Hand Stripping

Hand stripping is a specialist grooming technique used to maintain the texture and appearance of suitable wire-haired coats. Rather than clipping the hair, we carefully remove the mature, loose outer hairs by hand or with appropriate stripping tools, allowing new growth to come through. For dogs with the right coat type, this helps preserve their coat’s natural colour, character and distinctive finish.

​

At The Highland Groom Shack, we assess your dog’s coat before starting and discuss their grooming history, including whether they have previously been clipped. Hand stripping isn’t suitable for every coat, and the hair needs to be ready to release comfortably. We work patiently in small sections, tailoring the appointment to your dog’s tolerance and allowing breaks when needed, with their comfort guiding the process throughout.

​

The finished result is a tidy, natural-looking coat that retains the texture suited to your dog’s breed and individual features. Depending on the coat’s condition and your preferred finish, maintenance may involve regular appointments rather than removing all the mature hair in one visit. We’ll explain the most suitable approach for your dog and offer practical advice on caring for their coat between appointments.