Blake Hernandez

Handstripping is as mysterious to new groomers as it is challenging and physically taxing. The technique is the direct attack and removal of hard top coat, while its “sister technique”—carding—is the direct attack and removal of soft undercoat. Both techniques are used on dogs with…

While there will always be new puppies coming through our salons, it is important to know that each situation can be different, and we owe it to these young dogs to teach them the routine and make them confident while still meeting our grooming clients’…

Retro trims are some of the most practical poodle cuts that exist. They are highly stylized and yet offer those strategically placed shave patterns that allow for easier at-home maintenance as well as table time in the salon. Yes, they look great on poodles, but…

In grooming salons everywhere, everyday trims tell a more nuanced story than people realize. From full clip-offs to short bodies with long legs and carefully scissored heads, each haircut reflects the dog in front of the groomer, but also the hands shaping the result. The…

The Teddy Bear trim is an all-time favorite with clients. But have you ever considered what it would be like competing against other groomers to test your most-requested style?

The U.S. grooming market is one most of us understand instinctively—we know what equipment is accessible, we know what products cost, and we know what “standard” looks like inside a salon. But that standard is not universal.

This headpiece style has to be the number-one most-requested head trim amongst pet salon clients. The following guide is for any level groomer, as clippers will be used to set everything. Only slight adjustments will be needed for each coat type and size of dog…

Before you assume this is another article about shaping the perfect topknot, you’re wrong! A successful poodle trim is all in the details, and sometimes executing those details can pose larger safety risks. The following key points will help you achieve those poodle-specific steps without…

Tommonly known as westies, West Highland White Terriers are a top-ten breed in many salons. Even if you aren’t a purebred enthusiast, these spunky dogs with a round-face groom likely aren’t going anywhere—and they usually come in pairs!

Schnauzers come in three sizes with countless different lifestyles and types of owners. Here we have a not-so-unfamiliar situation where the owner wants their dog to resemble the breed standard, yet have a haircut that lasts longer and keeps the house a touch cleaner. It’s…

Cat grooming is not for the faint of heart; the combo of dryers, clippers, water and cats can sometimes be a recipe for chaos. However, just like de-shedding dogs can be a great source of income, so can de-shedding cats. The key is doing a…

A good bath and prep work are absolutely fundamental to any quality finished haircut, but the handling and safety of the pet are paramount. Here we will cover the bath and pre-grooming prep on a wire-coated terrier mix, step by step, to get you setup…