Bichon Frise Grooming Guide: Expert Tips

The Bichon Frise’s trademark fluffy white coat is non-shedding but grows continuously, meaning regular grooming is essential to prevent mats, maintain hygiene, and showcase that cloud-like look. At Kinga’s Dog Grooming in Edinburgh, we’ve refined Bichon coat care to tackle damp winters and muddy spring days. Follow our comprehensive guide to master brushing, bathing, cutting, and more.

This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

How Often Should You Groom a Bichon Frise?

• Brushing & combing: Daily, to prevent tight mats from forming close to the skin.

• Bathing: Every 3–4 weeks, or after particularly messy outings.

• Professional Groom: Every 4–6 weeks for full scissor styling and mat prevention.

Consistency keeps the coat healthy, bright, and soft—miss a few days, and tangles become painful mats.

🛠 Essential Tools (Available on Amazon UK)

1. Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
   Gently lifts tangles; clears fur with one press of the button.
   Buy on Amazon UK

2. Safari Stainless Steel Comb
   Dual-ended—wide teeth for curls, fine teeth for close-to-skin passes.
   Buy on Amazon UK

3. Safari Dematting Tool
   Safely works through small mats without cutting fur or skin.
   Buy on Amazon UK

4. Pro Dog Dryer
   High-velocity airflow dries dense curls fast, preventing damp mats.
   Buy on Amazon UK

5. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Oatmeal Shampoo & Conditioner
   Soothing, hypoallergenic formula brightens white coats.
   Buy on Amazon UK

6. Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner
   Keeps ears dry and free from infection after wet walks.
   Buy on Amazon UK

7. Safari Professional Nail Clipper (Guillotine)
   Sharp blades for safe trims every 3–4 weeks.
   Buy on Amazon UK

8. PetSafe Grooming Wipes
   Quick clean-ups between baths for muddy bellies and paws.
   Buy on Amazon UK

🪮 Step-by-Step Brushing & Dematting Routine

1. Prep Your Station

   • Lay a towel or grooming mat in a well-lit, calm area.

   • Gather a slicker brush, a comb, a dematting tool, and cat-style treats for reward.

2. Daily Slicker Brush Pass

   • Section coat: head → neck → shoulders → back → belly → legs → tail.

   • Brush with hair growth to lift out debris and loose curls.

3. Comb Check

   • Run Safari comb parallel to the skin, catching any tiny mats near the roots.

   • Hold hair close to skin when addressing knots to minimise discomfort.

4. Tackle Mats with Dematting Tool

   • For small tangles, gently tease out with the tool’s combing teeth.

   • Don’t force through large mats—book a professional dematting session at Kinga’s if needed.

5. Final Slicker & Comb Finish

   • Give one last slicker pass, then a comb-through to ensure a smooth, fluffy coat.

   • Reward your Bichon with praise and a treat to build positive grooming habits.

🛁 Bathing Your Bichon Frise

• Frequency: Every 3–4 weeks, or after extra-muddy play.

• Shampoo: Wet coat thoroughly, apply Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo, and massage deeply into curls.

• Conditioner: Work in from mid-body to tips; leave 2–3 minutes to soften fur and ease brushing.

• Rinse: Rinse until water runs clear—soap left in curls promotes matting.

• Dry: Towel-dry gently, then use Andis dryer on low heat/high airflow, brushing continuously to keep curls separate.

Scottish Tip: Always finish drying indoors—Bichon curls trap moisture, and damp fur can cause skin irritation in our humid climate.

✂️ Bichon Coat Styles

• Full Scissor Cut: Traditional rounded “powder puff” silhouette (High maintenance, daily brush)

• Teddy Bear Cut: Slightly shorter on body with fluffy face (Medium maintenance)

• Puppy Cut: Uniform 1–1.5″ all over—easy upkeep (Low maintenance)

Home Grooming vs Professional Grooming

• Brushing & Combing:

  • DIY Home Care: Daily (slicker + comb)

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Included in full groom

• Dematting:

  • DIY Home Care: Small mats only with the Safari tool

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Gentle full-coat dematting service

• Bathing:

  • DIY Home Care: 3–4 weekly

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Luxury bath + professional dry

• Nail Trimming:

  • DIY Home Care: Every 3–4 weeks

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Precise professional trim

• Ear Cleaning:

  • DIY Home Care: Weekly with Virbac Epi-Otic

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Thorough cleaning & inspection

• Scissor Styling & Cut:

  • DIY Home Care: N/A

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Full scissor styling (4–6 weeks)

Regular pro visits prevent unseen mats, ensure even shaping, and let your Bichon shine between sessions.

❓ FAQ Section

Q: My Bichon’s coat seems greasy—what’s wrong?
A: Over-conditioning or leaving shampoo residue can cause greasiness. Rinse thoroughly and use mud-specific grooming wipes between baths.

Q: How can I prevent tear staining?
A: Wipe eyes daily with a damp cloth, trim hair around the face, and consider stainless-steel bowls to reduce staining.

Q: Is it OK to let my Bichon’s coat grow long?
A: Yes, but be prepared for daily brushing. A shorter Teddy Bear Cut eases maintenance while keeping the look.

🏴 Scottish-Specific Grooming Tips

• Mud Management: Keep grooming wipes by the door for quick underbelly and paw clean-ups after walks on wet trails.

• Winter Coat Prep: Consider a slightly shorter Puppy Cut in autumn to reduce ice and mud clumping.

• Drying Zone: Create an indoor drying station with towels and your Andis dryer—no more slippery floor wipe-downs.

• Sun & Salt: Near coastal areas, rinse and dry after saltwater dips to prevent coat damage.

Ready to Book Your Bichon Frise’s Groom?

At Kinga’s Dog Grooming in Edinburgh, we specialise in Bichon Frise coat care—from precise scissor cuts to gentle dematting. Keep your fluffy friend mat-free, bright white, and feeling fabulous.

Book Your Appointment Today and let your Bichon sparkle—rain or shine!