically influence drying time and the final coat set. Finishing sprays used during drying can also significantly influence your final groom.

Purpose:

• Speed & Set: They reduce friction, speed up drying, and help "set" coat memory for a plush finish.

• Heat Protection: Drying sprays typically contain compounds that slow heat transfer, protecting the hair from the irreversible damage caused by high-velocity drying.

[product=hydra-professional-soft-touch-spray-moisturizing-cauterizing-500ml]
Hydra Professional Soft Touch is a hydrating and cauterizing spray for dry, damaged coats. Formulated with Vegetable Keratin and Panthenol, it intensely hydrates and fortifies the skin and coat. Lactic Acid re-seals the cuticle, removing frizz and promoting healthy growth. Cauterization is a keratin-based treatment that regenerates the coat by sealing the cuticle, eliminating dryness and frizz, and preventing split ends.
[/product]

[product=mipuchi-professional-grooming-series-detangler-250ml-copy]
The new natural range of pet grooming products, made pure in New Zealand. Provides a water-based micro-particle protective film on the coat to quickly expel water, preventing moisture loss in the hair fiber to protect the coat and provide more shine and softness. Reduces drying time by up to 60% to reduce animal stress, groomer’s effort and energy consumption.
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6. Scissoring And Styling Sprays

The Final Step For Precision & Hold

Once dry, finishing and scissoring products refine shape and control flyaways. The final products provide polish, control, and structure to your trim work.

Purpose:

• Scissoring Glide: Use lightweight coat sprays to ensure your scissors move cleanly through the coat for crisp, sharp lines.
• Texture & Hold: Use volumizing mousse or powder for sculpted styles (Bichon/Poodle).
• Finish: Use a finishing spray to help control flyaways, reduce static, and maintain the sculpted shape of the trim.

Product types:

• Scissoring sprays that help blades move cleanly through the coat.

[product=bio-groom-anti-stat-detangler-aid-355ml]
Eliminates static charges on hair that can result from shampooing, drying, brushing and combing. Anti-Stat leaves the coat much easier to comb and brush. Ideal detangler spray to keep on hand for brushing and combing. Non-sticky, non-irritating. Excellent on fine or thin dog coats and for cats. Fine mist pump sprayer.
[/product]

[product=mipuchi-professional-grooming-series]
The new natural range of pet grooming products, made pure in New Zealand. A nourishing detangling hair solution that revitalises the coat and assists in the removal of knots, makes brushing easier, and provides softness and shine. Shields the coat from excessive heat during drying, preventing damage and promoting healthy hair.
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• Smoothing gloss sprays for silky drop coats or for adding shine to a finished groom.

[product=hydra-professional-ultra-dematting-and-finishing-spray]
Hydra Professional Ultra Dematting and Finishing Spray helps to loosen tangles, reducing brushing and detangling time while adding softness and shine to your long-haired dog or cat's coat. Simply spray evenly and brush.
[/product]

[product=bio-groom-coat-polish-473ml]
Bio-Groom Coat Polish is the perfect finish to a groom. A coat glosser and detangler. Creates a lustrous, healthy, show-ring sheen. Highlights all colours. Retains dog and cat grooming for longer. Repels dirt and dust and prevents stains. Can be used all over as a coat spray, or as a brushing aid to help detangle matted hair and smooth the cuticle to keep it frizz-free. 
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• Volumising mousse & powder for sculpted poodle and bichon styles, or for adding volume to a double coat.

[product=hydra-expert-volumizing-mousse-150ml]
Hydra Expert Volumizing Mousse provides flexible hold, improving coat texture and adding volume without compromising brushing. It adds body and texture to fluffy and wire coats, providing additional support for sculpting heads, topknots, faces, and paws.
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[product=bio-groom-pro-white-harsh-coat-grooming-powder-226g]
Bio-Groom Pro-White Harsh Coat Grooming Powder cleans, texturizes, and deodorizes your pet’s coat without the use of water by absorbing excess moisture and oil. The product brushes out easily, leaving the coat well-groomed and fresh. Our unique grooming powder has been specially formulated for fineness and softness, as well as for brightness and absorbability. Designed to enrich the color, texture, and natural beauty of the coat, this product is effective on all coat colors of breeds with rougher coats. 
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Brands like Hydra, and Bio-Groom excel in this category with sprays, powders and mousses developed specifically for precision work.

 

A structured bathing system transforms the grooming process from routine washing into a predictable, results-driven workflow. Each layer supports the next. By choosing the right product for the right coat at each stage, you ensure a cleaner, healthier outcome and a more consistent finish.

Shop any of our Bulk Shampoos and order them on a subscription to receive 10% off, every time. Let us worry about your stock levels, so you can focus on optimising your workflow.