Hand Stripping

What Is Hand Stripping?

Hand stripping is a traditional grooming technique used for certain wire-coated or rough-coated dog breeds. Unlike clipping, which cuts the hair, hand stripping involves gently pulling out dead topcoat hairs by hand or with a stripping tool to maintain the coat’s natural texture and colour.

Why is Hand Stripping Done?

Wire-coated breeds — like Border Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Schnauzers, Airedales, and others — have a double coat:

A soft undercoat for warmth and a harsh, wiry topcoat that provides protection

Over time, the wiry outer hair dies and needs to be removed so the new coat can grow in. Clipping these breeds instead of stripping softens the coat, fades the natural colour an can cause coat or skin issues over time

What Are the Benefits?

✅ Preserves Coat Texture – Keeps your dog's coat looking and feeling like it should (harsh, weatherproof, and tidy)
✅ Enhances Natural Colour – Hand stripping brings out the rich, deep tones in the coat
✅ Promotes Healthy Regrowth – Encourages a new, healthy coat to come through
✅ Better for the Skin – Allows the skin to breathe and reduces the risk of matting and buildup

How Long Does it Take?

Hand stripping takes longer than clipping and is a specialist skill. Depending on the breed and coat condition, sessions typically take 1.5–2.5 hours. Some dogs may require breaks or multiple sessions if it's their first time.