West Highland White Terrier
POPPY
Poppy is a much loved pet and is having a #6F wide blade trim. This demonstration by Alicia showcases a pet style trim on a Westie with an optional spray up on the head at the end for a sleek finish.
PART 1 Setting the clipper lines on a Westie. Alicia uses clippers to blend and smooth transition lines. Poppy has been pre-bathed and dried and is ready for her clip.
PART 2 The tailset on a Westie using a carrot as an example. Blending and shaping the transitions lines will help to shape and style this fabulous Westie trim.
PART 3 Setting in the head. Poppy has sore ears and not a lot of ear coverage. Alicia sets the head in, working with what she has. Tune in to the end to see a spray up version of the Westie head.
TIMESTAMPS AND TRANSCRIPT SUMMARY
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Introduction and Pet Trim Style Cut (00:05 to 00:27)
• Alicia introduces herself and Poppy the Westie.
• Explains that she will be giving Poppy a pet trim style cut.
• Mentions using a six blade instead of her usual preference for a four blade.
• Talks about the importance of blending in the style cut.
Clipping Techniques (00:32 to 03:05)
• Alicia discusses using a six wide blade for clipping.
• Starts behind the head and works her way around.
• Mentions Poppy's bad skin condition but assures she is being treated.
• Demonstrates how to clip the chest and front leg.
• Explains the desired hair length on the chest and shoulders.
• Discusses the importance of blending and avoiding harsh lines.
• Talks about the advantages of wider blades for blending.
• Mentions the difficulty of blending with a short blade but not impossible.
Tail Clipping and Blending (03:59 to 05:23)
• Alicia demonstrates how to clip the back and tail.
• Emphasizes the need to stretch the skin and avoid big indents.
• Discusses the challenges of blending with a short blade.
• Shows how to clip the tail and blend it with the body.
Skirt and Transition Lines (05:23 to 07:11)
• Alicia explains how to clip the skirt and create transition lines.
• Describes the desired line from the base of the tail to the skirt.
• Talks about maintaining a straight line from the shoulder to the ground.
• Emphasizes the importance of avoiding dips and filling in the chest area.
• Mentions the misconception of leaving a bib across the chest.
• Stresses the importance of shortening the shoulders and leaving the center close.
Conclusion (07:11 to end)
• Alicia summarizes the key points of the haircut technique.
• Concludes by mentioning the proper stopping point at the pro sternum. -
Introduction to the Carrot Tail (00:05-01:44)
• Description of the tail and the goal of creating a carrot tail shape
• Starting with trimming the tip
• Fluffing and trimming tighter towards the tip
• Tapering out towards the base on both sides
• Blending in the clip and ensuring no hanging bits
Trimming the Feet (01:56-05:29)
• Note about the dog's bad skin affecting the hair on the back
• Describing the desired shape for the hair on the back feet
• Tight trimming and blending on the back feet
• Creating an angled skirt from back to front legs
• Trimming the front feet tighter than the rear, but not too tight
• Shaping the pasterns to look like cylinders
• Combing down any sticking out hairs for a cylindrical appearance
• Creating a straight line from the shoulder to the front toe
Blending and Scissoring the Body (05:29-09:36)
• Shaping the chest area to have depth
• Scissoring and blending the chest hair
• Creating a straight line from the shoulder to the front toe
• Shaping the body on a slight angle from the knee
• Trimming the back feet tightly
• Shaping the front feet to appear small and blending them
• Ensuring no hair longer than the toe on the front feet
• Creating a cylinder-like appearance
• Removing excess hair above the shoulder and below the elbow
• Tidying up and maintaining a straight line
Tips for Blending and Tools to Use (09:36-11:35)
• Importance of blending and difficulties with westies' thick coats
• Using a stripping knife or carding knife to remove undercoat for better blending
• Demonstrating how the undercoat is removed
• Results of using a stripping knife for blending
• Recommendation to use a stripping knife or carding knife for better blending
Conclusion (11:35-End)
• Recap of the importance of removing undercoat for blending
• Encouragement to try again after using a stripping knife or carding knife
• The visual difference it can make in achieving a smooth finish -
Introduction to Poppy's Head (00:05 - 00:25)
• Introduction to Poppy's head and her skin condition
• Mention of the ear infection and its effect on Poppy's ears
Trimming the Inside of the Ears (00:30 - 01:30)
• Using the shortest blade to clip the very tip of the inside of the ears
• Emphasizing that only the tip should be clipped, not the entire ear
• Using the thumb as a guide for clipping
Clipping the Back of the Ears (01:35 - 02:40)
• Switching to a ten blade to clip the back of the ears
• Clipping to the point of the ear
• Ensuring the hair is combed out and blending it into the clipped ear
Creating a Semicircle Shape (02:48 - 03:43)
• Using curves or straights to create a semicircle shape from the nose to the tip of the ears
• Holding the ear up to follow the natural line
• Tidying up and ensuring a symmetrical semicircle on both sides
Trimming Excess Hair (03:53 - 04:44)
• Trimming excess hair behind the back of the ears and under the chin
• Making sure no hair is taller than the ear tip
Styling the Eyes (05:22 - 06:12)
• Leaving a cheeky look by keeping hair in front of the eyes
• Using thinners to thin out the hair around the eyes
• Maintaining a bit of hair to cover the eyes for better visibility
Layering the Sides (06:15 - 07:15)
• Adding layers to the sides to create a rounder shape
• Using thinners to remove bulk from the cheeks
Finishing Touches (07:31 - 07:42)
• Checking for any remaining hair that is longer than the ear
• Using curves to trim a circle all the way around
• Achieving a round Westy head shape
Spray Up for Competition or Show (07:50 - 10:43)
• Demonstrating how to spray up a Westy's head for competition or show
• Spraying a line and brushing the hair
• Adding layers and repeating the process
• Focusing on the sides to create the desired look
Enhancing the Look with Chalk (10:46 - 12:22)
• Using white chalk to enhance the finished look
• Sprinkling a small amount of chalk to create a show dog's head appearance
Conclusion and Final Look (12:22 - 12:31)
• Recap of Poppy's style cut and pet trim
• Mention of the spray up and show head techniques
• Note about the use of chalk to further enhance the look
HAMISH
Chuckie Lund takes us through a breed specific groom on a West Highland White Terrier. This is not a full show or competition groom, but a very upmarket pet trim, and looks like the real deal encompassing both carding and clipping techniques. Carding a coat like this before clipping has many advantages - Chuckie shows us how!
PART 1 Setting in the body using clippers
PART 2 Setting in the legs and skirt with texturisers and blenders.
PART 3 The head study.
HEAD STUDY
Nicky completes a Westie pet trim head to match with a pre-clipped body. She uses a layering technique to achieve a cleaner finish on what is typically a rougher looking cut.