Clipper-Free Option for Matted Hair

The most common reason for matted hair is dry hair where the hair shaft cortex opens up from lack of sebum. Once this occurs, the hair sticks together like Velcro. With that in mind, one of the first things we need to do is hydrate the hair in the matt to try to reverse the situation. We do this by using the CLOSE (hydrating conditioner)-OPEN (mild shampoo)-CLOSE (hydrating conditioner) technique. The next part is creating a slip with oil or a plant based silicone to allow the hair to slide on itself easily.

You can use any Iv San Bernard conditioner and shampoo for the CLOSE-OPEN-CLOSE technique of dematting. Depending on the severity of the matt, you can also add a few drops of K101 to the first “close” stage and/or the “open” stage. You can also add our PEKs, K101 (sparingly), and conditioners directly into the matt to detangle.

Granted, a pet that has become completely matted cannot escape the clippers, but you will surprise yourself on the coats you can save using this technique!

Photo courtesy of Jeanette Anson, Owner of Dressed to Impress Doggie Spa

Why Mats Form in the First Place

A healthy hair shaft is covered in tiny overlapping plates (cuticle scales) that lie flat when the hair is coated with sebum. When that protective oil is stripped or never replaced, the scales lift. Rough, open hair shafts catch on each other, and friction, moisture and movement twist them into tangles and then mats. Learn more in why using a proper conditioner protects the hair.

Mats are most common behind the ears, in the armpits, on the belly, around the collar and harness line, and on the back of the legs, anywhere hair rubs.

Step-by-Step: Clipper-Free Dematting

1. Assess the mat. If you can slide a comb between the mat and the skin, it can usually be saved. If it is pelted tight against the skin, see the section on when to clip below.
2. First CLOSE: hydrate. Saturate the coat with a hydrating Iv San Bernard conditioner. For heavier mats, add a few drops of K101 to this stage.
3. OPEN: cleanse gently. Wash with a mild shampoo, diluted about 1 part product to 3 parts water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes instead of scrubbing, which only tightens mats.
4. Second CLOSE: hydrate again. Apply conditioner a second time to seal the hair shaft.
5. Create slip. Work a PEK, a conditioner, a small amount of K101, or a plant-based oil or silicone directly into the mat so hair can slide on itself.
6. Work from the outside in. Hold the hair close to the skin to prevent pulling, then tease the mat apart with your fingers, then a wide-tooth comb, then a finer comb.
7. Dry carefully. Fluff-dry while brushing so the coat does not re-tangle as it dries.

Find the right products in our de-matting collection, including K101 Disentangling Conditioner and our PEK conditioner masks.

When You Should Clip Instead

Comfort and safety come first. Clip rather than demat when the coat is pelted tight to the skin, when the pet is in pain or highly stressed, when the skin under the mat is irritated or broken, or when dematting would take longer than the pet can tolerate. See our guidelines on when to shave a dog.

Preventing Mats Between Grooms

• Never brush or comb a dry coat. Mist with a hydrating spray first to prevent breakage.
• Condition after every bath to keep the sebum layer intact.
• Brush high-friction areas several times a week, down to the skin.
• Dry the coat fully after swimming or bathing.
• Share our tips on teaching clients how to brush a coat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get mats out of dog hair without shaving?

Hydrate the hair with a CLOSE-OPEN-CLOSE bath (conditioner, mild shampoo, conditioner), add slip with a PEK, conditioner or pet-safe oil, then tease the mat apart from the outside in with fingers and a comb while holding the hair near the skin.

What causes dog hair to mat?

Most mats start with dry hair. When the sebum layer is missing, the hair shaft cuticle opens and strands catch on each other, especially where hair rubs, like behind the ears and in the armpits.

When should a matted dog be shaved?

Shave when mats are pelted tight to the skin, when the skin underneath is irritated, or when dematting would be painful or too stressful for the pet.

Can you brush a dry, matted coat?

Brushing a dry coat is not recommended. It causes breakage and pain. Hydrate the coat first with conditioner or a hydrating spray.