Long hair: preventing knots
Share
Long hair: preventing knots (10-day plan, easy to follow)
Long, double, or very thick fur? Knots tend to form first in areas of friction (armpits, behind the ears, hindquarters, tail). With a short, regular routine, you can keep your coat soft , airy , and free of tangles. Here's our 10-day anti-knot plan, plus checklists and helpful links.
Recommended tools: 17/11 tooth detangler (S) • 17/11 tooth detangler (L) • JR82749 clipper (finishing) • Diatomaceous earth mat
Summary
- Why do knots form?
- The tools that make the difference
- 10-day anti-knot plan
- Weekly maintenance routine next
- Sensitive areas: targeted approach
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Guides & Useful Products
- FAQ
1) Why do knots form?
- Friction (harness, collar, sleeping area, car seat).
- Undried moisture (rain, bath, interdigital areas).
- Seasonal undercoat shedding not removed.
- Irregular brushing or “surface” brushing only.
Prevention = opening the hair down to the skin, aerating the undercoat and drying properly.
2) The tools that make the difference
- 17/11 tooth detangler (internal blades, rounded tips): 11 teeth to open , 17 teeth to finish — S / L.
- Soft brush or soft carding brush for smoothing after work on 17/11.
- Light conditioning spray (anti-static): always work on barely damp hair, never dry.
- Use a warm hairdryer (20–30 cm) to open up the hair during drying.
- Finishing trimmer (hygiene areas, small, unremovable bulges): JR82749 .
3) 10-day anti-knot plan (8–12 min sessions)
| Day | Area | Action | Pro tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| J1 | Armpits + behind ears | Light spray → 11 teeth (open) → 17 teeth (finish) → brush | Stretch the skin near the knot; small passages from the tip to the base |
| J2 | Panties + back of thighs | Same sequence 11 → 17 → brush | Lift the strands layer by layer , not all at once. |
| D3 | Chest + front fringe | Soft opening, application brush | Treat breaks every 2 minutes to maintain a positive outlook |
| D4 | Tail | Comb/brush → 11 teeth for removing knots | Hold the tail flat on your forearm, with the fur stretched out. |
| J5 | Quick bath | Suitable shampoo → rinse thoroughly → dry warm while brushing | Non-slip + diatomaceous earth mat around |
| J6 | Global re-check | Micro-knots → 11/17 teeth located, 5 min | Always work on slightly damp fur. |
| J7 | Harness/collar areas | Remove trapped hairs, aerate the undercoat | Adjust the harness: size guide |
| J8 | Belly + flanks | Layer by layer, 11 → 17 → brush | Skin stretched with the free hand, micro-travels |
| J9 | Legs (feathers) | Fine-tooth comb + 11 teeth if needed | Finish by applying with a brush |
| D10 | Finishes | Hygiene area trimmer (if necessary), general brush | Slow strokes, clean blade; stop if irritation occurs. |
Each session lasts a maximum of 8–12 minutes . Short and regular sessions are better than one long weekly fight.
4) Next: Weekly maintenance routine
- 2 to 4 mini-sessions/week (5–8 min): armpits, ears, panties, tail.
- Bathe every 4–6 weeks, dry warm by brushing.
- Re-check after rain, beach, snow, wet harness.
See: At-home grooming: the 7-step routine • Grooming kit: checklist
5) Sensitive areas: targeted method
- Behind the ears : light spray, 11 teeth in micro-passes, hand stretching the skin; finish with 17 teeth.
- Armpits : gently lift the leg, work in small sections , never by pulling.
- Pants/tail : fine comb first to locate the attachments, then 11 teeth.
- Hygiene : if hair is stuck to the skin, use a soft trimmer (JR82749) rather than forcing it.
6) Common mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Dry brushing: breakage and static electricity → always moisten slightly.
- ❌ Pulling on a knot “all at once”: prefer to open (11 teeth) then finish (17 teeth).
- ❌ Drying too hot/close : risk of irritation.
- ❌ Forget about harness/collar areas: adjust, ventilate regularly.
- ❌ Wait until the wadding is stuck : intervene early, short sessions.
7) Useful Guides & Products
- Stress-free detangling: the 17/11 teeth method
- Home grooming: 7-step routine
- Harness Size Guide
- Products: 17/11 teeth S • 17/11 teeth L • JR82749 Clipper • Diatomaceous Earth Pad
FAQ – Preventing knots (long hair)
How often should you detangle long hair?
2 to 4 mini-sessions per week (5–8 min), plus more after humidity/harness.
I can't get rid of a stuck wadding:
Do not force it: use a finishing trimmer (in hygiene areas) or consult a professional to avoid irritating the skin.
My dog hates the brush:
Work in micro-steps (3–5 seconds), frequent treats, glide spray; favour the 17/11 teeth which opens without pulling.