Long-haired dogs bring elegance and beauty, but their flowing coats require consistent care. Keeping their fur free of mats, tangles, and dryness means regular bathing and conditioning. A deep conditioning routine can help maintain coat health, making it easier to brush and keep clean between baths. The Super Conditioning routine is designed to infuse maximum moisture and nutrition into the coat, leaving it soft, shiny, and manageable.
Start Clean with Stripper
Before any deep conditioning treatment, you need a completely clean canvas. Residue from previous products, environmental dirt, or even hard water minerals can build up on the coat, preventing conditioning products from working their best. Starting with a purifying shampoo lifts away all these impurities.
Begin by double-cleansing your dog’s coat with Stripper. Apply it to warm, wet fur, lather well, and rinse thoroughly. Repeat this step to ensure all build-up is gone. This chelating shampoo opens the hair cuticle, preparing it to absorb the nourishing mask that follows.
Apply Your Mask for Deep Hydration
Once the coat is clean and rinsed, blot it gently with a Big Size Microfiber Towel until it is damp, not dripping. Now it’s time for the mask. For maximum nutrition and an extraordinary shine, Fortaleza Treatment is an excellent choice. This mask provides deep hydration without changing the coat’s natural volume and seals dry or damaged ends.
Apply the mask generously in three sections: first on the chest, front legs, neck, and head; then on the back and underside; and finally on the hips, skirts, tail, and rear legs. Massage the product thoroughly into the coat, paying special attention to the ends, which are often the driest and most prone to damage.
To help the mask penetrate deeply, wrap your dog’s coat in a plastic cape or bag. Then, cover this with a regular towel and a warm blanket. This creates a gentle warmth that helps the product work its magic. Leave the mask on for 45 to 60 minutes. It is important never to wrap your dog directly in an absorbent towel during this time, as it can pull the product back out of the coat.
After the recommended time, let your dog cool down for about five minutes before the next step.
Rinse Cold to Seal the Coat
The rinsing process is crucial for locking in the moisture and nutrients from the mask. After the mask has worked its time and your dog has cooled, rinse the coat thoroughly with plenty of cold water. This cold rinse helps to seal the hair cuticle, trapping the hydration inside and promoting a healthy, shiny finish. Ensure all product is rinsed out until the coat feels clean and smooth.
Finish with a Hydrating Spray
Once the coat is rinsed, blot it again with your Big Size Microfiber Towel to remove excess water. For an extra boost of hydration, especially for long coats that need ongoing moisture, apply Jealousy. This is a highly concentrated hydration spray. Spray it generously over the damp coat, then gently comb it through with a Professional Combs to distribute the product evenly without breaking up the coat structure. You can then proceed with your preferred drying method, using a low-heat setting if using a dryer to avoid over-drying.
Regular Brushing Between Baths
Maintaining a long-haired coat also means consistent care between baths. Regular brushing is essential to prevent mats and distribute natural oils. A good slicker brush with extra-long tines can reach deep into dense long coats. The Small Size Metallic Brush with Extra Long Tines is ideal for this, especially for smaller dogs or detailed areas. For larger dogs or broader areas, a Big Size Metallic Brush is also available.
Always follow up with a professional comb to check for any missed tangles, running it from root to tip. This daily care routine, combined with deep conditioning, will help keep your long-haired dog’s coat in excellent condition.
What you need
- Stripper: used to deep-cleanse the coat before a mask.
- Big Size Microfiber Towel: used to blot the coat before and after a mask.
- Fortaleza Treatment: used as the hydrating mask for deep conditioning.
- Jealousy: used as a concentrated hydration spray after rinsing the mask.
- Small Size Metallic Brush with Extra Long Tines: used for daily brushing to prevent mats.
- Professional Combs: used to detangle and check for knots.
For a routine built specifically for your pet’s needs, visit our Grooming Advisor.