The crowd exploded with cheers, shouts and wild applause as Nathan Austin and Helios, his black standard Poodle, were declared the 2024 Best In Show winners. People swarmed the stage to get an up-close glimpse of the artist and his flawless creation. They were congratulating Nathan and commenting, “You’re amazing, I wish I could groom like you,” “You must have been grooming all of your life. Did you grow up in a grooming salon or come from a family that shows Poodles?”

Actually, Nathan did not come from a family that had roots in the grooming or show world…far from it. And, he never set out to become a dog groomer. Nathan Austin was raised by a single mother who struggled with addiction her whole life. They were often homeless and Nathan spent much of his teenage years running the streets. One day, one of his friends suggested that he apply for a job where she worked, so he did. It was at a PetSmart grooming salon.

“People judge you, dogs don’t,” he continues. “Before I became a groomer, I had a certain look, and when I would walk down a street, people would see me and they would often cross over to the other side of the street. With dogs you can be yourself and they accept you just the way you are.”

While Nathan was working at PetSmart as a groomer, a beautiful young lady named Kathlena was hired as a bather and she soon became a groomer as well. Nathan and Kathlena fell in love and they married. Now, they own their own grooming salon, A Cut Above Grooming Salon located in Castro Valley, California. Before opening their salon, Nathan and Kathlena went for their certification with the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA).

“For the last 10 years, we had been grooming pets, growing our careers, and we also managed a private salon,” Nathan says. “But we felt it was time to branch out and explore what other things the grooming world had to offer.

“During the certification process, Kathlena and I were with other like-minded groomers,” Nathan continues. “They had the same fire lit underneath them that we did. We became this group of friends that had the same ideals and wanted to grow. We couldn’t help but totally entrench ourselves into that life.”

After he became a Certified Master Groomer, Nathan began to enter grooming competitions and also started showing dogs at AKC shows.

“My first grooming competition was at a very small show, the Silicon Valley Pet Expo,” he shares. “Amazingly, I took first place in the B division with my standard Poodle, Georgette. And that was it. I was completely hooked from that day on. Then COVID happened and I couldn’t compete for a while, but I kept taking classes to help me grow in my knowledge and skills.

His winning ways continued, and last year Nathan was honored as the first-ever AKC Master Groomer of the Year.

“One of my favorite things about competing are the judges’ critiques; they have helped me so much,” he says. “I really value them and I apply what they tell me. I spent two years learning and perfecting the groom—the Historically Correct Continental (HCC)—that I put on Helios to win Best In Show at the 2024 Groom Expo West competition. My next big goal is to be on GroomTeam USA, and I’m not stopping until I reach that goal.”

“We groomers all have the same experiences—things like shaving dog butts, getting peed on, and finding poop in your smock pocket,” he quips. “Humor connects us all.”

In addition to the educational videos, Nathan and Kathlena have also begun teaching in-person seminars.

“When I went to certify, my mentors, Ann Martin and Nancy Han, made me feel so proud to be a groomer and so passionate about the breeds, I want to inspire that in other people,” he says.

Nathan Austin has had quite a journey, to say the least. He transformed himself from a homeless adolescent who ran wild in the streets into an award-winning groomer, influencer and educator. Nathan found his passion and is making it his mission to help others reach their highest potential.

He leaves us with this last bit of encouraging advice: “Never give up. Follow your dreams and do whatever it takes to achieve your goals.”

This article will discuss the grooming logic behind pretreating the coat using professional liquids engineered to manipulate the hair’s cuticles for optimal finish and effect.

Regardless of how mild or harsh a detergent is, all the cuticles on each hair fiber are exposed. And when left untreated without conditioning, static occurs, manageability suffers and further damage is more likely. This is precisely why it’s so critical to replace the sebum washed away with an appropriate conditioner. Thankfully, today’s advanced cationic conditioners make superior sebum replacements.

n Earth, where we humans and our pets live, our calendars are divided into periods of time called months. This thing called a month exists in every culture and language, and it drives the organization of our time. However, it is much more than a numeric habit passed down from thousands of years ago—it is an actual natural thing. So, first, a tiny lesson in Earth Science, one of my favorite subjects…

Originally, the idea of a month came about from clear observations of our Earth’s moon, cycling from full moon to new moon every 28 days or so. Much of nature is affected by these patterns, such as the tides in our oceans, the seasons and the changes in weather. Even our human bodies are tied to these natural monthly cycles, including fertility and reproduction. We are monthly creatures living on a planet where all these natural cycles of time are built into the very Earth we live on shared by all living things, down into our very cells.

The skin and hair system mammals have is called the Integumentary system. While it differs from species to species, we all have in common that skin and hair is made of keratin proteins, and that hair is an extension of filaments of keratins emerging from the skin. But most importantly for our discussion, skin has layers. And it is the monthly cycles of these layers that makes monthly grooming a necessity.

The broad categories of skin layers in a dog are, on top, the Epidermis; under the Epidermis lays the Dermis; and at the base of the skin is the Subcutaneous Layer. There are more complex components of these layers, but that is the general structure. As with all mammals, new skin cells rise from below to finally reach the surface, and then slough off.

The cycle of the formation of new skin cells below, rising from the basal layer to the stratum corneum and the surface, then shedding off, is called the keratinization cycle. The keratinization cycle in dogs takes approximately 21 days. For humans it takes longer. But this is why grooming (bathing, conditioning, brushing and combing hair, etc.) must be at least monthly for dogs. When skin cells reach the surface and need to fall off, they will begin to crust over and clog the outer layers of the skin.

Conditioning in a separate step is then critical. Since soap has washed away the oils, the skin will be stressed, even injured, and can be very uncomfortable for the dog unless the sebum layer is restored with good-quality conditioners. The dog’s coat type matters in determining what kinds of products we want to use to help the skin and coat work well for our clients.

All canine skin needs oils, minerals and moisturizers, but different breeds of dogs need them in different amounts. Short coats need more oil. The natural/normal fur coats of medium length in most dogs need more minerals because of the more constant shedding and making of new hairs. They require more of the building blocks of new hairs: magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. And long coats need more moisturizers—humectants, emollients and collagen to protect the ends of the hair furthest away from the skin.

This is another reason why short shaves can do long-term harm to delicate but important skin. Sunlight to the skin kills the immune system in the Langerhans cells, leading often to skin cancer. Sebum cannot get to the surface to protect the skin without the hair in the follicles. The sebum travels out onto the skin via the hair and the follicles to do its job as a protective barrier to the skin. This is also why hairless dog breeds must be treated daily; to wick away the dead skin cells that crust over, and then protect the skin with an appropriately light and nourishing oil.

So here we confront the real issue: Should we be requiring our clients to come on a monthly schedule? I do. And it has been easier to implement than I ever imagined. It is just the normal routine for our hundreds of active clients. However, there are exceptions to every rule.

If the client cannot afford my services that often, then I sell them good shampoos, conditioners, brushes and combs, and I take time to teach them how to do all this themselves at home. Often, they find it is well worth it to pay me to at least do a bath/condition/brush-out monthly rather than trying to deal with the mess of it at home.

Several families realized that their failure to regularly groom their pets was leading to higher vet bills. Some were upset with themselves for not caring for their dogs the way they should, because no one ever took time to teach them about what was proper minimal care.

Visual aids are very important to show them exactly what we are talking about. I printed up photos and diagrams of dog skin (easily found online) and laminated them. I explain the keratinization cycle while showing them pictures, stressing how natural all this is and how it is unavoidable. This is part of owning a dog; of being a mammal.

I can imagine this requirement sounds harsh, maybe even bad for business. But my experience has been the opposite. Since I take time to educate clients lovingly and knowledgeably on the biology of this, they know it is all driven by both my expertise and my love for their dog—not something I had made up just to line my pockets. I don’t get bossy or demanding about it. I rarely have had to do anything more than pull out my skin diagrams and explain it all. Many quickly learned that a four- to five-week schedule kept de-matting charges down, and their cleaner, more comfortable dog much easier to live with.

This monthly need to clean and repair dogs’ skin is not some arbitrary schedule based on groomer economic need, nor is this optional for the pet because of owner preference, budget or schedule. This is a requirement for the health of the dog that is based on the very natural functioning of the cells in their skin. Monthly grooming is in tune with nature’s beautiful song; it is knowledgeable grooming; it is loving grooming.

Understanding the Impact of Mat Removal on Cats

Additionally, cats may temporarily act aloof or irritable post grooming; however, they typically return to their normal selves within a day. If you notice any concerning symptoms like lethargy or refusal to eat, consult your veterinarian.

Several factors influence how quickly a cat’s hair will regrow, including:

• Age and health status
• Hair type
• Diet
• Coat condition
• Skin condition
• Season/time of year
• Method of mat removal

Older cats and those with health issues may experience slower or uneven hair growth. And depending on the hair type, guard hairs will sometimes grow faster than the undercoat. Healthy cats with clean skin and coat tend to regrow hair more quickly, although seasonal changes can affect this process. For some cats, particularly long-haired breeds, full regrowth of both length and density can take up to 18-24 months.

Preventing mats from forming is key to maintaining your cat’s comfort and health. Regular grooming appointments can address your cat’s specific needs, keeping their coat in optimal condition. The frequency of these appointments varies depending on several factors, including, but not limited to, your cat’s coat type, their behavior during grooming and your grooming goals.

A basic grooming session every four to eight weeks should include:

• Nail trimming
• Ear and eye cleaning
• A warm bath and blow-dry
• Thorough combing

Additional services such as haircuts, sanitary trims (particularly for long-haired or obese cats), deshedding treatments or nail caps may be recommended based on your cat’s needs and your grooming objectives. These services can influence the grooming schedule, ensuring your cat remains in excellent condition without requiring extensive at-home grooming.

Discussing your cat’s grooming schedule with a professional cat groomer will help you understand the best approach to maintaining their coat’s health and appearance. Regular grooming not only keeps your cat looking their best but also contributes significantly to their overall wellbeing.

As cat groomers, our role extends beyond the grooming table; it involves educating cat owners on the nuances of their pet’s grooming needs and the importance of regular care. By sharing this knowledge, we empower owners to make informed decisions that enhance their cat’s health, comfort and quality of life. Encouraging an open dialogue about grooming practices, health signs to watch for post grooming and the benefits of a consistent grooming schedule can greatly improve the grooming experience for cats and their owners alike.

I have done timed drying tests, using a drying product on one half of the dog and stationing a groomer on each side with the same kind of dryer. My very non-scientific experiment made me a believer. The side we used the drying product on really did finish faster.

Pet grooming products containing silicone also help dry pets faster while offering other benefits to the groomer. Modern, water-soluble silicones are widely used in both human and pet skin and hair care products. Unlike the silicones of yesteryear, they don’t build up in the hair. Today’s silicones are hydrophobic and work by coating each individual hair shaft to smooth the cuticle (outer layer), effectively creating a water-repellent barrier. So instead, the water remains on the surface where it can be more easily absorbed by towels and mechanically removed with the heat and airflow from the pet dryer. They also make detangling and deshedding pets easier and leave the coat more manageable. You can find silicone in some shampoos, conditioners and sprays, and some can even be added to the final rinse.

• Make sure the pet is extremely clean before attempting to dry it. Natural oils and dirt not removed during the bath will help hold onto moisture, prolonging drying time and resulting in coat that isn’t easy to style.
• Remove as much water from the coat as possible before it ever reaches your drying table. Manually squeeze water with your hands, use super-absorbent towels until no dripping water is visible, then dry with a thirsty terry cloth towel. Allow the dog to have a few good shakes—they are amazingly efficient at water removal!
• If you are using a fast-drying or silicone-based spray, now is the time to apply it. Then, lightly brush the product through the coat to distribute the spray and open the coat by separating the hairs before you dry.
• Employ an absorbent surface on your grooming table. There are custom-made fabric drying table toppers, or you can simply put a dry towel or an absorbent door or bath mat on the table. They will not only catch water being sprayed off the coat, but also help to muffle the sound of the air from the dryer as it hits the table.

• Try holding a microfiber, terry cloth or super-absorbent towel behind the area of the pet you are drying. This will catch moisture from the air as you work and hold it, preventing it from returning to the animal.
• Make sure to dry pets in a well-ventilated area, or consider using a dehumidifier to ensure the air in your drying space is not overly saturated with moisture. If the air is humid, getting dogs thoroughly dry is nearly impossible.
• If you use a high-velocity dryer, take a break when the pet is about halfway dry to brush the coat lightly, then finish drying. For thick or curly coat types, this will speed things up.

Combining the appropriate liquid tools with a good dryer and great technique is key to shortening the time you spend drying the pets on your table. Both you and the pets you groom will appreciate your efforts to speed up the drying process!

1. Bird, B. (2015, March 29). Silicones – Quest for Truth – Part One. Pet Groomer Magazine. https://petgroomermagazine.com/articles/ingredients/silicones-quest-for-truth-part-one/
2. Bird, B. (2015, April 1). Silicones – Quest for Truth – Part Two. Pet Groomer Magazine. https://petgroomermagazine.com/articles/ingredients/silicones-a-quest-for-truth-part-two/
3. Scott, S. & Bird, B. (Hosts). (2021, September 5). Equation for speedy drying (No. 308). [Audio podcast episode]. The GroomPod. https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/susythegroomer/episodes/2021-09-04T21_25_51-07_00
4. Scott, S. & Bird, B. (Hosts). (2023, March 1). Silicones and drying time, Recirculating bathing systems explained (No. 364). [Audio podcast episode]. The GroomPod. https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/susythegroomer/episodes/2023-03-01T19_16_19-08_00