When shopping for professional grooming products, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by endless specialty tools, shampoos, dryers, and brushes. The truth is, not every salon—or every groomer—needs a separate setup for every single breed. ( Jump To Breeds Here) ⬇️

The smartest approach is building a foundation of versatile, high-performing products that work across many coat types, then adding specialized products that help you achieve exceptional results for specific coats.

Whether you’re outfitting a new salon, upgrading your current setup, or just trying to shop more strategically, understanding coat types is one of the best ways to make purchasing decisions that improve your grooming results.

Start with the “Universal” Products First

Some grooming products are true workhorses. These are the items that can perform well across nearly every coat type and give you the most flexibility for your investment.

A Variable Speed Dryer: The Best All-Around Choice

If a groomer can only purchase one dryer, a variable speed dryer is usually the most versatile option.

Different coat types require very different airflow needs:

• Heavy double coats often need strong blowing power to remove undercoat
• Fine setter or spaniel coats can tangle or whip with excessive airflow
• Wire coats may require controlled drying to preserve texture
• Smooth coats often need only minimal drying power

A variable speed dryer allows the groomer to adjust airflow based on the dog in front of them rather than forcing every coat through the same drying process.

Even better is a dryer with optional heat settings. The ability to turn heat on or off gives groomers much greater flexibility between:

• Heavy coated breeds
• Sensitive skin dogs
• Curly coats that require heat to be stretched straight like Poodles and Bichons.

Instead of buying multiple specialized dryers immediately, a high-quality adjustable dryer gives a salon the broadest usability across many coat types.

General Purpose Shampoos vs. Targeted Coat Formulas

Another area where groomers can shop smarter is shampoo selection.

A good general-purpose shampoo is valuable in every salon. These formulas clean effectively and provide consistent everyday results

Many groomers use a universal shampoo as the first wash because its main purpose is simply to remove dirt, oil, debris, and buildup from the coat. This creates a clean foundation.

The Second Wash is Where Customization Matters

The second wash is often where coat-specific products truly shine.

Once the coat is clean, the groomer can tailor the second formula to the desired finish and coat type.

This is where specialized shampoos can dramatically improve:

• Texture
• Volume
• Moisture balance
• Coat separation
• Shine
• Harshness
• Manageability

Rather than needing dozens of shampoos, many salons operate successfully with:

1. A dependable universal shampoo
2. Several targeted finishing formulas for specific coat types

Grooming Products by Coat Type

Wire Coats

Wire-coated breeds require a very different grooming approach than soft-coated breeds.

Examples include: Wire Fox Terriers, Lakeland Terriers, Schnauzers, Border Terriers etc

The goal is usually to preserve texture and harshness rather than soften the coat.

Best Product Choices for Wire Coats

• Texture-enhancing shampoos
• Light conditioners for furnishings or no conditioner at all for jackets and flatwork,
• Controlled airflow during drying
• Stripping knives and carding tools
• Firm slicker brushes or natural bristle brushes

What to Avoid

Heavy moisturizing products can soften the coat too much and reduce the crisp texture desired in many terrier breeds.

This is a perfect example of where a general-purpose shampoo may clean adequately, but a targeted texturizing formula can produce a far superior finish.

Double Coats

Double-coated breeds include: Chow Chow, Huskies, German Shepherds, Samoyeds, Corgis etc

These coats are dense and designed for insulation, meaning undercoat removal and thorough drying are essential. The safest and healthiest option for these coats is to bathe and blow out and shedding undercoat so as to preserve the coat’s natural ability to insulate. This is insulation from both the cold in the winter AND the heat in the summer.

Best Product Choices for Double Coats

• High-velocity dryers with adjustable speed
• Undercoat removal tools and rakes
• Deshedding shampoos and conditioners as well as sprays that preserve moisture

Why Dryer Choice Matters Here

Double coats are one of the biggest reasons variable speed dryers are so valuable.

High airflow helps blast out loose undercoat efficiently, but being able to reduce speed around sensitive areas improves safety and comfort.

Optional heat settings also help groomers adapt based on:

• Coat density
• Climate
• Drying time
• Skin sensitivity

Setter & Spaniel Coats

Setter and spaniel coats are known for feathering, flowing texture, and a soft natural finish.

Examples include: English Setters, Cocker Spaniels, Springers, Cavaliers

These coats benefit from products that encourage smoothness, movement, and manageability.

Best Product Choices for Setter & Spaniel Coats

• Moisturizing or silk-enhancing shampoos
• Light conditioning sprays
• Finishing sprays for shine
• Lower airflow drying techniques
• Pin brushes and soft slickers

Tailoring the Finish

A universal shampoo may clean the dog effectively, but a coat-specific second wash can dramatically improve flyaway and static control, shine, and brushability.

This is where coat customization becomes especially noticeable to clients.

Smooth Coats

Smooth-coated breeds include: Boxers, Dobermans, Beagles, Pugs

These coats are typically low-maintenance but still benefit from proper products.

Best Product Choices for Smooth Coats

• Gentle cleansing shampoos
• Rubber curry brushes
• De-shedding tools for short hair

Less Can Be More

Smooth coats often don’t require elaborate product systems. In many cases, proper bathing technique and coat health matter more than heavy product layering.

This is another reason why investing first in versatile, high-quality core equipment is often smarter than purchasing highly specialized tools immediately.

Build Your Grooming Collection Strategically

One of the biggest mistakes new groomers make is trying to buy every specialty product at once.

A smarter strategy is:

1. Invest first in versatile core equipment
2. Add universal daily-use products
3. Expand into coat-specific specialty products as your client base grows

For example:

• Start with a variable speed dryer
• Add a reliable all-purpose shampoo
• Then build out specialty texturizing, deshedding, or moisturizing systems based on the dogs you groom most often

This approach keeps your salon flexible while still allowing you to produce coat-specific results that elevate your grooming quality.

The Best Grooming Products Aren’t Always the Most Specialized

Professional grooming is ultimately about understanding the coat in front of you.

The best salons balance:

• Versatility
• Efficiency
• Coat knowledge
• Product specialization

Understanding coat type helps groomers invest in products that actually improve their results—not just products that are popular at the moment. The best grooming setups are built around the coats you work on every day, not whatever product happens to be trending online.