Matting 101: Causes, Prevention & How to De-Mat Without Tears
Matting is more than just a grooming hassle—it can be painful for your dog and stressful for you. If your curly-coated pup has ever yelped during brushing or come back from the groomer with a shaved-down coat, you know how real the struggle is.
So let’s talk about why mats form, how to prevent them, and—when they do happen—how to gently work them out without the tears.
What Causes Matting?
Matting happens when fur becomes tangled and knotted, then tightens over time. For curly-coated breeds like Poodles, Doodles, Water Dogs, and Bichons, this is especially common because their hair naturally coils and clings to itself.
Here are the most common culprits:
- Friction: Harnesses, collars, or even cuddles can create mat-prone pressure spots.
- Lack of Moisture: Dry curls = brittle curls that tangle more easily.
- Skipping Brushing: Especially without prepping the coat first.
- Bathing Without Brushing After: Water tightens existing tangles.
- Post-swim Zoomies: Wet, wild, and rolling = mat factory.
Why Mats Are a Big Deal
Mats aren’t just cosmetic. They can:
- Pull painfully on the skin
- Hide sores, fleas, or ticks
- Trap moisture and bacteria, leading to infections
- Make grooming sessions traumatic for your dog
If severe, mats can require full shaving under anesthesia. Oof.
Prevention: The Kind Way to Keep Mats Away
Here’s the good news: most mats are preventable with the right products and a smart routine. Enter the CurlyWags Method. Our patent-pending process is designed specifically for curly coats and built to keep mats from forming in the first place.
🛁 Step 1: Cleanse & Condition
Use a curl-friendly shampoo and generously apply conditioner. Don’t rinse it out yet—let it sit while you detangle. This gives you “slip” and protects the coat during brushing.
💇 Step 2: Layer Brush While Wet
Work section by section using a curly coat brush, starting from the bottom up. Focus on friction zones: ears, armpits, under collar, legs, and tail base.
🧴 Step 3: Apply Curl Magic Cream
After rinsing and towel drying, apply Curl Magic Cream generously while the coat is damp.
It helps:
- Hydrate & soften the coat
- Prevent friction-based tangles
- Define curls, so they twist, not knot
Think of it as your insurance against future mats.
🌬️ Step 4: Blow-Dry Thoroughly
Use low to medium heat to dry the coat completely—especially tricky zones. Leaving dampness behind can lead to tightening and post-bath mats.
De-Matting Without Drama (When Prevention Isn’t Enough)
Got a mat already? Take a breath—we’ve got you.
Here’s how to de-mat with care:
- Soften - spritz with warm water or apply a bit of conditioner or Curl Magic Cream.
- Use Your Fingers - gently pull the mat apart with your fingers before reaching for a brush.
- Go Slow - use a detangling comb or curly coat brush. Work in small sections. No tugging.
- Praise & Pause - take breaks, give treats, and keep it positive. Matting can be scary for pups.
Brushing Doesn’t Have to Hurt
At Curly Wags, we believe kind care starts with the right routine—not wrestling matches.
With the CurlyWags Method and our Curl Magic Cream, you can keep your dog’s curls soft, bouncy, and mat-free, the gentle way.
Want to De-Mat Less and Snuggle More?
Start with the one product made to prevent matting in curly-coated dogs:
Because your dog deserves curls without the tears.