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Guide · Coat

Knots and dematting: the comb test

A coat can look immaculate on the surface and hide tight knots at the root. Here is how to check it at home in 30 seconds, and why it changes how long the groom takes.

4 min read · By the Nina Dalle team · Updated on 13 November 2026

A pile of white and grey hair removed during dematting, on the salon’s tiled floor
Brown Poodle with a long, curly coat, before grooming

In short

Run a metal comb down to the skin, over the back, the ears, the armpits and the breeches. If it goes through everywhere, no dematting. If it catches in places, allow 30 min to 1 h 30 min of dematting, at €30 per half hour. If it will not go through, the coat is matted: a short clip is kinder.

IWhy a brushed dog can still have knots

The brush smooths the top of the coat, but knots form at the root, where the undercoat packs down. They always hide in the same places:

  • Behind the ears
  • Under the armpits
  • Inside the thighs
  • Under the collar or harness

IIThe comb test

  1. 1Take a metal comb with medium teeth.
  2. 2Part the coat until you can see the skin.
  3. 3Comb from the skin to the tip, over the back, the ears, the armpits and the breeches.
  4. 4Note the result: it goes through everywhere, it catches in places, or it will not go through.

IIIThe 3 results, and what they change for the appointment

Result 1It goes through everywhere

No dematting.

Nothing to plan for
Result 2It catches in places

30 min to 1 h 30 min of dematting, at €30 per half hour.

Confirmed before we start
Result 3It will not go through

The coat is matted. We recommend a short clip.

Short clip advised

IVWhy we do not demat a matted coat

Dematting a matted coat pulls on the skin: it hurts and can cause irritation. Your companion’s well-being comes before the length of the coat.

A short clip is kinder to the animal. The coat grows back in 6 to 8 weeks, and we only clip with your agreement.

VHow to avoid dematting

Frequency

A groom every 6 to 8 weeks for long and curly coats.

Brushing

2 to 3 times a week, down to the skin. If you come every month, 15 min of dematting is free at each visit.

Seasons

Watch out for the spring and autumn moults.

Do the test, then book your appointmentThe dematting time is built into your slot, and the price is confirmed at the salon.

Book

VIFrequently asked questions

Is dematting always charged?

Only if there are knots. Its length is built into your time slot from the comb test, and its price is confirmed with you before we start: €30 per half hour, never more than 1 h 30 min.

Can I refuse clipping if my dog is matted?

Yes. We show you the coat before we start, and we only clip with your agreement.

How long does dematting take?

From 30 min to 1 h 30 min, depending on the state of the coat. The slot you book allows for it.