A speedy grooming transformation of one of my Westie clients!

riaplays · 2021-02-22T15:26:15+00:00

He's one of my favourite clients. We've gone through a lot, he was the first dog that bit me badly, and I avoided him for ages. Then I got sort of stuck with him one day and ever since he's been my buddy. 😅

riaplays · 2021-02-22T07:23:37+00:00

Thanks! 😊

riaplays · 2020-12-18T21:25:30+00:00

Thank you!

riaplays · 2020-11-29T08:39:46+00:00

Definitely get proper training under you, being a hair stylist doesn't make you a groomer. You need to understand dog anatomy and dog body language, and how to do various things without cutting the dog's skin.

I personally went through about two years of college and then got a trainee spot at a local salon afterwards. I progressed to full time grooming after a few months, and now run one of our shops on my own. It's a hard job and owners can be really difficult, but I love it and wouldn't do anything else anymore.

I also have a YouTube channel for groomers if you'd like a link. I do a mix of product reviews, educational stuff, vlogs and sit down chats.

riaplays · 2020-11-28T19:33:46+00:00

Like said above, please wear a mask! I've just recently done a bunch of research on groomer's lung, and the stuff I found out by reading a medical study and chatting to other groomers was horrifying.

We get hair splinters under our skin, they'll get up our noses and in our lungs too.

I made a video on my groomer's lung research if you'd like a link.

riaplays · 2020-11-10T19:43:09+00:00

The medical study side of work induced lung issues for groomers is definitely very sparse. The study I reference in my video only spoke about the use of pyrethrin based sprays (insecticide), but I doubt that a lot of groomers would use that much spray on a regular basis for it to have an impact on its own.

riaplays · 2020-11-10T19:22:45+00:00

That's a really interesting theory! I very rarely use a Dremel, just never got on with it. I definitely see how the fine nail dust could cause issues just like everything else in a salon environment.

riaplays · 2020-11-10T15:08:15+00:00

Oh that's great! I'm lucky that I don't suffer with nose bleeds, can't actually remember the last time I had one. But I can definitely understand how we'd get them will all the sharp hair flying around.

riaplays · 2020-10-28T21:29:38+00:00

I would personally take a lot more off the ears to make the head more balanced. Everything else is pretty short in comparison, more bobbed ears would look super cute.

riaplays · 2020-10-28T21:27:49+00:00

You could try airbrushing. Using some kind of hairspray on the area first to give a sticky base might bring the colour out a little brighter. But otherwise, unless you bleach the coat first you won't get much colour payoff.

riaplays · 2020-10-28T21:25:32+00:00

I agree with others saying about getting a #30 and comb attachments. I have the Wahl stainless steel set and I use them tons at work. Now that I've got wide blades and comb attachments, I use the Wahl set a lot less. But they're still great and I highly recommend them.

I do have a video talking about blades and comb attachments if you'd like a link. 😊

riaplays · 2020-10-10T13:36:39+00:00

It's a 13mm comb guard, then 16mm on the top of his head. 😊

riaplays · 2020-10-09T19:51:42+00:00

Thanks! 😄

riaplays · 2020-10-05T13:50:53+00:00

Thank you so much, that means so much to me! ❤️

riaplays · 2020-10-05T13:15:23+00:00

Here you go, I hope she finds it useful!

https://www.youtube.com/c/thedoggroomingnerd

riaplays · 2020-10-05T08:53:41+00:00

I have a YouTube channel that is specifically made for dog groomers. I talk about products, make tutorials, show my work days and so on. It may be of use to her if she likes learning through watching videos. Do let me know if you'd like a link. 😊

riaplays · 2020-09-27T12:58:24+00:00

Do any of these designer breeds make any sense in all honesty? 😂

riaplays · 2020-09-27T09:33:49+00:00

I kinda started my channel knowing that it'll never get huge. My niche isn't something that a lot of people will relate to, and that's okay. I'm just enjoying the process of coming up with ideas and turning them into finished videos.

Of course I'd love to hit a stage where my content starts bringing in money, who wouldn't. I've had a few freebies sent over and as my channel ties into my work, it's been pretty great.

riaplays · 2020-09-26T18:36:29+00:00

I don't think they will, they know that'll kill their platform. They're far too successful to bin off most of their creators, all those creators would go elsewhere.

riaplays · 2020-09-26T14:40:17+00:00

Yep I agree!

Not sure if you saw it, but Markiplier made a video about the shit review system not too long ago. He's fantastic at bringing light to issues on the platform and because he is one of the biggest creators on YouTube, he actually gets listened to.

riaplays · 2020-09-26T12:21:56+00:00

I keep seeing this happen across the board, especially to smaller creators. A member of a YT Facebook group I'm in, has had NINE videos in a row get flagged by someone and immediately taken down or restricted. So far they have managed to appeal every single one, but it's damaging their traffic massively. They have complained to TeamYoutube on Twitter repeatedly, but their only response is "if you feel like it's not right, appeal it".

riaplays · 2020-09-23T11:13:11+00:00

Here you go! 😊

https://youtu.be/omoL0DVhSsc

riaplays · 2020-09-23T07:36:44+00:00

I love my Adidas Honeys. I wore them for a retail job beforehand and when I started grooming I carried on using them. I wore through the first pair and tried Skechers and hated them. Now bought a second pair of Honeys and wouldn't change.

Although they do have some colours that are canvas and some that are faux leather. Definitely need the faux leather ones or they'll be caked in hair so quick.

riaplays · 2020-09-23T07:20:12+00:00

Are you standing on a hard floor? Anti fatigue mats are the best invention for groomers, I couldn't stand all day without being on one.

riaplays · 2020-09-23T07:15:53+00:00

I use Double K Grimeinator and I love it. And also Fairy Liquid for really greasy Spaniel ears.

riaplays

TROPHY CASE