Daily Hair Care Guide

First, daily hair care really in our opinion needs to be changed to daily hide health! Wanna know why? Without good hide health, the promotion of hair is going to be slower growing and harder to take care of!

Before we begin, please note every breed is different in what they allow and don't allow for hair care so please check your rule book for rules and other resources!

We are going to go through a normal hide care routine that the instructors of S.H. Livestock and Services use daily. Before you head to the wash rack the first thing you need to do (at show or home) is blow all the excess dirt and shavings out. It is easier to get all of the junk out of your calf before it is wet.

Before you get your calf wet we want to explain the difference between rinsing and washing a calf. Rinsing is the act of just washing with water, this should be done 4-5 times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday-Sunday). Washing your calf consists of shampooing and later conditioning the hair with a blower (Tuesday, Thursday).

Once all the excess dirt is out of your calf it is time to rinse your calf. Completely wet your calf down while pulling the hair forward, this will help you train the hair to lay forward easier. Once the hair is soaked, grab your fluffer comb and work the calf's hair in a forward motion. This is the prime time for stimulating hair growth. Work the hair forward for about 3-5 minutes then repeat on the other side. On the days you wash (no more than 2), do everything like you would if you were rinsing, just add shampoo! It does not have to be anything fancy but you do not want something that is going to strip all of the oils out of the hair and hide as this could produce dandruff as the hair tries to catch up and get the natural oils it needs. We recommend Tresemme soap that you can buy from any Walmart or convenience store around you. Some others are Vita Hair Volumizer - Sullivan Supply, Natural White - Sullivan Supply, and Full Dimension - The Green Stuff

Once you have completely washed all of the soap out it is time to begin the blowing and conditioning process of your hair care routine. Using a blower and fluffer comb dry your calf's hair from front to back while coming forward and up. This will help you begin to get the hair to stand up and the fresh hair in the show ring to catch the judge's eye that much quicker!

When your calf is COMPLETELY DRY you can start your conditioning process, we recommend you do this on the days you wash your calf (Tuesday, Thursday in our example). Kleen Sheen, “The Green Stuff”- ¼ Kleen Sheen,¼ Liniment Stimulator, ¼ Double Dip, ¼ Water, and Revive are a few of our favorites but MAKE SURE YOUR CALF IS COMPLETELY DRY in case of dandruff.

Some other quick tips/resources:

SHOW DAY HAIR PREP

Flare: Hair amplifier that adds dimension and shine without adding weight to the hair

Final Bloom: Less greasy with all the shine. Spray on before entering the show ring for the Final Bloom. Requires no washing out. Best used on American calves

Zoom Bloom: Gives hair the bloom and fluff you want. Just spray on and brush or blow dry to set. Works well with Sullivan’s Styling Mousse Spray Foam if more holding power is desired. Works well in hot or cold weather. Requires no washing out

Sullivans Styling Hair Mousse: It creates a stronger, thicker appearing hair coat. Hair will look natural with the holding power you desire.

GROOMING TOOLS

Smart Sensation Brush- Daily hair care/ show day

Stimulator Comb- Daily hair care/ show day

360 Brush- Daily hair care/show day

Rice Root Brush- Assists in the hair growth process on new calves/ Daily hair care

Have More Questions!?

Contact us at:

979-529-7411

Sheimeyer@1bcs.org