The Art of Matting: The Silent Tangles You Miss While Brushing

“But I Brush Every Day! How Did It Get Matted?”

We hear this question very often. Especially when pet parents request a scissor cut, they believe that because they brush their dogs regularly at home, there shouldn't be any matting — which is completely understandable. However, with curly and fine-textured coats, mats often form deep within the undercoat, close to the skin. The surface may look fine, but if the brush doesn’t reach down to the roots, it’s nearly impossible to detect these tangles.

So while the phrase “I brush every day” is always said with the best intentions, technically, it might not be effective brushing. As professionals, it's our job to help pet parents understand the correct technique — because with the right care, their furry friend can stay more comfortable and retain a coat that’s suitable for beautiful scissor cuts.

Why Is Dematting So Difficult?

A mat is not just a little tangle. It’s a compact knot where hairs are tightly woven together, cutting off air circulation and often sticking to the skin, which can lead to serious skin problems. When we groomers tackle mats, we:

• Work in layers, section by section.

• Use special techniques to avoid hurting the dog’s skin.

• Apply professional products tailored to the specific coat type.

• Move slowly, patiently, and with great care.

As a result, dematting can take 2 to 3 times longer than a standard grooming session.

Do Sprays and Conditioners Really Help?

One of the most common misconceptions we encounter during home grooming is:
“I’ll just spray something on and brush a little — it’ll come out.”
Some pet parents even believe we use the same kind of conditioners found in human hair care to detangle their pets. While this assumption is understandable, it unfortunately leads to underestimating the complexity of the problem.

Here’s the truth:

• Human conditioners are not suitable for a dog’s coat or skin.

• Over-the-counter detangling sprays from pet shops only soften the topcoat — they do not break down deep mats.

• As professionals, we use specially developed dematting products and techniques. Even then, some mats become physically impossible to open.

• Sprays are supportive tools — they do not solve the problem on their own.

• In some cases, home treatments may worsen the matting, making shaving the only viable option.

Why Is Dematting an Extra Charge?

This is an important question to explain because unfortunately, some pet parents perceive it as an unfair fee. But here’s what they may not see:

• A standard haircut might take 1 hour, while dematting can take up to 2-3 hours.

• We work with extra care and slowness to avoid hurting or stressing the dog.

• We use more product, more effort, and more time.

• If dematting isn’t possible, clippers are used, which also requires special handling and caution.

That’s why dematting is not part of a regular grooming session — it is an additional service.

What Happens When Mats Are Too Severe?

Sometimes, mats become so dense and tight that brushing is no longer an option. The fur sticks to the skin, traps moisture, and poses a real health risk. In such cases, the only healthy and humane solution is a full shave-down. Of course, we prefer creating stylish, sculpted cuts — but our top priority is always the well-being of your dog.

How to Brush Your Dog Properly at Home

To prevent matting, we recommend following these basic steps at home:

• Brush in layers, making sure you reach the undercoat.

• Use both a metal comb and slicker brush, not just one tool.

• Don’t forget critical areas like behind the ears, underarms, neck, and legs.

• Brush daily, even if only for a few minutes — technique matters more than duration.

• If needed, ask your groomer to show you the proper brushing method.

Final Thoughts: Matting Is More Than an Aesthetic Problem

Mats are not just a cosmetic issue. Over time, they can cause irritation, wounds, fungal infections, and even serious skin conditions. That’s why regular, informed care at home — along with professional grooming — is key.

As pet groomers, we do everything we can to ensure your dog is healthy, happy, and comfortable. With your help at home, we can keep matting at bay and make every grooming session a more positive experience for everyone — especially your furry friend.