Expert: Kim Wingate - 11/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have an awsume choc poodle, I have 3 others that are tiny toys also. But, my mini Kane has the fluffiest ear hair that I have ever seen. When I grome himthey are even bigger and fluufier....I would like for them to lay down some. I have tried thinning, trimming and some hair products. They are just always so big and fluufy...do you have any tips for this? Thanks

ANSWER: Hello Claire,
I like to use a product from Sally's Beauty Supply called Proclaim Spray-On Glosser.  You can find it at:
http://www.sallybeauty.com/Spray-On-Glosser/SBS-631520,default,pd.html?cgid=Hair
It will condition the hair and will give it some weight to help keep it from being so bushy.  You can also ask your Groomer to "skim" some of the thickness off the underside of the ear so that its not as bushy, but it doesn't affect the look of the ear.  Also, while trimming is good, try letting the length of the ear grow some so that it weights the hair down.  When you trim the bottom of the ear shorter, the hair doesn't have the weight to keep it from flying and frizzing.  
Using a good conditioner and water when you brush his ears will help the hair to not break when you brush, which will help with frizz.  

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Kim for you help. One more thing, can you describe how the skimming of the ear underneath is done? I do all my gromming and have never known how to do that. I have use thinning shears once, but didn't like the way it made the ear hair look broken. Anything you can tell me would be great...thanks.

Answer
Hello again,
When I try to take weight off the ears, I shave the underside clear of hair, being careful not to take too much off the very bottom.  When I skim the hair, I use a #7 and just skim down the hair.  You don't want to get the blade too close to the hair because if the dog moves then you can take a chunk out rather than just a little bit.  It is a good way to remove the frizzies that poodles sometimes get.  I never have been good with scissors when I want to shape the body or ears, so I skim the hair off.  

Give it a try and let me know if it works for you.

Thanks again,
Kim