In all my years as a groomer, I have never used color on a dog. Not even for fun on my own dogs. But when I was called to groom a little sweet, sweet Maltese a month ago and was asked if I would use color on her I said I would love to do it. I know that in the Grooming Competition world this category is huge but, I just never had tried it. So, my first foray into dyeing Diamond was definitely something new for me and I used a product called Manic Panic. Very safe and really no different than using a deep conditioner. It requires a thorough application so the dye covers each strand. Of course, I was very careful about her eyes and mouth area. I used latex gloves and gently massaged the product into her coat. The first go around was good, a little neon but, quite nice.

When I came back to groom her again and refresh the color I changed the products to Queen of Color by Dawn Omboy. I even had a conversation with Dawn at her shop in Georgia to discuss the process and procedure to gather as much information from the expert. She was very helpful and took time out of her grooming schedule (she owns a very busy grooming business too) to give me some tips. I used Violet Crush and applied the product with my hands as well as using a human hair color applicator brush. This made applying the color around her face really easy and safe. She behaved perfectly and just sat in the sink with a rubber mat as I moved through the process.

When I first groomed Diamond the hair above her eyes and behind the top knot had been cut very short. She was left with a little thin top knot that she kept rubbing out so, I asked permission if I could remove the top knot altogether and even out the hair on her head. I was given the green light to do that. By next month the hair on head will have grown enough for me to continue shaping and evening it out. She is only 8 months old and has a beautiful coat and really behaves so well during all phases of grooming.

The entire process was fun and interesting to do and working on such a sweet and obedient dog always makes my job a joy!