Hand stripping is a traditional grooming technique for wire-haired breeds, where dead outer coat hairs are gently removed from the root rather than clipped. This allows new, healthy hair to grow through and preserves the coat’s natural texture and rich colour.
Clipping cuts the hair above the follicle, which can soften the coat and dull its colour over time. Hand stripping, by contrast, removes the old, coarse hairs completely, revealing the softer undercoat and creating space for a fresh topcoat to develop. This helps maintain the correct wiry feel, reduces shedding, and supports good skin health by improving air circulation.
Regular hand stripping prevents the coat from becoming overly dense, which can lead to compacted follicles, matting, and discomfort. Most dogs that require hand stripping benefit from the process a few times a year, though frequency varies depending on coat type and lifestyle.
It is a skilled, time-intensive technique that requires experience and patience. We’re pleased to offer professional hand stripping with Suzanne, a City & Guilds Level 3 qualified groomer with over a decade of expertise.
Hand stripping is typically suited to rough-coated breeds such as Terriers and Schnauzers.
I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Wheal Ki Dog Groomers! My 1 year old Shih Tzu Bailey has been going to them since they first opened and he loves nothing more to see Amanda & Viv!! Their grooming skills are amazing!!
