The Benefits of Hand Stripping Grooms for Your Dog’s Coat
- Tracy Tristram
- Sep 25, 2025
- 2 min read
At Brentwood Bubbles 'n' Barks, we know that every dog is unique – from their personality to their grooming needs. That’s why we’re proud to offer hand stripping grooms, a specialist service designed to maintain the health, look, and texture of certain coat types.
What is Hand Stripping?
Hand stripping is a traditional grooming technique where we gently remove dead hairs from your dog’s coat by hand. Unlike clipping, which cuts the hair, hand stripping pulls out old hairs, allowing new, healthy hair to grow in its place. This process keeps your dog’s coat in the best condition and ensures it retains its natural texture and looks its best.
The Benefits of Hand Stripping
Maintains Coat Health – By removing dead hair, the skin can breathe better, reducing the risk of irritation or clogged pores.
Enhances Natural Colour & Texture – Hand stripping helps preserve the coat’s natural shine, colour richness, and crisp texture.
Supports the Coat’s Purpose – Many wire-haired and coarse-coated breeds were bred to have protective, weather-resistant coats. Hand stripping maintains this functionality, while clipping can soften the coat over time..
Promotes Healthy Regrowth – By removing old hair at the root, new hair grows in healthier and stronger.
Which Breeds Benefit from Hand Stripping?
Hand stripping is most suitable for wire-haired and rough-coated breeds, as well as some silky-coated terriers. Examples include:
Border Terriers
Jack Russell Terriers
Wire Fox Terriers
West Highland White Terriers (Westies)
Cairn Terriers
Schnauzers
Irish Wolfhounds
Cocker Spaniels (working and show types)
If your dog has a wire or coarse coat, hand stripping is often the best option to keep them looking and feeling their best.
Important Note: Hand Stripping vs Clipping
It’s important to know that hand stripping is only suitable for dogs who have not had their coats clipped before. Once a wire or coarse coat has been clipped, the texture changes – becoming softer and often curlier. This makes it much harder (and sometimes impossible) to return to the original texture needed for effective hand stripping. That’s why it’s best to start hand stripping early and keep it as part of your dog’s grooming routine.
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Why Choose Brentwood Bubbles n Barks?
Our experienced groomers are trained in specialist techniques like hand stripping, ensuring your dog receives the right grooming for their coat type. We take time and care with every dog, creating a calm and comfortable environment so your pup enjoys their visit. f you’re unsure whether hand stripping is right for your dog, feel free to contact us or pop in for a consultation. We’ll be happy to advise you on the best grooming option for your furry friend.
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