Back to LaPermProfessional vs DIY Grooming
Expert Guide
Professional vs DIY Grooming
for LaPerms
Can You Groom a LaPerm at Home?
The honest answer depends on this breed's "Medium" rating and your willingness to invest in tools and practice. LaPerms rated Medium require consistent effort and the right tools, but most dedicated owners handle maintenance grooming at home successfully. The LaPerm's curly to wavy, single-layer, loose ringlets or waves coat adds complexity — curly coats mat quickly and require specific detangling and conditioning knowledge. Use a wide-toothed comb rather than a slicker brush — a brush can pull and separate the curls into a frizzy halo rather than maintaining the defined ringlet structure.
What DIY Grooming Covers Well for LaPerms
These tasks are safe, effective, and cost-saving at home for most LaPerm owners: daily or weekly brushing (the single highest-impact home task for a curly to wavy, single-layer, loose ringlets or waves coat), nail trimming with practice, ear cleaning with proper technique, teeth brushing, paw pad care, and spot bathing between full grooms. Home bathing on a LaPerm with curly to wavy, single-layer, loose ringlets or waves is manageable if you brush before, condition during, and blow-dry completely after. every 4-6 weeks professional appointments handle what DIY can't — but the weeks between visits are entirely your responsibility.
Gear for LaPerm professional vs diy grooming
Coat-matched picks — buy once, use every groom.
Brush
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
The gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
Nail Care
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Used by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
What Professional Groomers Do Better for LaPerms
Professional groomers bring equipment, experience, and speed that home setups can't match. A grooming salon has high-velocity dryers that cut drying time by 75% on the LaPerm's curly to wavy, single-layer, loose ringlets or waves, hydraulic tables that reduce strain on both groomer and dog, and specialized clipper blades for breed-specific cuts. Even for easier breeds, professional sanitary trims, anal gland expression, and mat removal are tasks most owners prefer to delegate. Groomers also serve as a health checkpoint — they examine every inch of skin, find lumps, parasites, and ear infections that owners miss, and flag issues before they become serious. The LaPerm's curls can loosen or tighten with age, humidity, or hormonal changes — don't be alarmed if the coat looks different at different life stages.
The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both for LaPerm Owners
Most experienced LaPerm owners use a hybrid model — the approach we recommend for breeds rated "Medium." You handle: brushing every 4-6 weeks or more, nail trims, ear cleaning, teeth care, and spot cleaning. Your groomer handles: full baths with professional drying, breed-appropriate haircuts, de-matting, sanitary trims, and deep de-shedding. For the LaPerm's curly to wavy, single-layer, loose ringlets or waves, home brushing every 2–3 days between every 4-6 weeks professional grooms prevents the mat buildup that turns a routine appointment into an expensive rescue session. The goal is never needing an emergency groom — only scheduled maintenance.
Finding the Right Groomer for Your LaPerm
Not every groomer handles every breed well — the LaPerm's curly to wavy, single-layer, loose ringlets or waves coat and "Medium" rating mean you need someone with specific experience. Ask: "How many LaPerms do you groom regularly?" and "Are you comfortable with curly to wavy, single-layer, loose ringlets or waves coats?" Request photos of previous LaPerm grooms. Visit the salon before booking — check cleanliness, ventilation, and how staff handle dogs. A good groomer will also teach you home maintenance techniques specific to the LaPerm. Book the first appointment early in the week (Monday–Wednesday) so the groomer isn't rushed. To refresh and define the curls between grooming sessions, lightly mist the coat with water and scrunch gently with your hands. Expect to pay $50–75 for a full LaPerm groom and tip 15–20% for good service.
Pro Tip from Groomas
Use a wide-toothed comb rather than a slicker brush — a brush can pull and separate the curls into a frizzy halo rather than maintaining the defined ringlet structure.
S
Sarah Jordan
Verified ExpertCertified Master Groomer
With over 15 years of competitive grooming experience, Sarah ensures every guide on Groomas meets the highest professional standards.
Certified Master Groomer (CMG)AKC Safety Certified
Recommended Gear for LaPerms
Brush
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
The gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
Nail Care
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Used by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
Tool
Bio-Groom Ear-Fresh Medicated Ear Powder
Helps keep ears dry and reduces odor. Makes hair pulling easier for breeds that require ear plucking.