Most people think of grooming as an aesthetic procedure – a clean coat, a nice haircut, a pleasant scent. But behind the outer beauty is a subtle science – biology. A groomer who understands the structure of the coat, its growth phases and the biological processes that occur in the skin and hair follicles can really affect its health. Biological knowledge allows the groomer to work not in a template, but with an understanding of what he is doing, why he is doing it now and what effect it will have.
How coat texture differs between breeds
The coat structure varies considerably from breed to breed, and this is what determines the approach to grooming. Some breeds have an undercoat (e.g. Spitz or Husky), which provides insulation, while others have only an undercoat (e.g. Poodle or Yorkie), which grows continuously and needs regular trimming.
Curly hair has a spiral structure and tangles easily without proper grooming. A stiff coat (such as a terrier) has thick pin hair that does not fall out on its own and requires stripping, a procedure based on a thorough understanding of the physiology of hair growth.
Another characteristic is the type of attachment of the hair in the skin. In some breeds, the hair “sits” firmly and cannot be pulled out painlessly (this is why trimming is contraindicated, for example, in Shih Tzu), while in others, the old hair is easily detached in the telogen phase and must be manually combed or plucked.
Understanding these nuances is very important for a true professional groomer.
Phases of hair growth
The hair goes through several phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (stop-growth phase) and telogen (loss phase). Each breed has its own duration and ratio of these phases.
For example, in poodles, the anagen phase can last a long time, so the coat grows continuously, just like in humans. This is why poodles need to be clipped regularly – not because they “overgrow”, but because biologically their hair does not fall out on its own. In dogs with seasonal shedding, such as huskies and Labradors, the phases are synchronized with the climate: in autumn the anagen of the winter undercoat begins, and in spring the telogen sheds the old coat.
A groomer who understands what phase the coat is in now can choose the best time for shearing or trimming. Trimming during telogen can damage follicles or cause uneven growth. If you work in anagen, the result will be more stable and the hair will grow back healthier.
That is why it is important not only to see the hair, but also to “read” its biological language.
Biological function of wool
Wool is a complex biological system that performs many vital functions. It regulates body temperature, protects against ultraviolet light, retains skin moisture, reflects some bacteria, and is even an important part of communication – through the odor that accumulates on the coat, the dog “tells” others about itself.
Each coat type is nature’s response to the environment. A curly coat protects against moisture, a thick undercoat protects against cold, and a short, smooth coat provides thermoregulation in hot climates. If the groomer cuts incorrectly or does not take into account the biological characteristics of the breed, he can compromise these natural defenses.
For example, completely shaving off the coat of a double-coated breed (such as an Akita, Spitz or Chow Chow) can destroy the animal’s thermoregulation, causing overheating, burns or even loss of the coat’s ability to regenerate properly. Therefore, the groomer must be a guardian of the natural balance.
Effect of diet on coat and skin condition
The first signs of nutritional disorders, vitamin deficiency or digestive problems are immediately reflected in the coat. Scragginess, dullness, dandruff, excessive oiliness or dryness, unpleasant odor – all these are often not cosmetic problems, but a signal from within.
Proteins are the foundation of the hair structure. If they are lacking in the diet, the coat becomes thin, weak and grows slowly. Fatty acids (especially omega-3 and omega-6) are responsible for shine, elasticity and moisturizing the skin. Vitamins A, E, B-complex – essential for skin cell renewal, normal coat growth and anti-inflammatory action.
Even water is an important factor. A dehydrated dog will first of all lose its coat shine, start shedding and itching. So a competent groomer should be able to do more than just wash and trim, but should also be able to look for possible signs of nutritional problems – and advise you to see a vet or change your dog’s diet.
It’s also important to consider individuality: even the best food may not suit a particular animal. Sometimes it is the coat that will be the first to tell you that something is wrong – but only an attentive groomer can hear it.
Moulting
Moulting is a natural coat renewal process that occurs in most dogs. But a groomer never treats it as “just a seasonal phenomenon”. Moulting is the body’s biological response to changes in temperature, light, hormones and even stress levels. And most importantly, its intensity, duration and nature are directly related to the breed and health of the dog.
In short-haired dogs (like Labradors or Pugs), shedding can be almost permanent, not just seasonal. Long-haired breeds with an undercoat (Spitz, Akita, Husky) – there is a massive “explosion” of hair twice a year. And there are breeds that almost do not molt, because their hair grows constantly (poodles, yorkies), and they need to be cut regularly.
A groomer can help your dog go through the molt comfortably: properly comb out dead hair, prevent collapses, let the skin “breathe”. They can also spot abnormalities such as excessive shedding, areas without hair, itching or irritation.
In addition, grooming during the shedding period makes the owner’s life much easier: less hair at home, less stress for the dog, and a pleasant feeling of well-groomed skin and coat. But only if the groomer knows how to work with nature, not fight it.
Conclusion
Grooming is a biologically based art. A groomer who knows the structure of the coat, understands its growth phases, takes into account skin functions, the animal’s nutrition and molting patterns – treats, maintains, harmonizes.
In a world that increasingly chooses species over substance, it is biology that brings grooming back to its deeper meaning: preserving the health and well-being of the animal.
