Dyeing Dog Hair Tips
Dyeing dog hair is a hot new trend in the grooming world and it’s spreading fast! You’ve seen them–pink Poodles parading down the sidewalk or multi-colored dogs riding in the passenger seat of cars. Should you dye your dog’s hair? And if so, which hair dye products work?
Is It Safe to Dye Your Dog’s Hair?
Yes, it’s safe to dye your dog’s hair. Most dog hair colors are very safe and wash out between four to six washes. When trends become popular, many manufactures and pet supermarket chains jump on board and offer different safe options, which is always a good and safe thing.
Of course, we should use common sense. If your dog has sensitive skin, then I would skip hair color, as it will only increase skin inflammation. If you do dye your dog’s hair, always protect your dog’s eyes and ears when applying or, better yet, ask a professional dog groomer to add a bit of color during your dog’s next groom. Lastly, only use hair colors that are designed for dogs. They have a unique skin pH, which is very different than ours, so keep human hair color on your hair and not on your dog.
Dog Hair Dye Products
Luckily, there are a ton of options out there when it comes to dyeing dog hair and caulks are pretty user-friendly even for first-time dog hair colorists. Now, you’re not necessarily rubbing caulk into your dog’s hair, but rather blowing it into her strands. Yes, you read that right, blowing. 🙂
Blow Pens
Blow pens contain colored chalk powder inside of a pen-shaped applicator. Simply uncap and lightly blow caulk on your dog’s hair. Until you’re comfortable using blow pens, start lightly and layer to control color saturation (i.e. pastel versus intense color).
Paints
Painting your dog’s coat with ultra safe hair color made for dogs is another option. I recommend professionals use this method, as you’re painting (or spraying) and then drying your dog’s hair. Never use heat (your hair dryer) when drying your dog’s hair, as it’s so easy to burn her sensitive skin. Painting hair is messy. I’m sure you’re having flashbacks from coloring your own hair (hello stained foreheads, counters and floors).
Stencils
If you’re looking for a hint of color, try stenciling. You can choose from stars, hearts, paw prints and polka dots to glam your dog up for holidays. If you’re really into adding pizzazz, you can stencil cheetah, zebra and tiger stripes! Stenciling hair color works best on short-coated dogs, such as Bully breeds (Bull Terriers, Pit Bull Terriers, some Labs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs and any short-coated mixes in between).
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For Best Results
Before painting or blowing color onto your dog’s coat, have a plan of action first. If you mix too many colors, you’ll end up with a muddy-colored mess. Also, color looks best on white coats because you’re able to see a truer color (just like pink looks better on our blonde hair).
Tan and beige coated dogs can rock hair color too, but understand it will not be as vibrant. I’m not saying dark-colored dogs can’t participate in all the fun. Just choose a color that stands out on their dark coats, such as neon green, hot pink, day glow yellow and lighter pastel colors.
If you’re a beginner, start with stenciling and then work your way up to blow pens (chalk application). Don’t expect your dog to stand still for 15 minutes while you’re applying color (trust me, time flies when you’re applying). Give your dog frequent breaks in between color applications and ask a friend to hold a peanut butter stuffed toy in front of your dog, so she can happily lick away while you’re creating a masterpiece.
Hair color is fun, so go for it! Be prepared to turn heads and answer many questions!