Why Brushing Isn’t Enough for Curly Coats (And What to Do Instead)
If you’ve ever tried to brush a curly-coated dog, you know it’s not as simple as it sounds. A few minutes in, and you're both frustrated—your dog’s fur still looks unruly, and the tangles just won’t budge.
Here’s the truth: brushing alone isn’t enough for curly coats. And that’s not your fault—it’s just that curly fur needs a different kind of care.
The Problem with Brushing Alone
Curly-haired dogs like Poodles, Doodles, and Water Dogs have textured coats that are beautiful—but also prone to matting, dryness, and breakage. When you brush without prepping the coat properly:
- You risk pulling and damaging the hair
- You don’t reach deeper tangles or mats
- You can leave the coat frizzier or more unruly
- And worst of all, it can make grooming a painful experience for your pup
In short? Brushing is just one part of the routine—not the whole routine.
Meet the CurlyWags Method: Kind Care for Curly Coats
That’s why we created the CurlyWags Method—a gentle, patent-pending grooming process designed specifically for curly-haired dogs. It helps reduce brushing, avoid painful matting, and keep your dog’s curls soft, springy, and tangle-free for longer.
You only need to follow the routine every two weeks. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Shampoo & Condition
🕒 10–20 minutes
Use a clean, moisturizing shampoo and apply conditioner generously. Brush it through gently with a curly coat brush—but here’s the twist: don’t rinse it out just yet.
Recommended brands: Wild Wash & Earth Bath
Step 2: Brush (The Right Way)
🕒 30–120 minutes
Now, with the conditioner still in, begin layer brushing section by section—working through the coat gently to avoid pain. This makes brushing much smoother and safer for your dog. After brushing, rinse out the conditioner completely.
Pro tip: Don’t stress if your dog is matted. This step helps improve it session by session.
🎉 Our own CurlyWags Brush is launching soon
Step 3: Apply Curl Magic Cream
🕒 5–10 minutes
Pat the coat dry until it’s damp (not dripping), then rake our Curl Magic Cream through the coat section by section. This cream locks in moisture, helps prevent tangles, and keeps curls defined and bouncy.
Key ingredients include: Aloe, Flaxseed, Jojoba Oil, Neem Oil & Chamomile
Step 4: Blow-Dry Gently
🕒 15–30 minutes
Use a blow dryer on low to medium heat, keeping your distance to protect curl shape. Don’t forget the tricky areas like armpits and inner legs.
Why It Works
By hydrating, conditioning, and gently shaping curls with the CurlyWags Method, your dog’s coat becomes easier to maintain, with less brushing overall. You’re not just removing tangles—you’re preventing them from forming.
Brushing Less. Snuggling More.
Letting your dog be their curly self shouldn’t be stressful. With the CurlyWags Method and our signature Curl Magic Cream, you’ll:
✔️ Spend less time brushing
✔️ Keep curls soft and defined
✔️ Avoid painful mats
✔️ Enjoy a grooming routine that actually feels good
Ready to try the method for yourself?
Shop Curl Magic Cream and give your dog the kind care their curls deserve.