Hand Stripping

Hand stripping is a specialist grooming technique essential for maintaining the health, texture, and natural appearance of certain dog breeds. At The Hair of the Hound, we offer expert hand stripping to ensure your dog’s coat remains strong, weatherproof, and true to its breed standard.

If you’re wondering whether hand stripping is right for your dog or what the process involves, we’ve created this in-depth guide to explain everything you need to know.

What is Hand Stripping?

Hand stripping is the process of removing dead topcoat hairs by hand rather than cutting them with clippers or scissors. This method ensures that the coat maintains its natural wire texture, colour, and density. Unlike clipping, which can soften and dull the coat over time, hand stripping preserves the protective, coarse topcoat that many wire-haired and silky-coated breeds rely on.

Dogs’ coats go through four distinct growth phases:

  • Anagen (growth phase)
  • Catagen (transition phase)
  • Telogen (resting phase)
  • Exogen (shedding phase)

Hand stripping is most effective during the Telogen phase, when the dead hair is ready to shed naturally. By carefully removing these hairs, we encourage healthy regrowth without damaging the coat’s integrity.

What’s Included in Our Hand Stripping Service?

At The Hair of the Hound, we offer a comprehensive hand stripping service tailored to your dog’s individual coat type and needs. Here’s what’s included:

1. Personalised Consultation

Every dog’s coat is unique, so we begin with a detailed consultation to assess:

✔ Coat type and texture
✔ Any sensitivities or skin conditions
✔ Grooming history and future care plan

We’ll also discuss your dog’s lifestyle to determine the best grooming schedule.

2. Hand Stripping Process

Hand stripping is performed using finger stripping and professional stripping knives where necessary. We:

✔ Remove dead hairs without damaging the undercoat
✔ Work in small sections for an even finish
✔ Pay extra attention to sensitive areas like the face and ears

3. Bathing & Coat Conditioning

After stripping, we bathe your dog using gentle, skin-friendly products to soothe any irritation. We use:

✔ Hypoallergenic shampoos to nourish the skin
✔ Coat conditioning to support healthy regrowth
✔ Drying and brushing techniques to maintain coat integrity

Note: Hand-stripped dogs should not be bathed before stripping, as clean, soft hair is harder to remove.

4. Nail Clipping & Ear Cleaning

A full grooming session wouldn’t be complete without:

✔ Nail trimming to prevent posture issues
✔ Ear cleaning to reduce the risk of infections

Why is Hand Stripping Important?

Wire-haired and silky-coated breeds have unique coats that require hand stripping to prevent dullness, excessive matting, and soft, patchy regrowth. Without hand stripping:

  • The coat becomes overgrown with soft undercoat, losing its texture.
  • Natural oils aren’t evenly distributed, leading to dry or greasy patches.
  • The hair follicles become clogged, increasing the risk of skin conditions.

Hand stripping maintains the coat’s natural waterproofing, colour vibrancy, and insulation, keeping your dog comfortable and looking fantastic.

Which Breeds Require Hand Stripping?

Hand stripping is essential for certain breeds to maintain their traditional coat structure. Breeds that benefit from this technique include:

Wire-Haired Breeds:
  • Border Terrier
  • Wire Fox Terrier
  • Airedale Terrier
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • Scottish Terrier
  • Irish Terrier
  • Wire-Haired Dachshund
  • Schnauzers (Miniature, Standard, Giant)
Silky-Coated Breeds:
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • English Setter
  • Irish Setter

If your dog belongs to one of these breeds, hand stripping is the best way to keep their coat healthy, textured, and breed-accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hand Stripping

Most breeds require hand stripping every 6-12 weeks, depending on their coat growth and lifestyle.

Not at all! When done correctly, hand stripping is painless, as only dead hairs are removed. Many dogs find it relaxing!

Clipping softens the coat over time, removing the protective topcoat and leading to a patchy, fluffy texture. Hand stripping is the best method to maintain a wire-haired coat.

If your dog has been clipped for years, the coat may have softened. However, with regular hand stripping, we can gradually restore the correct texture.

A full hand strip can take between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your dog’s size, coat condition, and breed.

No, hand stripping encourages natural, healthy regrowth, ensuring your dog’s coat remains vibrant and full.

Why Choose The Hair of the Hound for Hand Stripping?

  • Highly Expirenced – We specialise in hand-stripping techniques tailored to each breed.

  • One-on-One Attention – No rushed appointments; we take the time to ensure quality grooming.
  • Breed-Specific Expertise – We understand the unique needs of wire-haired and silky-coated dogs.
  • Stress-Free Handling – We prioritise your dog’s comfort, using a calm, patient approach.
  • Premium Products – We use high-quality, skin-friendly shampoos and conditioners.

Book Your Dog’s Hand Stripping Appointment Today!

If your dog needs professional hand stripping, The Hair of the Hound is here to help. Book an appointment today and ensure your dog’s coat stays in perfect condition.

📍 Location: The Hair of the Hound – Expert Dog Grooming Near Chipperfield, Hertfordshire