I am now offering creative grooming services! Book a service with me, your local Canine Colorist, to give your dog a pop of color. I guarantee they’ll be the talk of the town!
What is creative grooming?
Creative Grooming is the act of applying fashion colors to dog coats via chalk, paint pens, or dyes. Most commonly parents choose to color their dog’s ears or tail or add stencils to the side body, but there is ample room to explore different placement and color options - including all over body designs!
Before you commit to having this service done, there are a few questions you should ask yourself (and your dog).
First, how does your dog behave when being approached by strangers? Does your dog love the extra attention? Do they come with you on your errands around town? Then they are a great candidate for creative grooming! Dogs are more likely to get attention when they have a color service performed. Plus, they’ll get plenty of extra attention and treats during the service itself.
Second, how does your dog behave at the salon? Creative grooming adds additional time onto your dog’s service, so ideally your pet is well behaved and calm during their normal services.
Finally, does your dog have sensitive skin? If your dog is prone to allergic reactions, has open wounds, or can only tolerate hypoallergenic products, then certain color services are not ideal for your pet.
Creative grooming inspires many questions and concerns. Is it safe? What does it cost? How long does it last? Read this FAQ below to find out the answers to common questions. For more information, feel free to give me a call. And if you really want to know more, watch the documentary Well Groomed, available to watch online via YouTube and HBO.
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Creative Grooming FAQ
What are the creative product options available?
Dry chalk, paint pens/air brushing, semi-permanent dye, permanent dye, glitter, jewels, bandanas, and bows.
How long does it last?
Chalk lasts a few days with full vibrancy, and some color may remain until the dog is washed once. Paint pen designs last a week or two with full vibrancy, and some color may remain until the dog is washed once. Dye lasts 1 month with full vibrancy and can remain through several washes. Rain or swimming will cause each product to fade faster. Short haired dogs may have dye fading for up to a year depending on the color, placement, and frequency of washing.
What are the areas you can color?
Chalk usually goes on the ears, tail, or as a mohawk (either on the head or full body). Paint pen designs usually go on the rump or upper thigh. Short coated dogs can get full body paint pen designs, like tiger stripes or multiple flowers on various areas. Dye can go all over the dog, though often the face is left natural to protect the eyes and mouth.
What are the design options for the paint pens?
Heart, flower, lightning bolt, pumpkin, four leaf clover, paw print, snowflake, pine tree, leaf, mushroom, and more. Most simple designs can be done or custom made, feel free to ask!
Is it safe?
Yes! All products are safe for dogs and are formulated specifically for dogs. I use products from both Opawz and Angela Kumpe’s Creative Collection line. However, all products come with risk. If your dog can only use hypoallergenic shampoo, or if they are prone to rashes or hot spots, dyeing is not the best fit for your dog. Chalking and paint pens come with less risk of skin irritation.
Will it stain anything?
If your dog gets wet, there is a small risk of color transfer depending on the product used. Most household cleaners will clean up any transfer easily.
How long does the service take?
Chalk takes ~20 minutes. Paint pen designs take ~10 minutes for a single design, ~40 minutes for a full body design. Dye takes at least 1 hour for one body area, and up to three hours for more complex designs. Dye services must be accompanied by a bath service.
How much does it cost?
Designs drawn with our paint pens start at $20, chalking services start at $30, and dyeing services start at $60 and can go upwards of $300 depending on the size of the dog, the length of the coat, and the complexity of the request.
Which color service is right for my dog?
Chalk is great for first time creative customers. It’s less expensive than dye and short term, so you can see if you like it before committing to something more. Chalk can be done on any color or any length of coat. Paint pen designs are great for holidays or special occasions, but they work best on short coated dogs. Sometimes dogs with medium-length coat can get simple designs, like a heart. Paint pen designs are not recommended for long coated dogs. Dye is great for those who are committed to a specific aesthetic and whose dogs love extra attention. Dye can be done on any length of coat, but can only be done on light-colored dogs (white, fawn, silver, or similarly colored dogs).
